I don't really understand why people are trying to put me off this tree or trying to make me feel bad for purchasing it. I will enjoy the challenge and im sure pick up more tips along the way.

I'm not sure they want to make you feel bad. I have some trees that are also of little or no potential. I know this now, but words have meanings and I think some want to be sure we're talking about the same things. Honestly, if I had given most of my life to learning and perfecting bonsai I am pretty sure I would be offended at what some people call bonsai.
Also, many seem to think there is a quick and easy answer to questions like: why is my tree dying? Much like at the doctors office many questions have to be asked and answered...but that's off topic.

I don't think anyone is trying to make you feel bad.

Rob_phillips wrote: I don't really understand why people are trying to put me off this tree or trying to make me feel bad for purchasing it. I will enjoy the challenge and im sure pick up more tips along the way.

Not trying to make you feel bad, just being realistic - and trying to give you realistic expectations and a couple of good tips.

Your tips have been very helpfull thanks all

hi there all I have had a problem with photobucket for some reason and its lost all my shared links so I was going to put up a pic of an update but realise all the old pics have gone so here are a few to remind you of the little white pine

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I have spent some time on this tree with corin Tomlinson from greenwood bonsai whilst doing some work on some other trees with him, I got him to have a look at it and advise on its future and this is what we came up with.

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now its got a decent shape it can carry on growing on for a while.