I thought it was leatherback

Mossy moss wrote: I thought it was leatherback

LB gets a 'thank youj' for about every 1 in 4 posts.
Kristof gets a 'thank you' for every 1 in 2 pots.

Kristof gets twice as many 'thank you's' as Leatherback, so he's clearly the winner.

Mossy moss wrote: Just because someone has a higher rank, doesn't mean they're always better.

Not exactly sure where this refers to though.. is anyone claiming that it does? Kristof has been around for quite a while, and has decided Auk understands bonsai?

As for thank yous.. I every once in a while feel it is popularity, rather than value that is thanked. Many people de not thank members, even if the answer is correct, just because they do not want to hear the message.

On topic, the forest may well happen. But grow the seedlings individually for the next 5-10 years. Style them meanwhile so they will fit together in character, allowing different sizes. Then plant your forest and start maturing it through training.

Hey lads what´s going on in here?
I just agreed with AUK´s statement that the trees should be grown separatelly, based on my own experience.
I am definitelly not an expert. Nor a winner since I don´t participate in any race
That thank you thing is not a measurement of an expert I think, people thank you for updating older posts, you get thank you for complimenting somebody esles posts etc...
I do not care for that in here at all, what I want is constructive criticism, any feedback from anyone that helps me to learn.
And actually I am just heading to help me section cause I am confused again......

Krištof wrote: That thank you thing is not a measurement of an expert I think, people thank you for updating older posts, you get thank you for complimenting somebody esles posts etc...

And you get thank you's for improving this forum by posting what this forum is about: creation/development/progression of bonsai (or penjing).
So. let me thank you and ask you to please continue to do so (except dragons, maybe )

Well thank you too And leave my dragon alone I love it

"Rank" doesn't necessarily matter or years or self proclaimed experience. Just look at an individual's trees.
IMO, Kristof's forests are very very nice and were trained in such a way that can be further developed. (They look good now and will look better every month.)
All this being said, my advice to the original poster is to keep at it and enjoy. Enjoyment is the point for most folks. bonsai is a wonderful relaxing hobby that puts us in touch with nature.

Best to all