[MatPat]

I became a member of the AGA last year, only because it was required in order to go to the convention in DC. I probably wouldn't have joined if it weren't for that. However, I am glad I joined just for the chance to support those who are supporting this hobby. That reminds me, I need to support this site too!

As far as the pictures and articles, I agree with Gillman. By the time I get the latest version of TAG, I have already seen the majority of pictures somewhere on the net, be it AGA's site or elsewhere. I am usually not very impressed by the articles I read for the same reason. As an example, the last edition of TAG (at least the last one I received) had an article on G. Ghori's DIY CO2 reactor. DIY CO2 reactors are all over this site alone! I do realize that when the idea was brought up, due to submission and printing deadlines, there probably were not so many DIY CO2 reactor articles out there. There in lies the problem with a print magazine in this world of electronic media.

The only other "gripe" I have is TAG has had way too many pictures/articles on Takashi Amano and his products for my tastes. I think this may be a fad, but right now I am sick of constantly being bombarded by his work. It seems like everywhere I look I see something about Mr. Amano. In the current issue of TAG, 9 of the 38 pages (not including the pics of the convention) are devoted to Mr. Amano. That is nearly a quarter of the issue! Don't get me wrong, I like his work, I am just getting tired of seeing and hearing about it all the time.

I would prefer to see more information on the work of others in the hobby like the Senske brothers, Luis Navarro, and the local planted clubs out there. I know this requires these individuals to actually write the articles or submit the photos, but still, it would be a nice change of pace.

 

[MatPat]

I did not mean to imply that we should "eliminate" Takashi Amano from TAG. Mr. Amano is a dominant force in this hobby and I would hate to see his work eliminated from TAG. It is a great source of inspiration!

It just seems that in my short membership in AGA, Amano has been too much in focus for my taste. I realize this had a lot to do with promotion for the AGA convention and then the review of the convention, but still, it would be nice to see more tanks from others.

There are too many other outstanding aquascapers, from this country and others, to focus on one person's style so much. There are Tonina Style aquascapes, Dutch style aquascapes, and probably a few American styles out there that won't get the recognition they deserve if too much emphasis is placed on one style of aquascaping, be it Amano's or anyone else's. It does not allow for much diversity, and if people are not given a chance to see the works of others, I think many tanks will begin to look the same.