Saturday TeaDay 12/19/09 New forum feature?

[Chip]

Good TeaDay everyone. Please stop in and share what is in your cup throughout the day.

Yesterday we discussed what teapots we were using. You can still vote and discuss yesterday's topic.

Today's TeaPoll and discussion topic. I would like to introduce you to something new on the forum. It is a bit of an experiment, but in the few hours it went live, I am encouraged. I began the experiment under Green Tea. Basically, it is the creation of a list of vendors, and an "official" topic for each one, perennial. I would like to encourage you to visit the main topic, and check out a few of the vendor topics which are linked in the main topic.

http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=11556

If the experiment is "successful," I may advance it to include other types of teas as well. But I don't want to rush things at this point.

The poll question is, what do you think of the idea?

I am looking forward to sharing this TeaDay with everyone. Bottoms up.

[dooble]

Well, I think it's about time for someone to gather all the vendors clearly to one space. I'm usually too lazy to do any shady internet research, and just settle for the usual vendor.

I need some new tea, and very fast...

[Victoria]

Since I really don't drink much Green Tea with the exception of matcha, I'll reserve my opinion. I posted my thoughts on the couple of vendors I do use regularly.

In my cup this morning - Blue Himalayan from Mariage Freres in my Hagi biwa.

Have a nice day everyone!

[geeber1]

I think it's a good idea, but it might stay more organized if it were under a "Vendors" heading. Then you could split that into green, black, oolong, etc. Just a thought!

Keemun Panda #1 in my cup this morning.

Oops, not Keemun Panda, it was Ying Ming Yunnan.

[artmom]

Don't know enough to know if it's a good idea or not! So, I voted "Not sure."

Capuccino this morning - I drink about 2 cups of coffee a week. I reckon it's okay to mention coffee (or should I use c****e instead? ) Chai this afternoon, probably.

[Proinsias]

Good idea methinks. It's nice to have a decent list of vendors with comments and recommendations.

I can see it working well with Japanese greens but as mentioned above other tea sites might not fit as nicely into one forum as Japanese green does, pu'er I imagine would work well, other tea sites tend be far more general or go by country. Maybe just a vendors area?

Some Yuuki Konjo matcha earlier.

[Seeker]

I think it's a GREAT idea!
I have found my favorite Japanese greens vendors on this site.
I might never have found them otherwise, and I am grateful.
I think it would be really great to expand to include oolongs and puerhs and whites as well.
Peace!

[olivierco]

Interesting idea!

Ippodo shincha, Himalaya Gold and Wakamatsu no mukashi koicha so far today.

[Victoria]

Kiri no Mori matcha from O-Cha currently in my chawan. Playing with my new camera, lots to learn!

[brad4419]

I think its a great idea Chip. At first when I saw all the new topics I didn't know what to think of it but It has potential to really help people find teas easier and know what the good vendors for there specific interest are.

Seasonal Da hong pao this morning in a new yixing. It was very good, especially for an unseasoned pot.

[Victoria]

Lots of tea today, I'm making up for yesterday I guess!

With and without a flash and even with the shadow interfering,
I liked these shots of my DaYuLing in my Teavana teacup. I have
to admit with the flash illumination in the second shot makes it
look like a votive candle!

[Proinsias]

Love the bottom shot Victoria, tealight indeed.

Drinking some, can't quite remember the specifics, shu pu from Nada. Just what is needed after fighting my way home through the snow and ice.

[Chip]

Heh, when I decided on the poll late last night after a tough day with the loss of "Bear," I was feeling very insecure and concerned about the votes/comments. Glad to see the idea is being positively received even in its infancy.

Yeah, I like the idea, have a few preconceived notions of how it might progress ... and have a few concerns (again that insecurity coming out ). Well, felt the same way about the TeawareArtisans subforum as well.

I would like to see the forum in a constant state of renewal and improvement. I have long noticed that when we sit still, the forum moves backwards, not unlike many internet interactive sites. Interest fades ...

[Chip]

Thanks for coloring TD, Victoria.

Began the TD with a first trial of my first O-Cha Organic, I think this one is a winner! Oku Yutaka ... picked up baked bread and cinnamon and some dried fruit ... "raisin bread." The aroma of the first steep almost knocked me over in a good way. SweeTea came for the trial while Gandalf was more interested in smoke rings and a warm lap on a cold snowy morn.

Next up, a tasting of Fuga LE from Zencha. Thinking Matcha next!

[Drax]

A chilly day, perfect for enjoying some hot tea!

Today I broke into a 'cooked' pu'erh tuo from Puerhshop. $2 for 100g and brews a nice black cup. Mmmmmm!

Although it has been cold here, we have been missing all the snow fun that's happening just a bit to the north. A shame really, I haven't been in a good snow in over 5 years. . .