We all know that ever since the Flow Hive launched there has been an endless stream of naysayers and skeptics. Some of us even go to club meetings or bee school and have kept mum about owning a Flow Hive in order to avoid a barrage of criticism or having others question our decisions.
I’ve been there but have since learned that being somewhat objectively defiant in the face of criticism has it’s rewards.
The other day I was quite pleased to see a Facebook post on the Georgia Beekeepers Association’s page from the GBA itself asking, “Okay so anyone Use the FLOW hive? And if you have used it what was your Experience. It has been out 2ish years and wondered. Thanks for any response.”
I shared my experience thus far as did a few others - all positive and then this happened:
Of course, I was quite shocked. I really felt set up and could not believe that the GBA had made that remark.
I could not let that stand. My response:
That wasn’t all I did though. Fortunately, just last week, I’d met the president of the Georgia Beekeepers Association and had sat next to her at dinner before our local club meeting (We struck up a very nice rapport). So I immediately emailed her expressing my concern.
"Hello Linda,
My name is Bobby Thanepohn and I am a member of the Forsyth County club (you sat next to me at dinner before the meeting). It was a pleasure meeting you and I enjoyed your presentation quite a bit.
I’m writing to make you aware of a thread on the GBA’s Facebook page that turned a bit disheartening.
Someone posting as the GBA posed a question about the Flow Hive.
Ultimately, the Georgia Beekeepers Association wound up sharing that the Flow was a “hive beetle hotel” as well as “don’t waste your money”.
I’ve attached screen shots of the post.
I am perfectly fine with individuals having varying opinions about any and everything, but in this case, the individual has made statements under the association’s name and although they may well be personal rather than official opinions, they appear otherwise.
Thank you,
Bobby Thanepohn
I then received her quick response. (This is all after 9PM so her quick response was very appreciated)
"Thank you Bobby. I agree that it is a person’s opinion and was obviously posted by one of the administrators. I’ll pass this on to Brutz who manages the GBA site because as an administrator (which I also am) you can choose to post as yourself or as GBA and obviously that person should have posted as themselves.
I enjoyed your club so much and really had fun at dinner - glad I got to sit by you.
Warmly,
Linda T
Linda D. Tillman
President, Georgia Beekeepers Association"
Then at 10PM, the offending posts had been removed and this appeared:
I’ll glady take the apology from the association, even though it was backhanded at-best in that a sitting GBA Director reinforced the negative opinions while responding in his official capacity.
Sigh.