I'm not a GV fan myself. I think it probably is the texture and holes, the "wicker" look. But who's to say it's inferior to more traditional origami? I appreciate the opinions expressed by members of the this group, which were well thought out, and fair. Several years ago, when I led a community origami group, I talked about conventions with those who attended. None in the group had ever been to one. One preteen boy who was very enthusiastic about origami wanted to go, and so his mother took him to one that year. Charley brought a large and elaborate GV dragon he had made, and added it to the displays in the exhibition room. I think it was on the first full day of the event, Charley and his mom were in the exhibition room, and a well-known origami folder/designer came in with a group, all looking at the work on display. When the designer (someone Charley had admired and looked up to because of his designs) got to the dragon, he pointed it out and announced, "That's not real origami!" Not surprisingly, Charley was crushed. He wanted to leave on the spot. His mom called me, and I got the job of trying to explain this very issue to a boy with a broken heart. He stayed at the event, but it was a sour experience for him after that. I hope he continued to fold. Thank you to all who responded to Laura's question with sensitivity and respect. Dawn Tucker,O'Fallon, MO
