[George Farmer]

Great topic, John!

First we must define 'failure'. Comparing ourselves to the like Amano and co., then maybe most of us are failures...

I don't consider myself as a failure, even though my aquascapes aren't great. I am generally happy knowing that I can grow most plants well with no algae issues. And with practice my aquascaping ability will improve, I hope.
I think, like most things in life, it's a combination of factors. I agree with John's reasoning and also...

Some folk are more artistic, others more scientific. There are obviouly balances of everything in-between. I'm a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Some have labelled me a 'scientist', others an 'artist'. I'm neither really, probably like many growers/aquascapers.

Perhaps the more artistic-bias find it hard to figure out proper setting up with the right lighting, dosing etc. appropriate for the plant choice. Perhaps they think 'too much' about the final product - the finished aquascape, and in the meantime the 'neglect' of the plants' health leads ultimately to doom.

Maybe the 'scientists' aren't really fussed about the final product in terms of aesthetics, but pay more attention to the biochemical etc. processes involved with growing healthy plants?

Some folk are more impatient than others. Patience is essential in this hobby I feel. I get impatient sometimes and it has been known for me to tear down the odd 'scape when just one plant fails. I guess some may argue that's perfectionism. I doubt it, for me, at least.

I also don't think it's necessary to be a 'born' talent to be a success. Some will take longer, some much longer, to be a "successful" aquascaper. After four years in the hobby I think I'm slowly getting there, but still have a long long way to go. I'd love to get placed top 100 ADA, just for self-satisfaction (I'm probably too competitive). I know I'll never likely get there, but it's sure fun trying!

Finally, to be frank, I think there's little excuse to 'fail' these days. There's all the info and equipment now available to enable people to grow anything with relative ease. I guess for the newcomer, the hardest part is choosing what methods and plants to use. Then there's the required patience. The actual aquascaping side gets easier with practice and the ablilty to visualize the end product, easier.

As they say, that's my two pence/cents.

Cheers.