Please define "good flow"

[Rich C]

I've been reading around on the site quite a bit recently and I hear "good flow" used a lot.  Some lamps are criticized for not having "flow".  What are the generally accepted definitions of "good flow"?  What kind of flow is better than others, at least in the general realm of opinion.

[Gwen Williams]

Good flow depends on the person, but generally it is an even cycling with different sized blobs with some always going up and down, not just one up one down, irregularly sized blobs not too big and not too small.  Some flow is faster than others or a big slower but the big thing is several different sized blobs always on the move.

[Loren]

For me, good flow happens in stages. Phase one is serpentine forms that rise higher and higher until they join with the top. Phase 2 is a solid, undulating column from top to bottom. Phase 3 is when this column breaks, and turns into 1-2 large blobs that drip, while a ton of smaller blobs rise really quickly all over the globe. That phase then turns back into phase 1, and it's during that transition period that's my favorite part, because some of the formations caused by upflow and downflow, as equilibrium is resumed, are so cool looking.

[Cowmatian]

I have lamps that flow differently from each other, and the only flow I don't like is repetitive motion (my china 52oz). Everything else, I can enjoy for its uniqueness. If that makes sense. I love never boring, random motion.

[Brad]

oscillating columns and stretchy blobs for me.

[Erin]

Here's a great video of that most here consider to be good flow: http://oozinggoo.ning.com/video/1998-faded-blue-blue-mathmos-astro-...

Thanks Cowmation for the vid!

[Johnny]

yep thats a good flow and how craven walker wanted the flow, not just blobs going up n down

Erin said:

Here's a great video of that most here consider to be good flow: http://oozinggoo.ning.com/video/1998-faded-blue-blue-mathmos-astro-...

Thanks Cowmation for the vid!

[Cowmatian]

I'm glad that video was helpful :)

[SCOTT13A]

I like mine to stretch to a degree before breaking off into balls. I like it to hold together longer as it is stretching before breaking away. I like it stretchy like mozzerella cheese. I don't like it when it breaks off into round balls too easily.