After FIMing 4 of my plants, topping one and letting another grow with only LST. I'd prefer to top rather than FIM. But its my first grow so take it with a grain of salt.
FIMming sounds like a no brainer when compared to topping. More colas, the better, right?
I do feel that it depends on your objective, although i understand how objectives can change during a grow....a couple times even.
With that being said, imo a newbs biggest obstacle when doing topping/fimming or lst is not the deed itself. But rather not knowing what to expect after doing the deed. Pictures, vids and journals only help to a certain extent but i don't see any better substitute.
When FIMming, I find that i need daily maintenance to keep them even, spread out, receive lights etc. Just one day overdue and they get covered up by leaves. 2 days and you won't know what to do next cos you don't recognize them anymore. I topped/fimmed/lst all around week 2. The next 2-3 weeks would require lotsa maintenance until stretch stops. I'm still waiting for that to happen. Defoliation helped a lot but to be safe, just remove some every other day or similar. If a big defo is done, leave it a few days without.
Space is also a problem cos spreading them lights out means decreasing intensity, which might not fly with some growers, especially if their plants are flourishing under lower/more intense light levels. Whether they grow vertically or horizontally, more space is needed and lights will have to be raised. Just a question of which growth style suits your setup better?
Basically, more budsites for fimming and if your plants are very healthy, can get out of control if you are not good with planning, forecasting and the likes.
I guess this is why they don't recommend newbs do it. But you really learn a lot about how they grow and different characteristics. I say go for it. We all wish to absorb the most from each grow so my suggestion is just do it.
Most newbs feel helpless and wish to do something (anything) to feel like they are a part of the process. This is when newbs like myself really screw up. LST really helps if you face the same issue as me. Cos it keeps you occupied and satisfies your need to be "involved" in the plant's growth. Less likely to do anything silly and regret it later.
Hope you don't mind my looong take on this subject, from a newbs perspective. I'm sure some real legit masters of AFN will chime in with some real good advice. I benefited greatly from reading the content these great ppl produced!
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There is no - Violence and Bondage against Females . AFN rule 76 - subsection 2768 . Poor bloody things . 
