Recent trends...

In light of a recent trend - threads going completely off the wall, "new" members throwing around misinformation, etc., I had a couple thoughts that I wanted to share and get feedback and also provide a place for input, should any of you have some.

A lot of "new" users can just pop in here and start doling out advice. Is it possible to have a period of time after a person signs up before they have free reign to post anywhere in the forums? This will force new users to do some reading and become oriented with the forums, search functions, and other modules, before they start posting bad info they've learned elsewhere and asking the same questions over and over again.

Ok, so now you are thinking this: What about new users with an emergency question or new users (like corey woods who signed up today, WELCOME!) who hatch out bumblebees and post up eye candy for everyone? Answer: A "new users" forum for those people to introduce themselves, ask those emergency questions, or post pics of cool stuff. Keep in mind these new users should still be able to view all those forums, just not post in them. I guarantee that if all these new people spent 5 minutes browsing through the forums, they'd find at least 1 or 2 threads addressing their exact question.

I've never run a forum, so feel free to smack me down if you want, its just an idea that had enough merit to throw out there.

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Originally Posted by elevatethis

In light of a recent trend - threads going completely off the wall, "new" members throwing around misinformation, etc., I had a couple thoughts that I wanted to share and get feedback and also provide a place for input, should any of you have some.

A lot of "new" users can just pop in here and start doling out advice. Is it possible to have a period of time after a person signs up before they have free reign to post anywhere in the forums? This will force new users to do some reading and become oriented with the forums, search functions, and other modules, before they start posting bad info they've learned elsewhere and asking the same questions over and over again.

Ok, so now you are thinking this: What about new users with an emergency question or new users (like corey woods who signed up today, WELCOME!) who hatch out bumblebees and post up eye candy for everyone? Answer: A "new users" forum for those people to introduce themselves, ask those emergency questions, or post pics of cool stuff. Keep in mind these new users should still be able to view all those forums, just not post in them. I guarantee that if all these new people spent 5 minutes browsing through the forums, they'd find at least 1 or 2 threads addressing their exact question.

I've never run a forum, so feel free to smack me down if you want, its just an idea that had enough merit to throw out there.

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I think you are on the right track. I'd like to see what the admins think and if there is any way to reasonably do this.

It's a good suggestion. I'm new and just about every question I have had has been answered by search. The only thing is how would someone lose the reputaion of being new? Hopefully not by the number of posts since it is really easy to pad your post numbers.

Wow this should be interesting. I think this is going down the right track. Have something like after a certin amount of time or even Rep points or something.

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Originally Posted by RockSolid

It's a good suggestion. I'm new and just about every question I have had has been answered by search. The only thing is how would someone lose the reputaion of being new? Hopefully not by the number of posts since it is really easy to pad your post numbers.

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It could be done by time on the site...2 weeks maybe..

maybe longer. I still thinlk I have a long way to go since I've only had my BP a week. But that's just my opinion of myself.

Where's my salmon!?!?!?!

J/K Brad. "Ah feel your pain" as do most.

One potential outcome of that might be that all the misinformation you refer to would be all coralled together in that "new folks" forum or whatever it would be called - and if that is the only place to post then those who are inclined to will. So the misinformation is then funneled to those most likely to take it as face value or gospel truth.

I agree a lot of good basic info can be found in the forum-specific FAQs or by searching - and also agree as brought up by someone else recently the canned "Read the FAQ / Use the Search function" response can seem a little cold if that is the stock response every time (it is defintely NOT that way here and I love you all for that). But still . . i know what you are getting at.


Would that proposed forum then become one glut of threads titled things like "How many of you have snakes?" - would it make new people feel too much like second-class citizens?

No smacking down here - just weighing the considerations - have at it!





(EDIT: wow a lot of posts whiel i was writing that. In answer to earlier questions the most relaible way to make it happen would be by making it a function solely of # days registered.)

I agree with you guy's , thing's have been a little different.There's some real bad info being spewed.

Like I said, I've never run a board or have any understanding of issues with implementing this or the effects it would have.

I joined an aquarium board some time back that had this policy. The length of time was 3 days, and during those three days, I learned much more by searching and browsing threads as opposed to wasting my time making redundant posts and waiting for answers.

I'd like to see it happen too!

Smulkin, you've got good points. Your right, that forum has the possibility of becoming a glut of random threads- but at least all that "glut" would be concentrated in one area as opposed to being spread out all over the place where it is now.

I dislike new user forums...the segration, lower-class citizens...bleh...

While I'm all for correcting misinformation, I don't think seperating new people would be a way to do it. The openness and general "nice-ness" of bp.net is what makes bp.net so great. We are a dysfunctional, loving family...but you don't make kids giving bad information sit in the outhouse - you correct them.

Hell, I wanna be corrected as soon as I spew bad information - I would hope everyone here would want to know if they are wrong or coloring information not quite right.

On the other hand, we don't want to encourage know-it-alls who nit-pick on others and teensy weensy mistakes in their advice ("the temperature is supposed to be 82 and 92, not 83 and 93, omg you tool!")...

If someone posts incorrect advice, then be the mature BP.net and herp owner and politely correct them, explaining clearly and kindly where the mistake lies in their information.

If someone flips out, then they will only look like a tool themselves.

And tools belong in the shed....with Cue...which is scary.

Twixt a rock and a hard place this is.

I agree with you Cass in that regard - and some good new people might get so fed up with their good legit questions being drowned in a sea of threads like "How many toes does a python have" they might leave for good and never get to feel the lub we hab.

At the same time - all those threads (regardless of perceived worth) WILL show up on the latest threads section of the homepage. So no relief for folks who use and enjoy that feature in that case.taff

The problem lately is not the old users...its the new users refusal to politely accept the polite corrections that we are making. They would have a period of down-time to read around and check out the site, and leave the site if they grossly disagree with what we do here and refuse to do any new research.

OR ... if everyone can be a little patient ... school starts back up in less than 2 months ... things WILL go back to normal. :sweeet:

To steal a quote from the incredibly intelligent and suave Ryan, "cool ur jets" :cool:

-adam

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

OR ... if everyone can be a little patient ... school starts back up in less than 2 months ... things WILL go back to normal. :sweeet:

To steal a quote from the incredibly intelligent and suave Ryan, "cool ur jets" :cool:

-adam

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This person is a classic example of what Jamie (Master of Cats) spoke of in regards to new members giving advice in the disturbing trend thread.

There he goes again jumping in with an excellent point. Damn you Adam how come I didn't think of that.

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Originally Posted by cassandra

("the temperature is supposed to be 82 and 92, not 83 and 93, omg you tool!")...

And tools belong in the shed....with Cue...which is scary.

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Owned me twice in ONE single post...well played sassypants :colbert2:

I think the waiting period would be frustrating to new members that come here with an urgent question. Granted they can search and probably find a close answer but that might not be close enough or they need more info. To a concerned pet owner patience is not a virtue.

BTW...I am not pretending to not be an off the wall starter :oops:

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

OR ... if everyone can be a little patient ... school starts back up in less than 2 months ... things WILL go back to normal. :sweeet:

To steal a quote from the incredibly intelligent and suave Ryan, "cool ur jets" :cool:

-adam

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2 months could be the difference be life and death...Or more accurately, life and a postal shooting spree....

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Originally Posted by Sputnik

This person is a classic example of what Jamie (Master of Cats) spoke of in regards to new members giving advice in the disturbing trend thread.

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This person? Who me? :D

Yup. I'm an "instant expert" :sweeet:

-adam

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Originally Posted by jglass38

2 months could be the difference be life and death...Or more accurately, life and a postal shooting spree....

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Knuckle up Sally. :sweeet: We've got Daytona around the corner ... by the time you sober up from that it will be mid October. ;)

-adam

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

This person? Who me? :D

Yup. I'm an "instant expert" :sweeet:

-adam

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Exactly, what the hell would you know about keeping ball pythons... LMAO!

I meant your buddy Ryan! :)

I would still think the veterans (for lack of a better term) would still be able to post in the new owners/members section as long as we weren't ridden off as incompetent. The subject could be a way that the veterans can be enticed to answer posts.

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Knuckle up Sally. :sweeet: We've got Daytona around the corner ... by the time you sober up from that it will be mid October. ;)

-adam

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Woohoo!! I had forgotten all about it :)

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Originally Posted by Sputnik

Exactly, what the hell would you know about keeping ball pythons... LMAO!

I meant your buddy Ryan! :)

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Ryan is the new mayor of Bp.Net!

-adam

This is my personal opinion on the topic and does not necessarily reflect the position of Admin as a whole...


I can SO relate to and understand the current frustration with the trends seen in some threads and forums lately. I find myself wanting to pull my hair out now and then. (and I really don't have that much to spare!)

However...these frustrations are the cost of doing business, so to speak. The only way to truly avoid them is to start a whole new forum that is "By Invitation Only" and completely closed to the general public. And even then, if you have more than one person participating, you're gonna have disagreements and drama!

I am very open to suggestions on how to mitigate the frustration levels, but other than a large order of patience...I don't currently see anything that is feasible within the framework and the mission of BP.net.

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Ryan is the new mayor of Bp.Net!

-adam

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*SWEET*

Put me in a ball python forum for 45 seconds, press post, and there you go: "instant expert!"

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Originally Posted by cueball

*SWEET*

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Thanks ... can't help it ... I'm an idea man. ;)

-adam

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Ryan is the new mayor of Bp.Net!

-adam

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Why stop there. I think he eclipses George W. in smarts....

Hey school starst back up in a couple weeks here! Registration August 2nd!! :party:

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Originally Posted by JLC

I am very open to suggestions on how to mitigate the frustration levels, but other than a large order of patience...I don't currently see anything that is feasible within the framework and the mission of BP.net.

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Does this mean there is an unwillingness to do anything about it? I would be willing to bet it is feasible. :confused:

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

OR ... if everyone can be a little patient ... school starts back up in less than 2 months ... things WILL go back to normal. :sweeet:

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What Adam said...although I still think we should lock tools up in the shed with Cue...

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Originally Posted by cassandra

What Adam said...although I still think we should lock tools up in the shed with Cue...

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Is that like the basement of the store in Pulp Fiction?

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Originally Posted by jglass38

Is that like the basement of the store in Pulp Fiction?

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Feel that sting? That's Cue, frackin' with ya...

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Originally Posted by jglass38

Why stop there. I think he eclipses George W. in smarts....

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Show me a person that can't do that.. :)

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Originally Posted by cassandra

Feel that sting? That's Cue, frackin' with ya...

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Cass........Glass..Cue
http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/e...smiley-004.gif......http://www.pushupstairs.com/images/e...ra2/spanka.gif

Let's leave W'ya alone he's got alot on his plate.

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Originally Posted by RockSolid

I would still think the veterans (for lack of a better term) would still be able to post in the new owners/members section as long as we weren't ridden off as incompetent. The subject could be a way that the veterans can be enticed to answer posts.

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Anyone would be able to post there - I am just skeptical anyone who did not have to would be inclined to. I would also anticipate the next step would be to request that anything posted there not show up on the "Active Threads" portion - which would finalize adding insult to injury.

Feasible sure - locking new registratons would also be feasible - as would making all new posts be reviewed before posting - but while that might relieve the recent frustrations I think those things might actually be more derimental in the long run.

(again - these are just my personal feelings on the issue and in no way shape or form any sort of site decree - i'd hate to think i couldnt weigh in without that distinction)

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Originally Posted by emilio

Let's leave W'ya alone he's got alot on his plate.

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Exactly, is it a paper plate or real? :P

On another message board I am a member of, there are mods for each section. What if there was a forum moderator who could decide someone was ready for that next step up. The only problem would be figuring out the criteria that would be needed for the next step up in membership.

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Originally Posted by RockSolid

On another message board I am a member of, there are mods for each section. What if there was a forum moderator who could decide someone was ready for that next step up. The only problem would be figuring out the criteria that would be needed for the next step up in membership.

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That could reduce the number of people who want to join. If they see levels you have to get through and things you have to meet... then it may well have a negative impact.

Just a thought, straight out of the cookie jar! :)

Good Point

When I started looking for a place to find good information, I was looking for a place that seemed welcoming to new owners with questions, not snobbish or cliquish.
I looked at several forums, never posting, until I found this one. Had it been as unfriendly as what I have seen described in this thread, I would have simply moved on.
I see no reason to turn this forum into something like that. Even as a new ball owner myself, I can easily spot stupid advice, and am always thankful when people correct misiniformation without getting nasty about it.

I know, I'm new, I have no right to put in a word on how the place should be run, but I'm really confused by all the controlling suggestions I've seen this week. Making people feel less than welcome, or even second class will not help any snakes. And it would drive many people away. I guess if what you are looking for is a forum of only experts patting each other on the back, it would be nirvana.

Sure you do! Everyone is entitled to their own response. No one is less a person than any other(unless you're short, but that's ok *giggle*)

Haha, I've VERY short. My teen towers 2 inches over me!

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Originally Posted by SarahMB

When I started looking for a place to find good information, I was looking for a place that seemed welcoming to new owners with questions, not snobbish or cliquish.
I looked at several forums, never posting, until I found this one. Had it been as unfriendly as what I have seen described in this thread, I would have simply moved on.
I see no reason to turn this forum into something like that. Even as a new ball owner myself, I can easily spot stupid advice, and am always thankful when people correct misiniformation without getting nasty about it.

I know, I'm new, I have no right to put in a word on how the place should be run, but I'm really confused by all the controlling suggestions I've seen this week. Making people feel less than welcome, or even second class will not help any snakes. And it would drive many people away. I guess if what you are looking for is a forum of only experts patting each other on the back, it would be nirvana.

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VERY well said! :yes: Thank you!!

Thanks for saying that, Judy! I don't want to step on any toes!

I think you are right, that is a humbling post!

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Originally Posted by SarahMB

Thanks for saying that, Judy! I don't want to step on any toes!

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Whose toes? A python's toes? Smulkin, you never DID answer how many toes ball pythons have! I need to know RIGHT AWAY!!!

I would be okay with a bit heaver moderation, but I'm used to being on a heavily moderated forum with many many more users than this site, and it could serve to drive away a lot of users who need genuine help. I think if the mods made themselves heard a bit more, it would help stop the misinformation going around. The rep system is also good though, it helps me tell who I can trust advising me about my snake.
All in all, I love this forum. It's friendly and welcoming, and informative and above all it's POSITIVE. The "Experts" (forget the quotes, you're experts to me!) don't infight at all, and seeing them present a unified front and agree with each other helps me be sure I am giving my snake the best care he can get.