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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 10:46:16 AM

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I agree with a lot of what has been said on here by others.

And for those whiny members that want to coddle newbies, what's wrong with taking responsibility for your own actions?
If someone breaks the rules and gets a slap for it from other members, what the fuck is the problem with that??
We don't need an uber-nanny to tell us to be careful with super-sensitive newbies.
We are supposed to be adults here FFS! Kiddies aren't supposed to be on this site.
If you think they need kids gloves, spend your talents on Nick TV, we don't need you on CM.

We don't need to "chill out", we need the newbies to "tune in"!
That only takes a few moments to read ToS and abide by the rules.
It ain't rocket science and they aren't hard to find.

quote:

ORIGINAL: LittleForDaddy31
...I didnt even properly see forum rules. Make sure the forum rules are visible, please.

There are 3 links at the bottom of every friggin page. Is that soo difficult to find??

(in reply to angelikaJ)

RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 10:51:16 AM

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Don't twist my words Maria.

quote:

ORIGINAL: MariaB
...FD said its the same on every forum site.

I said, to read the ToS and learn the rules before you open your gob.
That is common to all sites for everyone - not the bandwagon mentality.

(in reply to MariaB)

RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 10:58:52 AM

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And in addition to a coddle me page for oversensitive types, what about FAQs for those questions which come up twice a page. That way, instead of locking the second thread, just add it to the ever continuing "How do I meet a dom" thread.

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 10:58:56 AM

SylvereApLeanan

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To retain posters, old or new - because, let's face it, the regulars keep the forum running as much as or more than the newbies - the first step should be to make the Administrative Announcements section, including the FAQ, REQUIRED READING before posting. Half of the "problems" we see stem from the lack of due diligence by people who haven't bothered to read that section. Make sure there is a notice reminding people that the forums are for discussion and not for advertising for a hook-up included there.

We had to click a button that said we read and agreed to the TOS before we were allowed to create an account. From there, we were shunted directly to the area where we create a profile. Surely there's some way to mimic that feature and automatically shunt people to the Admin Announcements section. It would be even better if they couldn't continue to the rest of the forum until they click buttons to confirm they've read and agreed to everything, just like there is for the TOS.

Second, make the Support button on the profiles side easier to find or combine it with Help. We get a lot of people coming here to ask questions about the profiles side. There's no reason for that.

In addition, the Search button on this side needs to be more prominent. Once again, people posting repeat threads without performing due diligence creates a lot of consternation for the regulars. Of course the regulars are going to get tired and snippy when the fourth thread about scammers crops up in less than a week.

Next, make a Newbie Questions and Support section. This could be a sub-forum or the Welcome section could pull double duty. Either way, it should be right at the top of the main menu so it can be found easily. That forum should have lots of sticky threads, similar to the set up in the Recipes section, for the most common questions and topics. Threads about FinDommes, the differences between sub/slave, recognizing red flags, how to set up a safe call and meet people safely, and a dozen other topics could be included. These threads never close, no matter how long they go on or how long it's been since the last post. Establish a group of volunteers to act as mentors/guides/welcome wagon drivers/whatever who monitor that section and answer questions.

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(in reply to angelikaJ)

RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:02:32 AM

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Because of my newish blog I'm on a variety of BDSM based forums. The CollarChat forum has the reputation of being absolutely brutal. And it certainly can be.

I gave the very nice OP (I like him and hope he stays) an analogy to help him understand his faux pas and how he could correct his behavior. That analogy works b/c although we don't think of this place as a community, from a group dynamic standpoint, we *are* a community is some ways. The regs here interact often on a wide variety of topics, and we've formed a group culture.

The culture is we are hard as hell on trolls and the socially inept clueless, and patient and understanding and giving of are time for those we perceive truly need our help.

From my standpoint that's not a bad culture.

A huge issue is that most of the newbies come here from the profile side, and the culture is so very different. Let's face it, it's a troll infested meat market, and that's it's strong side. Not everyone is like that, since I'm betting most of the regs started out there. It's just there is no way to be able to take the relatively low percentage of not trollers, not scammers, not socially inept persons from the other side and have them magically appear here having changed their stripes.

Thus we get x number of new fin domme threads, x number of whining about the scammers or the fem dommes, those who want to 'fix' collar chat, etc etc.

It's just all the great big pageant of life that is represented here.

In the other thread, the OP started out trolling for his fetish, got a talking to, and came out of it with flying colors in my view by showing he has some understanding and social skills.

You can't give people understanding and social skills when they don't have them.

You *CAN* educate people as to what the social norm here is, and we do that *very* well.

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:05:24 AM

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Here is what I have noticed about a lot of newbe posters.

1) Right out of the gate, first post, they are complaining about scammers, fakes and posting warnings about someone that is against the TOS.

2) They start by telling everyone that they are the best whatever, and proceed to blast us for whatever reason they can come up with.

3) They start whining about some perceived attack against them for some pile of bullshit they posted.

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:05:27 AM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: VideoAdminChi

quote:

Make the profile side more social. For example, photo privacy so some pics can only be seen by your circle of friends. Same for journal entries, etc. If the profile side retains people who like kinky social networking, the participation on the forums will go up. There's a whole community of people on OkCupid who aren't seriously looking anymore, but they love taking, and talking about, the silly tests on the site.

While that is an excellent idea, suggestions that do not require coding will have a much better chance of being implemented.

Things are that bad?

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:07:00 AM

stef

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SylvereApLeanan

To retain posters, old or new - because, let's face it, the regulars keep the forum running as much as or more than the newbies - the first step should be to make the Administrative Announcements section, including the FAQ, REQUIRED READING before posting. Half of the "problems" we see stem from the lack of due diligence by people who haven't bothered to read that section. Make sure there is a notice reminding people that the forums are for discussion and not for advertising for a hook-up included there.

We had to click a button that said we read and agreed to the TOS before we were allowed to create an account. From there, we were shunted directly to the area where we create a profile. Surely there's some way to mimic that feature and automatically shunt people to the Admin Announcements section. It would be even better if they couldn't continue to the rest of the forum until they click buttons to confirm they've read and agreed to everything, just like there is for the TOS.

I'm guessing that enabling such a feature would require them actually updating the forum software, and we know how likely that is.

quote:

In addition, the Search button on this side needs to be more prominent.

Well, that, and it needs to actually work. The search function here is somewhat anemic. Again, something an update would address easily.

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:20:15 AM

SylvereApLeanan

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quote:

ORIGINAL: stef

quote:

ORIGINAL: SylvereApLeanan

To retain posters, old or new - because, let's face it, the regulars keep the forum running as much as or more than the newbies - the first step should be to make the Administrative Announcements section, including the FAQ, REQUIRED READING before posting. Half of the "problems" we see stem from the lack of due diligence by people who haven't bothered to read that section. Make sure there is a notice reminding people that the forums are for discussion and not for advertising for a hook-up included there.

We had to click a button that said we read and agreed to the TOS before we were allowed to create an account. From there, we were shunted directly to the area where we create a profile. Surely there's some way to mimic that feature and automatically shunt people to the Admin Announcements section. It would be even better if they couldn't continue to the rest of the forum until they click buttons to confirm they've read and agreed to everything, just like there is for the TOS.

I'm guessing that enabling such a feature would require them actually updating the forum software, and we know how likely that is.

Dammit, stef! Why you gotta ruin my fantasy?

Seriously, though, you're right. From a coding perspective, the site needs a complete overhaul. My husband is in IT and has commented about how broken it is. He could fix it, but I doubt the site owners can afford what he'd charge.

_____________________________

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30 Fluffy Points
Grumpy Cat is my spirit animal.
Shadow Governess & Mean Girl

"There's something that doesn't make sense. Let's go and poke it with a stick."— The Doctor

(in reply to stef)

RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:28:18 AM

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I know this thread was started with the best intentions BUT nothing will change and we all know that. The newbies will always be good, bad, or indifferent. The one thing they do bring to the forums is fresh thoughts. This forum would only be what is your cat doing or i admit or wars in the P&R if it wasn't for the newbies. I see some regulars post but they are usually pretty boring. Pfft

I've been zinged a few times and disappeared for a bit. But this place is like a train wreck. You can't help but look sometimes. So I have no suggestions to give. Nothing will change.

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:28:47 AM

tj444

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quote:

ORIGINAL: VideoAdminChi

Some people complain that we coddle new posters too much

really? I hadn't noticed any newbie coddling..

quote:

ORIGINAL: VideoAdminChi

regulars are too mean.

geeze.. come to a bdsm site and some regulars are gonna be.. SADISTS! yup, some of them get off on being mean & belittling to newbies especially.. duh!

whenever you decide to participate in a forum, you have to get in the "groove" of it.. then either you like it there or you don't..

My beef is that in P&R everyone is so entrenched in their opinions that its become too repetitive with the same posters saying the same things, so newbies there are especially appreciated (for as long as they can last)..

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:35:05 AM

tj444

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quote:

ORIGINAL: RedMagic1

Make the profile side more social. For example, photo privacy so some pics can only be seen by your circle of friends. Same for journal entries, etc. If the profile side retains people who like kinky social networking, the participation on the forums will go up. There's a whole community of people on OkCupid who aren't seriously looking anymore, but they love taking, and talking about, the silly tests on the site.

ok to me that sounds like living in hell itself.. if I wanted OKCupid I would be over at OKCupid..

(sorry Red)

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:43:28 AM

stef

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SylvereApLeanan

Dammit, stef! Why you gotta ruin my fantasy?

Are you saying my kink isn't OK?!

quote:

Seriously, though, you're right. From a coding perspective, the site needs a complete overhaul. My husband is in IT and has commented about how broken it is. He could fix it, but I doubt the site owners can afford what he'd charge.

Updating the CM side would be a serious chore. Updating the forums would be considerably less so. Moving from this forum software to a current version of vBulletin or something comparable that has tons of features people have been requesting for years would be pretty easy.

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:51:00 AM

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I did twist your words FD and I apologise... my bad.

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:51:55 AM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: tj444

quote:

ORIGINAL: VideoAdminChi
Some people complain that we coddle new posters too much

really? I hadn't noticed any newbie coddling..

As a rule, we don't.

But every once in a while we get the likes of the cotton-wool brigade telling the regulars to stop being nasty to the newbies.
Take my post that spawned this very thread.

quote:

ORIGINAL: tj444

quote:

ORIGINAL: VideoAdminChi
regulars are too mean.

geeze.. come to a bdsm site and some regulars are gonna be.. SADISTS! yup, some of them get off on being mean & belittling to newbies especially.. duh!

whenever you decide to participate in a forum, you have to get in the "groove" of it.. then either you like it there or you don't..

Yep.
Jump into a lion's den and you gotta be prepared to get bitten or run for the hills.
jlf summed it up quite nicely.

But, that said, the OP on the thread that spawned this one took it in his stride and showed some sensible retort. I gave him credit for that because it was well deserved.

(in reply to tj444)

RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:53:44 AM

SylvereApLeanan

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quote:

ORIGINAL: stef

quote:

ORIGINAL: SylvereApLeanan

Dammit, stef! Why you gotta ruin my fantasy?

Are you saying my kink isn't OK?!

quote:

Updating the CM side would be a serious chore. Updating the forums would be considerably less so. Moving from this forum software to a current version of vBulletin or something comparable that has tons of features people have been requesting for years would be pretty easy.

I don't know much about that type of software or the work involved with an update so I'll take your word for it. The only issue I would be concerned about is whether or not the archives would be lost. Otherwise, it sounds like a good idea.

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(in reply to stef)

RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:56:16 AM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: MariaB

I did twist your words FD and I apologise... my bad.

No probs... we can take it

Yes, things get snarky.
Sometimes it's quite funny even when the tone is uber-serious.
I laugh at my own fuck-ups quite a lot after the event.

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 11:57:07 AM

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I expect they could do an ETL (Edit, Transform, Load).

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 12:22:36 PM

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Holy sh*t! It's a 'newbie got bashed' thread and I didn't have anything to do with it. I might faint.

OK. Joking aside, I think you've got good intentions, Chi. The problem is that some of us (including yours truly) just don't come off well via the written word. Some of us are pretty blunt people and not all of us have conformed to the kinder, gentler generation.

Actually, I think the forums are a softer version of what they once were. Anybody who has been here five years or more has gotten their own ass handed to them more than once and they seemed to manage. With no offense meant to Maria, I'm sorry, but I'm over on Fet and I don't see a significant difference in the degree of harshness.

The only positive suggestion that I might be able to make here would be encouraging new folks to get involved down in the Humor and Games section so they can break the ice a bit. We used to have a few folks who would make that suggestion to people when they were feeling unsure and playing around on the forums a bit gave people a chance to get to know them. It's not going to work for everyone but it might be helpful in some cases.

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RE: What can we do to retain new posters? - 12/17/2013 12:23:12 PM

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I too see the forums stagnating with long time posters leaving (sometimes of their own accord, sometimes booted) and the threads being mostly repetitive newbie questions and topics. I love Athena's suggestion for a newbie sticky where anyone, including interested mentors, can go.

Why ask only about how to retain new posters? What about retaining old timers who maybe get a little irascible and sarcastic at times, but who often have so much wisdom to offer and who provide some entertainment value to boot?

People have pointed out that the forums have some sadists participating and newbies could stand to develop a thicker skin. If the entire governing body of the forums also developed a thicker skin, we might not have the exodus of funny and interesting people we do now and maybe the forums wouldn't be as flat as they've been for some time.

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