Posted by Dinah on June 11, 2005, at 11:08:05
In reply to Re: how we welcome newbies, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2005, at 10:56:02
I had long ago suggested that people could volunteer to respond to anyone who identified themselves as a newcomer or who had a green flag. Maybe by board.
Sort of unofficial greeters. But not limited to the newbie board.
I also think you should allow anyone to respond to newbies on the newbie board. Who has something to offer will vary based on the subject matter and it seems logical to me that the widest range of potential contributors would lead to the warmest welcome.
But...
Dr. Bob, do you recall how many people said they were attracted to stay and post at the site? Maybe if you ask what things drew people to post for the first time, what made them feel welcome, and why they stayed, it would give you the ability to work backward. As for the people who don't stay, maybe a request for feedback with your email address, or a separate email address just for that purpose, listed prominently on all the pages would enable those who don't feel comfortable posting for the first time or continuing to post to give you direct feedback on why.
Then, if you eliminate those who came for a specific reason, had that answer solved, and had no desire for anything more, you could get some useful information. You could compile a list of reasons, by importance, throw in some statistical material on who is most likely to reply among nonposters (and among posters). Once you do that, if you open the problem to the board, you might be surprised at the good ideas that can come from a good, old fashioned, brainstorming.
Just my 2 cents.
poster:Dinah
thread:441543
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20050530/msgs/510992.html