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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 469 to 493 of 536. Go back in thread:
Posted by alexandra_k on May 28, 2005, at 17:04:33
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by gardenergirl on May 28, 2005, at 12:48:02
People quite often say that they don't feel like they are part of Babble.
That it feels a bit like there are clicky little groups and you have to be part of a group to get a thread going.
It doesn't feel like that to me anymore. But it did feel that way for quite a while.
Maybe the difference is to do with how new you are and how frequently you post.
If you don't post for a while (a few days... a week...) then most threads are 'new' and it can be hard to get back into the swing of it again.
It probably won't make much of a difference to the posters who feel accepted here already.
But it could be the difference between staying and leaving for posters who don't feel like they are part of the more active boards.
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 29, 2005, at 13:39:22
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by gardenergirl on May 28, 2005, at 12:48:02
> How many and how likely?
As many as there's demand for and pretty likely?
Bob
Posted by gardenergirl on May 30, 2005, at 0:23:54
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Dr. Bob on May 29, 2005, at 13:39:22
So you are just guessing or assuming?
gg
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 31, 2005, at 3:09:41
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Dr. Bob, posted by gardenergirl on May 30, 2005, at 0:23:54
> So you are just guessing or assuming?
Sorry, just guessing or assuming what? Now I'm not sure what you're referring to, I may have misunderstood...
Bob
Posted by gardenergirl on May 31, 2005, at 3:16:05
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Dr. Bob on May 31, 2005, at 3:09:41
> > So you are just guessing or assuming?
>
> Sorry, just guessing or assuming what? Now I'm not sure what you're referring to, I may have misunderstood...
>
> BobI was wondering how many people and how likely in response to this:
"I don't know, but maybe people would be more likely to feel welcome at boards that weren't so busy?"
No biggie. I'm not all that invested in the issue. I was just curious about your assessment of how many folks want or would use small boards.
gg
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 31, 2005, at 17:31:36
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Dr. Bob, posted by gardenergirl on May 31, 2005, at 3:16:05
> > I don't know, but maybe people would be more likely to feel welcome at boards that weren't so busy?
>
> I was wondering how many people and how likelyOh, sorry. I don't know how many, but most people post very few times. I don't know how much more likely, either, but every little bit helps?
Bob
Posted by AuntieMel on June 1, 2005, at 9:00:34
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Dr. Bob on May 31, 2005, at 17:31:36
That leads to a couple of questions, doesn't it.
1) WHY do people only post a few times? Did they just decide babble wasn't for them? Did they ask a question, get an answer and that's all they needed?
You have access to their email address. Perhaps asking a few of the recent drop-in/drop-out posters could shed some light.
2) WHAT does every little bit help? Is the goal to get more people on babble, or is it to provide better quality?
Defining the goal - along with information about why people don't stay - would help guide towards the best solution. Maybe small boards would be a solution, maybe not. But this information and a plan seems to me to be better than taking a shot in the dark.
Posted by gardenergirl on June 1, 2005, at 11:30:30
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Dr. Bob, posted by AuntieMel on June 1, 2005, at 9:00:34
Posted by AuntieMel on June 1, 2005, at 13:16:34
In reply to Very well put! (nm) » AuntieMel, posted by gardenergirl on June 1, 2005, at 11:30:30
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 2, 2005, at 7:32:00
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Dr. Bob, posted by AuntieMel on June 1, 2005, at 9:00:34
> 1) WHY do people only post a few times? Did they just decide babble wasn't for them? Did they ask a question, get an answer and that's all they needed?
>
> You have access to their email address. Perhaps asking a few of the recent drop-in/drop-out posters could shed some light.That's an interesting idea, but I've been reluctant to initiate email contact...
> 2) WHAT does every little bit help? Is the goal to get more people on babble, or is it to provide better quality?
To get more of the people who come to stay?
Bob
Posted by Poet on June 5, 2005, at 12:07:36
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Dr. Bob on June 2, 2005, at 7:32:00
I normally avoid the admin board, but due to the party I have been here more often.
I honestly don't feel very welcome on some boards now. I'm concerned that small boards would become exclusive clubs that I can barely afford memebership to, but they'll let me in anyway. If there is nobody better they'd have join.
Poet
Posted by AuntieMel on June 6, 2005, at 12:47:02
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Dr. Bob, posted by Poet on June 5, 2005, at 12:07:36
I think it's a shame that you don't feel welcome on another board.
Now that I've met you I can say with absolute certainty that it's their loss.
Posted by Poet on June 6, 2005, at 18:35:19
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome » Poet, posted by AuntieMel on June 6, 2005, at 12:47:02
Hi Auntie Mel,
Avoiding another board is better than going there and ending up with my first PBC.
I'd join any group you were in.
Poet
Posted by Poet on June 6, 2005, at 18:36:25
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Poet on June 6, 2005, at 18:35:19
Posted by AuntieMel on June 7, 2005, at 12:14:26
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Poet on June 6, 2005, at 18:35:19
"I'd join any group you were in."
Thanks - meeting you was the pleasantest surprise.
But I really don't think I would be comfy in an exclusive group, so would ya hang out on the main boards with me instead?
Posted by AuntieMel on June 7, 2005, at 12:31:53
In reply to Re: feel unwelcome, posted by Dr. Bob on June 2, 2005, at 7:32:00
One thing that I learned in Chicago was that many people have made some really good "off babble" friendships.
Sometimes things were talked about that went completely over my head. It wasn't anyone's fault, I just didn't have the history to understand.
But that's ok, because I'm becoming part of the new history.
It occurs to me now that maybe this is what the newbies are overwhelmed by - at least those that are overwhelmed. Not that they are 'unwelcome' as in 'we don't like your kind,' but more like there are conversations going on that they don't understand.
But this happens with all new friendships. People don't meet and become isolated friends, blocking out each other's histories. They learn over time and the friendship grows.
Would that friendship grow better if they were isolated?
Maybe, if you are interested in retention, we should just rethink how we welcome newbies.
Posted by Poet on June 7, 2005, at 13:31:44
In reply to Re: a better idea » Poet, posted by AuntieMel on June 7, 2005, at 12:14:26
Hi Auntie Mel,
I would be happy to hang with you on the main boards.
Poet
Posted by partlycloudy on June 7, 2005, at 17:23:17
In reply to Re: a better idea » AuntieMel, posted by Poet on June 7, 2005, at 13:31:44
Posted by Dinah on June 7, 2005, at 18:45:06
In reply to Re: a better idea » Poet, posted by AuntieMel on June 7, 2005, at 12:14:26
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 10, 2005, at 4:25:07
In reply to Re: unwelcome, or something else? » Dr. Bob, posted by AuntieMel on June 7, 2005, at 12:31:53
> Maybe, if you are interested in retention, we should just rethink how we welcome newbies.
Sure, I'm open to that, too...
Bob
Posted by AuntieMel on June 10, 2005, at 9:29:11
In reply to Re: how we welcome newbies, posted by Dr. Bob on June 10, 2005, at 4:25:07
I was thinking that instead of (or along with) the newbie board the newcomers could have an "experienced" person assigned as a mentor of sorts.
It could be a list of volunteers that are emailed when a new person registers - and posts for the first time.
Someone that would explain the ropes and be available for questions.
The relationship could 'officially' last for a couple of weeks, during which the newbie won't get any PBC's or blocks, but the mentor would explain gently any civility violations.
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2005, at 10:56:02
In reply to Re: how we welcome newbies » Dr. Bob, posted by AuntieMel on June 10, 2005, at 9:29:11
> I was thinking that instead of (or along with) the newbie board the newcomers could have an "experienced" person assigned as a mentor of sorts.
>
> It could be a list of volunteers that are emailed when a new person registers - and posts for the first time.
>
> Someone that would explain the ropes and be available for questions.
>
> The relationship could 'officially' last for a couple of weeks, during which the newbie won't get any PBC's or blocks, but the mentor would explain gently any civility violations.Interesting idea! It would be optional? If a newbie asked for a volunteer, it would be important for one to be available... I think the usual civility guidelines need to apply, since uncivil posts have consequences no matter who posts them (and newbies may not really be newbies).
Separate from newbies, I've also been thinking about "sponsors" here...
Bob
Posted by Dinah on June 11, 2005, at 10:58:11
In reply to Re: how we welcome newbies, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2005, at 10:56:02
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.
Posted by justyourlaugh on June 11, 2005, at 23:06:38
In reply to Re: how we welcome newbies, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2005, at 10:56:02
also..the mentor..should have a way to "bail"..things happen..we may not be able to post often..would this not hurt the "newbie more"
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