You guys are probably aware I'm reasonably new to the forum. From past experience I've got some stuff that might be useful (this ain't attempting to teach you guys how to 'suck eggs', just thought I'd contribute):
- Mods MUST be neutral. No matter what. I've found the SS Mods great, no excellent. And I've generally found this is not the case elsewhere (not just property). I don't mean the Mods can't have an opinion! But they must appear to be fair to all (even if they disagree with one side). Example: Favoring more 'senior posters', just because one member has 3 trillion posts and another only 5. New forumites need guidance. They don't want to feel that some 'senior' member is getting preferential treatment just because they're more 'senior'. This really puts people off. The 'browsers' are very unlikely to join. Mods should be respected, not hated.
- More IN YOUR FACE STICKIES! People do not initially read web pages, they scan them. Unless the sticky is really obvious they never get there. And then newbies accidently come across a post of a member complaining about newbies not reading stickies! "Maybe this forum isn't so nice after all..." Is there any way this can be changed in vb? Would it be possible to display something in the join up process? Some other way? Being an IT person with some experience of setting forums up I'm aware there is no easy answer to this - but could we trial something? Could we have a 'New members' forum (from the default forum home page) that does not allow posting but has a cheery welcome, guidance and all the FAQ's?
- Less members complaining about repeated posts, oh and less members complaining about repeated posts! People don't do it deliberately! They do it because they think it's important to contribute/ funny whatever. I've come across this at SS a number of times (once with myself) and the resulting whinge from a member really p^& me off. When members are new (especially to forums generally) they use BASIC stuff. They don't tend to use the search function because they're figuring everything else out. Don't crap on them for not carrying out a search, give them some time to learn the ropes. Be reasonable! Show them how to search - better yet, make it a thread in the 'Newbies' forum. I understand you can't stop people having a 'dig' at newbies, but a few suggestions from the Mods can work wonders.
I think SS is great. I'm getting to know a few of the personalities - and the ones without personalities. I've made a few bloopers along the way, and have seen a few. I wouldn't worry re the drop in numbers, that's more the market, they'll come back if the quality stays the same. I assume it will.
