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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 478 to 502 of 536. Go back in thread:
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"
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 13, 2005, at 23:11:45
In reply to Re: how we welcome newbies, posted by justyourlaugh on June 11, 2005, at 23:06:38
> 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.
Sure, everyone's always been welcome to do that.
> 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.
I agree, but if it's *too* nice at Newbies, they might just want to stay there?
> 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.
That's a good idea. Should it be multiple choice or completely open-ended?
--
> 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"
>
> justyourlaughSure, the mentor would need to be able to take care of themselves, but having a mentor bail might not be optimal, either...
Bob
Posted by AuntieMel on June 14, 2005, at 9:26:20
In reply to Re: how we welcome newbies, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2005, at 10:56:02
Exactly - a mentor or a sponsor.
Someone from a pool of volunteers, maybe rotating. The difference would be that the 'sponsor' would have an email assigning him/her to the newbie rather than cruise the boards looking for one.
The rotation, or randomness, would keep out any possibilities of 'being chosen last for kickball' feelings.
A person could temporarily take him/herself out of the pool if they need a break. Or if a break is needed midstream, could say "I'm really sorry, but I'm not doing well right now and need a break. I've contacted sponsor_y and she's happy to help you while I'm resting."
Posted by Dinah on June 14, 2005, at 9:44:09
In reply to Re: how we welcome newbies, posted by Dr. Bob on June 13, 2005, at 23:11:45
> > 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.
>
> Sure, everyone's always been welcome to do that.No, no. I meant people would volunteer on different boards to do that. Not unlike official greeters on the Newbie board. If there can be official greeters on Newbies, why not elsewhere?
>
> > 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.
>
> I agree, but if it's *too* nice at Newbies, they might just want to stay there?I don't think that would happen. I think they would be encouraged to migrate to the regular boards. Wouldn't it be nice to try it out? You've tried the other method for a while now. You could have a comparison.
>
> > 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.
>
> That's a good idea. Should it be multiple choice or completely open-ended?
>
Room for both? I haven't started taking my psychology courses yet, so I have no real input on how the best way to design something to yield optimum information would be. ;)> --
>
> > 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"
> >
> > justyourlaugh
>
> Sure, the mentor would need to be able to take care of themselves, but having a mentor bail might not be optimal, either...
>
> BobI'm not sure every newbie would need a mentor or sponsor. Maybe if they request it? Let's face it, the majority of people who come here are looking to get an answer to a question, or to see if their side effects or normal. Some decide to stay on. But not everyone who comes here wants to make Babble a way of life. They might actually find having a mentor a bit intrusive. Maybe it's a box you could check in registration? I dunno, though.
Posted by AuntieMel on June 14, 2005, at 17:05:19
In reply to Re: how we welcome newbies » Dr. Bob, posted by Dinah on June 14, 2005, at 9:44:09
I actually meant one mentor per newbie for all boards. It's actually more to show them the ropes than to answer questions.
Though your way could work, too.
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 15, 2005, at 0:12:34
In reply to Re: how we welcome newbies » Dr. Bob, posted by Dinah on June 14, 2005, at 9:44:09
> Someone from a pool of volunteers, maybe rotating.
>
> The rotation, or randomness, would keep out any possibilities of 'being chosen last for kickball' feelings.
>
> AuntieMelHow is it done in AA? Do potential sponsors ever feel "chosen last" there?
--
> I meant people would volunteer on different boards to do that. Not unlike official greeters on the Newbie board. If there can be official greeters on Newbies, why not elsewhere?
They need to be official at Newbies because it's restricted. Elsewhere, anybody can join in...
> Wouldn't it be nice to try it out? You've tried the other method for a while now. You could have a comparison.
Hmm, you have a point there, let me think about it?
> I'm not sure every newbie would need a mentor or sponsor. Maybe if they request it?
>
> DinahRight, it would be optional.
Bob
Posted by Dinah on June 15, 2005, at 8:26:48
In reply to Re: mentors, posted by Dr. Bob on June 15, 2005, at 0:12:34
Ok, one last time.
Having volunteers on other boards, even if they might not be listed, would be recruiting people who would feel they have a special responsibility for greeting newcomers. It doesn't mean others couldn't greet them, but that there would be those who felt a privilege and responsibility to do so.
I don't think it's much of a problem on, say, Psychology, where newcomers are practically overwhelmed with responses if a green flag is near there name. (grin) Social seems to be a lot that way too. But the meds board is so big, and some of the other boards are so small...
A lot of times people don't respond if they don't know what to say. But if someone felt the responsibility, they might just say welcome and direct them to the appropriate board. (Which I try to do, but I'm not always up to date.) Or they might just say welcome. (Which I also try to do even if I don't know what to say.)
The mentoring idea is also a good one for those who desire one. But a reasonable match between mentor and mentee would seem to be at least marginally desirable. How would that be accomplished without distress? Or would the mentor/mentee relationship be such that it wouldn't matter.
Posted by Dinah on June 15, 2005, at 10:12:09
In reply to Re: mentors, posted by Dr. Bob on June 15, 2005, at 0:12:34
> > Wouldn't it be nice to try it out? You've tried the other method for a while now. You could have a comparison.
>
> Hmm, you have a point there, let me think about it?Good grief!! You mean it is possible for me to word things in such a way that it makes sense to you??? I thought I had lost that ability entirely, if I ever had it.
And in a previous post you acknowledged that small boards would exclude people!
Perhaps I should press my luck, and suggest that conversations be only viewable by those who are free to join them. And that it would have the double advantage of giving those posters who do not currently post (or limit their posting) because they fear public recognition by people in their real lives a place to post, thus increasing total posters. And... if the concern was that posters wouldn't know *which* small board to join, their could be a portal from the main boards to the small boards which could only be entered by altering your registration to mark that you wish to participate in small boards (which would expire if you didn't join a small board in a reasonable length of time). Once within the portal, those who wish to be part of the small boards could read all the small boards. Or whatever. My concern has always been mainly for those who run across small boards through google search, or happen across them accidentally while going around Babble, and get smacked across the face with a "you are not authorized to post to this board, which is full" when they try to join in.
That arrangement wouldn't be quite as polite (polite for purposes of consideration, not form), under Southern standards at least, as only having ability to read the posts on the small board you are registered to post on. But it would be better than the alternative of having small boards readable by anyone who googles them and then is unable to join in.
In fact, that arrangement might be reasonable enough that I could endorse small boards. Maybe even join one. It would largely remove the assault to my sensibilities.
Posted by Dinah on June 15, 2005, at 10:27:46
In reply to Gee » Dr. Bob, posted by Dinah on June 15, 2005, at 10:12:09
I do of course realize that obtaining my endorsement is low on your list of priorities. But I would be so grateful with a compromise that would satisfy my lowest level conceptions of consideration that I would join one of the darn things (the mod pink and yellow one, of course).
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 15, 2005, at 23:54:23
In reply to Re: mentors » Dr. Bob, posted by Dinah on June 15, 2005, at 8:26:48
> Having volunteers on other boards ... would be recruiting people who would feel they have a special responsibility for greeting newcomers.
Sorry, recruiting people from where?
Bob
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