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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 56 to 80 of 89. Go back in thread:
Posted by MidnightBlue on September 30, 2009, at 0:48:07
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on September 29, 2009, at 5:18:25
>
> Another example is allowing posts to be tweeted. That might lead readers to some of the many thoughtful and intelligent posts here, after which they might join, but some current posters seem not to want more people reading their posts. Which of course would happen if Babble grew.
>
> BobDr. Bob,
Quite a large number of people requested that you not tweet their posts. Please honor that. Being on the "no tweet" list does not necessarily mean you want a non-vibrant Babble.
MidnightBlue
Posted by Kath on September 30, 2009, at 16:47:28
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Dr. Bob, posted by MidnightBlue on September 30, 2009, at 0:48:07
Hi MB,
I just mentioned missing you in another thread! How lovely to see your name.
:-) Kath
Posted by Justherself54 on October 2, 2009, at 9:53:17
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on September 29, 2009, at 5:18:25
I've been around Babble since 2002. Lately I find myself doing a lot of lurking but recently I posted about having to do another med change. Two posters replied to it. I had another question about the new med I was going to be taking and guess what..the same two posters were the only ones that replied to it (bless their hearts).
Something is wrong with this. I know that a lot of posters on the meds board have refractory type depression issues (as I do myself)..hence all the MAOI, augmenting meds and technical posts (even though there is a board for the more advanced discussions.)
These are my opinions and feelings. I've been on the med merry-go-round for over 35 years and I now find myself intimidated by the meds board. If I feel like this, what about the newbie struggling with their first med, let alone their first post? I have a feeling they come, they look, they go, which is a shame.
I know I'm guilty of not reaching out to new posters. I used to be better at it..
I sometimes feel I'm not smart enough for the meds board, which brings conflict in me, which isn't healthy. I find I'm usually frustrated and upset after visiting the meds board.
I'm too apathetic right now to continue (this took all my brain power to write)!
Posted by Deneb on October 2, 2009, at 11:22:14
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Justherself54 on October 2, 2009, at 9:53:17
I think we should bring back greeters here. We should have a bunch of volunteers at Babble who specifically look to welcome and explain things to newbies. That way there won't be that bystander effect, where people think other people will welcome better and other people think that too, so no one welcomes anyone.
Maybe lets try to have several greeters. I'll be a greeter! I'll make an effort to interact more with newbies.
Anyone else?
Posted by Kath on October 5, 2009, at 10:58:12
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Deneb on October 2, 2009, at 11:22:14
> Maybe lets try to have several greeters. I'll be a greeter! I'll make an effort to interact more with newbies.
>
> Anyone else?~ ~ I am mostly only on Social & sometimes Psychology. Sometimes I go to the Newbies board to check.
I can't take on a commitment to go around & check for new people on various boards. As far as explaining things, etc. I don't have the energy to do that.
What I can do, is, if I'm on a board & see a New Person, I will be glad to say Hi & Welcome. It's something I sometimes do anyway, but I can do it more frequently.
Kath
Posted by Deneb on October 5, 2009, at 11:11:17
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Deneb, posted by Kath on October 5, 2009, at 10:58:12
Thanks for doing that Kath! Just a simple Hi and Welcome would probably make newbies feel a lot more comfortable. I do that often when I can't help the person with a question.
Posted by Justherself54 on October 5, 2009, at 17:34:14
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Kath, posted by Deneb on October 5, 2009, at 11:11:17
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2009, at 15:21:05
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Deneb, posted by Kath on October 5, 2009, at 10:58:12
> > What is it about Babble that made them sicker? Is there something we can do about that?
>
> Blocks, excessive blocks.
> Apparently not...
>
> muffledIf someone isn't willing or able to be civil, they could be blocked repeatedly, which might of course be painful for them. And I guess we're both limited in our ability to help others be civil.
--
> Being on the "no tweet" list does not necessarily mean you want a non-vibrant Babble.
>
> MidnightBlueNo, but it does mean you don't want, or at least are ambivalent about, new Babblers, doesn't it?
--
> I think we should bring back greeters here. We should have a bunch of volunteers at Babble who specifically look to welcome and explain things to newbies.
>
> Maybe lets try to have several greeters. I'll be a greeter! I'll make an effort to interact more with newbies.
>
> Anyone else?
>
> Deneb> I can't take on a commitment to go around & check for new people on various boards.
>
> KathI had a new idea about greeters. Maybe instead of them having to go around and check, there could be a mailing list that would send them links to posts by new Babblers?
Bob
Posted by Deneb on October 10, 2009, at 15:48:12
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2009, at 15:21:05
> I had a new idea about greeters. Maybe instead of them having to go around and check, there could be a mailing list that would send them links to posts by new Babblers?
>
> BobThat is an excellent idea Dr. Bob! That way no new posts will be overlooked! It's good because I don't check all the boards all the time. You can send me the links Dr. Bob. I want to help out in whatever way I can. It also makes me feel good to do something good for Babble and help people out. :-)
Posted by Kath on October 10, 2009, at 18:53:51
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2009, at 15:21:05
> > Being on the "no tweet" list does not necessarily mean you want a non-vibrant Babble.
> >
> > MidnightBlue
>
> No, but it does mean you don't want, or at least are ambivalent about, new Babblers, doesn't it?I don't see that 'no tweet' = not wanting new Babblers (speaking for myself). I don't feel ambivalent about new Babblers. I like there being new Babblers. Babble has helped me greatly & I like to see others getting support here.
The thing that makes me feel uncomfortable is the thought of people reading Babble posts out of sheer curiosity. Although I'm not "up on" the details of twitter, due to the fact that it is (if I understand correctly) a new popular internet 'thing' - I have the impression that there might be more of a chance of people reading out of curiosity. This, as opposed to someone discovering Babble as a result of doing a Google search on a psych med (the way I discovered it) or searching online for a support forum. Just thoughts.
> I had a new idea about greeters. Maybe instead of them having to go around and check, there could be a mailing list that would send them links to posts by new Babblers?
>
> BobI think that sounds like a good idea. For me, I can't make a commitment to welcoming all newbies; my ability to do so depends on what's happening in my life, hence 'how I'm doing'. Any thoughts on what commitment is involved in being a 'greeter'?
Kath
Posted by 10derHeart on October 10, 2009, at 18:56:38
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2009, at 15:21:05
>No, but it does mean you don't want, or at least are ambivalent about, new Babblers, doesn't it?
No, no, no and no.
I don't know if you are talking just to MB, or to the more global 'you', but I will answer anyway.
I'm more than a little surprised you posted that question. Why would you even think A means B? I don't remember much of anything - if anything at all - in the No Twitter thread that even hinted at not wanting new people here.
I don't really like Twitter. The more I've experienced it since that thread first started, the less I like it. It's overwhelming, for one thing, to even contemplate having yet another electronic "place" to keep track of, check, be a part of, whatever. There are other reasons I just don't know how to articulate. I particularly don't like you - or anyone - excerpting my Babble posts on Twitter, for the same reasons I and others have already explained. Babble is Babble and Twitter is Twitter. I may not be able to explain any further, rationally, the "why" of it, but I do KNOW it has nothing AT ALL to do with being ambivilent about new Babblers.
Nothing
what -
so -
ever.I really don't understand why you seem to think it does.
Maybe it's that you cannot understand that safety at (in the unique environment of) Babble does *not* equate to "safety from people I don't know yet" - that it is something else entirely?
Do YOU think links from Twitter are the best and/or ONLY way to achieve the aim of attracting new Babblers?
Posted by BayLeaf on October 10, 2009, at 21:46:10
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2009, at 15:21:05
>I had a new idea about greeters. Maybe instead of them having to go around and check, there could be a mailing list that would send them links to posts by new Babblers?
>Bob
Hey, make sure you add this to their welcome greeting!
"If someone isn't willing or able to be civil, they could be blocked repeatedly, which might of course be painful for them. - Bob"
You are trying to get people to come to a party which has no beer or chips. They'll just leave early. First make the place good, THEN invite guests.
Bay
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 12, 2009, at 0:15:16
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Dr. Bob, posted by 10derHeart on October 10, 2009, at 18:56:38
> > Maybe ... there could be a mailing list that would send them links to posts by new Babblers?
>
> That is an excellent idea Dr. Bob! That way no new posts will be overlooked! It's good because I don't check all the boards all the time. You can send me the links Dr. Bob. I want to help out in whatever way I can. It also makes me feel good to do something good for Babble and help people out. :-)
>
> Deneb> I think that sounds like a good idea. For me, I can't make a commitment to welcoming all newbies; my ability to do so depends on what's happening in my life, hence 'how I'm doing'. Any thoughts on what commitment is involved in being a 'greeter'?
>
> KathThanks, every little bit helps! And the more people that join in, the less there would be for each of you to do. The mailing list is a new Yahoo group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/psycho-babble-greeters
I think I also have the server automatically posting the links to this thread:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20080507/msgs/920478.html
And tweeting them (the links, not any of the text).
--
> I don't see that 'no tweet' = not wanting new Babblers (speaking for myself). I don't feel ambivalent about new Babblers.
>
> The thing that makes me feel uncomfortable is the thought of people reading Babble posts out of sheer curiosity. ... as opposed to ... discovering Babble as a result of doing a Google search on a psych med (the way I discovered it) or searching online for a support forum.
>
> Kath> I don't really like Twitter. The more I've experienced it since that thread first started, the less I like it. It's overwhelming, for one thing, to even contemplate having yet another electronic "place" to keep track of, check, be a part of, whatever. ... I particularly don't like you - or anyone - excerpting my Babble posts on Twitter, for the same reasons I and others have already explained. Babble is Babble and Twitter is Twitter. I may not be able to explain any further, rationally, the "why" of it, but I do KNOW it has nothing AT ALL to do with being ambivilent about new Babblers.
>
> 10derHeartI'm not sure Twitter searches and Google searches are so different. And this doesn't involve posters joining Twitter themselves.
Maybe the ambivalence isn't about all new Babblers, but just about certain new ones. Because they're different somehow? Just curious as opposed to needing support? Twitter as opposed to Babble?
I'm reminded of the concerns about the last research project. Like you, Twitter users are real people who can benefit from support and education. Anxiety is a natural result of change, and I think the reaction here was also a sign of cohesiveness and a desire to protect this community from disruption. As Seldom said back then, good can come of this -- for current posters, for new posters, and for the community as a whole. Let's try to be open to that possibility.
Bob
Posted by 10derHeart on October 12, 2009, at 2:27:00
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 12, 2009, at 0:15:16
I feel mostly unheard and COMPLETELY misunderstood.
But I am learning when to just walk away.
Sigh.
Posted by muffled on October 12, 2009, at 10:19:38
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Dr. Bob, posted by 10derHeart on October 12, 2009, at 2:27:00
> I feel mostly unheard and COMPLETELY misunderstood.
>
> But I am learning when to just walk away.
>
> Sigh.*(((10der))) I sigh too ***Sigh****
You have to walk away.
He(Bob) just DOESN'T seem to understand stuff, he really doesn't. He doesn't seem able to. Which is why he does not change anything in any signifigant way.
That is why I don't (mostly) post here. Cuz I can't be here, cuz he doesn't listen(or maybe he does sometimes, when he is here, and it suits him, maybe he listens, but is unable to comprehend). I can't reason with him. That makes this place unsafe IMHO, cuz sometimes he(Bob) is way too hurtful.
Take care 10der, your a good egg, I miss being able to visit here.
M
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 12, 2009, at 10:48:01
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Dr. Bob, posted by 10derHeart on October 12, 2009, at 2:27:00
> I feel mostly unheard and COMPLETELY misunderstood.
>
> But I am learning when to just walk away.I'm sorry I didn't understand. Could you try to explain again?
Bob
Posted by MidnightBlue on October 12, 2009, at 14:37:05
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 10, 2009, at 15:21:05
> No, but it does mean you don't want, or at least are ambivalent about, new Babblers, doesn't it?
>
> BobDr. Bob,
That is a hurtful and incorrect statement. Please do not put words in my mouth. And no, I don't care to elaborate on that.
MidnightBlue
Posted by 10derHeart on October 12, 2009, at 14:54:10
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 12, 2009, at 10:48:01
No, sorry, maybe some day, but I can't right now.
My head hurts and I can't think of any more ways to say the same thing.
Thanks for asking, anyway,
Posted by Phillipa on October 12, 2009, at 19:00:20
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Dr. Bob, posted by 10derHeart on October 12, 2009, at 14:54:10
Glad I got Facebook it's a fun place. Phillipa ps no blocking there. And topics are fun.
Posted by Dinah on October 12, 2009, at 20:52:03
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Phillipa on October 12, 2009, at 19:00:20
"We ordered rectal thermometers and got spark plugs ; both very useful items but hardly interchangeable." - Col. Potter, M*A*S*H*
The purpose of Facebook and the purpose of Babble are not the same. I'm glad you found someplace fun to be, and to play games. But I'm guessing that you might not get the answers to meds questions that you can get here, for example?
(To be clear, that's just a quote my husband and I love to use in situations where it can in any way be applied. I'm not implying that either Babble or Facebook have any similarities to rectal thermometers or spark plugs.)
Posted by Phillipa on October 12, 2009, at 21:20:08
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Phillipa, posted by Dinah on October 12, 2009, at 20:52:03
Dinah they complement each other. Phillipa the two sites.
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 25, 2009, at 10:06:32
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on September 29, 2009, at 5:18:25
> I did a mini-survey of the last archive at Medication and found 13 flagged posts by new posters. 9 were replied to, 4 weren't. 7 of the 9 who were replied to posted again, but only 1 of the 4 who weren't.
I did a follow-up mini-survey of the new system, and there were 14 new posters, all were replied to, and 11 posted again.
The big difference is that the replied-to rate increased from 9/13 = 69% to 14/14 = 100%. The posted-again-if-replied-to rate didn't really change, 7/9 = 78% vs 11/14 = 79%. But the higher replied-to rate brought the overall posted-again rate up from 8/13 = 62% to 11/14 = 79%.
Thanks to all of you who replied! And especially to Deneb, who was the most consistent replier.
Would anybody else like to help maintain Babble in this way? If so, it's easy now to know when a new poster posts. You can:
* keep checking this thread at Newbies:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20080507/msgs/920478.html
* join this Yahoo group to receive links to those posts by email:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/psycho-babble-greeters
* or follow Babble on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/psycho_babel
Bob
Posted by Deneb on October 25, 2009, at 13:52:59
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 25, 2009, at 9:06:32
You're welcome Dr. Bob! It's nice to welcome newbies. I find the Yahoo group the most useful. I keep my gmail open all the time and I get to answer newbies faster this way.
Posted by Phillipa on October 25, 2009, at 18:14:07
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble » Dr. Bob, posted by Deneb on October 25, 2009, at 13:52:59
Deneb you're doing a wonderful job been seeing quite a few of the greetings. I try to welcome also if the name seems new or the flags there still or not? If not the contents of the thread sometimes say they are new. Phillipa
Posted by Deneb on October 26, 2009, at 12:50:54
In reply to Re: maintaining Babble, posted by Dr. Bob on October 25, 2009, at 10:06:32
Hey Dr. Bob,
I found this and thought it might be helpful. I don't know if you've read it before,
http://www.communityspark.com/dont-lose-existing-members-of-your-online-community/
Dont lose existing members of your online community
keep hold of existing community members
New members help your community become more vibrant but you dont have a community in the first place if you cant keep hold of your existing members. It doesnt matter how many posts you have if members join, say hello and then leave, you dont have a community. You need to keep hold of existing members whilst attracting new ones at the same time.
How to keep existing members of your online community
Members of your online community need to feel special and they need to feel valued. They need to know that you want them as a members and they need to know that you have noticed them.
Here are some ways you can lower the turnover of your online community:
1. Welcome new members.
Be personal. The auto-generated email doesnt count but if thats all you can do, at least personalise it. This can scale welcome new members publicly, and your members will follow suit. If it all becomes a bit overwhelming, youve already established a welcome wagon as part of your communitys culture. Your members will now take over.
When you welcome new members, they know they have been noticed. Nobody wants to contribute to a community if they feel invisible.
2. Praise member contributions.
If members do good, tell them. Feature the best content in a prominent position on the site. When responding to a members post, tell them how great you think it is. Dont forget the value of private messaging, too you might not want to get involved in a specific discussion, but that shouldnt stop you from dropping a member a PM to thank them for their fantastic contribution.
3. Communicate with your members.
Dont just talk to your members. Listen, too. Get involved in the community you are managing. Get involved in discussions. When members contact you, make sure they get a response (a real one not an auto-responder or link to the FAQs). If you forget to keep in touch with your members, they may forget to keep in touch with the community.
4. Get to know your members.
Similar to above. You cant get to know your members if youre not involved in the community. Dont just reply to existing discussions. Dont just start new discussions. Ask questions. Learn about your members and learn from your members. Figure out what makes them tick youll then be in a better position to tailor the community to their needs.
5. Show interest in your members.
If youre not a people person, you cant be a community manager. You need to be interested in people and you need to love getting to know people. Show an interest in your members and what they do. Does a member have a blog? Go read it and drop the occasional comment. Do they have a new website? Take a look and offer some feedback. Share a link to their site with the community.
Show an interest in your members, and theyll continue to show an interest in your community.
6. Interview your members.
I have to admit, this is something I have only started doing recently. It works wonders, though. Initially, members wondered what the point of interviews would be after all, they are already getting to know other members by reading their posts and getting involved in discussions. However, after the very first interview, the sceptics were won over.
Interviews allow you to really dig deep into the personality and experience of individual members. They are a great opportunity for members to open up and talk about things they wouldnt normally share or start a discussion about. They can bring the community closer together, and the replies from other members after an interview make the interviewee feel special and valued.
Dont just interview existing members of your online community, though get out there and interview people you want as members, too.
7. Give members additional responsibilities.
Empowerment is a powerful tool. You dont need to necessarily give away real powers just assign individual members certain tasks and responsibilities. At Female Forum, one of our members is in charge of the Twitter account. Brave? Dangerous? Risky? No it just shows the community how much I respect and trust them.
8. Give members a reason to keep coming back.
Nobody will come back to your community if there is no fresh content. You need to get members addicted. Newsletters can be used to highlight the best conversations (or the most controversial). Quiz leagues can bring out a competitive spirit.
Put yourself in the shoes of your members. Would you want to return tomorrow?
9. Know when to use power.
You have lots of power. You can edit posts, delete posts, delete members and ban members. Use these powers sparingly. Dont oppress members. They dont want to live in fear. The more they worry about moderator intervention, the less theyll be inclined to post. Members will make mistakes from time to time dont come down on them like a tonne of bricks if they do. Be understanding. Genuine mistakes happen. Personal circumstances may result in someone acting completely out of character.
Use your power sparingly and wisely.
10. Be genuine.
You cant fake it when it comes to being a community manager. You need to be genuinely interested in your members. You need to be genuinely passionate about the community. Members can tell when youre faking it if that happens, youre in trouble.
How to attract new members to your online community
See above. If you work hard for your existing members, youll naturally attract new ones.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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