Missing people

Most of us know why we are here, and not, for example on another forum, but we did have quite a lot of good people over there, and I suspect quite a lot of them are not over there any more (or at least not actively).
But the relevant point is that they are not here either...

So who are we missing and how do we find them?

Good question.

They are, of course, all welcome to join us if they can be found ..

If you want to ask people on other fora if they want to join, I guess no one ( on the other fora) would mind?

Well I need to maintain a distance from other places, as the forum owner its not very polite for me to be mining other fora for members, however, I have no problems at all with our membership inviting people they know on other fora. In fact, as HL said, there are folk who were active and are now no longer active on the other place and may not know about us, so feel free to invite any and all you may feel suitable.

Sorry, I meant HL, or other people doing the asking...not you badger as yes it might be construed as impolite.

Should have been clearer. Sorry.

I think there are quite a few missing persons who were put off the whole forum thing and have simply left the internet. I know at least 4.

Was that from here or other places?

Hopefully not from here eh

Would hope not!

I know I only post on here.. and no other "green " forum now... I do visit several specialist teaching/ woodcraft/ Forest School ones as well but this is where I come to be with my friends...

No no, it was from 'Another Forum' that had gone through several name changes and a change in management. It left a sour taste in some people's mouths.

I think the "another forum" has become a social site for a few members that are constantly logged on and are just chatting....
It is interesting to consider how it has transformed to learn from its "mistakes" and also the one I call the "self-ish" site!

For me the answer is there must be key contributers that really write stuff just like a magazine. This keeps the forum fresh. Also to get used to being asked the same questions each year by new members without being dismissive.

Ah. Well, yes, not surprised at that, really.

I had a little back & forth with Badger last night & I am going to be doing something for friends that haven't been on here for a little while, don't know if it will do any good but over a period of time it may slowly work... [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Zoe wrote:I think the "another forum" has become a social site for a few members that are constantly logged on and are just chatting....

I look in now and again, but it is pretty rare that I find anything there worth posting about. Even so, it's interesting to note that even so, I'm still rated number 11 in the top posters... shame they don't have usage charts, it might tell them something. :?

Also to get used to being asked the same questions each year by new members without being dismissive.

We could do with a series of FAQ.
I'd suggest that they maintained with a minimum of chit-chat: maybe edit out regularly, and/or have a locked version and an open version for continued discussion.


Back to the topic. I didn't have anyone in particular in mind, but if anyone here who doesn't go there wants me to pass on a message to someone still registered there, then I am happy to try.

I think it bad form to make an open post on any forum recruiting for a rival forum.

I was indeed invited to join here some time ago - I hope I am still welcome here even though I post on the other forum too - I don't get involved in the politics of it all as to be honest i don't understand it all [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I came over from `the other side' after this forum was pointed out to me in a PM. I liked what I saw because of the collection of familiar, interesting and knowledgeable people. I like the bigger picture, rather than trivial issues of changing lightbulbs and homemade bootpolish. I did spend a while wondering how I fitted in, having a full time job, business etc. I like to grow such food as I can on my lotty, little garden veg patch and greenhouse. I like the idea of doing more for yourself and being less dependent.

Hairyloon wrote:

Zoe wrote:Also to get used to being asked the
same questions each year by new members without being
dismissive.

We could do with a series of FAQ.
I'd suggest
that they maintained with a minimum of chit-chat: maybe edit out
regularly, and/or have a locked version and an open version for
continued discussion.

The FAQ idea bothers me. I prefer Zoe's approach of patience. There already seems to be a steady trickle of new members who join, sometimes say hello, and then remain silent. I think personally I'd rather they asked the same old questions - at least it gets them involved - rather than reading the FAQ and then not joining in.

Zoe wrote:
For me the answer is there must be key contributers that really write stuff just like a magazine. This keeps the forum fresh.

A possible issue is fear of appearing to be a self-declared expert; maybe modesty is holds back potential contributers ?

Mmm I feel that.

On the one hand I wrote some articles ( reproduced from my blog) because I knew lots of people needed that sort of advice, from a friendly "face" they sort of knew...well in a virtual way anyway! and I knew from the loads of comments I got, that the series of craft, composting and assorted growing articles were welcome and useful.

but I did and still do wonder it it doesn't just look rather show off .

I think people asking questions is really good, and personally think a FAQ page should be reserved for technical stuff like resizing pictures etc.

Must get back to work. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Hairyloon wrote:

I think it bad form to make an open post on any forum recruiting for a rival forum.

I don't think 'rival' is really the apposite word. I see no rivalry between this forum and any other. IMO that's the kind of thinking that causes these problems in the first place. The whole point of forums like this is to disseminate information and provide support for people wanting to green up/simplify etc their lives. It's not 'my forum is better than yours'. Forums are resources. I frequent a couple and dip into others as and when I need advice or am looking for information. It's not about pledging allegiance to one gang or another. The idea is we are all working towards similar aims, not scoring points against each other.

That's the sort of attitude that drives people away from forums in general I think.

danksshady wrote:I was indeed invited to join here some time ago - I hope I am still welcome here even though I post on the other forum too - I don't get involved in the politics of it all as to be honest i don't understand it all [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I don't think anyone is suggesting if someone posts in one place they are not welcome in another?

I certainly didn't mean to suggest that, I was just saying I only come in here to talk about green, slow, crafty things...and go on a few specialist fora for , well, specialist stuff ( and no, not that sort of "specialist" Billy!)

I think it is up to the individual concerned where and how often they post , tbh... [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Compostwoman wrote:

danksshady wrote:I was indeed invited to join here some time ago - I hope I am still welcome here even though I post on the other forum too - I don't get involved in the politics of it all as to be honest i don't understand it all [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I don't think anyone is suggesting if someone posts in one place they are not welcome in another?

I certainly didn't mean to suggest that, I was just saying I only come in here to talk about green, slow, crafty things...and go on a few specialist fora for , well, specialist stuff ( and no, not that sort of "specialist" Billy!)

I think it is up to the individual concerned where and how often they post , tbh... [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

thanks CW thats good to hear [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I agree with Billy as well, its like suggesting because you read Websters dictionary, you are not welcome to read any other one....

My personal thoughts on this are that I don't care who uses what forum, its none of my business and I honestly and truly do not care.

This forum and site never meant to be a rival to the Other Place. Yes there is some history, but there was never nor is likely to be ever the policy of being an alternative of rivalry.

I do, in fact, feel that we have a completely difference remit to that site, we are not just about "green" we are about doing for yourself - the Home Made in the title should be a clue. The subtitle of the forum is voluntary simplicity, there are certianly shades of this, just as there are shades of green, we can all simplify to some extent, some more so than others - but the essence is and always be, live a good and simple life.

I want people to show off, if you can do something or a number of things, then be proud and show off, if you are an expert, then offer your expertise - the point of this site is to offer a bank of knowledge and knowledgeable folk - we'll never know about what you know, if you don't show off some.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Can I show of I have finished my teaching practice folder then? [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

If you can't do it here, then where can you do it CW? [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I find that the other place is no longer as informative on the things I am interested in, in fact I go on there less & less now. This is the forum I prefer & find the most helpful & friendly.