Using Forums!

[Gillie]

I did think about posting this in the private forum as its going to be the basis of some observations that might not be nice, but what the hell, I want everyone to read it.

I joined this place over 16 months ago and found it pretty awesome place to be. Although having been in business myself for a lot of years, I was impressed with the generosity of the members in helping each other out and the never ending advise you could get and encouragement.

We had links in our signatures, that meant we could in some part, if we wanted to, let people know about our business, and if you were curious about someone you often clicked on it to find out more. We were all here to HELP each other and not blatantly, as expressed in the forum rules, flog our companies and services.

That has all changed ... we now have a steady influx of posters who head in and try to get the ability for a link before they disappear never to be seen again. But our brilliant Mods and members who report them to the Mods, soon ditch these wannabes.

We now also have a steady influx of those willing to jump on people, and are only too willing to abuse people, just to make sure their service comes across.

For the first time ever tonight, I have been abused by a relative newbie and called a fussy old sourpuss who should leave the forum, as I pointed out he was doing a blantant sell on his goods.

Sorry, I aint going anywhere right at this moment. I would like to think I still have some things left to contribute!!

What does it take, for people to realise that the best way they will ever get anything from this place, is to join in, offer some advise if they can, or just an opinion, tell us a joke, anything to let us know they are people we can use.

Thats the important thing ... those who are just here for a quick short stay will never get anything back from business forums. If this is what you are after, go post an advert on gumtree!! A business forum is for those here for the long haul, only then will you gain a reputation where others are willing to use you and refer you.

I think this whole thread unfortunately will be lost on those who need to take notice of it most of all.

 

[asonda]

I for one, have also come across and noticed what Gill is talking about.

I won't be standing for it either, and as a long standing contributor, I will also be taking a step back from the forum, purely because of this reason.

 

[stephendoyle]

its a real shames as it sounds like there will be a lot of good contributors taking a back seat which this forum is not about.

Stephen Doyle

m: 07877658579
w: www.ccuk-ltd.com
e: [email protected]

Super Human Sales Training
& Killer Copy Writing

 

[Astaroth]

Some will be joining purely to spam to get those inbound links and some will think the sun shines out their ****/ that they know everything and they only need to show their expertise and people will come flocking.

The UKBF does tend to be fairly cliquie (sp), in my experience, in comparison with other SME and general forums. In other forums you can literally answer a few questions well and suddenly get inundated with PMs with queries for work.

Anywhere that allows user posted content will inevitably get some undesirables but then that is why good moderators make or break these types of sites - the bigger they get the more of an issue it becomes

 

[RedEvo]

This forum is nothing short of superb. As a relative newbie myself - albeit a prolific poster - I have to agree.

I never hesitate to point out the error of people's ways if they storm in with the hard sell approach and I've had two responses. One is - 'Blah blah how can I promote my business if I don't blah blah' or 'thanks, I'll change my tack.

I've taken the 'join in and help' approach and we are now reaping the rewards of that by winning some very decent chunks of business.

d

 

[clarence]

I agree Gill, I think a lot of people just don't get the whole forum thing - the fact that regulars can spot a spammer a mile off and that in order to get anything from it you just need to participate. That's all, just offer advice where you can and use it to gain help and guidance from others when you need it.

I'm a relative newcomer and have also gained some invaluable advice from here. But I've had several pms from people who blatently want to sell me something, once I posted about a problem and people were messaging me for months afterwards, despite me saying that the problem was now solved. They couldn't be bother to read the rest of the thread and just saw ££s.

It is annoying, and I'm not sure whether you can stop it. You can tell that none of them get any business from it because you never see them again after the initial flurry of activity.

I deliberately don't put links to my business because I actually don't want some things I write about to be linked to my business - say I was in trouble financially or had a problem client, I wouldn't want someone to google me and find out.

The thread about the ceiling stars the other week springs to mind I know she wasn't spamming for business but I don't think she did herself any favours at all and everyone got pretty fed up after a while.

I think it's difficult because the site appeals to such a wide range of people, from those with large businesses down to those who just have 'an idea'

I'm sorry you've had a rough time - don't take it to heart but I do think there are a lot of people who come here just to try to find business, and as you said, they won't know they're doing anything wrong.

Wendy

 

[Cornish Steve]

those who are just here for a quick short stay will never get anything back from business forums. If this is what you are after, go post an advert on gumtree!! A business forum is for those here for the long haul, only then will you gain a reputation where others are willing to use you and refer you.

In other words, look for a long-term relationship rather than a one-night stand. It's far more fulfilling and satisfying to all parties.

 

[An Oasis]

The shitheads never learn Gillie and well you know. The members who care about a long term future just need to start clicking the report post button, no point in leaving it to someone else dude ya just gotta do it.

And if the mods get swamped then SIFT need to get off their arse and get pro active. They bought the ****ing forum it seems to me that they are just sitting and watching - bad move bro it don't work that way but then I guess you never had a forum before be afraid because they die very fast.

12K membership is enough to tip things over the edge very fast. Just look at one of the classics WMW in it's hey day a real peach value 4M+ today who gives a rats arse 1M tops full of tossers. Some of the old brigade are still there but there is no real spark it's just hanging on.

 

[Katymac]

I have found the forum very useful
No-one I 'speak' to here has the slightest chance of using my business - but if I started to get sent/or had to read lots of self advertisment I would probably stop using the forum
I don't really contribute much atm as my knowledge of business is quite limited

 

[Alice3537]

To be honest, I find the reaction of some of the 'old timers' to be the worst. I came and made a few posts here and got a little sick of the attitude displayed. I read some of the posts in threads both in the public and private areas and was, frankly, amazed at the way in which some of those who have been around for longer view those who have just joined.

References to spammers in the same post as points about new- comers; vague points which encompass just about everyone joining within the last month but which don't actually target a group specifically. I saw the thread about 'apathy' and have to say I agree with that.

All of the posts both within and without the private forums talking about those forums are not designed to get posters 'on board' in any way - more likely to make them disillusioned with the forum, which is a shame as it has a lot to offer.

Personally, I have had a couple of more than sarcastic responses from the longer term members. Does that make me respect them? No. Does it make me think I should not post my views? No way. Does it make me, when I read the response in conjunction with their other posts, wonder about their ability to function when others come on board the forum? Yes, it does.

If you aren't happy with spammers - good. Neither am I.

If you aren't happy with those who take the mick out of a forum. Good - neither am I.

If you can't cope with the responses of others because you have 'been around for so long' and are, clearly, the 'expert' on the forum' or the 'one who has a lot to say' or is 'the best in your field'......learn to live with it, get to know the rest of us, have a conversation, debate the topic, have a laugh.

As a 'newbie' who has a look about, I'm surprised I even replied to this thread.

 

[stugster]

You don't just jump into bed with Terry Tibbs!

If people used the forums in the way they were meant to, as a business resource (not a blatant marketing tool) then I think these issues would be resolved.

There is a lot of bitching going on, that, unfortunately, happens within business. It is a virtual workplace as such. We're all in business, so learn to deal with it. Ignorance is bliss.

There are cliques. Yet again, this happens in a community and in the workplace. Ignorance is bliss.

Don't spam, don't be annoying, just use the forums for what they're meant to be used for.

P.S. Don't like something? Hit the red triangle.

 

[Astaroth]

Ok, been working too much, red triangle?

 

[Alice3537]

"It's called forum melt down the old timers V the new and no direction. The old timers get bored the incomers do very little and a bitchfeast commences the fall out can be very bloody."

I, for one, am sick of seeing blanket posts referencing the 'newer' members'.

This has probably been behind some of my previous posts - for those who more recent members, your posts represent an overall 'feeling' and aren't specific enough - posts about spam include comments about 'annoying' posters - what the hell does that mean?

Some of the most interesting comments are from the newer members.

 

[stugster]

IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT YOU SEE... CLICK ME!

 

[An Oasis]

"It's called forum melt down the old timers V the new and no direction. The old timers get bored the incomers do very little and a bitchfeast commences the fall out can be very bloody."

I, for one, am sick of seeing blanket posts referencing the 'newer' members'.

This has probably been behoind some of my previous posts - for those who more recent members, your posts represent an overall 'feeling' and aren't specific enough - posts about spam include comments about 'annoying' posters - what the hell does that mean?

Some of the most interesting comments are from the newer members.

I had not noticed older members yes newer ?

 

[Alice3537]

IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT YOU SEE... CLICK ME!

You make my point for me.

You guys want a successful business form, but only between those who have been around for a while (like it's a badge of honour).

I really think that one or two of you would be well advised to take a step back and realise that not all newer members registered to spam or cause trouble.

I will reiterate - most of the discourse has, in my opinion, been caused by those who have been here for a while, whining about the fact others have joined. Sorry for being a newcomer - stuff happens!

If you guys want to have a forum that is evolving, you need to be a little more welcoming and a little less arrogant.

 

[Gillie]

I started this thread with the intention of explaining how I thought a forum worked and several others agreed with me. Not once did I state that all newbies were a blight, in fact I like newbies and have stated so many many times, they are amusing and fun and have lots of different things to contribute that I do not know about and would like to learn about.

So to read that older members find new ones a blight is a mystery to me. The only ones I find a pain, are those who abuse, spam or just continually flog their wares. These members offer nothing back to the forum and us others gain nothing from them apart from maybe knowing where a certain item can be gotten cheaply, thus me stating go advertise on gumtree and other places.

 

[Astaroth]

IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT YOU SEE... CLICK ME!

ahh, its way over to the right - problem of widescreen monitor, rarely ever look that far across

 

[Tobes]

Not in anyway disagreeing with Gillie but I wish people would stop giving themselves status by starting sentences with, "as a long-standing member"...Far better to judge posts for their own merit rather than genuflect to postcount.

I'm not on here to get business so I don't advertise my company, I'm here to learn, to also give knowledge but perhaps more than anything to just associate with people who are perhaps like-minded.

With recommendations and the exhibition of knowledge and skill I will be engaging users on here for their services. It's also the case that by their actions or mere words there are people I will never interact with in a professional capacity.

Group hug anyone?

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

Am I the only one who hasn't noticed much of a difference and isn't really too fussed?...

 

[An Oasis]

You make my point for me.

You guys want a successful business form, but only between those who have been around for a while (like it's a badge of honour).

I really think that one or two of you would be well advised to take a step back and realise that not all newer members registered to spam or cause trouble.

I will reiterate - most of the discourse has, in my opinion, been caused by those who have been here for a while, whining about the fact others have joined. Sorry for being a newcomer - stuff happens!

If you guys want to have a forum that is evolving, you need to be a little more welcoming and a little less arrogant.

This has nothing to do with you Alice. It is between a very few people all old members of which I am fairly new just have a quite a few posts, in the main it's a good forum but there are certain matters/members which personally I cannot sit by and leave without comment hence things getting heated.

This forum has been useful to me and the few people that I have gotten to know I value but there are also some real tossers and as I don't need the forum and they aren't going to leave I think I will. It is easier that way.

 

[Cornish Steve]

Alice,

Thanks for making us all think. It's unfortunate that cliques can form all too easily, which can make newbies feel a little left out. I'm glad you made the observation. As a result, I'm going to take a little more time to welcome new members and to search out more of their posts.

It's always good to be made aware of a potential problem, so thanks.

 

[estwig]

Alice,

Thanks for making us all think. It's unfortunate that cliques can form all too easily, which can make newbies feel a little left out. I'm glad you made the observation. As a result, I'm going to take a little more time to welcome new members and to search out more of their posts.

It's always good to be made aware of a potential problem, so thanks.

Good call Steve, gonna join you in that as me has been ignoring the introductions section for far too long.

Gonna go 'hug a newbie'

 

[Tobes]

Steve you're a saint

 

[Tin]

anyone for tea vicar???

 

[Cornish Steve]

Steve you're a saint

Nope, but during this period of change, I'm going to do my best to be positive and make these forums succeed. New blood is the basis of any successful business, so it's right to be reminded to be more welcoming and helpful to newbies. I'd say I've been negligent in not doing so.

 

[RedEvo]

I've never found this place cliquey. Sure people recommend other forum members and that can exclude others for a while but that's just because a relationship exists, not the same thing.

d

 

[TheseWordsAreMyOwN]

Alice you are spot on. Some of the long-standing-members of the forum think they own the place. Some people think that having over 1,000 posts means their opinion counts more than others - when in reality this isn't the case.

Just because some people have been members here for 2 years, or have a 4 digit post count doesn't mean they automatically get special privileges. By all means, they should be acknowledged for their contribution to the forum, but lets not forget that SIFT are the OWNERS here - it's there job (along with the moderators) to stop blatant spamming.

Everybody else is an equal.

 

[stugster]

Keith,

I'll meet you in Intro's later for high T darling!

 

[estwig]

Keith,

I'll meet you in Intro's later for high T darling!

Theres an offer I can't refuse!!!!

Sorry I know, taking it off topic, sorry Gill Darling, didn't mean it.

 

[Alice3537]

"This has nothing to do with you Alice."

Thank you, An Oasis - all I see are blanket posts talking about newbies and that makes me (and other, I guess (assume the same thing).

And, Steve, thank you as well.

I have felt a little mad about the way in which certain posts have been pitched. Not quite so much for me (I give as good as I get! ) ...but, I really do feel that there are issues that are being caused by lack of communication on the forum which is such a shame.

 

[Tobes]

It's very ominous that people keep mentioning 'certain members', 'tis all very mysterious.

<gets on with stuff>

 

[estwig]

It's very ominous that people keep mentioning 'certain members', 'tis all very mysterious.

<gets on with stuff>

Ah I see!!!!!

The answer is obvious then, can the mods not just ban the one called 'certain members'


Sorry it is late, that is very silly, I'll get me coat
:redface:

 

[Alice3537]

I don't think I referred to a poster or member in particular?

 

[stugster]

You're just asking for a slap from Gill aren't you Keith!

I spilled coffee on your coat I'm afraid I'm sorry, I'll replace it.

I don't think I referred to a poster or member in particular?

Keith's humour Alice... He was bein' sarcastic
[EDIT]: he wasn't being sarcastic, he was joking. That wasn't sarcasm. COME ON STUART! BEHAVE!

 

[estwig]

I don't think I referred to a poster or member in particular?

Theres another trouble maker called 'a poster' better ban him as well, it's becoming an epidemic.

 

[Alice3537]

Y
Keith's humour Alice... He was bein' sarcastic
[EDIT]: he wasn't being sarcastic, he was joking. That wasn't sarcasm. COME ON STUART! BEHAVE!

but I was replying to Tobes! LOL

 

[stugster]

Tobes should be banned?! Why?

 

[estwig]

Tobes should be banned?! Why?

Stuart it is late, think you had better go find Earl and have some Horlicks, before bed time.


LOL you are getting all mixed up mate.

 

[stugster]

I know. sorry. It was an attempt (a poor one at that) at a joke. I'll leave it to the pros

My computer's playing up as well.
I'm going to have to get someone to come and fix it.