Using Forums!

[Tobes]

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

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

I don't quote for the most part, I suck, I know, I was referring to the whole host of posts of the last couple of days basically saying CERTAIN posters this, CERTAIN posters that but never actually making a proper complaint or naming names etc so all a bit weirdly irrelevant.

 

[stugster]

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

Are you sure she didn't think that you didn't not think you referred to her referring to a poster or member?

Non nonsensical?!
DRINK!

 

[estwig]

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

I don't quote for the most part, I suck, I know, I was referring to the whole host of posts of the last couple of days basically saying CERTAIN posters this, CERTAIN posters that but never actually making a proper complaint or naming names etc so all a bit weirdly irrelevant.

Another one called 'certain posters' thats 3 to ban now, the mods are gonna be busy!!!

 

[Tobes]

Are you sure she didn't think that you didn't not think you referred to her referring to a poster or member?

Non nonsensical?!
DRINK!

Not many people are thinking on a Sunday night from what I can see

 

[cjd]

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

No you're not. There are now at least two of us.

I'm beginning to wonder what I'm missing. I've never felt like using the red triangle thing and, despite being here a while, didn't even know it was there.

I don't get PM spammed and what few spam I see on the forum are gone pretty quickly courtesy of the excellent mods.

There are cliques, they where here when I arrived and they will be here when I leave. Have you EVER joined ANY community where there weren't any?

Here's a secret; the cliques don't matter - this is only an internet forum - it really isn't life and death; it's not even real life.

Get over yourselves already.......

 

[Tobes]

I KNEW you were all figments of my imagination!!

 

[stugster]

Here's a secret; the cliques don't matter - this is only an internet forum - it really isn't life and death; it's not even real life.

Anyone ever been involved in Internet Relay Chat (IRC) ?

Surprising how similar it can be.

 

[Tobes]

omg Used to use that, wasn't it taken over by perverts?

 

[Lasting Designs]

I actually feel that this place is like a great big market place. The old-timers, have been around from the beginning and continue to come back day in day out. Its natural that bonds will be made, as it does in the real world, and you'll always have the "in my day" merchants reminissing about changes, they've seen.

Like a market, these old timers will have seen people come and go, some are tryers, some are doers and some are lazy. Like the real world, we've all seen it in our own high streets.

I like this forum for the diverse opinions and topics that make life enjoyable, for a sole trader working from home, this is the closest I get to having colleagues. I don't suppose I'm any different from anybody else in acknowledging the value of a second (or more) opinion. Like any market, people disappear for good, it isn't always a bad thing, but none the less, its sad when people leave through feeling that they forced out.

People will tout for business on a forum like this, we are all trying to sale something, some "need" to sale more that others, it doesn't make it wrong. Others will offer a bias steer towards anothers business, usually through getting a great service themselves.

Like any market, we also have colleagues (on-line members) who are potential customers, some window shop, some are time wasters, some are without a bean to thier name and will always look for the cheapest, even if it isn't the best VFM. People who request a service or product here, will get the hard sell, the speculative quote, the chancer offering a deal to good to be true. Is this so much different from the real world?

I for one, will continue adding something (hopefully useful) to the forum and shamelessly admitting that I hope to get something back too. We are all business people at the end of the day, its what seperates us from being employees...

 

[Rhyl Lightworks]

No you're not. There are now at least two of us.

I'm beginning to wonder what I'm missing. I've never felt like using the red triangle thing and, despite being here a while, didn't even know it was there.

I don't get PM spammed and what few spam I see on the forum are gone pretty quickly courtesy of the excellent mods.

There are cliques, they where here when I arrived and they will be here when I leave. Have you EVER joined ANY community where there weren't any?

Here's a secret; the cliques don't matter - this is only an internet forum - it really isn't life and death; it's not even real life.

Get over yourselves already.......

At least three. Agree with everything you say.
I'm sorry if I'm being stupid or naive, but could someone spell out to me what this thread is all about?
Barrie

 

[Dizzydiza]

I like this forum for the diverse opinions and topics that make life enjoyable, for a sole trader working from home, this is the closest I get to having colleagues.

People will tout for business on a forum like this, we are all trying to sale something, some "need" to sale more that others, it doesn't make it wrong.

2 points i agree with....as a mum and carer first, my business takes up what free time i have and i use the forum community as a place to socialise first and a place to obtain information second....which by the way have been very helpful
i haven't been in undated with other businesses trying to sell themselves to me which has been good cause at the end of the day if i want their services i will seek them out
i think to be in a business community though you need to develop a slightly thicker skin because sometimes people can say things in a way that makes you feel stupid...but lets face it, you wouldn't be asking if you knew the answer
and finally how about make a newbie feel welcome day

diana

 

[Hayles]

Crikey, can't leave the place for a few hours!

I can see where Gill's coming from - but as far as I can see, the blatant posts are deleted eventually aren't they? It's annoying that people try it on, but if they disappear anyway it doesn't bother me. Although I don't get to read many of the posts now as there are just so many.

I'm guilty of choosing to read posts from

1. longer established members
2. those with interesting titles

(in that order). This isn't because I'm 'anti-newbie', but just because there are so many posts that you have to pick some out in some way.

Also, many of the newer posts are the same questions again and again - which gets so boring. Newer members could really help by reading some of the info before they post. Or if they can't find what they're looking for they could ask "can anyone point me to blah blah if it's already been covered".

Do the more established members deserve more respect than newer members? I think it's a natural thing to happen (as in any club, workplace, etc.), but obviously you have to earn the respect. When new members come along who seem to want to antagonise people, change things, moan about the forum, etc., they're not going to be liked as much as someone who comes along and gradually gets their personality over and gets to know people before lighting the fires! ALL the established members on here (that I can think of), have proved themselves to be friendly and helpful over a period of time. If they weren't, they simply wouldn't have stayed to offer advice for so long.

Think about it, if Estwig was to post today saying he didn't like the colour of the forum and would like it changed, who's gonna get offended? But if someone who'd been here a week said the same, it would be natural to ask 'who do they think they are' (or is it just me?!)

Anyway, I'm waffling.

Enjoy your stay everyone!

H

 

[stugster]

Hayles, that's the first time I've ever agreed 100% with a post I think!

 

[Hayles]

Hayles, that's the first time I've ever agreed 100% with a post I think!

Apart from the waffling bit of course....

H

 

[estwig]

Good post Hayles, me thinks Pink would be cool maybe with a subtle shade of Lilac mixed in here and there!!!

 

[gamequeen]

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

i agree with you. it's the best place for me to learn how people start to build up business, for that i don't have the a lots of knowlege of business.
this is the best place to learn.

 

[wilfredw]

Maybe, there should be a Read Me First for newbies. It should contain things like - business is based on trust and should be earned. So resist the urge to make offers when no one knows you. I have done some business here with cerain members but never with anyone who logs in to answer a query.

(PS - and I think I joined before almost everybody posting on this thread )

 

[plan-romford]

Well said Alice...

There are some FANTASTIC people here... I have received some great advise - most welcome!

But I too have had a couple of so called old-pro's - who have been sarcastic, unhelpful & downright rude...

Everyone is here to make an effort - cream rises to the top, no matter how long you have been here.

An idiot can have 1 posting or a million - they are still an idiot )

Thankfully most people are sensible - going about there daily lives & MOST importantly wanting to learn - which is surely the whole point!

 

[plan-romford]

I actually feel that this place is like a great big market place. The old-timers, have been around from the beginning and continue to come back day in day out. Its natural that bonds will be made, as it does in the real world, and you'll always have the "in my day" merchants reminissing about changes, they've seen.

Like a market, these old timers will have seen people come and go, some are tryers, some are doers and some are lazy. Like the real world, we've all seen it in our own high streets.

I like this forum for the diverse opinions and topics that make life enjoyable, for a sole trader working from home, this is the closest I get to having colleagues. I don't suppose I'm any different from anybody else in acknowledging the value of a second (or more) opinion. Like any market, people disappear for good, it isn't always a bad thing, but none the less, its sad when people leave through feeling that they forced out.

People will tout for business on a forum like this, we are all trying to sale something, some "need" to sale more that others, it doesn't make it wrong. Others will offer a bias steer towards anothers business, usually through getting a great service themselves.

Like any market, we also have colleagues (on-line members) who are potential customers, some window shop, some are time wasters, some are without a bean to thier name and will always look for the cheapest, even if it isn't the best VFM. People who request a service or product here, will get the hard sell, the speculative quote, the chancer offering a deal to good to be true. Is this so much different from the real world?

I for one, will continue adding something (hopefully useful) to the forum and shamelessly admitting that I hope to get something back too. We are all business people at the end of the day, its what seperates us from being employees...

Spot on - a very wise post indeed!

 

[Dan Matthews]

As someone who runs a forum, I know how tough it can be to keep everyone happy - especially when that means getting rid of the spammers.

This forum is plenty bigger than mine, so it must be that much harder for Dan Martin & co to keep the trouble makers at bay! I feel for you Dan

 

[KatieP]

(Tentatively posting as a very, very new member!)

I'd like to add that I agree with Lasting Designs (quoted by plan-romford above)

I want to appear professional, impress potential clients and learn about business - but I also want to chip in with anything that others may find useful, give an opinion when it's appropriate and help put if I possibly can. I think of the forum as something of a swap-shop, I suppose.

Getting the hang of how things work, knowing what is allowed and what's frowned upon can be a bit tricky for us new members - I for one am a complete forum novice and I sincerely hope I've not broken any etiquette rules so far, and I'll endeavour not to do so in future either!

Happy posting everyone!
(best introduce myself in the appropriate section soon I guess ...)

Katie

 

[KatieP]

Rats, I meant to say 'help out if I possibly can'!

 

[Dan Matthews]

A perfect post Katie

 

[Rusty]

Katie

Love the idea of a Swop-shop.

Welcome aboard

 

[Dizzydiza]

Also, many of the newer posts are the same questions again and again - which gets so boring. Newer members could really help by reading some of the info before they post. Or if they can't find what they're looking for they could ask "can anyone point me to blah blah if it's already been covered".

H

that is very true Hayles...but it is also very true of any forum....a lot of the time people are in a hurry and just don't have the time to go reading through all the threads to find the one relevant to their question or if they are like me just don't have a clue how to use the search function on the forum but i will certainly remember to try the "can anyone point me..."....but i am worried then that someone will say why don't you use the search function of the website....so then i am made to feel stupid or even more so as the case may be


by the way i like lilac....pink is too girlie

diana

 

[Hayles]

that is very true Hayles...but it is also very true of any forum....a lot of the time people are in a hurry and just don't have the time to go reading through all the threads to find the one relevant to their question or if they are like me just don't have a clue how to use the search function on the forum but i will certainly remember to try the "can anyone point me..."....but i am worried then that someone will say why don't you use the search function of the website....so then i am made to feel stupid or even more so as the case may be


by the way i like lilac....pink is too girlie

diana

You're right and I hope anyone who points someone in the direction of a previous thread does it in a polite way (I'm sure they would - apart from Estwig or Earl probably, you have to watch them ). We all know the search function on here isn't great so it's bound to happen quite often. And it's not just newer members that ask so don't worry!

H

 

[Darren Falkingham]

Hi all,

A few things if I may:

First, we do try very hard to keep spam under control, but as with any community forum it's impossible to police every thread and post. We do ask, though, that any member who spots a spammy, inflammatory or suspicious post clicks the 'Report Post' button (pointed out earlier in this thread - looks like a red road warning sign). This alerts the moderators directly and the post can be dealt with accordingly. No-one except the moderators knows that you've clicked the 'Report Post' button, so please be confident to help us weed out the less welcome visitors to UKBF.

Second, we are looking at new products to add to vBulletin that aim to stop spambots posting - but if a human spammer wants to come on here and post rubbish, even the latest software will not identify them - we need members to report them.

Third, and most importantly, this forum is here for the members to discuss their businesses - and its focus is specifically the UK. Members here can get valuable guidance, advice, support, contacts...and occasionally new business from other members. Of course, any community worth its salt will want to get to know each other outisde of a business context, and that's where the 'Time Out' section comes into its own!

Finally, we will very soon publish a more detailed policy on how these forums should be used, what's allowed in posts, what the moderation processes are, what consititutes an infraction, and so on. We certainly hope that this will add a great deal of clarity as to what is acceptable behaviour on UKBF - but we are very happy to change any of these if they are inappropriate to how the members want to use the forum.

The best communities are the ones where the members feel ownership, and we're trying our best to establish new ways of achieving this. But, as I've said in other threads, we can't change the site at every member's request - there has to be a formalised approach to gradually improving UKBF.

There are lots of ideas in this thread, and it'll take time for us to identify, review and answer them. As always, I welcome your feedback and thoughts, and if you're unhappy with what you see, please be constructive - we're only human too!

I've moved this thread to 'Feedback & Help', where I always look first for member comments.

Please do feel free to let me know - good and bad - what you think.

Kind regards,
Darren

 

[stugster]

Just a suggestion that I thought may be appropriate...

As Private Messages are commonly used between ALL users, and the resources they take up are minuscule in comparison to the infinite resources of forums threads, would it be an idea to:

Charge ALL members, before they are allowed to post, a small fee to allow them the ability to post and gain more message space?

£2.50 or £5.00 per annum would be a great price to pay if it meant I could keep more messages in my inbox... and I am in no doubt that those human spammers aren't going to fork out ANYTHING just to tell us about the latest dog in China that's making millions via their noodle flavoured soup products.

 

[miketombs]

I haven't read the whole of this thread - I've been on the other side of my work/forum balance

I first came across the forum through a google search when I was looking for info on a company which I wanted to find out about. It happened that there was a link to forum and that's how I stumbled across it.

There seems to be a group who have no idea at all about business and come with very limited information but expect to be given a detailed roadmap to business success. It doesn't work that way, and although their naivety may have a certain charm, that soon wears off. Apart from the occassional reply along the lines of "Talk to a professional", I just ignore those.

By far the largest group post specific requests for information and those are exactly what I believe the forum is for. In my area of expertise for example, someone might want to know about tax-deductibility of expenses, or business structures. That's fine, and if someone hasn't already replied, I'll contribute where I can.

Only once did I stumble across a thread which really made my blood boil, and that was the 'ceiling stars' thread. Not though because of the original query raised, but because it went slightly off topic into an examination of the poster's quite distasteful business ethical standards, and that for me has resulted in one forumite to whom I will not give advice.

I've both received and given advice, and that's how the forum should work. Blatant posts seeking business opportunities should be deleted, but other than that, I think it works reasonably well.

 

[Lasting Designs]

I haven't read the whole of this thread - I've been on the other side of my work/forum balance

I first came across the forum through a google search when I was looking for info on a company which I wanted to find out about. It happened that there was a link to forum and that's how I stumbled across it.

There seems to be a group who have no idea at all about business and come with very limited information but expect to be given a detailed roadmap to business success. It doesn't work that way, and although their naivety may have a certain charm, that soon wears off. Apart from the occassional reply along the lines of "Talk to a professional", I just ignore those.

By far the largest group post specific requests for information and those are exactly what I believe the forum is for. In my area of expertise for example, someone might want to know about tax-deductibility of expenses, or business structures. That's fine, and if someone hasn't already replied, I'll contribute where I can.

Only once did I stumble across a thread which really made my blood boil, and that was the 'ceiling stars' thread. Not though because of the original query raised, but because it went slightly off topic into an examination of the poster's quite distasteful business ethical standards, and that for me has resulted in one forumite to whom I will not give advice.

I've both received and given advice, and that's how the forum should work. Blatant posts seeking business opportunities should be deleted, but other than that, I think it works reasonably well.

A good post I think.

The last sentence, it should be noted, as that there is a Jobs and tenders section, the asking for quotes/looking for opportunities really should be done in there...

 

[DarrenC]

I've spent a few years on various business/webmaster forums and I've learnt to sift through the crap. I come here to learn, ask questions, help people, no matter if there are new or estrablished members.

It's worth pointing out that obviously, you'll find more self promotional links within posts, when new members aren't allowed to add a linkable signature too.