Forum Growing Pains

[Rachael Polachek]

[*Sarah*]

I cant see anything offensive in that I completly agree with the siggy thing personally I think Vala does loads for all of us with the amount of siggys she makes thats why I always say "when she gets any free time" if I request a new one but it seems we get a lot of newbies asking for one after like 1 post on here and then they never come back . Lately I've also had to do a lot of cross posting with the articles section due to people just not looking there and then asking questions, when the info is already available in b/w. I have to admit I have started to clutter a little I post way too many photos of Stitchy lol I think he officially hates the camera now. But it would be an idea to possibly change the ranking system now as a lot of the regualar members dont get to change ranks anymore (myself not included as I left for a while and still need to catch up). It's nice to see new members around but I do kinda get sick of the same questions all the time too I have to keep telling myself to ignore them and not reply lol. I am worse on the other forum I go on I believe I put the same post everytime when someone is looking for a chi pup and it all gets too much as no one ever checks to see what has been previously said. Also the advertising of other sites is kinda annoying did anyone else notice the person trying to sell artwork in the buyer/seller forum?? they hadnt ever posted before and were trying to sell, I didnt think that was allowed. I dunno maybe I'm turning into a grouch now or it could be cos it's almost 2am hmmmm I'm odd.

Sarah

[Cooper]

I agree Rachael. I've pretty much deserted the photos forum and only visit the chat and General chat sections now ... the repetitive questions, some of which are just ridiculous, and differing opinions where people will take up arms to defend their side is just driving me nuts.

I realize the admin and moderators can only do so much and you can't police people's feelings and questions but we seem to have had an influx of new folks lately that are not only new to the forum, but chihuahuas in general.

Perhaps a "new puppy" section would help with that... I don't know if it's possible, but maybe there could be all the stickies that contain basic information about chis, what to feed, crate/house training, etc. where you can ask a question but only certain people can respond (i.e. special moderators with permissions to respond in that forum). Or maybe just have a bunch of articles and info but the forum itself is locked. That might cut down on the "what do I feed my dog" questions a bit - but it does seem most new folks don't even look around; they just post their question, even if it comes out on top of the same question asked an hour earlier.

I wonder if there could be an "introductory" period where you get your user name, etc but can't post for a week or so ... that would give people time to cruise the forum but they couldn't hop right in and post immediately.

[Camilla]

I agree Cooper...I used to read absolutely everything but now I usually just have time to go to General chat and maybe one or two other threads...I want to keep up, but there isnt time! I like the pics section but I often only get time to look and not reply...and I almost never answer questions or welcome newbies any more it just gets too boring....

[Kari]

I think alot of members are feeling that way now. I started coming around in May of last year and it was still a very small forum. There'd be MAYBE 20-30 posts a day and that was a good day, weekends there was almost no activity. Now it is very hard to read all the posts.

I think it'd be a good idea to increase the minimum post counts on both siggy's and contests. I'd like to see it at a minimum of 100, maybe even more.

I think it's great that it is growing so much, alot of people are learning. But it really does take away the 'closeness' of the forum. With that said, alot of the newer members I thoroughly enjoy such as Cooper.

[EdukatedRedHed]

Can I ask a question? Do y'all think I'm being annoying?? Please be honest!!

Ever since I was directed to the articles section of the forum I have tried to "search" for answers before I ask a question. And I haven't requested a siggy yet b/c I see how busy they are with everyone else's requests. I'm trying to figure it out on my own, but my time is very limited, so it's a slow process.

I totally see what y'all are talking about though. I don't read the newbie section at all. That may be really hypocritical of me, but I just try to read and reply to those people who I see their name over and over.

Anyway, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being a pain.

[xx-nathalie-xx]

yeah , i haven't posted since last week , because i just feel overwhelmed (sp?) when i want to start about the amount of posts , and i don't feel like it anymore . i know it's rubbish,but i feel guilty not replying to most of the posts ............

kisses nat

[OzzyAndLilysMom]

I agree since Ive come back from hols its just so overwhelming the amount of posts there is here so I just dont know where too start and I used to answer every thread thats just not possible anymore - I dont know what to do all your suggestions are great hopefully the admin will be able to help us out