Community Forums

MSHappyCampers · 02-26-2016, 08:31 AM

Let's all help to make new members feel welcome on IRV2!

Just look under "FORUMS" and "New Member Check-In" at least once a day and extend a warm welcome to those new folks joining us!

The next one checking in could be the one that solves that tough problem you've not been able to fix!

Scarab0088 · 02-26-2016, 11:08 AM

Thanks, Joe and Annette!

That's a great post.

Oddly, there are some that feel those welcoming posts are fluff to pad your post count...but that is the opposite of the truth.

Welcoming a new member (in the New Member Check-in Forum or any Forum) could make the difference between them coming back or not.

Just ask anyone who ever asked a question that received no replies or those that got flamed...they probably wouldn't visit again.

Thanks again and safe travels.

beamisl · 02-29-2016, 05:32 PM

I agree Joe & Annette,

Like you I check it most every day. When I started I remember WAITING for my first reply. I didn't know what to expect and I was so ignorant of RVs and I really needed help.

Thankfully several people came forward and welcomed me, made a few suggestions, and eased my way into this field. It does make a difference to new people so please check this out and welcome those new members.

UTTransplant · 02-29-2016, 06:07 PM

I find this viewpoint interesting. When I join a forum, it is usually because I have a specific question that I want/need help with. If I get an answer, great! I may stick around. If I don't get an answer, I just keep looking for another forum that will have answers. A post that says "Welcome" but without an answer just doesn't even make my radar screen. For that reason, I provide answers or background on questions I think I can help with, but I don't just say "Hi" to a new poster. Obviously I am a task oriented introvert, but I thought I would mention the contrasting view as a balance.

Isn't it nice we all have different styles and personalities?

**NLOVNIT** · 02-29-2016, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTTransplant

... A post that says "Welcome" but without an answer just doesn't even make my radar screen. ...

Actually, the New Member Check-In section is for just that: a new member introducing themselves & for existing members to welcome them. The rest of the forums are for asking questions. When questions are asked in New Member, we do our best to move that post to where it will get a proper response.

We want new members to feel welcome & as post that says only "Welcome" in the New Member Check-In section is all that's needed there.

Lori-

MSHappyCampers · 03-02-2016, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTTransplant

I find this viewpoint interesting. When I join a forum, it is usually because I have a specific question that I want/need help with. If I get an answer, great! I may stick around. If I don't get an answer, I just keep looking for another forum that will have answers. A post that says "Welcome" but without an answer just doesn't even make my radar screen. For that reason, I provide answers or background on questions I think I can help with, but I don't just say "Hi" to a new poster. Obviously I am a task oriented introvert, but I thought I would mention the contrasting view as a balance.

Isn't it nice we all have different styles and personalities?

I understand where you're coming from. I can see where that might make them feel like we're not trying to help. If I can answer their questions I try to do so, but if I can't, I try to tell them I'm sorry I can't help.

Along with what Lori said, I sometimes tell them to post specific questions in other areas of the forum for best results!

bsirby · 03-03-2016, 10:50 AM

Thanks for the reminder Joe. I used to welcome new members and I'm not sure why I stopped. I will renew my efforts, as I do remember what it felt like when I joined other forums and got nothing. This forum has been a much better experience because of the members like you. Thank you.
Brenda

**CLIFFTALL** · 03-03-2016, 10:54 AM

Thanks Joe. It really makes a difference to our new members.

TonyDi · 03-03-2016, 12:13 PM

Joe,

I remember when I first joined. There were many members that just said hello, and it made me feel welcome. I try to do the same for others. It's all about being courteous.

MartySQ · 03-08-2016, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTTransplant

I find this viewpoint interesting. When I join a forum, it is usually because I have a specific question that I want/need help with. If I get an answer, great! I may stick around. If I don't get an answer, I just keep looking for another forum that will have answers. A post that says "Welcome" but without an answer just doesn't even make my radar screen. For that reason, I provide answers or background on questions I think I can help with, but I don't just say "Hi" to a new poster. Obviously I am a task oriented introvert, but I thought I would mention the contrasting view as a balance.

Isn't it nice we all have different styles and personalities?

Yes, I never even checked into the new member forum for quite some time... I went straight to where I could ask a question and started to research a bit there and asked my questions long before I ever even thought to post in the newbie spot! Now and then I check in and welcome folks... probably not often enough, thanks for the reminder to do my part making people feel welcome.