Things that scare new board members away

[_zeezrom]

There are two groups of lurkers and potential new members of this board: believers who look to defend, believers who are looking for answers to questions, non-believers who need support.

I believe the following things scare potential new members of this board away:

- Elitism:

The fear that current members will look at their new posts as inferior in some way. They might look at the content of existing posts as belonging to a clique. They might view the regular posters as belonging to said clique. They might view banter from long-time posters as threatening. Maybe there are digs from fellow members that appear jovial to some but potentially rude to the newbie.

- Distasteful imagery:

I am one to blame for this, I think. Sorry. Although, given my latest post, you might think I'm really not very sorry. OK, maybe I'm not very sorry.

- Blasphemy:

Comments about the divine in this forum might scare believers away.

- Rude comments:

Some people say rude things to each other here. A case in point is me telling Why Me "Screw you." I don't remember where it was. I also recall a member who mentioned something about furry fandom and people made fun of him. He left and has never returned. :(

Summary

There is no way an administrator can weed all this stuff out. It is not the fault of any single person. I don't know how it can be fixed. I suppose it just shows that boards like this require a certain personality.

What do you all think?

[_Sammy Jankins]

- Distasteful imagery:

I am one to blame for this, I think. Sorry. Although, given my latest post, you might think I'm really not very sorry. OK, maybe I'm not very sorry.

Zeezrom I would hardly classify the artwork you post as distasteful.

[_Res Ipsa]

I think you have three groups of lurkers there.... ;-) And there are probably more categories.

An online forum cannot be all things to all people. Personally, I would never steer a person looking for support to this board. There are on=line forums of various flavors that are set up for support. I think this forum fills a niche not filled by any other forum, and it shouldn't sacrifice what it is in the name of not scaring folks away.

[_zeezrom]

- Distasteful imagery:

I am one to blame for this, I think. Sorry. Although, given my latest post, you might think I'm really not very sorry. OK, maybe I'm not very sorry.

Zeezrom I would hardly classify the artwork you post as distasteful.

I should clarify - distasteful to some.

[_Quasimodo]

There are two groups of lurkers and potential new members of this board: believers who look to defend, believers who are looking for answers to questions, non-believers who need support.

Great thread!

I think it's a very good idea to stand back and review things once in a while.

The unexamined board is not worth posting in (my apologies to Socrates and grammarians, everywhere).

I believe the following things scare potential new members of this board away:

- Elitism:

The fear that current members will look at their new posts as inferior in some way. They might look at the content of existing posts as belonging to a clique. They might view the regular posters as belonging to said clique. They might view banter from long-time posters as threatening. Maybe there are digs from fellow members that appear jovial to some but potentially rude to the newbie.

The thing that drew me to this board was the very free exchange of ideas. That does come with some drama, but for me, that is what makes it interesting. In some respects, it's much like a very good soap opera.

For those lurking and considering participating, remember the old childhood poem: "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me".

There are some bullies here and there are some elitists here that can sometimes be off putting. For every one of those there are many that will become good friends.

- Distasteful imagery:

I am one to blame for this, I think. Sorry. Although, given my latest post, you might think I'm really not very sorry. OK, maybe I'm not very sorry.

I've never found any image you have posted here distasteful. If anyone does then they truly don't belong here. They should also stay away from public television and art museums.

- Blasphemy:

Comments about the divine in this forum might scare believers away.

I'm sure there are boards that cater to those who only wish to confirm their existing beliefs. That might be a more comfortable place for them to participate.

- Rude comments:

Some people say rude things to each other here. A case in point is me telling Why Me "Screw you." I don't remember where it was. I also recall a member who mentioned something about furry fandom and people made fun of him. He left and has never returned. :(

Love that drama (I must have missed your comment to why me. I would have been shocked )

Summary

There is no way an administrator can weed all this stuff out. It is not the fault of any single person. I don't know how it can be fixed. I suppose it just shows that boards like this require a certain personality.

I don't think anything needs fixing. I don't think anyone needs banning or more rules need to be added. I'm one of those that never puts anyone on ignore. I don't see the point.

If it weren't for the 'bad guys' (some may think I am one) this would be a very dull place.

[_Nightlion]

I should go away too. But I have not where to go.

Should I start ZionDiscussions?

[_Quasimodo]

I should go away too. But I have not where to go.

Should I start ZionDiscussions?

Please don't! I would miss you, Night.

[_Darth J]

I should go away too. But I have not where to go.

Should I start ZionDiscussions?

No! Stay here!

[_Darth J]

You have very good taste in art, zeezrom.

But why didn't "Batshit crazy posters" make your list?

[_Nightlion]

I should go away too. But I have not where to go.

Should I start ZionDiscussions?

Please don't! I would miss you, Night.

Regardless how high the bar gets set for my ZD board you have a pass for life.