What a welcome we all give them.
In recent days we’ve had a newcomer posting but this post isn’t specifically about Fluffy, it’s a post about new forum members in general.
They take a while to pluck up courage to make that post, just as I did all those years ago, after reading the forums for a while.
Now, let’s look at what they have seen and may have deduced from that.
Bear in mind they are strangers to us so what they see is a bit of camaraderie, a bit (lot) of bullying, a bit of advice and a vast majority of sensible and helpful posts.
They finally feel they would like to contribute but hope they don’t get ridiculed as it’s an unknown quantity to them how they will be accepted.
So, as soon as that first post goes live we all make a judgement based on
1) Its a new member
2) Its a troll.
3) It’s an ex member returned.
4) Its a current member with a new user name on a wind up.
Let’s take 2 &3 first.
Yes it may well be, but the best way to deal with both trolls and ex members who want to masquerade as someone else is to ignore them. All they want is attention so don’t give them any.
Now number 4. IMHO this should not be allowed on any forum and is one of car4play failings.
Ok so that leaves us with it actually being a new member, but it sound suspicious.
So, maybe English isn’t his first language.
Maybe he is autistic, maybe he’s very nervous and trying too hard and maybe his grammar and spelling isn’t the best.
Maybe he is very young but with an aspiring mind.
What do we do?
We ridicule him, point out his failings, and make assumptions and accusations.
What happened to making a newcomer feel welcome?
Taking time to get to know them and encourage them to feel comfortable instead of giving the impression we are a very closed club of regulars who don’t intend to let anyone in?
Surely we could all try a bit harder with new posters?
Discuss…..
Pat
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