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Mich451
09-05-2000, 03:25 PM
Scott-

As WC grows, new members are checking in every day, and sometimes seem somewhat at a loss as where to go to ask questions or introduce themselves. Often times their posts will pop up in an ongoing discussion and be somewhat lost in the immediacy of the discussion, and sometimes sidetrack the thread.

If there were a forum for the new members, they would know to go there first, and there are plenty of helpful members here who could direct them accordingly. I belong to several other boards that have a new member forum, and it works out very well for people to tell a little about themselves, ask questions, and get to know others; kind of like a sloooowww chat. There has been no feeling of separatism, and sometimes new members feel comfortable "talking" with other new members initially. As we all know, the number of posts is not necessarily a reflection of someone's longevity here or expertise, so it is a bit daunting to ask a question at first, not knowing who will answer or if, if it has been put in a busy thread.

Just a suggestion that I think might make a more comfortable transition for some.

Mich

scottb
09-05-2000, 04:32 PM
Sounds like a good idea - any other thoughts?

KaTee
09-05-2000, 05:56 PM
As a relatively new member of WetCanvas I think this sounds like a good idea.

I hung around for 6 weeks, visiting daily, and reading the message boards, before finally plucking up the courage to comment.

Karen http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

dhenton
09-05-2000, 06:02 PM
It should include an FAQ, such as how to post to the forums, what do the little stars mean, and why it's okay that your posts never get any replies. http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif



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"Art is anything you can get away with." -- Marshall McLuhan

CarlyHardy
09-05-2000, 08:58 PM
Actually an area for FAQ would be great on the front page for new members to cover all the basics like how to upload images, how to find chat, how to get a tiny head....
I know the site covers all of this information but its widespread and not easy for a new member to find who's not made themselves familiar with the site by just lurking for awhile.

I'm really glad that new members are made to feel welcome by everyone because of the help and courtesy shown in all the posts...makes it even more like family here!
carly

linart
09-05-2000, 10:42 PM
I agree that a new-member forum would be helpful, but I have to add that this site has the most kind and supportive members I've encountered anywhere. This is something really unique and I'm glad to be a part of it. (Thanks, Scott)

arcitect
09-06-2000, 12:56 AM
How about a simple message that says, "Jump right in!"?



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<FONT size="3"><FONT COLOR="navy">zenapolæ</FONT c></FONT s>
<FONT size="2"><FONT COLOR="navy">experimental electronica</FONT c>
http://www.zenapolae.com </FONT s>

llis
09-09-2000, 11:46 AM
http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif As usual Scott has come to the rescue and added the "Welcome New Member" forum as Mich suggested! Now we all need to help build it and make all the new members (and some that have never posted to the forums) welcome. I have put some of the most frequent questions into the welcome forum but I am sure that some of you could add some tips and other useful information to the forum that would help others get familar with the site. As arcitect said...."jump in" and make everyone welcome.


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Phy...llis (sounds like Lizz)
P.S. Want to participate in the Painting and Drawing Projects? -------&gt;
Visit the Virtual Cafe Guerbois Today! (http://www.artistnation.com/members/paris/cafe)

Roan
09-10-2000, 12:52 AM
Ilis,

I love your message topics that go to faqs on the site, but aren't they going to scroll off the screen once a buncha messages get posted?

Don't think this ver of UBB has "sticky posts", or does it? That was a feature I asked for and don't believe it got coded in.

Just a thought!

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Fàisg mòr agus mar sin leibh an-dràsda,
Roan
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"Mhair i fòs,
Is cha tèid a glòir air chall
Dh'aindeoin gò
Is mìoruin mhòir nan Gall."
<FONT size="1">-- Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair</FONT s>