Required Intro info?

Ok something came up in the intro section and I thought why not address it here. SilverFox and I think that some sort of required info be put down inan intro. Now the big question is can it be implimented? Can some sort of form be put into the intro section that would hae to be filled out first as part of the requirement for joining? Maybe make it a requirement that one post be done in the intro section first before being able to post elsewhere? Now part of me thinks that this is much to overkill as we are all here for fun and to help one another to share info and storys and what not. But part of the reason for having intros is to know who is coming in and why. So this would help that right?Just ideas it might be good to toss around. So let's here those opinions.

 

Yeah....here was a post that I made in another thread....

Agree, Stick. This isn't aimed directly at shep but there is something that has bothered me for awhile with some of the new people here. I think, and Stef may disagree, that it should be a requirement to fill out the statistics area in full when joining. I mean, some, like shep, don't even tell us where they live. Never mind what they like, what they do or the cars they own. I'm all for having new members join our wagon family but...I don't think they should be admitted into the forum area unless they have filled in the blanks. JMHO
EDIT:
OK...implementing it would be a problem, BUT...when I see a new name I usually click on it to see who they are, where they are from, what they like and what cars they have. When I see stupid, phony or no info in that statistic intro section I immediately think....spammer or trouble maker. I'm not saying that is always true but it has been true a LOT of the time. If someone is truly a wagon lover and is excited to share his experience about wagons and wishes to join our close knit wagon loving family....I would think that person would WANT to share his stats. I dunno....I guess I've become protective of our corner of the world here. And I think it should be protected. When new people arrive it should be noted where they are from etc so other members can address those facts. Like...maybe someone is from the same town, or has the same interests, or the same car etc. I really feel that the stat section should be filled out PROPERLY and if it isn't, it should be politely called to the newcomers attention before posting anything further after his intro post. I also think there should be a copy line in the stat section saying that it should be filled out before entering.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

 

Well, considering how many people sign up and never make a post at all, any attempt at making an intro post is acceptable to me.
Check out the member list and sort by post count..... yeah. Stunning, eh?

Many people are shy and just take some encouraging to get more info out of them. Ask questions politely and give them a chance to respond.
Demanding details may just scare them away.

The Internet provides a considerable amount of anonymity and not everyone wants to reveal too many personal details on-line, especially not right away.
Some of these folks are new to posting on forums, too.

Its up to us to provide a warm welcome and make them feel comfortable about telling us more.

 

Well....one thing I do NOT want is a DEMAND. I wouldn't want it to have ANY slant at all toward a comp cop feeling. But, while your niceness is appealing, Steve, as well it should be.....I just think people should be up front. If they are not I don't believe it is because they are shy. If that's the case it may be like .3% or something. As more and more people stumble on this site, more and more not so nice people will be showing up. Hey...if you are a true wagon guy...I would think you would be ELATED to have found us and be happy to share your info with us. It's not like we are asking super private questions here.

 

Here is what I was thinking.

1 do you own a wagon(s)?

2 if so what is it/are they?

3 If not do you want one?

4 If so what kind?

5 Please feel free to add any info or stories as to why you are here of how you found the site. All this info will not only help us get to know you but also help us either know how we can help you or maybe how you maybe able to help any one of the group of us.

 

time. I can see people being shy etc, not wantimg to give personal info but it's not like were asking for your home address and personal bank information at most all we want to see your wagon and alot can't even come up with that. Member 1st post and the only info is the name of the State in the US...that must drive our US members nuts, so imagine how me from Canada thinks when a member joins and only gives a Province? Any 1 of our provinces is close to 1/3 the size of the USA you see a new member post with no or very little "hello, I'm ___ from ____ and 1 minute later there off line:confused:

It's like the Rev said and sadly I've seen this in real life, Some body ends up in your shop drinks a couple of your beer, BS's for a minute and leaves...and nobody knows who the hell that person was. But a short time latter they show up and want some thing for nothing or they just never show up again....the showing up latter part gets me

My personal WTF is a new member did'nt do an intro at all, posted in the wanted forum and he/she was from my island. I was able to give a derect link to exactly what they were looking for and on the island and that one post is all we have ever heard from that poster Makes me think well you drank our beer, got what you wanted and SEE YA.

We clearly have members who post lots, and some who post now and then, and thats all good...different strokes for folks...you don't have to post every day, week etc, but they participate and give when they think they feel the need too It's just like real life with people you know, the more out going and the quieter types...alot of times the quiet ones give the best info when they pipe up and alot of the times the info has nothing to do with wagons

I also don't think what you do, what you like , etc should be a demand, IMO it should just be a good old plain common "Hello, this is me, I'm into/like____ " and although every one of us is guilty for at one time or another no pics, no proof I personally think any new member should be able to come up with atleast 1 picture of your wagon, or your dream wagon, or your car or truck in your first post. Some new members love wagons but don't have one yet, or are looking....even if it is your pedal bike till you get a wagon. At least one pic should be a courtious mandatory.


It's almost 2010 and the internate has clear unwritten witch if you are a luker around here you must have noticed that....



:You_Rock_Emoticon:

 

Yeah, Stick...I like that. Just like moving into a new neighborhood.

 

Good job, Stef. Although....knowing what state they are from would be nice. Actually...I just don't like people being rude and not telling us ANYTHING when they join up. Nobody can force anybody to do anything they don't want to do, though. And we shouldn't try to force anyone to do anything. Stef is right, too....we do a good job as a group in keeping people friendly and in line and spotting the spammers and trouble makers. Proud to be a member of a site like this.

 

I agree with you, Stef.
Given that this is an automotive forum, "vehicle" is the one field that I think should be absolutely mandatory.

Its kinda funny seeing how forums of different subjects vary with how much personal info is given or expected. Another forum I'm on, it is common to see Location as: "At my computer, duh", or my personal favorite that I use: "127.0.0.1" (IT humor - google it)
This is the most open and friendly forums I have ever been involved with and certainly the one I have shown the most of my real self to. It really is like a virtual garage/workshop with some old couches and a beer fridge. Most of you I'd be happy to hang out and chat with in person.

 

Does 2 on the floor with overhead laces count?

 

...im sure that Steph has gotten 'hate mail' with my name in it..

Guys...i have my own system for 'filtering' out the ones that dont give any info.....
...I just dont reply...or i use as few words as possible..(saracsm)

One thing I religously do (pun)....is ...if I dont recognize their name from 'intro'..or its thier 1st post and its not in the 'intros'......then I wont reply to thier post !!!
its as easy as looking at thier post count before you respond

the guys that use "intro' as 'classifieds'...that makes me mental

....and theres my rant....

Merry Merry Steph

 

I agree with Rev and do the same. Most of the people here do a good job of policing the site themselves.

 

yup...I make a point ... not to be judgemental

but alas...my sarcasm in unstoppable
I know that I have ruffled at least 1 member ...un intentionally..

I am a MOD on another board...and the fact that Steph does this alone...
...KUDOS pally !!
...mind ya.... he does let us monkeys kinda run the circus...
..till we fling poo..