Should new members have to post an introduction first?

[oldcarman]

Hi Gaz, is there a way to have newbs first post to be mandatory through the intro thread before they begin to post questions? Would save a lot of time for everyone and would concentrate on their problem rather than having everyone welcoming them and not contributing to solving the problem. Just a thought as there are more and more questions without intros lately. JIM

 

[t-tony]

I agree Jim,but it would be hard to do because until someone joins they don't know how it works?

Tony.

ps would save late welcomes on the wrong pages .... But?

 

[hard top]

Have to check with Gaz on this but maybe, I don't know for sure, people who register could be directed to the introduction thread??? Just a thought.

 

[oldcarman]

I agree Jim,but it would be hard to do because until someone joins they don't know how it works?

Tony.

ps would save late welcomes on the wrong pages .... But?

I think our resident genius can set it up to prevent anything but going direct to the intro thread so newbs couldn't go anywhere else. If they try a message could possibly flash up pointing them in the right direction. I just find a lot of time is involved where they don't get timely answers which could be frustrating as happens right in this thread. Just my thoughts!! And we do have THE BEST administrators around with knowledge that boggles you and me. JIM

 

[GazHyde]

As you can probably guess I moved these posts to a new thread for general discussion. You are correct that I can impose my will on the software (Uri Gellar style) and make it do what has been suggested & probably more.

However I do kind of know the answer to this one, but I'd be interested for people to chip in with their thoughts and opinions. I'm always willing to change my own thought process...

 

[hard top]

I'm always willing to change my own thought process...

Stop watching porn then Gaz.....

 

[oldcarman]

Also Gary, my thinking is that I miss some new people because of this and regularly try to check the new intro thread to catch anyone I've missed. I was made to feel very welcome and I hope we can do that for everyone. This has been something I've been noticing lately more so than even six months ago. If everyone gets that warm feeling from their intro they are more likely to feel free to ask questions. I look forward to comments from others on this topic and thanks for splitting this off and bringing it to the forefront. Bring it on Bonzo and BMG!! JIM

 

[GazHyde]

Quick update to say I haven't forgotten about this, just not had time to do anything as yet

 

[GazHyde]

Had some time to look at this today, and here is the first option. As soon as someone registers and activates their account, the system will automatically start a new conversation with them. I'm not sure what to include in it at the moment, if anyone has any suggestions on what should be added let me know!

This doesn't force people to post a welcome first, but rather encourages them to

First they get an alert email pointing them to the conversation

The conversation alert shows in the header

Conversation reads as follows.

 

[oldcarman]

Hi Gaz, what I'd like to see is:
New members directed to the introduce yourself thread where there could be a form similar to the registration where the newbie would simply fill in details. Such as :
Name
Year/ model/ colour of car
Location
Length of ownership
A brief introduction (optional)

This being just an example and any other questions you or anyone else thinks would be pertinent could be added. Keeps things simple as well as giving the new member the choice of what personal info they feel comfortable sharing. And, gives welcoming members something to work with if they'd like to ask questions or add comments.
Just my thoughts!!
JIM

 

[hard top]

And: Do you know other members on this forum as you can use @ and then the forum members name to tag them.
Disclaimer: If you know Bad Boy your registration could take some time. Probably for ever.

 

[GazHyde]

That is possible, but does duplicate information with their profile page which allows that information to be stored already.

My profile page for example - https://zroadster.org/members/gazhyde.55/ then click on the Infomation tab.

What you have done is given me an idea though, but I'd need to see if I can get a developer to write it (cheap). Added the idea to my list of things, and will see how possible it would be.

 

[oldcarman]

Hi Gary, I realize that does duplicate the info available but being the lazy arse type I seldom use it as I'm sure many others don't take the time. I enjoy reading the greetings and the comments by new members and feel they should all be welcomed and that nobody gets missed. Thanks for your efforts and I can't wait to see what your proposing next. JIM

 

[t-tony]

OR - Perhaps " Welcome to Zroadster.org where will find answers to all your questions, but first would you like to introduce yourself to the members, who will be answering them for you?"
Maybe something along these lines as a persuasion to introduce themselves?

Tony.

 

[zedonist]

We could expand on that Tony by having photos and bios of our forum experts, for example " Sticker Tony" here to answer any questions you have be it magnetic, gum backed or window stickers, he has all the answers, or, "Blzzard Jim" for all things Bacon and Snow, no precipitation is too white for this man, or "Porno Mark" here to answer all your STD queries, photos required etc.........

 

[hard top]

And: if you need an MOT on the cheap, nudge, nudge, wink, wink, contact Tony on 00 44 (0) 1522.........

 

[Rha]

And: if you need an MOT on the cheap, nudge, nudge, wink, wink, contact Tony on 00 44 (0) 1522.........

The banter on here really makes me smile. Looks like I've joined a good crowd. Newbe Roy (Rha)

 

[bonzo]

I think prospective new members .......(my member was new 65 years ago! Boom tish). ..........should be given an I.Q. grammar and spelling test!

 

[t-tony]

Oh no I can see it all starting again. Rich.................

 

[bonzo]

I think prospective new members .......(my member was new 65 years ago! Boom tish). ..........should be given an I.Q. grammar and spelling test!

Only joking chaps.