We need your help!

[Miracleman89]

Dear Members,

Hello everyone! I need to ask you all a quick question. We are rapidly approaching 300 members and yet we only see a few of our members actively participating. To those dedicated few, we thank you! To those who don't actively participate we would like to know what we can do to get you more involved! Here at FTRC we like to think of us as a family and as family we would love to have everyone participate. Now, I know that getting everyone to participate is going to be impossible! However, with around 300 we should be able to have more then say 20 people actively participate. So my question to you all is what can we do? We really do want your input in making this a better place! As well as just hear your thoughts and ideas about V1 and the direction it is headed. Please, if you have any ideas or suggestions feel free to post them here or if you don't feel comfortable with that drop me a line using our private message system! I just want to say thank you all in advance for your help in this matter!

Sincerely,
Miracleman89
Deputy Administrator

[CelticFlyer]

As a frequent poster on a number of Mustang websites, I've learned a few things.

1. MOST people don't post anything, they only register so they can take advantage of features that are not available to unregistered visitors, i.e. searches (on some forums), the ability to see nested images, or the ability to trade personal messages with others using the forum. There is also the off chance they may contribute to the discussion in the future, so they want to be ready to respond at a moment's notice.

2. Many people do not join in the ongoing conversations because they're intimidated. They see a tight, dedicated group of contributors and feel their input would not be valued, that they'd be viewed as intruding on the conversation. This is completely wrong, but completely understandable from an "outsider's" point of view.

3. Some people have nothing to add, but enjoy reading what people are discussing from a safe, anonymous vantage point. They play it safe because by not saying anything, their comments, sentiments, and opinions will not be called into question. That's plain silly. Opinions are what forums are all about! That, and in educating people by disseminating information gleaned from a reliable source.

4. People respond better when they actually know the NAME of a fellow poster. It may sound strange, but replying to a "call sign" is a little cold and indifferent. They never get the feeling they know who they're talking too. To them, it's a word, not a person. While this system allows people to retain a certain degree of anonymity, it serves as a double-edge sword by keeping people from relating to a "real person."

5. Email reminders to members are very effective ways of kindling interest in a website. I subscribe to a few science fiction websites, and every so often, I receive an email from the site administrators that update the members on developments, issues, concerns, etc. They always include direct links to "HOT TOPICS" that deliver you directly to the most popular threads on the site at the time.

These are just a few of my observations. I've never had any trouble speaking my mind (I'm a regular blabbermouth!). But some members just need an occasional push, or friendly encouragement to participate. Once you dive in, you kick yourself for not having taken part sooner. Forums are like that. One day, they're just a bunch of strangers running their mouths, the next, they're a quirky, fun-spirited extended family!

The first post is the hardest. Polls and queries are great ways to turn those that never post into those who post regularly.

Good luck, MiracleMan (BRIAN). ;)

[cpaddock]

I would just like to add that the feeling of cordiality and respect that comes across on THIS forum has helped me feel more like expressing myself and less fearful that someone is going to jump down my throat. The longer I am involved here the more upbeat I feel about our chances of making a difference in this world, and the more impressed I am with the talent, expertise, and all-around good vibes of this little community. I guess I am dicovering that it isn't just about the wheels or the goal, but its about the journey.
Alooooha!

[beeson]

My suggestion would be to simplify the forums area a little. Too many choices of where you post a message. It gets very confusing. And I notice that several of the choices have 0 posts. Just my $.02 worth.

[CelticFlyer]

By too many places to post, do you mean the "Post Reply" vs the "Quick Reply?" The "Quick Reply" is just that, a place to post a simple message; the "Post Reply" is a more robust feature that allows you to italicize and embolden type, include links, or attach photos.

My guess is that if no one posts on a given thread, it only means that the information contained therein is not posing a question or soliciting opinions.

I've contributed to forums for years, and I find this one relatively simple to use. Many follow similar formats. Are you new to forums?

[denisg]

The reason I have not posted on this club site is the fact that I switch shifts once a week at work,and find little time to respond to different ideas on this club site. That being said,I do like reading the posts and to see what is going on with VV. I will try to get my opion there more often in the future.

[Lumberjack]

Celtic I think he means that there are a number of forums here that have very little actual usage like the VV forum with 0 posts and the coffe club forum withonly asingle thread....

In truth a lot of the disscussion that takes place on the FTR site should be over here and even the site moderators are guilty of posting stuff over there that really belongs here....

[Mark Tomlinson]

I agree with Lumberjack and Beeson. We talked about reorganizing the forum once before, but there really weren't enough posts to get the feel of how it should be organized.

In general, I'd say there are two major taxonomies for bulletin boards; flat and deep. Flat bulletin boards have lots of forums and a few long threads in each. Whereas deep bulletin boards have forums, sub-forums, and many threads which may only be a few posts long. Ours is flat.

So pipe up everyone! Would reorganizing the bulletin board spark interest? Or do you like it the way it is?

[Baja_Traveler]

Personally I hate flat forums, it takes too long to get through to the newest reply because they end up so many pages long.

I don't mind the way it is right now - maybe when we actually get a vehicle on the road there will be more for the silent members to talk about other than the speculation and wish lists that occupy us now. I think that will be the time that forum participation goes through the roof...

[CelticFlyer]

Perfectly said, BajaTraveler. Yeah, that's the difference between this forum and the Mustang sites I've haunted for years. They've always had their heritage on which to draw commentary.

This place will be HOPPING once the V1 hits the road, and we can share impressions, modification ideas, and organize road rallies!

[Miracleman89]

Keep it coming everyone! Thank you all for helping with this!

[waboom]

I agree with CelticFlyer's initial post. Was it Mark Twain who said, "Better to be thought a fool and keep your mouth closed, then open it and remove all doubt?"

I'd be willing to bet a lot of people are here for the same reason: they're looking for more information on the Venture One, and it's a lot easier wading through this forum than the one at FlyTheRoad.com.

So how do we engage these newcomers? (That's a bit arrogant on my part, saying "we", seeing as I've been here less than a week. However, I'm comfortable doing it, given the welcome messages I've received from long-time members.) That's the first way to draw people out, welcoming them, showing that it's not an elitist clique. We have real people who genuinely want to share the excitement and information about this great vehicle and company.

One thing I might suggest is adding a primer to the faq of frequently used abbreviations specific to the Venture One. Consider the following statement:

Vv's D V1 PHEV DVC & ICE Rock!!

A newcomer is going to look at that and say:confused:

It's really a learning curve thing. If we can make the curve easy, people may be more comfortable and come out of their shells.

Just my $.02,
Waboom

[CelticFlyer]

Thanks for the nod, Waboom. I firmly believe the first post is the hardest. But once you break the ice, it's easy to get hooked into conversations, and soon you feel at liberty to start your own.

[Jack Willard]

There is a reason that I don't use a call sign. As said before, it's hard to see a call sign as a real person. I never bought into that anonymous hide behind a name thing. It has always seemed like it's those anonymous ones that have no qualms about beating up on people, being rude and downright nasty sometimes. Intimidating people will drive them away real quick. Anyway, using ones' real name makes one own up to what you say and be much more careful about how you say it.

I am not saying that call sign people are bad. Most are quite wonderful and helpful. Hopefully that is the overwhelming case here.

The next big thing about participating in a forum is how interested are you in the subject at hand? Now the VentureOne is an exciting subject. Not too hard to get hooked on this one! Engage people and help them out as best you can. Solicite ideas, concerns, questions. It's all good.

The probably biggest thing is having the time to get involved. Most people are fairly busy and just get to sneak in some time where they can. My useless government job has nothing to do most of the time. So I will be around alot.

[Derwin]

I am not saying that call sign people are bad. Most are quite wonderful and helpful. Hopefully that is the overwhelming case here.

I think you can rest at-ease! So far we have had ZERO people being rude or impolite on this forum. Actually, I think this is very amazing for any forum. It must be that we just have mature individuals that simply know how to communicate and respect other people. Very unique for an online community if you ask me!

Derwin

[Jack Willard]

Zero is a really good number.

Mature is a good thing too. But I refuse to grow up! :)

Being able to actually contemplate or commit to expending $20K-$25K or more might have some effect on the audience as well you might think. :cool:

[espresso_curve]

I don't post a lot because most of the time I have nothing to add. Even though my wife tells me I talk like a parrot (a Spanish expression). When I fell that what I have to say will contribute I post it.

It may have already been said but I think most people don't post because they use this forum for information. That will definitely change when the V1 is on the road and we are all flying/riding.

Oh yeah, about call names in forums. I think it is good and bad.

The good:
-Anonymity (the internet can be dangerous - personal info and all)
-You can be creative with you name
-You can choose to reveal your name, etc. to whom you choose

The bad:
-Anonymity (people can be rude and/or malicious with no easy way of knowing who they are)
-It depersonalize the person's posting
-It can sometimes detract from the point of the forum

I am sure there are other goods and bads but that is my 2 cents (OK so maybe its more like 2.5 cents :) )

Charles aka Espresso Curve

[Miracleman89]

Charles- I want to say welcome to the forum I am glad to see you in the forum. We look forward to hearing your opinion even if it is the same as another individual. Here on this thread it helps strengthens others opinions when you express that yours mirrors theirs.

[RichDC]

Only discovered the Venture a few days ago, but I am EXTREMELY excited (crazed is more like it).

Still getting my feet under me and trying to compile all of the latest info I can. Once I've built a knowledge base, I'm sure I'll be contributing regularily with more than just questions. I'm not shy, and have well over 1000 posts on a band fan site I frequent, so I'm sure I'll be making friends and pissing a few people off in no time. I notice a few protocol zealots on the official site, and that, combined with the difficulty in searching for information makes this a much friendlier environment.

Since there seems to be a brief stop in the flow of information out of California, what we really need to do is mobilize our troops and start staking out the warehouse for sightings of Ian, the mule, ANYTHING. Hell, the guy has to buy his Starbucks somewhere, right? A few guys hangig out in the neighborhood with long zoom cameras and some high quality microphones could have this place jumping with insider info ;)

[Miracleman89]

Great to have you aboard RichDC!

[KenL]

Miracleman89
I am very new to this sort of thing. I understand how people can get very "intimidated" I do also. I am just getting to know your site and what it is all about and I would like to become a regular post - er to your site.
I hope to be agrivating you all soon. I will be trying to get on and view as much as possible soon. It is the new year soon and and getting ready for the new product year is "stressfull" and BUSY!!

TALK TO YOU SOON

Ken L.

[Gunner]

Mark,taxonomies, cool word. Good for you. I learn something every time I read these posts. Keep it up.

[MVRacing]

KenL,
Welcome!! wel;co;m;e101))
Please feel free to ask any questions =y: We do have a very good search feature here to find information on questions you may have.