Member Approval Discussion

[Carrington]

If this person or anyone (and I mean ANYBODY, florist or non) really wanted to get into this forum all he/she has to is pretend to be an established flower shop owner, mgr, or designer. If they say the few magic words that allow for FC acceptance, VIOLA! (sp?), instant acceptance.

If the big bad WS's or og's want in, they can get in.

Hells bells they are already here. Check the membership list sometime. There are a few WS's ppl in here. Why keep this person out if there are already some here?

Have to say I am confused. I know that this voting in system has lost us a lot of UK people who have an alternative site which lets them in with no question.

Now I'm not saying that's right (or that the other site is better because I don't think it is) and I can see that you want to have some form of protection. However as Joe says this person could have got in and we'd be none the wiser ... for all we know we've/you've voted in all sorts of moles.

Why is this chap any different to the lady from 1800 who was, as I saw it, welcomed with open arms.

I don't want to be awkward but I'm seeing a lot of mixed signals from this situation.

C

 

[theRKF]

Every new member receives a welcome message and PM.

*Important*
Your account currently has limited access! The next step in activating your account is to post an introduction message in our New Member Introductions forum: http://flowerchat.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=127
For more information on how post an introduction read this announcement: http://flowerchat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11482

To introduce you to the FlowerChat community we suggest reading through the FlowerChat "How To" list found at:
http://www.flowerchat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3327

You may also visit the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) here:
http://www.flowerchat.com/forums/faq.php?

The same message is included in the PM.

The reality is that many people want to come and read - and only read. They have no intention of ever posting or contributing. This was the case before the new system, and continues to be the case now.

With the new system in place, new members are given a "push" to make their first post, and having done so are now more likely to post again. The screening actually generates more active users than the previous passive system. While it's easier to lower the bar in pursuit of great numbers, what makes a forum valuable is the content. Those contributing the good content made it clear they wanted to know who they are addressing and encourage more participation from the silent majority.

Ryan

 

[theRKF]

I moved these posts to a new thread.

After further investigation it seems that the biggest holdup for the UK folks is email validation. About half don't verify their email address - they never reach the approval stage.

Ryan

 

[Carrington]

OK thanks

I moved these posts to a new thread.

After further investigation it seems that the biggest holdup for the UK folks is email validation. About half don't verify their email address - they never reach the approval stage.

Ryan

Ryan we know we have a problem with the UK side and that they are struggling to make it work but my reply was in answer to the main thread - NOT a go about the way the system worked. I actually prefer what happens here and know we need to train our side better to make sure we can get more UK people validated. As such I will deal with it but will re-answer the other thread in a way that is perhaps clearer.

Carrie

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

Yes of course, someone the least bit clever can bypass this by posting info that is untrue. I take the time to look a bit online for cooberating evidence that supports the info posted, before adding my yea or nea. And I try to ask questions now and again.

There are times when I don't vote - such as for the newest WS applicant, and I did not vote for 800 either.

Ryan, that's a great point about first posters being more active - there certainly has been a new influx of activity and ideas. Good stuff.

It's not perfect, but at least we know who is listening.

 

[theRKF]

So here's a question: How do we get the UK folks to validate their email addresses?

Is this a matter of FlowerChat mail getting flagged as spam, or are they not overly invested in gaining membership?

 

[Rhonda]

I personally have not "voted" on anyone who posts on the UK side of the forum, figuring that our UK members would have more ideas on the validity of their "shop" and actualality (is that a word?) lol

 

[theRKF]

Quick other point: Users who don't validate their email are regularly sent reminders.

 

[Carrington]

Hmmm

So here's a question: How do we get the UK folks to validate their email addresses?

Is this a matter of FlowerChat mail getting flagged as spam, or are they not overly invested in gaining membership?

Firstly I am not convinced that we in the UK are as forum literate as you over there. I know that the other site has attracted 900 or so members but on average only 95 a day log on and of that only a handful post so I don't think it's anything personal or that they are not interested, it just isn't something that comes as second nature and so perhaps isn't deemed as important or essential.

The reality is that most people are readers rather than writers. Therefore my goal is to try and use the magazine and the masterflorist.com website which already has a link in place to prove that it is worth signing up and going through the 'process'. For example I have given flowerchat another plug in my online editorial as well as my print editorial this month because I know it is worth it and that time spent here is incredibly valuable.

As far as validating the UK peeps, I admit I have been tardy on this and will do a better job of it in the future. Whether or not there is a word like actuality I don't know but I like it!

 

[BOSS]

I personally have not "voted" on anyone who posts on the UK side of the forum, figuring that our UK members would have more ideas on the validity of their "shop"

Same here....Maybe we should be?? But I too thought you folks on the other side would have more knowledge of your locals...