New Topic Title Policy...

Well, I've gotten many emails in the last months from people that were going to join but said that we're too "cliquey" and didn't think they would fit in.

After questioning them I've found that they are seeing all the topics with titles that are just "Attn: So and so".

I've already moved tons of these to the giveaway forum and totally blocked that entire forum from view from non-registered users. But they just keep coming. I've put an image about titles right in the middle of the post box where members have to type. But they just keep coming.

So now, I'm just going to start deleting topics with these type titles. I have no choice. It's scaring members and potential members away.

Sorry.

Bobby,
If some one wants to contact a certain member, wouldn't it be easier for them to email that person directly and attached a link to the particular topic with a more stamp related topic title description. By doing this, the member would get the info directly in their inbox & not miss the topic if they do not log in regularly or are away. That's my 2 cents.

I've generally, have not cared for the ATTN: so & so's.
I was planning on commenting on it myself.
Comments directed to one another should not require a new tread in that manner.
They should comment on the appropriate tread if it applies to the conversation.
If not or needs to be more personal then emails.
The last option could be a new forum set up to handle Attn: So & So treads.
Also, my thought on these treads offer little to no value to others, should then have a limited shelf life and deleted from the system.

So I've have no issues with what you are saying!

Mike

It seems to mostly be "Thanks for the stamps" topics.

Instead of that.......

Title:

Wonderful US Mickey Mouse stamps received today!

Then thank the person in the topic with maybe some pictures of them and spark up a conversation.... That way you get your public thank you and generate some forum food that doesn't leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth.

Edited to add: Additional bonus is they can go right in the forum they belong in and not be out of place or hidden.

I'm afraid I have to disagree somewhat.

I've always found this forum to be very friendly and laid back. But I'm finding a tone lately that's kind of getting away from that friendly feeling that we had. For that reason I have sometimes shy ed away from commenting lately.

Dianne

I'm sorry you disagree, but facts are facts. If 10 people actually hit the contact to mention this imagine how many say nothing and just go away?

I've learned my lesson about this the hard way on the coin forum. We allowed a clique to form and it took months and months for the aftermath to subside. I won't let it happen here, which is why I'm stopping even the appearance of it now.

I'm going to agree with Dianne on this one if you don't want to open a topic then don't nobody is forcing anybody to open anything but ok I will do my personal thanking to there private email where nobody but them can see what great people we have on here

Well said Tina

I'll do the same. I.ve been using email more than the forum lately anyhow.

You don't have to open it. That's my point.

When a new visitor comes here and sees a dozen topics with a title of only ATTN: Joe or ATTN: Betty it immediately makes them feel like an outsider. I have the emails to prove it.

the Attn: so and so's actually make me more curious. I guess I'm an eavesdropper. LOL

When I first joined, I pretty much tried to open/read every thread to get a feel for this site, regardless of thread title. After I figured out what the ATTN thread titles were, I pretty much just skipped them completely.

Just thought I'd let you know my experience. I'm not surprised that some potential members may have been turned off by those thread titles. Stamp collectors run the entire spectrum. Unfortunately, you can't make everybody happy all the time. I can appreciate the difficulty the board administrators have in making these kind of decisions.

Either way, I've found Stamp Community Forum to very nice, very fun, and very informative. You all have done an admirable job!!

I appreciate Stefani mentioning this site on the other board. By the way, I haven't seen a post from her on this site in quite a while. I hope all things are well with her.

I believe what bobby131313, is stating is that new people viewing the forum are turned off by threads with a header "Attn: So & So" more so then the content of the thread. In sends a clique message that many people are turned off by.
Furthermore, I feel bobby131313 has shown an option that's allows you to do the same things without turning off possible new members by creating a header the open like, "Look at these Great Horse stamps I've got", at least if it's worded in this manner you may have new members look, check out what you have received
and comment and you can then thank whomever sent them too as well.

On the mention of tone: I'm not sure what you maybe referring to, I think it's been better then when I joined. At that time I brought up a topic that created a lot of stir with many members. The tone was very heated and unfortunately personal. I know that many people would not have put up with those kind of remarks, I almost left, but obviously did not. I noticed and have contributed to some humor along the way. I do understand that everyone is different and have different senses of humor, what's funny to one may not funny to another, I'm not sure at this time how to handle that issue, I do fell that adds some fun to the forum for myself and I'm sure others.
Feel free to comment!

Mike

That's interesting to read.

I know that this has been problematic in many stamp clubs as well. While there are obviously many good stamp clubs, I have to confess that I no longer attend stamp clubs because I found some of them to be very "closed" despite their attempts to welcome new members.

I was actually quite impressed with the and also the general/genuine openness to new members here. For this, you ALL deserve congratulations! I am actually quite busy at a few other forums, but I find the atmosphere here to be quite relaxing, so I try to stop by when I can!

When I found this forum I had no notions of what it was except it was for stamp collectors..and I accepted it for what it is...now we are a clique ? I DON'T THINK SO !!

Time to stick my Butt in !

Like others here, I belong to many other groups. I am a mod of some and enjoy it. However, there are some groups that have become 'Elitist' over the course of time and this is one of my pet hates in Philatelic forums.
Even some of the mods/owners of those groups behave in an elitist way. They are the exception rather than the rule though I have to say.
In the beginning I did not post here at Stamp Community too much but slowly found out that this group is different than others. No elitism here, just friendly folk here for a good time and learning experience. No one talking down to newbies like at other forums I could mention.
I recently exchanged emails with a member here stating that I am in these groups not only to learn and offer advice, but to have fun, a laugh even for this is a hobby after all and hobbies are to be enjoyed. I often make little, often silly, quips in reply to messages. That's my way and enjoy the fun coming from others too.
I will not change my style and would not expect others too either.

The 'For attn of' threads do not bother me in the slightest, Indeed I may have started one or two. But if we can all agree to change the title headers to suit everyone, then this looks like the way to go.
I hope our devoted and cherished members who maybe upset at the announcement will not forsake the forum over such a trivial.
You have my support...everyone has my support.

Londonbus1.....Except Barcelona

Nowhere did I say that.

It gives the appearance of us being cliquey and its driving people away. In fact my exact words were.... "I won't let it happen here, which is why I'm stopping even the appearance of it now."

Is it really too much trouble to put 10 seconds of thought into a title so people aren't put off?

I mean seriously, am I asking too much?