New members' "mixer" thread?

[Trollheart]

Here's a stupid idea (from the one who always brings such things to the table): I know we have the introductions thread for new members, but it seems a lot of them don't get past making that intro and are often left hanging. I know they can then go on exploring threads and sub forums but I don't think the larger percentage of them do.

So I thought maybe something like what colleges and so on have, I think they call them mixers? One thread, where newbies can go and talk to each other and into which we can all drop to, as it were, mingle, and where they can then ask questions if they need to, or we can all just get to know one another. It could be run on a weekly basis, maybe. Bit less formal than making an intro thread and waiting to see if anyone comes in to talk to them. Obviously the intro threads could still be made, but it would be a way of moving beyond that without striking out on their own into the actual forum too early.

Does anyone think that's the most stupid and unnecessary idea ever, or is it worth considering?

[Mojo]

I dont really think the concept applies here. Face to face it serves as an ice breaker, a way for new people to bond together for support when faced with something as daunting as new surroundings. Do people really need that on a messageboard?

[Blarobbarg]

The thing is, when they take the time to go and explore and talk to other people, that's their trial by fire. If they can't do that, then they probably won't survive here, because people here are not "friendly" in the traditional sense.

A great example of a newbie who has integrated himself very, very well is Plankton. He has done an awesome job of getting to be a part of the community.

If they make an intro thread and then disappear, they probably wouldn't add much to the community anyway. Harsh, but true.

[Urban Hat€monger ?]

They already have somewhere. It's called the Introductions Forum, and if you can't even manage to say a few words in there then you probably don't belong here.

[Burning Down]

I certainly don't think it's a stupid idea, however I have to agree with the sentiments already stated here. I don't think a mingling thread will make any body more inclined to stay here, really.

In my years of experience on Internet forums, I've often noticed that if somebody gets good feedback and suggestions on where to go next in a forum and what they should know about that forum in their own introduction thread, they are more likely to stick around a little bit. Nobody here can MAKE people become a part of the community, but I think right now people on MB can be a little more welcoming than they are to newbies. We need to make a good impression on new members.

[Trollheart]

Yeah, that's kind of my point. I see a few members going in to intro threads and saying hi (I've done it myself a few times) but generally a lot of these threads seem to get ignored.

So it's a bad idea, won't run, fair enough: it was just a thought. But as Burning Down says, maybe we could all be a little more friendly/supportive of new members, to try to encourage them to stay?

Thanks for the feedback anyway guys: guess I better go cancel that band I was going to book for the first mixer now!

[Paedantic Basterd]

I think the main problem is not being on the ball with intro threads. If a person makes a thread and nobody responds to it for over 24 hours, they're not going to stick around simply because our forum looks dead. I try and welcome people as soon as I see their posts pop up in the feed, but we can't always be prompt and people fall by the wayside if they post during a quiet hour.

[Trollheart]

Yeah, I sort of "police" those too: if I see a new intro thread with zero replies I usually try to pop in and say hi. It is of course up to newbies to move on out and explore the forum (leave the nest) but I think a little more encouragement could be helpful.

You and Janszoon are definitely two of the ones who do this the best/most, as well as Exoskeletal (despite his weird initiation rituals!) and blarrobarg; maybe just nice if some others took the burden off you once in a while.

[Geekoid]

I had to post on this one, because frankly I was thinking the same thing as you, Trollheart. But I came to pretty much the same conclusion as those who posted above. That being said, my intro thread was great! I felt welcomed instantly.

Originally Posted by Blarobbarg

The thing is, when they take the time to go and explore and talk to other people, that's their trial by fire. If they can't do that, then they probably won't survive here, because people here are not "friendly" in the traditional sense.

Trial by fire is right. Almost like "survival of the fittest" to be honest. All my forum experiences have been with psychology-based discussion boards, one of which was for people of a traditionally "friendly" temperament. Coming here, I noticed that things are less gentle, intimate and personal than I'm used to (a bunch of people who like talking about our feelings, and our feelings about those feelings...). But even there, it was harder for some people than it was for others to "leave the nest," especially if their communication style didn't seem to fit the prevailing mood and humor of the forums as a whole. To be honest, it's harder for me to establish myself here than it was other places online, but I'm up to the challenge. Mostly because I like a lot of the people here and appreciate what they have to offer.

I think the best thing for new members is a sense that they are free to be themselves. If they aren't confident enough to establish themselves in a forum, then they're probably not ready for one, at least, not this one. And this is a pretty good-natured forum by comparison to most.

I'm grateful (and I'm sure other members would agree) for you guys who make a point of making newbies feel welcome! More people really should do so, including myself.

[Blarobbarg]

Something that might help newbies is to tell them where the shoutbox is. It allows for general chatting about whatever, and really helps you get to know others. I mean, i litewrally just found it last week, and Ive been here a year. I already feel more a part of the community.