The Talkboard, having been consulted by Randy Petersen, and having raised the matter with the moderator team and other stakeholders, wishes to endorse a trial 'ambassador' program to help Flyertalk be as encouraging and welcoming to new members as possible. As an experimental first step, the TalkBoard recommends that four forums create a "Flame-free thread" (aka 'new member corner') sticky where new members (or members to new a particular forum or program) may ask questions without fear of unfriendly responses.
The TalkBoard urges all FlyerTalk members who wish to act as goodwill ambassadors to participate heavily on these threads. Although no official recognition is currently planned, this is an opportunity for every FlyerTalk member to make a name for himself or herself as a valuable contributor to the success of FlyerTalk.
Having consulted with interested moderators, we propose that the test forums for this first step be: Alaska Airlines, Thai Airways, Hyatt, and oneworld.
This vote will close on June 12, 10 at 10:24 am or after all TalkBoard members have registered their vote, whichever comes first.
Per the TalkBoard Guidelines:
The purpose of posting voting topics in the public TalkBoard Topics forum is to solicit member feedback on any motions that are up for a vote and to allow for comments after a vote is made. It is at the sole discretion of the individual TalkBoard members whether they choose to post in the public discussion thread, there being no requirement to do so.
So while there is already a thread and discussion on this general topic and it is safe to assume that TalkBoard members have reviewed that thread, this thread is about this specific motion. Please feel free to post questions, comments or any other sort of feedback.
A motion shall pass if two-thirds of TalkBoard members participating in that vote vote ‘yes.’
lucky9876coins
May 31, 10, 8:50 am
My apologies for the delay on posting that, was flying most of the weekend.
goalie
May 31, 10, 10:05 am
<raising hand to be an ambassador>
my two hockey pucks say that this is a very good idea as you never ever know who might get "miffed" by a, shall we say, an "un-friendly" response to a "rookie's post" (for lack of a better term) and if the new poster happens to be the one person who had "the magic bullet" which we would all be grateful for, they would be gone before truly knowing what f/t is all about and we would all miss out on their expertise (and this could be anyone from a regular (i.e. non-airline or hotel) person to an airline employee to a tso to a fam to a computer geek and so on and i know that i have benefited from (and met) many of the folks i just described)
now if i may.....
So while there is already a thread and discussion on this general topic and it is safe to assume that TalkBoard members have reviewed that thread, this thread is about this specific motion. Please feel free to post questions, comments or any other sort of feedback.is this a talkboard members only thread or am i not able to find it using search?
B747-437B
May 31, 10, 11:13 am
is this a talkboard members only thread or am i not able to find it using search?
Two threads from a couple years ago which discussed the first iteration of this proposal in great detail.
Cholula
May 31, 10, 4:16 pm
I'd encourage the TalkBoard to support this proposal.
This last came up for a vote when I was on TalkBoard and I voted against it due to the verbiage or structure of the program at that time. I can't remember my exact rationale for the No vote but I do remember that the proposal needed some more tweaking before it would work properly.
I'm very much in favor of this concept, however, and we have offered up one of the forums I co-moderate, Alaska Airlines, to test the program.
One of the reasons I feel we need such a flame-free thread where there is absolutely no such thing as a dumb question involves one of my non-FT'er friends.
He's a successful businessman, a road warrior in the truest sense of the word and would be a very valuable asset to FT. And I have tried to convince him to join on several occasions.
But when he looks through the threads and responses in the airline forum he would be hanging out in, he tells me there is no way in Hell he'd post a question and chance getting his head bitten off.
It's quite likely, of course, that the question had been asked and answered a hundred times before but he doesn't have the time or inclination to pour through weeks or months of old threads to get an answer to one quick question.
So what he ends up doing is e-mailing me the question and I either contact some FT friends from his airline via PM or I do the search work for him as I have the time to do so where he currently does not.
I suspect there are many, many more folks out there like my friend who would like to participate on FT but they need a guaranteed friendly, welcoming place to get their feet wet and to learn what FT is all about.
travelsavant
May 31, 10, 7:22 pm
Excellent proposal & good timing. FT is gaining more recognition in the travel world, so it would behove us to have a "Safe Haven" for newbies. Being able to ask anything without getting blasted would be good way to really mean "Welcome to FlyerTalk".
If needed, I'd be happy to participate in the trial program, but I'm sure there are others with more FT expertise who might be better Ambassadors! But if you just need people to give a friendly "Hi there, I did a search & here's the Forum/thread/post" that answers your question, then count me in.
bhatnasx
May 31, 10, 7:56 pm
But if you just need people to give a friendly "Hi there, I did a search & here's the Forum/thread/post" that answers your question, then count me in.
Definitely what FlyerTalk is looking for!
Cholula
May 31, 10, 8:04 pm
If needed, I'd be happy to participate in the trial program, but I'm sure there are others with more FT expertise who might be better Ambassadors!
You sound like you'd definitely be a great Ambassador IMO.
Two threads from a couple years ago which discussed the first iteration of this proposal in great detail.thanks-i saw (and read) those but thought there were others :)
dhammer53
May 31, 10, 10:45 pm
I like the idea of this program, but wouldn't an Ambassador thread get clogged up rather quickly?
How many people would be an Ambassador in a forum? Would the thread be answerable by anyone, or just the Ambassador(s)?
The only downside I see if that new posters will quickly grow dependant on the Ambassadors. YMMV.
Excellent proposal & good timing. FT is gaining more recognition in the travel world, so it would behove us to have a "Safe Haven" for newbies. Being able to ask anything without getting blasted would be good way to really mean "Welcome to FlyerTalk".
But if you just need people to give a friendly "Hi there, I did a search & here's the Forum/thread/post" that answers your question, then count me in.
FriendlySkies
Jun 1, 10, 7:53 pm
<raising hand to be an ambassador>
my two hockey pucks say that this is a very good idea as you never ever know who might get "miffed" by a, shall we say, an "un-friendly" response to a "rookie's post" (for lack of a better term) and if the new poster happens to be the one person who had "the magic bullet" which we would all be grateful for, they would be gone before truly knowing what f/t is all about and we would all miss out on their expertise (and this could be anyone from a regular (i.e. non-airline or hotel) person to an airline employee to a tso to a fam to a computer geek and so on and i know that i have benefited from (and met) many of the folks i just described)
now if i may.....
is this a talkboard members only thread or am i not able to find it using search?
+1
I'd also be happy to help with new members! I remember that my welcome wasn't as friendly as it could have been. Ever since then, I have done what I can to be as friendly and helpful to new members. This is a great idea!!:)
travelsavant
Jun 1, 10, 10:18 pm
Cholula & Bhatnasx: Thanks for the encouragement but I wasn't sure I qualified under the terms outlined here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/828912-proposal-some-new-wording-ambassador-proposal.html
I'll await TalkBoard vote on Proposal.
Cholula
Jun 2, 10, 6:40 am
Cholula & Bhatnasx: Thanks for the encouragement but I wasn't sure I qualified under the terms outlined here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/828912-proposal-some-new-wording-ambassador-proposal.html
The thread/proposal you referenced is over two years old and I'm not sure it's even being considered any longer. Perhaps a current TB member can confirm.
I certainly don't set the rules around here but my concept of an Ambassador is someone who is friendly, welcoming, warm, helpful and patient. And who will treat every question as if it was the first time it was asked on FT.
Guess which member I'd vote for as an Ambassador based on the following scenario:
Newbie member asks how many miles s/he needs to get a First Class ticket to Hawaii:
Member A answers: "Did you do a search??" :confused: :rolleyes:
Member B answers: "If you'd taken the time to do some research you would have found this thread. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-skymiles/1086780-skypriority-hawaii-first-class-other-musings.html)
Member C answers: "If you spend some time looking through the thousands of posts and threads in this forum you might be able to find that answer yourself."
Member D answers: "That's an excellent question and welcome to FlyerTalk!!
The answer is 75,000 miles.
We hope to see you around the forum in the future and perhaps you'll share your FC experience to Hawaii.
By the way, if you hadn't already noticed it, this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-skymiles/368794-please-read-first-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-about-anything-do-delta.html) is a valuable reference guide for all things related to the Delta Skymiles program. But don't hesitate to pop back into this thread if you have any other questions related to Delta."
Jenbel
Jun 2, 10, 7:36 am
For a moment there, I thought you were giving away 75000 miles if we guessed which member you'd vote for :o :D
Kiwi Flyer
Jun 2, 10, 12:02 pm
For a moment there, I thought you were giving away 75000 miles if we guessed which member you'd vote for :o :D
Just in case Cholula is doing that, I say it is D. :D
sbm12
Jun 2, 10, 12:25 pm
I'm opposed to this program.
All threads should be polite and decent. If people aren't behaving with civility or within the FT ToS then the post should be removed in line with those guidelines. Instead there will be a single thread that has no particular topic of discussion and which will not add value to the forum other than to potentially be a place where the rules are enforced differently from everywhere else in the community. That doesn't seem particularly great to me.
wonderbret
Jun 2, 10, 12:53 pm
I would love to help, and I think this is a great idea as well. Similar to Cholula I have had friends stay away from contributing because it is either too complex or too unfriendly to newbies. I know that the forums are broken down neatly but the sheer number of them can seem intimidating to some.
SkiAdcock
Jun 2, 10, 1:31 pm
I supported the Ambassador program 2 years ago & I support it now, and am willing to be one if asked.
But excuse a blonde moment (no offense to other blondes), but since this is a test of 4 forums, are we suddenly supposed to start posting in those forums to qualify? :confused:
For example, I spend a lot of time in the Marriott forum (and would guess I'd make a good ambassador for that one, although I'm certainly willing to serve in another), so people might start wondering if I suddenly popped along to the other test forums & might not be familiar w/ their programs, although of course I like everyone else could study up on them.
Re: the actual program itself, I do support it/the proposal. It's nice to say everyone should be welcoming, but the reality is that not everyone is. I know when I first joined FT I was a bit stunned by how tough FTers could be towards each other (and sometimes still are) & almost didn't come back. And goodness knows in almost every hotel/airline program, someone does a snide 'do a search' or are harsh on people just asking questions.
So I'd say 2 thumbs up to the test.
Cheers.
wharvey
Jun 2, 10, 4:54 pm
I agree with this assessment.
In my view, this is just another way of NOT dealing with members who are not welcoming or cordial to other members.
We should be dealing with the "problem" members and not coming up with a way around them... what is going to stop those members from posting in those threads?
We do have a certain level of support and decorum on this board, and I think we should expect members to respect each other.
I hope TB members vote no.... but expect it will pass.
I'm opposed to this program.
All threads should be polite and decent. If people aren't behaving with civility or within the FT ToS then the post should be removed in line with those guidelines. Instead there will be a single thread that has no particular topic of discussion and which will not add value to the forum other than to potentially be a place where the rules are enforced differently from everywhere else in the community. That doesn't seem particularly great to me.
Markie
Jun 3, 10, 12:52 am
I agree with this assessment.
In my view, this is just another way of NOT dealing with members who are not welcoming or cordial to other members.
We should be dealing with the "problem" members and not coming up with a way around them... what is going to stop those members from posting in those threads?
We do have a certain level of support and decorum on this board, and I think we should expect members to respect each other.
I hope TB members vote no.... but expect it will pass.
This seems to be a matter you need to take back to the Moderator team. As you know, moderation is not within the remit of TB, and in my capacity as a TB member I would never seek to criticise the work of the volunteer moderator team.
Jenbel
Jun 3, 10, 3:11 am
I think there are varying standards of behaviour on different forums - each forum has a subtly different 'culture'. I considered volunteering my forums for the trial, but since both forums have high standards of behaviour towards new members, I didn't feel there was much point. Having a flame free thread would be pointless, since fortunately, my forums are generally flame free.
As a result, I don't think this is a one size fits all solution, as to me, it isn't necessary on all forums - but I think on some of the bigger, busier forums, it could be a valuable tool. The more posts there are, the more mod actions are required and mods only have so much time in the day, so on bigger forums may have to prioritise a lot more than I do on the VS forum where the pace of life is sooo much slower, such that I can eyeball every single post.
In an ideal world, it might not be necessary. But FT is not an ideal world. Rather than say 'x should happen', perhaps it's better just to accept the situation, and try and fix it what we have with something practical that has a chance of working?
My one concern would be that having a flame free zone could actually make some of our bolshier members feel like they are entitled to flame away outside that thread - that's definitely not a message we want to send.
tcook052
Jun 3, 10, 10:15 am
Sorry but being the realist I know newer members don't read stickies already so why believe that having a 'flame-free' thread at the top of some forums will get any more recognition from those posters than exisiting sticky resources?
bhatnasx
Jun 3, 10, 6:26 pm
Here's my 2 cents...
I think it's a good concept for a program. The goal is to help new members (not help older members who ignore stickies) and have a flame free area to ask feel comfortable with joining in the discussion.
As a former moderator & a TB member who has a few of my posts stickied in a few fora, I've gotten many PMs over the years from members with zero or maybe 1 post asking questions - this is an opportunity for those folks to openly join the community.
If you don't like the concept, no one's making anyone actively participate in the thread.
I do realize that two of the folks who are against the idea are both moderators - from reading wharvey & sbm12's posts, it seems that their concerns have to do with problem members and TOS violations...I think you two are focused too much on the negative aspect of this. I view this as an opportunity for lurkers to take the "baby steps" towards becoming involved members. FlyerTalk, as a whole, is generally a welcoming place - there isn't a significant amount of "bad apples" that ruin the experience for all, but these are threads where newer folks can happily join the community (for what it's worth, when I do see flames against newer folks, it's often times from other relatively newer (under a couple of hundred posts) poster).
And for Jenbel's comment about a flame-free thread implying that it's okay to flame away in the regular threads, I don't forsee that happening - and if it does, the strong sense of community will put a stop to it as it has in the past.
If this concept doesn't work out and turns out to be bad, my guess is that the threads will slowly fade away (and get unstuck)...I just don't think it hurts to give a chance for some of our best posters in forums act as ambassadors to newbies.
lucky9876coins
Jun 3, 10, 6:32 pm
Moved by bhatnasx and seconded by Markie that
The Talkboard, having been consulted by Randy Petersen, and having raised the matter with the moderator team and other stakeholders, wishes to endorse a trial 'ambassador' program to help Flyertalk be as encouraging and welcoming to new members as possible. As an experimental first step, the TalkBoard recommends that four forums create a "Flame-free thread" (aka 'new member corner') sticky where new members (or members to new a particular forum or program) may ask questions without fear of unfriendly responses.
The TalkBoard urges all FlyerTalk members who wish to act as goodwill ambassadors to participate heavily on these threads. Although no official recognition is currently planned, this is an opportunity for every FlyerTalk member to make a name for himself or herself as a valuable contributor to the success of FlyerTalk.
Having consulted with interested moderators, we propose that the test forums for this first step be: Alaska Airlines, Thai Airways, Hyatt, and oneworld.
Thanks for your overwhelmingly positive vote and for your continuing service to FlyerTalk.
If this concept doesn't work out and turns out to be bad, my guess is that the threads will slowly fade away (and get unstuck)...I just don't think it hurts to give a chance for some of our best posters in forums act as ambassadors to newbies.
Couldn't agree more.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
travelsavant
Jun 3, 10, 7:31 pm
Thanks TB for once again trying to make FT better for all users. Now to see if it works!
goalie
Jun 4, 10, 10:27 am
nicely done ^
N830MH
Jun 4, 10, 9:54 pm
Way to go folks!!
Thanks for your overwhelmingly positive vote and for your continuing service to FlyerTalk.
Great job!!!! I'm glad to hear it. I can't wait to see new forums. Good work for TB is very proud of you guys that you got a finalization approved from TB.
Downunder girl
Jun 4, 10, 10:22 pm
Oops I am late to voting :o.
I would like to see all boards being flame-free :)
I would be happy to be an Ambassador as well. I hate seeing new people being flamed and seeing certain long-term members here just saying "DO A SEARCH". I would particularly like to see this flame free section being done on the SPG board. That is where I have noticed the main offenders of instead of welcoming someone, its "DO A SEARCH :rolleyes: ". Not in the spirit of welcoming our new people IMHO.
N830MH
Jun 4, 10, 11:48 pm
Oops I am late to voting :o.
I would like to see all boards being flame-free :)
Agree with you. I'm guessing that you didn't see it yet. Oh well. Better luck for next time. If you considering to voting with TB members. When I can see new forums will coming out? How much longer if Randy will make another new forums?
lin821
Jun 6, 10, 12:52 pm
Oops I am late to voting :o.
FWIW, only TBers get to vote on TB proposals. So you are not late and can't be late for voting. ;)
Even though I don't frequent the four test fora (Alaska Airlines, Thai Airways, Hyatt & Oneworld), it would be nice to see a progress report on the test threads after say 6 months or something.
I didn't see any specifics about assessment/evaluation in the original proposal. Do TB have any plan in mind how to "evaluate" the implementation of this trial 'ambassador' program by way of flame-free threads?
The Talkboard, having been consulted by Randy Petersen, and having raised the matter with the moderator team and other stakeholders, wishes to endorse a trial 'ambassador' program to help Flyertalk be as encouraging and welcoming to new members as possible. As an experimental first step, the TalkBoard recommends that four forums create a "Flame-free thread" (aka 'new member corner') sticky where new members (or members to new a particular forum or program) may ask questions without fear of unfriendly responses.
The TalkBoard urges all FlyerTalk members who wish to act as goodwill ambassadors to participate heavily on these threads. Although no official recognition is currently planned, this is an opportunity for every FlyerTalk member to make a name for himself or herself as a valuable contributor to the success of FlyerTalk.
Having consulted with interested moderators, we propose that the test forums for this first step be: Alaska Airlines, Thai Airways, Hyatt, and oneworld.
nsx
Jun 7, 10, 6:28 am
I didn't see any specifics about assessment/evaluation in the original proposal. Do TB have any plan in mind how to "evaluate" the implementation of this trial 'ambassador' program by way of flame-free threads?
Speaking for myself, I don't view the TB as being in charge of this pilot program. It's Randy's baby. The TalkBoard is now on record as supporting the pilot. I'm hopeful that something really good will develop, but let's keep open minds as to just what that will be.