Question 12: How should Talkboard members get feedback from the community at large?

[belfordrocks]

Just on the above point, a bit more communication about the actual role of TalkBoard and what's it's there for could be beneficial- e.g. for every vote we have there are always a couple of posters who simply go "I vote yes" without understanding that the TB members actually make the vote, or what the TB is in general.

Otherwise, PM's and other similar measures are the way to go.

[goalie]

Originally Posted by Ancien Maestro

.....Its always important for a TalkBoard Member to be available via PM for any FlyerTalk Member to send questions, concerns or opinions.. TalkBoard Members have a duty to reasonably provide a response, and report material issues to the TalkBoard...

Yes, yes and yes

Originally Posted by kokonutz

.....IMHO, a thread should be posted to relevant forums when a TB conversation is taking place (eg, in the Other Euro Airline forum when A3 is being discussed) so that interested posters can know and click in.

While in theory, that works but how many folks would read that thread (or sticky or announcement)? There needs to be a better way to not only make the announcement more visible but also TalkBoard itself. Maybe it's me, but how many members actually know about TalkBoard and what purpose it serves? In terms of making a proposal visible, perhaps an e-mail sent out saying "TalkBoard is considering XXX". This way members will know about it and if they choose to participate or not (or turn off e-mail notifications), it's up to them.

Originally Posted by kokonutz

TB members should have a sig link that says they are a TB member and open to suggestions (nice job, jackal!).

Playing devil's advocate......wouldn't "TalkBoard Member" in one's profile be sufficient? Going back to my above comment, if TalkBoard was made more visible (including letting members know that any TB member is open and available) wouldn't that be suffieient?

Originally Posted by kokonutz

TB members should also actively participate in the TB Topics forum. That's the best way to get feedback, by actually spending time discussing the issues not just behind closed doors, but with those passionate enough about a topic to talk about it in the TB forums.

'Nuf said

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Let's just say that I will only keep behind closed doors that which I'm required to by the TOS or by the rules of TB. I intend to be fully open and transparent about my viewpoints and about why I voted the way I did.

I'm all for more transparency -- the more, the better.

Agreed on all points

[kipper]

Originally Posted by goalie

While in theory, that works but how many folks would read that thread (or sticky or announcement)? There needs to be a better way to not only make the announcement more visible but also TalkBoard itself. Maybe it's me, but how many members actually know about TalkBoard and what purpose it serves? In terms of making a proposal visible, perhaps an e-mail sent out saying "TalkBoard is considering XXX". This way members will know about it and if they choose to participate or not (or turn off e-mail notifications), it's up to them.

I wouldn't mind an email, but would most read an email?

I'm not a techie, but perhaps, on someone's first visit to FlyerTalk once TalkBoard starts discussing something, a pop-up window could alert them to the "discussion about 'new airline forum," in TalkBoard Topics" with a link to the discussion?

I wouldn't want the pop-up every time they visit the site, and I realize that for those who use pop-up blockers, it wouldn't work, but it might help at least some.

A systemwide PM to all users would also help.

That said, I'd think the membership should be given the option to "opt out" or those sorts of alerts as well.

[goalie]

Originally Posted by kipper

I wouldn't mind an email, but would most read an email?

I'm not a techie, but perhaps, on someone's first visit to FlyerTalk once TalkBoard starts discussing something, a pop-up window could alert them to the "discussion about 'new airline forum," in TalkBoard Topics" with a link to the discussion?

I wouldn't want the pop-up every time they visit the site, and I realize that for those who use pop-up blockers, it wouldn't work, but it might help at least some.

A systemwide PM to all users would also help.

That said, I'd think the membership should be given the option to "opt out" or those sorts of alerts as well.

Bolding mine: Imho, at some point, there has to be an onus on the members at large to become as involved as they so choose as I'm sure you have read things like "when did this change?" or "How come I can't access Coupon Connection" (or OMNI) and when the answer is given, the member decides to b!itch, moan and groan about never hearing about it. Yes, it sounds hard nosed but the way I look at it, it is the leading the horse to the water but not being able to make the horse drink the water situation. While whatever solution comes about, it can only go as far as the individual member chooses but the more options you give members to become involved, the better things might (n.b. might ) become.

[Jinxy]

Agreed goalie

[frubio2012]

I love the current way. It's a great way for us to learn more about the community and improve on what needs to be improved on.