Originally Posted by
Randy Petersen
As well, we have been toying with the idea (one from about 6-7 years ago) to have a "Newbies Only" section (may or may not be within each forum, still pondering those ramifications) in which some of the more experienced members who do like to answer questions will assist them - outside of the mainstream of the forum itself.
Randy I think this is a GREAT idea! And would be mroe than willing to volunteer to be part of it. As I read your post I almost wondered if we need some kind of FT "welcome wagon" where a group of people get a list of who is new each day (I say this not knowing how many new registrations there are a day and if it is rational to do) and could proactively welcome these people and offer to be a 'mentor' to them. Possibly even dividing the new registrations up by major program (if they list them when registered) so their welcome would come from someone from the board/boards they are most likely to frequent.
Another thought..and I know this would take a lot of work (again I post this being fully willing to be one of the members who helps put it together) but what about having some kind of "new poster chat/workshop" given a couple times a week (lead by a rotating team of volunteers, not asking Randy to take this on also). Where we could cover stickies, tos, searching and so on. YES I know this is all covered in the help sections, quite well, but this would allow a more interactive venue that might attract people more than sitting around just reading. I hesitate to post that it would be mandatory to attend before posting (cause I am not sure I like that idea) but it might be an option Randy could ponder.
Another option, a flash type intro program which covers some of the same stuff.