Thank you for your post, nsx.

Actually the idea for the Ambassador program, as reported here on May 6, sprang from our meeting in Phoenix.

Here is the exact text of our public report regarding the Ambassador program:

"Increasing member participation was discussed. Some questions raised were: “What are we trying to accomplish?”, “How many new users do we get annually?” “Could the proposed Newbie Forum help?” “How can we increase users’ comfort levels?”, “Can a lot of new users be effectively supported?”, “Is activity down?” “Are too many people being told to ‘do a search’?”.

The idea to create Ambassadors for the forums was made and widely accepted. Ambassadors could be charged with welcoming people to a forum, directing their questions, and reducing the over-all “snarkiness” found in some forums. Randy stated that FT is looking at a plug-in that will track user activity and contact users who fit certain parameters like last visit/participation, and can better tailor the welcome process for new users."

There was considerable discussion regarding this program contained in that report thread and I do believe that all of that input was considered in writing the proposal.

I think we are in complete agreement on almost every point you have raised. The proposal as written makes it abundantly clear that Ambassadors will be chosen by their past performance. The primary reason for them to bear an actual title is to identify them to people looking for assistance.

Do you have any specific, constructive ideas how we could improve the concept and its implementation?