WCI Message Board Buddy System

[chuckt]

Ok - so if all we're really looking to do is provide hand holding for getting around and functioning in the Forum itself - not carving, then there is no real need to attempt to organize by location or styles or experience. I agree that this kind of carving "mentoring" is what the site is really all about as a whole (for new carvers at least). I'd sure hate to see us start getting into who qualifies to be a carving "mentor" etc.

Now - it seems to me that the New Members page prominently located (or at least with links prominently located), as well as the Welcome email sent to new registrants should cover the basics for most folks - obviating the need for a mentor. Unfortunately, (as anyone who works in IT knows) people just can't seem to be troubled to RTFM ("read the fine manual" - though Fine is not usually the term used).

Thus BobD's notion of having someone reach out to the new person to say "Hey - I see you're new here. If you have any problems navigating your way around the site/forum or with posting, pics etc. I am here for you and able to assist if you feel the need." (or some such personal contact)

For anyone who is uncomfortable with that - well, they don't have to respond. And the "mentor" is certainly not going to be seen as pestering them if that's the extent of it.

The bigger question is whether the volunteers will be able to keep up? If folks have an easy way out of having to find answers for themselves (i.e. reading the available FAQs and documentation), then they'll tend to take that easier path. This could be a recipe for volunteer burn out. i.e. sometimes the "cure" creates more of the problem. Just a thought.

ChuckT

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Whatever you decide just remember that there's a real person here willing to help in anyway!

[Mitchell]

I may have missed it, but if someone is "helped", then they may feel more comfortable with helping in the future.

Like one of those pyramid schemes...oh, excuse me - network marketing programs.

Anyway, set it up with the thought of "training the trainer".

[BobD]

Good idea, Mitch! I like that.

Any other thoughts on this? If not, I'll summarize the discussion and we can see how to move forward on it.

Bob