How should I handle these issues on my new site?
I'm in the processing of building my website, an interactive information resource for medical transcriptionists. I already have launched a small message forum. I told a few MT friends about it and they have referred a few friends. Now, suddenly I find it being talked about on other message boards. So far, no one knows who I am or much about my site -- it hasn't been advertised at all except through word-of-mouth. Apparently someone has posted anonymously about my site, giving it a nice recommendation and I appreciate that. Some of those replies, however, were soooooo nasty, negative, hateful, suspicious.
I don't know who posted the "tip" and while I appreciate that, I want to be cautious. I want quality posters, not hit-and-run trolls, etc. I had rather take my time and grow this site slowly but steadily.
I have only watched several other sites to see what was on them before starting mine. I never have and will not try to lure their clientele -- I don't feel that is ethical in business, although I know many would not lose a night's sleep doing that to me.
Do I begin posting on these sites in response to some of these naysayers? Do I just leave it alone and write it off? Do I need to worry about it at all?
I should note that I have a $100 drawing for the first 100 registered users (some rules apply, including posting a certain number of posts weekly). The terms are spelled out very clearly for anyone viewing the board. I also am offering drawings for my current "regular" posters when they complete a series of 5 medical quizzes correctly. I have a live support button available to assist anyone (even nonregistered visitors) with research, etc.
What else should I be doing?
Thank you!
Denise
Megan posted this at 21:41 — 29th March 2006.
She has: 11,421 posts
Joined: Jun 1999
Definitely don't respond. That's the worst thing you could do. Feeding the trolls, so to speak
It is worrysome but hopefully people will realize that these others are being mean and spiteful. That's really low to start bashing another site in public.
Doing in order to accomplish what? To make your forum better for members? Just be there, answer questions, be friendly. That's the best advice I could give. Attracting more members is a lot more difficult...
Megan
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Denise E. posted this at 21:58 — 29th March 2006.
They have: 6 posts
Joined: Mar 2006
Thank you, Megan. My first thought was to just leave it alone. Some of these people feel I am hiding my identity, etc., but I simply have just not advertised yet, only word of mouth.
I certainly didn't phrase that last question completely, did I?! How do I encourage current members to post as well as draw in new members?
In a few months, perhaps I can offer advice rather than just asking!
Busy posted this at 22:24 — 29th March 2006.
He has: 6,151 posts
Joined: May 2001
Advertising is advertising whether it be good or bad, and sometimes bad can do more good for you than good.
A lot of people are stuff in their ways, and if x site was first along they will remain faithful to it and defend with anything (these usually the people that bad mouth new stuff), then you get the people who like x site but find y site so jump ship (these ones can be the ones who promote for you, esp. if something in it for them). Then you have the other bunch who just float from x to y to z and have no fixed favorite, just want to be informed, learn or learn some gossip etc (these are usually quiet and even poking with a stick wont get a peep out of them).
You'll always get the "hit-and-run trolls" (these are usually the ones who dont know what they are on about or spammers).
I read somewhere a while back (and jury still out on this) that a site owner should convey with the members but only selectively, a full on owner is less trusted in a business world appartenly. I don't agree with it but do find if the boss/owner is one of the main chatters that they do pick up favorites and treat certain members better than others. This is idle chat, not help, information etc
steve40 posted this at 15:56 — 30th March 2006.
He has: 490 posts
Joined: May 2005
You forgot the 9 out of 10 who join, but never post. After you get through with all this, you will have probably 1 out of 100 that makes a good member.
I don't think I would pay for posters, that's like the guy who was just there for the beer. When the tank runs out, so does he.
Denise E. posted this at 16:06 — 30th March 2006.
They have: 6 posts
Joined: Mar 2006
The kickoff $100 drawing has very specific rules: Have to post # messages a week until the drawing; cannot have been banned; only registration per IP address is qualified, etc.
With this flood of registrants from this website (who is absolutely shocking with their speculations, allegations, and accusations of me - and they have no idea who I am), I can hardly wait to just get that drawing over with. It is the most constraint I have ever shown in my life to not "defend" myself on that board! However, I do not want those types of poor quality posters (could I use the term "suspicious" or "malicious"?) on my site.
I would like (at that point) to institute a minimum posting policy, maybe at 30-days if you have not posted, your registration is deleted. Any thoughts on that?
What are the best actions/policies you have done or haven't done on your sites?
I truly appreciate every reply!
Busy posted this at 21:11 — 30th March 2006.
He has: 6,151 posts
Joined: May 2001
No rules or less rules the better, if you cant break them then to the bad apples there isn't much point in sticking around. Then again youd get the rotten apples who walk all over you.
I join a professional photography forum some years back, they had certain requirements to get into it which I thought was a bit off but I had them all. I introduced myself, showed some work .... then went travelling again (3 months), came back and found my membership was banned for lack of posting. This was about 5 years ago, today they have about 23 members from what I'm told. I'm glad I was kicked out, would hate to be in a place like that.
Make a friendly place, attract friendly people, you'll always get the ones trying to ruin it for others but the members should be behind you support wise to rid them
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