Become a Forum Host

[Ralph-YK]

We’re looking for ‘Hosts’ to help us ensure that people are getting a friendly welcome and an answer to their questions or worries...

Much of the success of this community comes from the fact that many of you are exceptional at doing this already.

From what I see, this is already happening. Would an Official Host be trolling the forum for newbies? Or just as likely to miss them as the rest of us. And if it's a matter of being able to answer questions, how will being a Host be different?

By becoming a ‘Host’, it will enable us to manage consistent and regular support, to ensure that no one is missed, and everyone gets support.

What is meant by "manage"? What is there to manage? What do you meen by "consistent"? Host required to say the same things, behave in the same maner?
How will having Hosts "ensure that no one is missed, and everyone gets support"?

 

[Ralph-YK]

We give advice when we can. Less good advice gets delt with. The rest of the time we say hi and offer what support we can, to new members and to the longer term "well know".

 

[Ralph-YK]

Same here. It's one of the reasons for me not going for mod, the spec included answering peoples questions and giving advice.

Actually, why are the two being mixed. They are separate tasks and shouldn't be mixed.
Mods/Admin have often given coment and advice, and I've been perfectly happy with this. However, it shouldn't be given as A Mod/Admin.
Unless you mean about how to use the forum, rules etc. Which wasn't clear and should be.
I've been an admin elsewhere, and wouldn't give general advice as admin. I would make a distinction between my everyday position on think and my Admin Position.

 

[Amigo]

Actually, why are the two being mixed. They are separate tasks and shouldn't be mixed.
Mods/Admin have often given coment and advice, and I've been perfectly happy with this. However, it shouldn't be given as A Mod/Admin.
Unless you mean about how to use the forum, rules etc. Which wasn't clear and should be.
I've been an admin elsewhere, and wouldn't give general advice as admin. I would make a distinction between my everyday position on think and my Admin Position.

It’s clear in the role descriptions Ralph.

 

[Ralph-YK]

It’s clear in the role descriptions Ralph.

I'll have another look later. Sometimes I do have to read things twice. Which is another reason for me not to go for the job.

 

[Matt Cycle]

I think one of the issues at the moment is that there are only two moderators - Northerner and EDUAD. Both can't be around all the time and this can mean newbie posts are lost or as has been said given conflicting advice by members who possibly gave it with the best of intentions. Or even worse, pounced on by fanatics (unfortunately there are some on here) with particular dietary advice probably to scare them off forever. In my shortish time on here there aren't that many who register and stick around for any length of time. Possibly they find out what they want but also maybe feel it's a bit of a coterie. I don't think the conflicts that cropped up on .co.uk occur on here to anything like that level partly due to smaller numbers but also hopefully due to a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. If this means a host is needed then fine I'm all for it.

 

[Ralph-YK]

I think one of the issues at the moment is that there are only two moderators -

I hadn't counted how many we had. 2 isn't many, particularly since we have people posting anytime between 7 am through to 1am. We need enough people so they can do it in shifts (with some overlap).
Having seen bad behaviour elsewhere (despite multiple actives Mods), and the occasional bump here, definitely needed.

 

[SB2015]

I also hadn’t realised that we were down to 2 moderators!!

I am guessing that the role of host has been set up as there were not enough people who felt able to give the time commitment required to fulfil the role of Moderator. There is a big difference between dipping in and out and needing to do so at fixed days and times. However perhaps if a lot of us did a little then a lot would be achieved. Ralph is right a lot of people look out for newbies. If lots of us were able between us to cover the week, perhaps then it takes some pressure off the moderators.

 

[trophywench]

Speaking personally it drives me just about batty on this and a totally unconnected, motorhome forum I'm on, when someone joins and says Hello I'm Joe Bloggs but gives very very little else - and you the get 25 posts all saying Hello in 25 different ways - until anyone actually says Hello blah - is there anything you might need a bit of help with help about at the moment? Why don't you tell us a bit more, now you've met some of us - how did you come to be diagnosed? (eg)

I know I'm not like some other people - but I heave a virtual sigh of relief at that point - but it can be 3 full pages of people saying Hello and nothing else on the Moho one - and as members there since 2009 or 2010 - we grew into ignoring the whole thread. It tells you right at the top of that section of that Forum not to post any questions in it but ask em in the appropriate one instead - General, or 'mechanical' or UK Touring or whatever it happens to be.

This forum is getting bigger it's perfectly true - so perhaps that might help? - but I'm still not going to spend time saying Hello unless there aren't any, or not many other posts there - in which case it could be me offering help if they need it. I'm often around late at night and early hours - but not willing to make any commitment to always being here at any time - cos it could be weeks and weeks at a time when we're off grid and not spending my leisure time on a ruddy forum for anything, thanks very much LOL 🙂

 

[Amigo]

Speaking personally it drives me just about batty on this and a totally unconnected, motorhome forum I'm on, when someone joins and says Hello I'm Joe Bloggs but gives very very little else - and you the get 25 posts all saying Hello in 25 different ways - until anyone actually says Hello blah - is there anything you might need a bit of help with help about at the moment? Why don't you tell us a bit more, now you've met some of us - how did you come to be diagnosed? (eg)

I know I'm not like some other people - but I heave a virtual sigh of relief at that point - but it can be 3 full pages of people saying Hello and nothing else on the Moho one - and as members there since 2009 or 2010 - we grew into ignoring the whole thread. It tells you right at the top of that section of that Forum not to post any questions in it but ask em in the appropriate one instead - General, or 'mechanical' or UK Touring or whatever it happens to be.

This forum is getting bigger it's perfectly true - so perhaps that might help? - but I'm still not going to spend time saying Hello unless there aren't any, or not many other posts there - in which case it could be me offering help if they need it. I'm often around late at night and early hours - but not willing to make any commitment to always being here at any time - cos it could be weeks and weeks at a time when we're off grid and not spending my leisure time on a ruddy forum for anything, thanks very much LOL 🙂

I’ve got to be honest Jenny and say I know where you’re coming from on this. What concerns me is when a new member on here pours their heart and soul out about how they are struggling, don’t know what to do or eat, newly diagnosed, other health concerns, eye problems etc. etc. and people come on and say, ‘welcome’.
I know it’s nice to welcome new people but I’d despair if it were me. People surely need more at that point?

 

[Matt Cycle]

I’ve got to be honest Jenny and say I know where you’re coming from on this. What concerns me is when a new member on here pours their heart and soul out about how they are struggling, don’t know what to do or eat, newly diagnosed, other health concerns, eye problems etc. etc. and people come on and say, ‘welcome’.
I know it’s nice to welcome new people but I’d despair if it were me. People surely need more at that point?

It's difficult though because you get all sorts of 'introductions' on the newbies thread (it's called newbies say hello here) even though there is a sort of forum protocol (on all forums). Introductions can range from out and out rants about this that or the other, some come on with very specific questions, down to what it's supposed to be which is an introduction i.e. my name's whatever, I've had type 1/2/3 for 20 years and I'm on a pump etc. If you then want a rant, ask a question or whatever then take it to the general messageboard. If new people post an introduction on the newbies thread the host could welcome them along with anyone else and guide them as to where to post next.

 

[Davein]

Jenny @trophywench the problem is the Newbie thread clearly states for them to just say Hi and then ask questions on the General Message Board and that's exactly what most of them do just say Hi. So all the friendly members come on and say welcome back. Perhaps the Newbie thread needs to be more specific and tell them to give their background.
For what it's worth, I do enjoy reading your posts as not only are they informative and usually tell a story but we get the expressions (i.e a sigh) thrown in. In fact in my mind I read your post in a brummie accent and do all the expressions. I confess I do the Scottish accent for Mikey and the Irish for Shiv. It just adds interest to the posts. Please don't destroy my illusion and tell me you haven't got a brummie accent.🙂

 

[kentish maid]

Must admit I plunged in and gave a warts and all account of myself on the Newbie thread, guess I'm not backward in coming forward. Have only had previous experience on one forum, and that was very poorly moderated at the time I was on it, with a lot of wind up merchants and trolls. I did look at another diabetic forum but was put off by the fact that they suggested that you introduce yourself by telling people if you have piercings or tattoos , used fake tan, if you are wealthy, and if you get angry easily. Well normally I don't, but that list of inane questions certainly made me see red !!!😡

 

[Davein]

Must admit I plunged in and gave a warts and all account of myself on the Newbie thread, guess I'm not backward in coming forward. Have only had previous experience on one forum, and that was very poorly moderated at the time I was on it, with a lot of wind up merchants and trolls. I did look at another diabetic forum but was put off by the fact that they suggested that you introduce yourself by telling people if you have piercings or tattoos , used fake tan, if you are wealthy, and if you get angry easily. Well normally I don't, but that list of inane questions certainly made me see red !!!😡

I think that's the best way to go about it KM, at least then the other viewing members had an informative profile of you and it's a great deal easier to give advice to someone who has provided sufficient info than someone who just says hi. It saves dragging out vital information over several posts and the Newbie gets the reassurance and help a lot quicker.

 

[kentish maid]

Something that has always puzzled me is the section on the right of the screen headed 'New Profile Posts' People have often posted a plea for advice, but if I click on their name they have not actually posted on a forum at all. Who does/should reply to them? Would this be something a host would do?

 

[Matt Cycle]

Something that has always puzzled me is the section on the right of the screen headed 'New Profile Posts' People have often posted a plea for advice, but if I click on their name they have not actually posted on a forum at all. Who does/should reply to them? Would this be something a host would do?

It is confusing especially to those not used to forums but I think that was a feature of the forum software (XenForo) they couldn't do anything about. You can reply to the person by clicking on the 3 dots to the right of the post. Sometimes people respond and tell them to post on newbies, general messageboard etc but by that time they may have left.

 

[trophywench]

I've never understood for the life of me what the purpose of that could possibly be - though I did have someone talking to me personally/asking questions on it. I asked them to post it on the forum instead since I'm certainly wasn't an Authority on whatever it was, and other members approach things differently, so he needed a selection of replies.

 

[Northerner]

I've never understood for the life of me what the purpose of that could possibly be - though I did have someone talking to me personally/asking questions on it. I asked them to post it on the forum instead since I'm certainly wasn't an Authority on whatever it was, and other members approach things differently, so he needed a selection of replies.

I'd prefer it if that feature was removed as it's not needed on this type of forum and is confusing for new members

 

[SB2015]

Like TW I am away for big chunks of time, and I don’t take my Diabetes on holiday any more than I have to. My weekly routine is not a routine. This prevents me offering afixed time slot each week. My volunteering fits round my life. I guess that is where a lot of people on here do what they can when they can.

 

[Diabetes UK]

For anyone who would be interested, the time commitment is flexible and we would aim to fit volunteering around your own time. If you are away or unavailable, we would just need to know this, so we can know when we have hosts available and when we do not.

The majority of the time new members or new posts do a get a helpful response and many of you are quick to welcome or answer posts. But with limited moderators and a growing number of posters, it has become increasingly difficult to check that no one has been missed. Hosts will give us reassurance that posts have been checked and will ease the amount of reading and responding that the moderators are doing.

I think that’s why it’s important the hosts are offered the training that they get Dave.
I do think there needs to be an equitable representation of type 1 & 2’s though (and indeed people familiar with the other types of diabetes).

Exactly - we would offer some additional training to give a base of knowledge and to offer you some confidence in responding to posts. But really, speaking from your own experiences is what many value and we don't expect you to know everything. So having a variety of hosts and moderators with different experience of type 1, type 2 and other types of diabetes would be really great, to give a broad reflection of the diversity of experience on here and diversity of knowledge.