OccultForum.org

I know it seems like a weird suggestion at first, as nearly every forum has these, but imo they're not only useless, but do more harm than good.

95% of the people who post in it never bother to post again, so regular posters rarely bother replying to their introduction posts, which makes those people who 'would' stay feel neglected or unwelcome (when it isn't the case that we don't want new members, to the contrary), and actually less likely to stay than they would otherwise be if they just dived in and started posting on topics they were interested in or asking questions they need answered (which would also increase actual activity, as people wouldn't feel the need to post an intro and wait for replies or welcomes before entering other discussions), which means even less new members, which makes regulars even less likely to reply, etc etc. and the whole thing cycles down and the forum gets less and less new members.

As for the ''departures'' aspect, it's almost never used, and when it is it's either because the user is leaving in a huff because they were offended by something someone said and want to stir up more drama or get attention on the way out, or the user ends up coming back within a few weeks/months anyway. Better for people to just come and go as they feel, I know I've gone for months without posting here, then months where I come daily, or once a week, etc etc. and most others seem the same.

All the section does is make people feel unwelcome and induce attention seeking and drama, and as I said, I think the forum and the users would be better off if people just dived straight into the discussion as they wished (making a quick intro on their first post if they so desire). This works out far better on the few other forums I frequent which don't have such a section.

Just a thought.

This is an interesting post Rin.

I agree with the departures part being unnecessary [and it does tend to promote drama more than a little] and I think much of what you say regarding the intros is valid too.

I didn't set up the legend or the folders though and I think it's something that is ultimately up to Vashta to decide on.

But, all and any other thoughts and opinions by members on this subject would be most welcome. [thumbup]

I agree the whole departure part is unnecessary. When I just got here at first it left an impression of a community that's very connected and even intimate to some point. But in reality it's pretty much what you wrote already. Also, there are other members who doesn't post frequently, perhaps they already left, but do we all really need to know that? The whole departure thing might work if folks here were meeting once a year or something. Departure really means 'I won't log in any more', because that's as far as you can depart via internet.

As for introductions, I believe they're most important for people who're just starting in occult. A lot of beginners feel uneasy, perhaps even shy etc. Someone who has a certain degree of experience and knows why he/she registered probably won't leave just because their introduction topic wasn't, errm, 'welcomed enough'.

Maybe having just one topic instead of entire section for introductions might work.

I agree with the departure part, not really necessary, the reasons were already pointed out.

But in my opinion the introduction thread is important, for the beginners to get an entrance as well as for the established users to get a first impression who they are dealing with. I kind of think also that it is part of courtesy to say hello first before starting to post. Maybe a renaming of the section?

Ramscha

Perhaps, but I still believe that it's better for the forum as a whole to have newcomers just dive into the conversation. We even have a 'Beginner's Info' section, so they can post any 101 type questions there, and throw in a quick intro if they wish.

A think a renaming, at the least, is definitely in order.

I should take the time to state also, that the introduction section is not compulsory and we don't mind if folk chose not to make a formal introduction.

I know on some sites it is preferred and on others it is compulsory and there are posting limitations unless it's done, but here it's fine either way, intro or not.

I'll alert Vashta and we'll discuss the issues raised here. [thumbup]

95% of the people who post in it never bother to post again, so regular posters rarely bother replying to their introduction posts, which makes those people who 'would' stay feel neglected or unwelcome

Huh? I've never seen the introduction threads neglected in all the time I've been here. Actually, they seem to get replies faster than any other sub-forum. If you look at the sub-forum right now, all the threads on the first page have at least one reply from regular posters.

I'm somewhat new to the forum, and not the most active when it comes to posting, but I found the introductions section to be helpful. I'm one of those folks just starting out and it was nice to have an area to kind of explain where I was coming from and what I had going on.

It felt relieving to have a place to just type out what got me there, and the follow up responses let me see that I wasn't posting into a dead space where no one cared. It gave me a handy way to create some initial investment in the community. Writing this makes me realize I need to start taking respond in the introductions area more.

I have no idea on the departures.