Just curious.   Don't have much experience with forums.   Is it typical to see the stats say things like 30 views, 1 reply?   If 30 carvers read the forum entry, were they 1.  Not interested in the topic?  2.   Felt they had nothing to offer on the subject?  3.  Too shy to speak?  4.  Or ??????.

Seems like most of the posts have lots of views but not too much participation.   myself included.   I read them and usually move along to something else.    Just wondering.   Patti

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Finally Making Medium Chips

Patti,  I response to your posting about forums; I can suggest that there may need to be something posted about this forum.  There does not seem to be anything that suggests how this forum is intended to be used.  While I have some experience in forums and using them, each is somewhat different.  I think we need some guidelines by the owner here.  I have attempted to determine if photos can be posted as a part of a forum topic, but have yet to be able to navagate the site to determine if they are even allowed, let alone how to post them.  If I am confused, I can only imagine how someone newer to this communication tool can feel.  I for one, if not completely comfortable with something will avoid using it. 

 

Tom H

I think this is a pretty typical pattern actually. I participate off and on (and when "on" I post fairly frequently) over at the WCI forum, and you usually do see MUCH higher read numbers than posts for ALL the reasons you mentioned. A lot of folks just "lurk" and soak it all in, and often won't respond either because they don't feel qualified to answer, don't have anything to add, as Tom suggests aren't comfortable with the tool, or . . . just plain don't want to. :-)

 

I am signed up on the following:

WCI's forum

Carving Mag's forum

Knotholes (Yahoo group)

Woodcarving discussion list (Yahoo group)

Woodcarver mailing list

Stick Carving World Wide (Yahoo group)

 

and probably a few others that I've forgotten about. ;-)

 

Of ALL of these by FAR the best and most valuable to me as a relatively new carver because it is the MOST active - is the WCI forum.  Why?  Because (in order of importance):

 

1. it's the most active with a WEALTH of knowlegable participants

 

2. it's the most open to long dialogue's and discussions (and even some disagreements as long as things don't get heated)

 

3. it's easy to use and navigate and most importantly - it's easy to post pics within the Forum so you don't have to jump between a gallery and a discussion if you want to illustrate a point.  This to me is probably the biggest reason it has taken off. Carving is a VISUAL media and to clearly discuss and share ideas it REALLY helps to post pics right in the posting.

 

So that's my take on this.

ChuckT

 

PS: Tom H - LOVE your little 5 minute wizard article in the new WCI. Nice job!! Can't wait to try some.

 

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Profile of a Newbie

Hi Patti and everyone,


Sorry it's taken me so long to notice this post... I was a bit under the weather on Sunday.

There are a couple of things going on here that I would like to address...

1.)  YES, pictures are definitely encouraged here in the forum!  If you don't know how to accomplish this, let me know.

2.)  One of the reasons that things appear to be a bit quiet here is the fact that the members are using the private mail function of the site as their way of communicating.  It's not uncommon to see more than a dozen messages everyday between the members.  Although this is fine, it's also making the forum seem like folks aren't communicating.  So what I'm going to ask people to do is to please use the message function only for those communications that are personal and private, and bring the rest to the forum.  :)

So I'll be sending out a communication to our members about that.

Patti, I think a lot of members just like to "lurk," but as the site grows, we'll have more participants.  Thank YOU for all your participation!

--Matt

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Designer Firewood Created Here!

Hi Matt and all,

 

the problem with the forum is that its kind of silent.  Its just there in the background.  if you don't specifically click on the forum button and do the work needed, you don't get there.  I only check in on the forums once in a while, read through anything new that attracts my attention and bypass the rest.  This site is also new and alot of people are just checking it out, seeing what its all about.  On the email lists you are notified that someone has posted either thru individual emails or condensed digests.  It comes in your regular email and if the topic interests you, you can reply.  You are sent copies of all emails so you can really get involved with the give and take between carvers.  it leads to some great topics and valuable info being traded.  WCI has a good forum because they are the number 1 carving publication, they are a trusted well-liked site and do have a good following.  I have started a few forums, 1 for pattern stuff, and 1 for beginners to ask the help of the more experienced carver.  I thought they, being basic carving stuff would get some topics going, but no.  There is always going to be lots of people who just click through, browse and continue on without contributing much.  It does seem very quiet to me, and maybe its just because its new and it needs to build its reputation and find its place in among all the other carving outlets.

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Carving In NYC

I agree with Maura in that the site is new and it will take some time to get the forums more active.  At this time of the year, activities here are fast paced and time at my computer is quite limited.  I do not always get to check out this club site.

I have yet to catch anyone in the chat room  but then I am here at odd hours.

            Trudy

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My story line