Approving New Members

[Palms]

After reading a new member introduction, it appears that more people are needed to help vet the applications. I am more than happy to join in on this if i have been here long enough. I do try to do this now and again but will admit to having welcomed someone when things have then gone wrong and i have regretted welcoming them. This then stops me doing it again for a while. Also its so horrible when someone takes it personal when you ask them a question about their business.

Have we any guidelines to work to as to who should be welcomed into the forum? I think this would make it easier for the newer people, like myself, on the site to participate.

I really like the fact that flowerchat is a professional board, i feel i can sound off or ask or give advice without any basement betties listening even though a few have slipped through the net. And i would like to help keep it that way so any help with how to vet would be appreciated.:ryan:

 

[lori042499]

I to was welcoming new members for a while and holding the gatekey, but it got to be too much, I do read and vote now and again, but have not been doing my part...it can be quite tediuos and nervewracking...

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

Have we any guidelines to work to as to who should be welcomed into the forum?

good question - my thoughts are that it is up to your individual preferences as to who you will welcome ... and of course that can change from member to member, hopefully creating a sort of balance among criteria.

 

[elmo]

After reading a new member introduction, it appears that more people are needed to help vet the applications. I am more than happy to join in on this if i have been here long enough. I do try to do this now and again but will admit to having welcomed someone when things have then gone wrong and i have regretted welcoming them. This then stops me doing it again for a while. Also its so horrible when someone takes it personal when you ask them a question about their business.

Have we any guidelines to work to as to who should be welcomed into the forum? I think this would make it easier for the newer people, like myself, on the site to participate.

I really like the fact that flowerchat is a professional board, i feel i can sound off or ask or give advice without any basement betties listening even though a few have slipped through the net. And i would like to help keep it that way so any help with how to vet would be appreciated.:ryan:

I my self think V does a great job!! She can fire off those questions. I'm not first to welcome any more till I see how it's going down, I too have had regret's on a vote. Just glad I was able to get in before that barn door closed. haha:rofl:

 

[Palms]

I think V does a superb job too and when she welcomes someone i feel very confident to welcome them too. I just feel that it should not be left all to her as it seems to be, i am sure she must get fed up of it sometimes...

 

[Rhonda]

I don't always comment but do vote (unless something just doesn't seem right :rofl: )

 

[aileen_c]

Speaking of barn door closing, I've been reminded often enough that I was lucky to get in before "vetting" started. Also been told in very subtle ways I really have no business being here. It's sad really because where does one turn to to delve into this profession they've conciously decided to pursue? I mean, it's not like there are floral groups meeting regularly across the country to join and meet with once a week to share about the industry. So to me, this is my resource, my outlet, part of my education and my chat time with people in the industry where I can learn, explore ideas and meet people-maye make a friend along the way!

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

Count me in on the V fan club!

-BUT-

Many vote of their own accord without asking questions. It isn't always necessary to ask a question of everyone, especially if enough info is posted.... I think there is more participation going on behind the scenes than we all may realize. I know I don't usually participate in the thread, but almost always participate in the vote.

Some times I just don't know how to vote, so I abstain. And occasionally I regret my vote, but that's typical of democracy I think.

 

[Dee Dee]

I don't quite know how to reach out and do this but perhaps since we all feel comfortable with V's vetting ways. We should ask her to help those of us who are willing to look at new members but are unsure of ourselves. Count me in that group.

She could give us her list of questions or an idea paragraph and we could follow. If she is willing I understand I am asking her to do extra work upfront. Sorry V - that's what you get for being the best though.

I agree with Palms, Elmo, Tracey

Just a thought................

 

[elmo]

V, looks like you have a fan club of FC'ers.

 

[Queen of Weddings]

Well I do vote as well, I myself, being the person I am, I really don't want those homeonwer ones on here, hate to say that,,but it does affect your business, and I could do this in my house as it is zoned commercial and all the paper work, but I have a store front, and I payu to much, but do it the right way, so can all others, yes, I am being issy, but hey,,,I love V and she knows this, sometimes, I am to busy to do it,,,but try..

 

[Rhonda]

if they give a website, I copy, open a new window and paste in the browser. Gives me a chance to look around, see if it's a "non-WS" site, the about us pages...the placement of a LOCAL number if a ws site is there any "personal content"...etc
If no website given, google....investigate!
Which is sometimes why I just vote and not comment.

 

[Carol Bice]

We all owe Victoris a big round of applause for all the really hard work she does on the new members vetting. She does it so well, some of us hate to follow her act. It is always effecient, direct, kind, useful, and informative.

I tend to only vote on people I know or people that have a connection in the industry that has credibility or recommendations from other Flower chatters.

Carol Bice

 

[Victoria]

I'm glad you're here Aileen... you offer much to the board. Hey, you're in good company, it's been hinted that I don't belong here either. They would be wrong on both counts.

V

 

[Victoria]

Paula, just trust your gut. I make the odd mistake but you know, those people who tend to slip through the cracks to get in, leave in the same way.

Please participate... thanks!

V

 

[aileen_c]

those people who tend to slip through the cracks to get in, leave in the same way.

V

lol lol lol :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

 

[roysecityfloristand gifts]

Actually there is a set of questions all new applicants are suppose to answer in full.
The problems start when they object to the questions as "nosy" or "uncalled for" or they are "insulted" by the questioning of members etc.

Perhaps in addition to the questions they know they have to answer, there could be a declarative paragraph explaining that current members will be delving into their answers further asking more specifics and verifying the existance of their website, etc.

Many times when we have asked for more details, they have bowed out on their own because their motives for applying maybe haven't been as pure as stated. I am with others who say they prefer membership to be florist store front/studio.

If you have noticed the number of applicants has increased dramatically. Many say they are finding the forum on the internet. While a few say they were referred by current members. Perhaps when a member refers someone they could make sure they confirm that when the applicant post their intro.

This might keep the applicants from attacking V. the way they have been doing. The sheer numbers alone must keep V. covered up.

Thanks V. for all you do!

 

[wildflowerschicago]

I think it may be a problem if we just vote and don't comment. The commenting bumps the thread to the top of the unread posts list which reminds other members to stop and check it out.

I only comment to bump the thread or to ask for further clarification.

I really think that people who don't belong here quickly figure it out and drift away...much like I would in an engineering forum.

Just my opinion

 

[Beth]

Speaking of barn door closing, I've been reminded often enough that I was lucky to get in before "vetting" started. Also been told in very subtle ways I really have no business being here. It's sad really because where does one turn to to delve into this profession they've conciously decided to pursue? I mean, it's not like there are floral groups meeting regularly across the country to join and meet with once a week to share about the industry. So to me, this is my resource, my outlet, part of my education and my chat time with people in the industry where I can learn, explore ideas and meet people-maye make a friend along the way!

What Aileen said! I've been "given the hint" a few times too.

 

[sharonbrannigan]

I don't quite know how to reach out and do this but perhaps since we all feel comfortable with V's vetting ways. We should ask her to help those of us who are willing to look at new members but are unsure of ourselves. Count me in that group.

She could give us her list of questions or an idea paragraph and we could follow. If she is willing I understand I am asking her to do extra work upfront. Sorry V - that's what you get for being the best though.

I agree with Palms, Elmo, Tracey

Just a thought................

this seems to be right where i'm at too.