3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community - Can we organize this to be a more efficient forum?

3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community (https://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/)

- Ideal Protein Diet (https://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet-236/)

- - Can we organize this to be a more efficient forum? (https://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet/209467-can-we-organize-more-efficient-forum.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruthxxx (Post 3435316)

Most of this is covered in the first part of the Main Forum Page. Let me know if you need additional info there or clarification.

I'm not sure now how to proceed. I'm sure a lot of this stuff is posted on the Main Forum page, but as a 5 month user of this board, I've never even seen that page (as far as I know)...didn't know it existed and that I should go looking for it. I've never used a board like this before and it just never occurred to me to go looking "outside" my area for anything.

I think people find the IP forum when they google IP. So, we have to assume that they start somewhere inside one of these stickies or threads. One option would be if there is a way on EVERY PAGE to include a permanent link that says something like "New to the discussion board? Click here for help getting started" and it led to the main forum page. (and maybe on that page we may suggest some other topics for help).

If that is not possible, then it seems to me the best way to reach the most newbies is to have a sticky that includes all the basics. And maybe we have a "template" at the beginning of every daily chat that says something like:
"New to the board? Click here for getting started" with a link to the IP tech support page?

I don't want to break (or bend!) any of the 3FC policies--these women have spent way too much time and effort on making this thing work and it is priceless to all of us. And I respect all that has gone into it. I just want to make it easier for IP newbies (who are also discussion board newbies) to figure out the ettiquette and the "how to's" with a minimum of fuss.

I think we all know what kind of information we need out there, the question is what is the best way to get it to people?

ADDED NOTE LATER:
Just opened today's thread and see that long cool woman has already adapted this "template" idea at the head of the chat. What do people think?

Possible text for nudge to post in daily chat, and links in 1st post of daily chat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky Monarch (Post 3446916)

I'm not sure now how to proceed. I'm sure a lot of this stuff is posted on the Main Forum page, but as a 5 month user of this board, I've never even seen that page (as far as I know)...didn't know it existed and that I should go looking for it. I've never used a board like this before and it just never occurred to me to go looking "outside" my area for anything.

I think people find the IP forum when they google IP. So, we have to assume that they start somewhere inside one of these stickies or threads. One option would be if there is a way on EVERY PAGE to include a permanent link that says something like "New to the discussion board? Click here for help getting started" and it led to the main forum page. (and maybe on that page we may suggest some other topics for help).

If that is not possible, then it seems to me the best way to reach the most newbies is to have a sticky that includes all the basics. And maybe we have a "template" at the beginning of every daily chat that says something like:
"New to the board? Click here for getting started" with a link to the IP tech support page?

I think we all know what kind of information we need out there, the question is what is the best way to get it to people?

ADDED NOTE LATER:
Just opened today's thread and see that long cool woman has already adapted this "template" idea at the head of the chat. What do people think?

For sure, there are different levels of web-forum user knowledge. Why don't we include the link to the announcements/technical forum in the first post/ few posts of every daily thread? I don't think there's anything wrong with encouraging people to read what's here and giving them some links and a basic "map". Most people if shown where to find the information, seem happy to "self-serve."

I just googled "ideal protein" and this forum wasn't in the first 5 pages of results. I can't remember how I came to find it! :?: I do remember reading a ton of messages (all 417 messages in a thread from last October)

I really like the template I copied from showgirlaz. ;) I just added the tickers and signatures link. We could try an approach for a week or so -- a pilot plan -- and see the results.

What do you think of the "redirection" message? deleted attachment 17 Oct 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6710 (Post 3446457)

Hey Ladies i'm sorry to say but I'm out of this project. There appears to be a large amount of frustration with the progress, see here. I feel there are others that would prefer to take on the organization. So I have decided to back out. I am also going to ask a moderator to delete my membership. I'll just lurk. Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement. I love IP. Rosie

Rosie, I hope you don't leave. As I read it, the frustration wasn't about our progress or ideas. It was about the influx of new IP'rs who are used to a different way of interacting than what's been used so far on the 3FC IP forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novak (Post 3446795)

Those newer to the forum may not realize that we used to have a monthly chat thread, and most information was exchanged there. The veterans at the time basically told us newbies to read all the previous posts before asking any questions! That soon became an unrealistic expectation, but there is so much great information captured here already, it really needs to be mined and organized so that people can find what they need.

My position on using the chat to introduce yourself and post questions is that most people go there first, and you're likely to get the best discussion. Many of us use multiquote, and do not always limit our posts to a narrow topic. And as the number of single topic threads increases, other threads get pushed to the back pages, where they are lost. If people don't see a certain topic on the front page, they just start another thread and the problem is compounded.

I think most of us would like the forum to maintain the camaraderie and support we have enjoyed here while engaged in a very difficult undertaking. The rapid growth and sprawling nature of recent postings can be perceived as a threat to that. I believe there is a solution, and that the bright people here can come up with something workable.

We've had to do this before, and we'll have to do it again. Change comes, and we have to adapt. We'll figure it out, and emerge with something to accommodate most everyone's needs. But some people will not be comfortable with the changes, and will choose to move on. It has happened before, and it will again. :)

^^ this, EXACTLY!!

Attachment:
- text for links on first page of daily chat thread.

This is just a personal take based on experience. I think, ideally, we should direct people to the the main address. Once there a newbie, or anyone else, can then scroll down and see ALL of the active threads. If we highlight specific threads in the initial post we run the risk of again having someone hone in on a specific thread and miss the whole panoply of information.

Perhaps the second attachment could say something like "Once you CLICK ON the main URL for IP you will find many threads. Some that you should look at are:. . . . But please sample all of the threads and read as much history of each as you have time. ?

Golly I think it's great how helpful everyone has been on this issue. Very thoughtful observations.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novak (Post 3446795)

Those newer to the forum may not realize that we used to have a monthly chat thread, and most information was exchanged there. . . . )

Brilliant. And succinct, too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Novak (Post 3446795)

I don't think the frustration is with the progress of any particular effort to improve the boards, but generally with the current state, which has become a bit overwhelming. The recent change to daily chats takes some getting used to, and suddenly it seems that there are so many threads, no one could possibly keep up with them all.

Those newer to the forum may not realize that we used to have a monthly chat thread, and most information was exchanged there. The veterans at the time basically told us newbies to read all the previous posts before asking any questions! That soon became an unrealistic expectation, but there is so much great information captured here already, it really needs to be mined and organized so that people can find what they need.

My position on using the chat to introduce yourself and post questions is that most people go there first, and you're likely to get the best discussion. Many of us use multiquote, and do not always limit our posts to a narrow topic. And as the number of single topic threads increases, other threads get pushed to the back pages, where they are lost. If people don't see a certain topic on the front page, they just start another thread and the problem is compounded.

I think most of us would like the forum to maintain the camaraderie and support we have enjoyed here while engaged in a very difficult undertaking. The rapid growth and sprawling nature of recent postings can be perceived as a threat to that. I believe there is a solution, and that the bright people here can come up with something workable.

I'm sorry if the discussion felt like criticism to any of you who stepped up to help us better manage the content here; I can assure you that I appreciate everyone's ideas and efforts. And as Carla pointed out, we don't need to do this instantly... that is not a reasonable expectation. But I do believe we (all) should try to rein things in a little before it becomes too unwieldy with all the new people joining the mix.

We've had to do this before, and we'll have to do it again. Change comes, and we have to adapt. We'll figure it out, and emerge with something to accommodate most everyone's needs. But some people will not be comfortable with the changes, and will choose to move on. It has happened before, and it will again. :)

I love you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linden (Post 3447326)

I hear what you're saying AND my thinking was that it's easier in a thread to say "check the links in the first post of this thread" than for each responder to create specific hyperlinks. I think Carla selected threads and links that we frequently suggest or cover topics that are frequently requested.

Changing the coding in that file to have it be the "red link" or emphasized in some other way is easy-peasy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcw32 (Post 3447415)

I hear what you're saying AND my thinking was that it's easier in a thread to say "check the links in the first post of this thread" than for each responder to create specific hyperlinks. I could do an analysis of the questions -- but I won't. I think Carla selected threads and links that we frequently suggest or cover topics that are frequently requested.

Changing the coding in that file to have it be the "red link" or emphasized in some other way is easy-peasy.

Gotcha. Good thinking.

Boy! I go missing a few days and I always seem to fall so far behind on majore events!

I have some reading to do! ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by showgirlaz (Post 3450427)

Boy! I go missing a few days and I always seem to fall so far behind on majore events!

I have some reading to do! ;)

Well, you know us... we always like to stir things up a little while you're gone. :D

Okay the re-route to daily thread isn't working for everyone. What about creating threads for common discussion topics, like the Exercise Thread? Some ideas:

Thyroid questions
Diabetic, pre-diabetic, hypoglycemic questions
Men on IP
Deciding on a goal weight (already exists)
Weeks 1 & 2 ... I'm hungry, tired, have a headache
Fun with Packets
Can I have ....... on IP?
Skin, Hair and Nails
Food allergies and concerns -- soy, gluten
Vegetarians on IP
Sweeteners - natural and artificial
Help! I'm not losing weight and it's been ....
Birth control and IP (already exists)
Lower digestive tract issues - The C & D thread

Questions about vegetables and Lettuce, salt, water and oil come up fairly frequently too.

That's what I noticed looking at the 15 pages of archives. What else could be covered this way?

Edit: I should have read the thread linked by Carla, in the first post of this thread. There's a great list of ideas there, including mine. :o

Quote:

Originally Posted by I'm svelting! (Post 3451599)

Okay the re-route to daily thread isn't working for everyone. What about creating threads for common discussion topics, like the Exercise Thread? Some ideas:

Thyroid questions
Diabetic, pre-diabetic, hypoglycemic questions
Men on IP
Deciding on a goal weight (already exists)
Weeks 1 & 2 ... I'm hungry, tired, have a headache
Fun with Packets
Can I have ....... on IP?
Skin, Hair and Nails
Food allergies and concerns -- soy, gluten
Vegetarians on IP
Sweeteners - natural and artificial
Help! I'm not losing weight and it's been ....
Birth control and IP (already exists)
Lower digestive tract issues - The C & D thread

Questions about vegetables and Lettuce, salt, water and oil come up fairly frequently too.

That's what I noticed looking at the 15 pages of archives. What else could be covered this way?

I like this idea a lot. I might also have a "Weigh in" thread where we could share our progress and an "Introduction" thread. From past experience on boards it is nice to be able to pop over to an intro thread and refresh my aging memory about a person who is posting.

But honestly, I'm pretty easy going. I've been around more this week because I've been stuck in my desk seat working on school and I need the distraction. I have no idea how things will go from here other than I have about 2.5 years left of school. I think I'll be goal weight before then though...

trying not to whine....

I'm glad to see that there is so much "make it better" activity on the board...I know we are having growing pains and for those of you who have been around longer, I am sure you have seen this before. It's great that we have so many people joining, even if the increased participation means we need to figure out new ways to do things. All part of the process, I'm sure.

So, as long as we are trying to sort things out, I just thought I would toss this in the mix, even if it turns out it cannot be fixed...

As a person who lives on the west coast, the new daily thread is truly a downer. I rarely get to my computer for personal time before at least 10 or 11 pm Pacific--usually a lot later.

Since changing to a daily thread I am pretty much given up on commenting on other people's posts (even big things like 5andy's engagment). Or asking questions or cheering folks on. Because by 11pm my time, just about everyone else is offline and the next day there will be a new thread, so why bother?

I know the change was requested by the moderators and I certainly don't know enough about how these boards work (and how MUCH work they are). But a daily thread makes things pretty frustrating and....I guess... pretty lonely out here by the Pacific.

maybe we can pick a "different" 24 hours as our "day"? Or is there something about the weekly thread that takes more moderation support that we could approach/fix in some other way?

Just asking...

Since you mentioned it. . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky Monarch (Post 3451889)

As a person who lives on the west coast, the new daily thread is truly a downer.

I wasn't going to say anything because I appear to be the only person on HST (Hawaii Standard Time). I'm having my dinner now while probably half of you are in bed or on the way. 6 hour time difference from east coast; 3 from west.

I, too, rarely give the congratulations I'd like to because so many have gone before me and moved on to other issues. And it gets lonely out here about 8:00.

I don't have a solution. I'm not sure starting the day later would eliminate the intrinsic problem. And people like Novak who get up at 4:00 might get lost in the previous day's post. Don't want that, although I usually see her early posts before I go to bed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky Monarch (Post 3451889)

As a person who lives on the west coast, the new daily thread is truly a downer. I rarely get to my computer for personal time before at least 10 or 11 pm Pacific--usually a lot later.

Since changing to a daily thread I am pretty much given up on commenting on other people's posts (even big things like 5andy's engagment). Or asking questions or cheering folks on. Because by 11pm my time, just about everyone else is offline and the next day there will be a new thread, so why bother

I'm not a fan of the daily, either. It does seem too abrupt to me. But for now, I just read the previous night's posts in the morning, and respond if I want. They don't close the thread, so I can still post... if no one else stops in to read what they missed the previous night (especially from early risers and our westerly folks), then I guess the comments are lost. :?:

Oh, well! I'm not sure what we can do about it. :shrug:

daily thread closing time

I wonder if it would work to close the daily thread later in the day on the day after, though that could be confusing.

Another option might be to go to 2-3 day threads since our daily threads are averaging about 5 pages right now. If we are disciplined about new question threads and maybe set up an introduction thread they might be more "wieldy":)

Edit: I won't be able to get to adding the other threads until the weekend. If someone does start them, maybe the title should be "Topic - 1" so that we (or whoever) can add "Topic - the sequel" when it arises.