Encouraging Forum Use

[+rutson]

Seems that there are a lot of new cachers out there. Seems almost every other log is a first find.

 

On the other hand, there doesn't seem to be a great influx of new forum users. Watching the bottom of the page, there are quite a few lurkers which is fine, but I think more forum participation would be a good thing.

 

So how could we promote forum use? I'm thinking about putting something on cache listings, especially the 'easier' ones.

 

Unfortunatly, it's not as straightforward as a single link to get to the UK forum, a new user would have to to go to:

 

http://www.geocaching.com/forums/register.aspx

 

and then on to:

 

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showforum=35

 

Not the easiest process to explain, so maybe make it part of a beginers guide that could be linked to from cache listings.

 

OK enought rambling, what do you think?

 

[edit to correct some of my awful typing]

Edited March 13, 2005 by rutson

[+Nellies Knackers]

Linking from cache pages is a good idea, I'll do my two at once Mr. Rutson Sir!

[Deego]

If we bring them in here wont it scare them off

 

I have a link in my profile and a list of other usful links.

 

I dont think they have to go to register first as anybody can view the forums so just link to http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showforum=35

Edited March 13, 2005 by Deego

[+rutson]

The registration is auto-magic, but the registration page must be visited to transfer the details over to the forum system.

[+S&G.Davison]

If we bring them in here wont it scare them off

Hmm Good Point ........

 

So we need to be nice

[Deego]

The registration is auto-magic, but the registration page must be visited to transfer the details over to the forum system.

but only if they want to post. They can read all they want

[+Queeny]

I think all newbies will read everything they can on the subject of geocaching...but like me, with a few other forums to contribute too, its not always easy to find the time to join in with a thread! Found this forum enlightening, to say the least,lol!

[+McDeHack]

Many could be shy. It could be some time before they realise that we are not so crazy and test the water with a post.

Newbies. Come on in, the water is warm and friendly.

[+Us 4 and Jess]

i personally read alot before i asked questions.........

 

what frightens me and probably alot of other folks is the technology

 

i asked a question yesterday about laptops in the field and cachemates ect..and i got a lot of what i presume is good advice albeit that i am techinically challenged

 

by that i mean i was told about blue tooth phones and pda s ect ect and i am afraid to go back and ask what these really are :

 

a) because i really dont know

 

because i dont want to look stupid

 

i hope you know where i am coming from

 

but on the other hand i have had really good helpful advice but i do feel sometimes you make people who really dont know or understand feel a little bit intimidated

 

please dont take this wrong

 

just my 2pence worth

 

us 4 and jess

 

mandy

Edited March 13, 2005 by Us 4 and Jess

[arvensis]

Us 4 and Jess- Look on the bright side- just by typing on this forum proves that you are more techno savvy than quite a few people. Dont be afraid to ask, things can stump the best of us. If sometimes you feel like throwing your computer out the window- don't worry you aint the only one (Now where did I put my hammer!!! Take this Bill gates )

 

Mark

[Clarets0]

If sometimes you feel like throwing your computer out the window

This is what happens when you lose your temper with a computer

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...item=6750430437

[MCL]

I wouldn't want to encourage people to use these forums. They practice censorship here.

 

I said they *practice* it, I didn't say they actually got it right.....

[+wildlifewriter]

I wouldn't want to encourage people to use these forums. They practice censorship here.

 

I said they *pract