Admin
Administrator 
Posts: 2,676
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Post by Admin on Jun 1, 2019 18:38:37 GMT
This afternoon I performed my quasi-bimonthly routine of deleting the accounts of new members who failed to post their introductions within 15 days of being accepted for forum membership.
Although I tell them they have 15 days, typically I'll allow between 20 and 30 days.
Six accounts were deleted in today's purge; I can't understand why someone would ask to join and then either never return or fail to meet the minimum requirement for membership.
There are currently nine other new members who have yet to make their introductions -- by mid-month I hope that a lesser number of these accounts will be deleted.
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angore
Member 
Posts: 5,698 
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jun 1, 2019 18:46:16 GMT
My guess is some are looking for a specific answer based upon a hit from a google search. After seeing what they want or not see what they want, they never return.
This forum gets fewer how much is my recently acquired collection is worth type like threads than other forums I frequent so it could be related to that.
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darkormex
Member
Swinging through Switzerland and getting tied up in Thailand
Posts: 2,197
What I collect: The World...just printing and mounting as I go...call me crazy!
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Post by darkormex on Jun 1, 2019 19:12:54 GMT
I think angore is correct. I came here at the recommendation of a friend but I also read through the rules beforehand and knew what I signed up for. I wanted to make the effort to be a part of this forum. My social media time is limited to only a few websites that satisfy my specific interests, mainly stamps and books, and I have my own FB pages that I manage. I suspect a lot of people surf the net looking for some specific question they want answered but don't bother to read the "terms and conditions" and then later realize it was not what they wanted, can't get their question answered or just feel like it is too much of a time commitment. |
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kasvik
Member
Posts: 607
What I collect: Cancels mostly, especially Sweden Gävle and Lidingö, Switzerland Geneva, Germany Pforzheim
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Post by kasvik on Jun 2, 2019 3:48:16 GMT
Regarding Steve's question about inactive newcomers, no doubt others are right about lack of serious interest and such. My own guess is the initial complexity of the forum is a gauntlet. Everything is right there--a lot of work as gone into clearing the path--but it still requires a bit of clicking to identify all the vital pieces and see how they interoperate. The system is not ideal for neophytes. After joining, I stared on-and-off for a week before the pieces began to fit logically. And there is still much I'm uncertain about. I’m not sure what would help; so much depends on individual skills and tenacity. I have little of the first, but more of the second.
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,698
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jun 2, 2019 11:05:15 GMT
I have purchased stamps I already own more than once.
It may be better to start a separate thread on the one and done members. I suspect many folks have no issue giving out an email address to create an account so no real obstacle. I have registered for some forums that I have never really used.
As for navigating the forum, it is not much different than going into a library loaded with books and not knowing how to use the "card catalog". The challenge is finding the key threads among all the other back and forth if looking for specific information. Forums are different as they are not books or self-contained articles except in the newsletter.
Without a good front end, it can be hard to find information fairly quickly. In the short attention span world, one can give up easily. This is difficult with any discussion forum.
[NOTE: This post and others were moved from the Whatcha Been Stamping thread, explaining why the first sentence seems out of context.]
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Admin
Administrator
Posts: 2,676
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Post by Admin on Jun 2, 2019 11:53:29 GMT
Initially I would send the welcome message by a Forum personal message but then it occurred to me that an individual had to sign in before being able to read that message. That prompted me to start sending the Forum's welcome message directly to the new members' email accounts. Below is the message that is now being sent to all newly accepted members -- you'll see that it provides a link to the New Members Introductions board which contains a thread providing step-by-step instructions (with images) on how to create the intro thread. If you can think of anything else that should be in the Welcome email to encourage their follow-through, let me know. Note that the post script doesn't get included in every email. If during my screening prior to acceptance I see that the prospective member has collecting experience it is omitted.
Dear New Member, Welcome to our Forum! I’m glad that you’ve decided to join us and hope that you’ll find the time you spend on The Stamp Forum (TSF) to be both enjoyable and informative. You can sign in to your TSF account at login.proboards.com/login/5386724/1 All new members are required to post an introduction on New Members Introductions Board which can be accessed at thestampforum.boards.net/board/84/new-members-introductions It is most helpful if the introduction includes a summary of your collecting interests and also how you found the Forum! Once you’ve made your introduction, your membership status will be manually adjusted to allow you to post in most other areas of the Forum. If you don’t make the introduction within 15 days of this date, your account will be deleted. After you’ve been a member for at least two weeks and made at least 50 quality posts the Buy, Sell, Trade section of the forum will be available to you. That requires another manual adjustment to your status so if I don’t catch it in a reasonable amount of time, please send me a forum message. Making solicitations to buy, sell or trade prior to reaching that milestone is prohibited. Please make sure that you abide the forum's rules and its posting guidelines and let me know if you have any questions. The rules may be found at thestampforum.boards.net/thread/12/rules -- the posting guidelines are at thestampforum.boards.net/thread/5993/posting-etiquette-guidelinesAlso, take some time to review the threads in the Frequently Asked Questions About Using the Forum board at thestampforum.boards.net/board/363/frequently-asked-using-forum -- it should answer many questions about where/how to post, uploading images, etc. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I look forward to your active participation. Steve (tomiseksj) Forum Administrator p.s. If you are new to stamp collecting, let me know and I’ll send you some links to help you get started. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2019 12:20:25 GMT
Actually the index (home page) is not much different than a book or catalog index. If you want to find a subject of a particular country it is simple. There seems to be some effort to keep like subjects together. Some sites the whole thing is a mess with similar topics all over and members changing the subject mid thread Everything gets thrown into one geographical area. Hopefully that wont happen here. With 200+ countries, specialty subjects like Cinderellas, I cannot imagine making it any easier to find a topic. It is just up to the members to do a simple search and put topics where they belong and any member old or new should be able to find what they are looking for. Just my  worth As for not doing an intro - this site has some 400 members - how many post anything? Some sites like the big overseas one, thousands have never posted anything I dont know if I would worry about removing those who dont post an intro - at least they can return at some future date As an added note I find the real issue today is no matter how simple you make it most people want it instantly without any effort to search or learn |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,698
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jun 2, 2019 12:26:22 GMT
Members may want to...
1. learn - single question or general
2. share what they know/have
3. buy/sell/trade
4. social - generally or common collecting interest
I suspect most are in category 1 initially so not likely need to join.
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Post by stamphinger on Jun 2, 2019 12:29:55 GMT
I second kasvik's comments. Even after a couple of month's on this forum I still find it difficult to find previous threads or subject areas of interest. Takes practice, I guess.
SH
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,698
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jun 2, 2019 12:48:10 GMT
Every forum is different so always need to learn how they are organized unless the information is presented in a more summarized format.
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tomiseksj
Moderator 
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Jun 2, 2019 13:25:28 GMT
...I still find it difficult to find previous threads or subject areas of interest. Takes practice, I guess. We have two search tools available to members and guests alike. I find the forum's search function (the first listed on the navigation bar) can be quite helpful.  |
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Jerry B
Departed
Rest in Peace
Marietta, Georgia USA
Posts: 1,485
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Post by Jerry B on Jun 2, 2019 13:35:34 GMT
Hi
In my opinion, this forum is the most organized of all. It is really easy to find threads pertinent to a question or interest. I don't know of any other Forum that is organized by country and/or topic as this one is. If your topic is not in the "index", ask the Forum Admins for a new topic. After reviewing the request, I have known the Admins more than willing to add a topic.
I have been on this board since the beginning, when there were only a few areas/topics. I must say that this Forum has grown like blazes.
A thought had crossed my mind to ask the Admin about a "Site Map". I haven't asked because I am not sure if it would be any more help than what is already present.
Also, I agree that a lot of "joiners" never come back, or write an introduction. I wonder how may are NOT stamp collectors, but someone who has inherited a collection, found a few stamps that they think are valuable, looking for ways to sell it etc., and not looking for something more. They may go through the initial joining procedures, ask their question and, once satisfied with an answer, find no need to return to the Forum.
Jerry B
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Jun 2, 2019 13:48:36 GMT
... I wonder how may are NOT stamp collectors, but someone who has inherited a collection, found a few stamps that they think are valuable, looking for ways to sell it etc., and not looking for something more. Jerry B We currently have one pending membership request that falls in that category. He found a stamp and wants to know what he has. I sent an email informing him to send me an image and I'd help him out but that I'd only approve his membership request if he was going to participate. It has been several days now and he hasn't responded. For awareness, I spend time researching each membership request in an effort to prevent spammers. Not only do I run the checks on Stop Forum Spam but I also perform searches on the email address and user ID. Given our recent experience, I've also begun checking other stamp forums to see if the individual has a footprint there. Since I've begun keeping track, 93 individuals who were approved for membership never followed through and their accounts were deleted. |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,698
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jun 2, 2019 15:30:35 GMT
A forum that is accessed by many with different experience levels. Speaking for myself when I am learning a different area or even a hobby, it takes time to learn the lingo so initially some searches yield little information. In my case, I will likely use google first before even looking at various threads in a forum.
When a person with obvious little experience asks a serious question (not a how much is it worth) I will try to answer it rather than say use the search function. I have seem some post a hint on what to search which is also friendly.
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darkormex
Member
Swinging through Switzerland and getting tied up in Thailand
Posts: 2,197
What I collect: The World...just printing and mounting as I go...call me crazy!
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Post by darkormex on Jun 2, 2019 15:53:22 GMT
I agree with Jerry B...to me this is a very well organized site with a large number of country/topic areas that immediately caught my interest. I like being able to find obscure, untouched threads and adding something to them also. Perhaps it is because I am already familiar with Proboards sites, being a member of another stamp related board, that I find it very easy to navigate and find what I am looking for. That said, I can also see how it may be difficult for a novice. On the other site, I found myself initially unwilling to explore different topic headers like "recent threads" or "search" because I initially started out only reading "Recent Posts" and commenting from there. Later I started exploring other ways of getting to or finding information. The one thing that really hits home for me on this site is the idea of staying on topic within threads and not creating new threads on similar or the same topic. I would like to echo @221bakerstr's comments above regarding some sites being a mess with a lack of curation on the part of moderators. (This is not a comment toward any sites that I am currently a member of). Yet, at the same time, to me, there is not an overabundance of micro-management on this site, which also makes me feel more comfortable. I don't feel that I have to watch my step with every single post...not that I don't understand or respect the rules, it is just that the rules are commonsense and brief and that is all there needs to be. |
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brightonpete
Departed
Rest in Peace
On a hike at Goodrich-Loomis
Posts: 5,110
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Post by brightonpete on Jun 2, 2019 16:06:59 GMT
I looked at that letter & thought... "tl; dr"!
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darkormex
Member
Swinging through Switzerland and getting tied up in Thailand
Posts: 2,197
What I collect: The World...just printing and mounting as I go...call me crazy!
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Post by darkormex on Jun 2, 2019 16:50:24 GMT
I looked at that letter & thought... "tl; dr"! ...and yet, here you are 1200+ posts later. |
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blaamand
Member
Currently creating custom pages until 1940.
Posts: 1,459
What I collect: Worldwide - Stamps and Postmarks - not enough time...
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Post by blaamand on Jun 2, 2019 17:59:18 GMT
I certainly agree. I must say I get overwhelmed and humble when reading about all the effort that our brave moderators are putting into ensuring our forum remain a forum for genuine "stamp nuts"  And unlike other forums, the tone here is more friendly and supportive  On other forums I have experienced 'elevated collectors' trying to elevate themselves further by "stepping on" or neglecting others, not responding to other collectors questions etc, like they think of themselves as the center of the philatelic universe. I haven't met that attitude in this place - forum members here seem to enjoy being on an even level with each other. We are fortunate to have some true experts on different fields - but they are humble about it and not the opposite - and overly helpful. For the reason to not posting and intro? I can't say why, but I do understand the policy to exclude members that will not make an intro. That's part of creating a good environment, that forum members know a little about each other. I hope all new members want to say a little hello and join in on an even level with the rest of us, regardless of philatelic interest or experience. Big thanks and honors to our kind moderators  |
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daveg28
Member
Posts: 1,062
What I collect: U.S., Canada, Great Britain & Commonwealth, France (esp. 1950-80), DDR, USSR
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Post by daveg28 on Jun 3, 2019 14:42:37 GMT
I agree with the thought that people come with a single question, and they are not really collectors. When people find out I'm a collector, they always want to know what I've got that's worth a lot of money. Hard to explain to them that it's not about that. My daughter is a good example. She's already told me that when I'm gone, she'll be selling off my collection in short order. I'm currently "auditioning" various grandkids, nieces, and nephews in the family to see who might be a candidate to inherit my collection some day. I want that to happen...not for all my time and effort to be just sold off. I want one of these kids to take and continue what I've done...expand it. Don't know if any of you frequent any Facebook stamp pages. They get a LOT of people popping up asking the old "what's this worth, am I rich?" questions. And then they disappear, usually with rude comments because they don't believe the advice they'd been given.
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brightonpete
Departed
Rest in Peace
On a hike at Goodrich-Loomis
Posts: 5,110
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Post by brightonpete on Jun 3, 2019 15:28:59 GMT
No one I know collects stamps. If I go before my brothers, then my collection will be ignored & then sold for a pittance no doubt.
Everyone wonders why? Why collect expensive bits of paper? They just don't get it!
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Post by johnnyrev on Feb 20, 2020 12:48:48 GMT
Many visitors to communities are considered "lurkers". Wikipedia defines them as:
Lurker
In Internet culture, a lurker is typically a member of an online community or PLN who observes, but does not participate. The exact definition depends on context. Lurkers make up a large proportion of all users in online communities. Lurking allows users to learn the conventions of an online community before they participate, improving their socialization when they eventually "de-lurk". However, a lack of social contact while lurking sometimes causes loneliness or apathy among lurkers.
I have been a collector for over 50 years (aps #100777) and find myself being a "lurker" most of the time. I am attempting to change that now.
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Post by TSF Admin on Feb 20, 2020 15:03:33 GMT
I think you'll find this a safe and welcoming environment in which to emerge from the shadows. |
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Post by jimwentzell on Feb 20, 2020 15:21:10 GMT
Regarding the subject question:
Why Join the Forum and Then Never Post an Intro?
Sometimes new members post an introduction, then forget that they even joined, as in my case! When I tried to sign up as a new member, after re-discovering this forum a couple years later, I realized my mistake. As we all might admit, it wasn't my first time forgetting an on-line account, with all the things we have to sign up for. Even Google wants you to "sign in" often when using its services. As a result, I now use a non-tracking search engine, which likely subcontracts with the behemoth anyway, but at least my searches aren't used directly by Alphabet Inc., Google's owner.
There are several online philatelic forums, and I just lost track of this forum amidst my many other daily distractions and work schedule. But I am glad I came back to post again!
Other philatelic forums provide many options for posting, but for one reason or another I post less elsewhere. Some due to poor "netiquette" (internet ettiquette) others just a less intimate feeling of belonging in the right place. Thankfully that hasn't happened here, in large part due to our wonderful administrators and of course the nice people I've come to know (and the many I haven't yet, but will!)
There may be other answers; unfortunately we may never know, as single-time posters that don't ever return will obviously not be able to let us know.
But it won't be because we are rude, petty, or don't have the resources or format to answer their philatelic inquisitiveness!
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Post by jimwentzell on Feb 20, 2020 15:38:20 GMT
It also may be time for a new "program" at my (and your) local stamp club; the topic might be called...
"Navigating The 'Net"
"Online Stamp Adventures"
"PostingPleasures"
or something similar.
Years ago I did a program basically introducing our local club members to the online platforms of different stamp auction firms (I believe it was before Stamp Auction Network). It included a very brief intro to eBay. There were many members who afterwards admitted their inexperience, and quite often, embarrassment with, their limited
computer skills...
After all, most of us collectors are rather advanced in age; I used to be the youngest member in my local stamp club forty-five years ago (age 16); now I am often still the youngest member at many stamp meetings, even at at age 61!
So be a mentor, one way or another, to that senior (or just computer-unsavvy) collector and show them how it's done! Doesn't have to be a club meeting, it could be just pulling up TSF on your iPad when you're talking to a collector, and showing them how easy it can be!
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Jerry B
Departed
Rest in Peace
Marietta, Georgia USA
Posts: 1,485
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Post by Jerry B on Feb 20, 2020 16:01:18 GMT
Hi
I have a few thoughts about "lurkers".
I also have been collecting for over 50 years. At the beginning I was a World-Wide collector, but since, have specialized in Colombia and exclusively collect Ecuador and Venezuela. As johnnyrev states: "find myself being a "lurker" most of the time". The main reason is that I am specialized and very little is new on the Forum. I will read other threads in areas that seem interesting. I don't know about johnnyrev, but I wonder how many "lurkers" are in the same category, i.e. very little being posted in their bailiwick.
Another type of "lurker" may be the beginning collector who is trying to learn something. The way Jack built the site, and its subsequent organization, makes learning here pretty easy. I gave my doctor the TSF URL as she wanted to learn more about stamp collecting as she has "inherited" stamps, and wants to know more about them. Also, some beginners may be intimidated by those "experts" on other sites looking down on beginners, and assume the situation is the same on TSF. I believe that this may be the majority of "lurkers". I do not know how, but maybe try to "un-intimidate" these beginners. Let them know TSF is unique and intimidation is not an option (to paraphrase from Aerospace). In the end TSF may end up with more participants. Also, in addition, more stamp collectors.
Then there are the true "lurkers" who may join TSF, ask their stamp question and then leave, never to be heard from again. In reality, I don't think "lurkers" can ever be totally eliminated. They have to be a necessary evil of all public forum type web-sites.
Jerry B
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,698
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Feb 20, 2020 16:23:09 GMT
I have done the join and never post at other non-philatelic forums. I am looking for information and joined since basically no effort and often unclear on privileges (guest vs member) to get information.
You may do this to get used to the forum since organization of information varies so getting a feel of the place. After reading a few times, you learn that it either answered the question or does not have the information so never go back.
Of course sharing (posts) is not something everyone does especially if you are learning and do not really how to ask or shy.
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gmot
Member
Posts: 205
What I collect: Canada & French Morocco
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Post by gmot on Feb 21, 2020 12:25:20 GMT
Interesting discussion. I'm an newish member who's not a frequent poster but that's more because of general "life getting in the way" so to speak, but I do read regularly. Definitely on other forums I've seen, there could be a hesitance on the part of newer collectors/non-specialists to post a "stupid question" based on anticipated reaction. Others might be hesitant due to issues writing English although they can read fluently (my son who is dysgraphic would be an example). Some might be hesitant because they are very private & don't want to post publicly on the wilds of the internet. Others of course join to get their specific question answered and move on. All understandable reasons.
This forum - in the short time I've been visiting - has an exceptionally friendly & welcoming tone - which is great and all the active members should be very proud of helping create that.
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Post by stampcollector on Jun 15, 2020 11:46:16 GMT
May be many prople find collections belonging their relatives most of whom think that all stamps are valuable. So they join the forums only to find its value. They are not intersted in starting a new hobby and then they are never heard of again.   |
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Post by ckildegaard on Jul 26, 2020 18:23:25 GMT
I have to admit that I think some people might find the rule a little bit intimidating. I was a little bit turned off by the requirement as I poked around the forum and briefly considered not joining.
Many forums have a place dedicated to new member introductions, and encourage new members to introduce themselves. However, I have never, before joining this forum, seen a board with a requirement to introduce yourself before talking about anything else. In my opinion, the best communities thrive because they are welcoming and promote vibrant discussion, not because they require members to engage in certain activities.
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,698
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jul 27, 2020 11:14:32 GMT
I would agree that asking an intro is reducing potential members. If someone is a member of any stamp society or club, they should be automatic members.
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On other forums I have experienced 'elevated collectors' trying to elevate themselves further by "stepping on" or neglecting others, not responding to other collectors questions etc, like they think of themselves as the center of the philatelic universe. I haven't met that attitude in this place - forum members here seem to enjoy being on an even level with each other. We are fortunate to have some true experts on different fields - but they are humble about it and not the opposite - and overly helpful. 
