What do people think of this?

[sharonb]

I am going to start sending a version of this to all new members but would like feedback about it. Do you think it explains the place well enough or should I add more (I am limited to the number of words/characters I can send) 

Is there anything you think needs to be explained to new folks that I have left out. 

this is it after saying hello it starts ....

I like to describe Stitching fingers as a big old rambling house. Once in the front door (ie when you join stitchin fingers) you are welcome to wander anywhere. 

The lounge area is like the forum where everyone hangs out. General topics are discussed and all sorts of tips advice and fun is shared.

The photos area is a bit like the kitchen where everyone can see photos on the fridge door. Photos are easy to see on the site just click the photos tab. This is where we all share what we have been making. The only thing I ask that we keep photos on the topic of textiles. This is one of the ‘house rules’.

Now with nearly 5000 members if everyone was in the same room chattering no one would be heard. So we have ways to go to another room and chat about particular topics. 

The groups are more like rooms where people can talk. There are groups for crazy quilting or another group for hand embroidery or another group for fabric postcards. All these folks have taken themselves off to other room to chat for a while about that topic. At the moment there are 44 groups on Stitchin fingers, all on different topics relating to textiles.  Groups are easy to join just go the groups tab, choose a group that interests you and visit the group page. There you will find all the information about the group  and if you are happy with what you read click the button join

On the site  each person has their own space it is called "My Page". This is like your space or your room.  People can 'write on your wall'. It is a bit like leaving a  note on someone's door, the note is directed towards you but everyone can see it. 

To be private you can send someone a message - it is like email within the site. Whenever you want to communicate privately use the message service as everything else is public. 

On your page you will find the section for your photos. These photos are public and appear on the main site. Your page is also your admin area as you can change your email settings, change your profile etc from your page. 

It is a good idea to be familiar with the house rules. The community guidelines are in the sidebar of every page. 

Under the tab “site how to notes” you will find tutorials on how to do various things on the site 

Once through the front door of this old rambling house once you have joined stitchin fingers you are free to participate in anything, post photos, write in the forum what ever you wish. For this reason its is a privilege to be invited in not a right.  

Just click on the the tabs along the top of the navigation bar and have fun. You cant make too many mistakes and it’s OK if you do because we have a be kind to new folks policy. 

[Susan McGowan]

As a newby it makes it clear to me.

[Annette Garcia]

Nice intro Sharon and a good analogy.

I would stress that private email & physical addresses should not be put anywhere on the site and that folk should use the message service to exchange personal information.

The "house" is an open house, anyone on the internet can look into it but only members can comment and communicate.

Regards, Annette

[Oma Rose]

As a newbie, this explanation is great and I love the old Home, however my entanglement is managing the 'neighbourhood'!

I switch between the TAST group/Pintangle/facebook TAST/individual blogs and get thoroughly lost! Can someone please share with me how they setup their  'neighbourhood'!

I agree with the comment above, that there isn't much discusssion in the TAST group, compared with Facebook TAST.

[Richard Hebert]

Hi Sharon, I think it is a good idea.  

Richard

[sharonb]

Great to get feedback - I will correct the errors.

I was thinking of this as a 'draft' and  wanting the metaphor to make sense to people. I needed to know if it did!

The feedback has indicated that it does which is great.

Any more suggestions about possible additions are gratefully listened to

[Carol DeLater]

I like it Sharon.  I'm new and this analogy is warm and welcoming.

[vijayalakshmi]

Sharon b I who enjoying everything you have mentioned.

Thanks dear.

Thanks a lot.

viji

[Debora Konchinsky]

The analogy of stitchin' fingers to an old house is good, but it really is more like a community of houses, a town or village, with a school, a community center,  an art museum, a coffee shop...lots of places to meet and befriend people with similar interests to your own.  At 5000 members we are bigger than some towns!

[Julia Welch]

Warm, welcoming and clear. Just right, as far as I can see!

-julia

[Jackie Lott]

I'm still too new to say much, except I love all the pictures and the variety here. I don't have it all figured out yet.

[Jo-Anne]

Very welcoming introduction Sharon, well done

[Jo-Anne]

P.S. Happy Birthday!!!