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. 

[Karen Platt]

gives a good feeling of what it's all about

[Rose Mary Muller]

Hi Sharon, I would start out with "This is a site for those that would like to strengthen their skills in hand sewing" this site is used by the beginner needing to learn and the more advanced to expert who are willing to guide the new members of the site. It is someplace to go to when you need more help with stitching or just a place to learn by checking out all the groups and what they are saying to one another.  This site is there for you to go and come as you choose and how involved you become is up to you.

[Eileene]

I think this is great. It seems like a person going into a friends home. Thanks,Eileene aka Noiseynana

[sushmakrishnadasan]

what an easy way to explain I like it

[Charity McAllister]

I like it!

[Joanna Darby]

very kind and simply explained

[Grace Lister]

I like the description of the site as an old house with house rules.  One point - the message service you mention for private messages doesn't give much detail about how to go about it, i.e. using the Inbox service.  Apart from this "niggle" I think you have covered pretty much everything Sharon.  Thank you for making things clearer. 

[Jeannette]

Really like your analogy to a rambling house with many different rooms to visit.  This sounds great to me and should be clear what stitchin' fingers is all about.

[sharonb]

Thanks everyone for their input 

The private message and public comment thing is a big one that we need to make sure new people understand and not publishing email addresses etc here on the site

Perhaps we need a page of safety tips for new folks - not just to Ning but to the internet too as we have many people who are really confused between blogs and forum sites etc   

Actually I will start another thread on that one! 

You dont need to be a friend to send a private message. The private messages are effectively the internal email of the community 

[Grethe Birkemark]

It is A nice welcome. Thanks for that Sharon.

For me beeing a newbe, and in a foreign country, It is easy to make mistakes, but please all of you, just tell me if I do anything wrong.

[Carol-Anne]

Hi Sharon

I really like the analogy and think that new members will find this introduction very useful.

I think that as administrator, you can send a PM to anyone but regular members can only send a PM to 'friends'.  For example, as I look at the messages here, those that are from my 'friends' have a message button next to the reply, for everyone else there is only a reply button.

I think that it is also worth saying that everyone can 'visit' a room (group) and see what is happening there but if they want to join in the conversation they need to join the group.

As I say, I think new members will really appreciate these pointers and it will help them to quickly feel at home in our big ol' house.

[Sibille Kreideweiss]

Wonderfully written, I like the analogy with the "old rambly house". It fits craft so perfectly.

Yes, I think people will like it.