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. 

[sharonb]

Margaret have you seen the tutorial on how to add a photo to a group? its under the "site how to notes" tab on the top of the screen- hopefully that will help you 

[Nicola Thomson]

Content good but all that text was a little off putting I have to admit, how about adding some pics??

[Shirley]

Hi Sharon, This sounds like a good way to explain the layout, and would help the many new people find their way around. Stitchin finger is like a big family and this describes what it is like to live in a big family in a big old rambling house.  With so many members posting photos now, do you think the number per day could be reduced from 5 to perhaps 3

[Liz Eph]

i really like this. it's welcoming and informative but not long winded. perhaps one tiny detail i'd add is some visual contrast. perhaps putting one key word in some sections in bold ? things like "group", "my page", "message", "photos", "tutorials", "community guidelines" etc .... thank you for making this such a nice group to be part of.

[Faye]

Great description. was interesting to me even though I have been on for a while.

[KIM WOOLSEY]

This is a great welcome letter.  It provides a great way of explaining things in a warm welcoming way. 

Thanks for inving me into your lovely home.  I am having fun already.

[Janehjt]

I think this is a great idea you have thought up.  I am only a beginner, but can learn so much in a room of experienced people.  Thanks.

[Margaret]

sounds good to me Sharon, nice to have a welcoming explanation, a wonderful site which we all love to browse on.

[MOIRA OLIVER]

Very friendly ---- big country house, welcoming! Great idea!

[Severine Allais]

Hello Sharon

I like very much your explanations, it is very clear even for me who doesn't speak english very well and now I know what is a rambling house, it is so welcoming for everyone.