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. 

[Del/Dee]

looks good to me.

[Maureen Bond]

A good analogy.

[Wendy Richards]

Morning Sharon - one too many "is" in the second last para........ lol

 

AND do you want to pop in a note about not putting blog names etc right up front here?  I know it drives you mad and it's only maybe an aside to "This is one of the ‘house rules’. ...  along with ......... "

Just a suggestion.  Thanks for all your work - now back to my TAST !!!!!

[Pamela Joy]

i personally like this much better.  Being new to the community it gives us a view of what stitchin fingers is all about.  So many people here are willing to help you and I totally love the patience you give us newbies LOL....so "thumbs up" in my book Sharon ....it sends a real "welcome" message! Huggs, Pamela

[Marie Johansen]

Hi Susan:

I really like the clean, uncluttered look - just like the outside of an old salt box (my favorite house style! The pages (rooms) are where the personality come through ! I really like the look and yes, I do inded think it conveys everything that one might want to see upon a first visit. Everyone who comes here - comes ,I think, knowing who you are and what you do - so the interest is there immediately. I like it !

[Terry]

Sharon, this looks really good. I like the gentle emphasis on the "House rules".

[IRIS LINS]

I liked the explanation and the analogy of the groups with rooms. But I think that the TAST2012 group is

not being used by many people. I think the groups should have more activity than the main. 

[Teri Kozeluh]

This is a great analogy!

[KathrynK in Blacklick]

Sharon -

I like the way you describe the site as an old house.  Not everyone who is not active at first is befuddled, some of use are just busy -- but for those who are, this looks good.

 

Kathryn

[Romona King]

Hi Sharon,

It makes complete sense, you've worded it in such a way that it takes the stress off of finding our way around and personalizes it more. Makes it feel like a nice place to spend time in. These ning groups can be complicated on first blush, I think it's just a matter of "the more you visit, the easier it is to find your way around". Simple and easy is always the best way to go. Romona

[Diana Hess]

I love the description of Stitchin Fingers being like a big rambling house.

 

[elizabeth watson]

Thank you Sharon for this informative news letter i have had a bit of trouble navigating the site but you have explained in very clear terms thank you Elizabeth (Betty Watson