Move to Moderated Membership...
Update 1/13/09: 107 Accounts were removed yesterday after numerous notices. A new 'Default Image' is being used to remind new members to complete their profiles to include a Personal Photo.
I am actively working with close to 25 members to assist them in the process, editing many photos as well as phone support if needed (will not be able to do this again ;).
Any member who was removed will be Welcomed back by simply agreeing to complete their Profile.
New members now receive the inSide919 Guidelines shortly after registration - if their Profile is not complete or they were not able to upload the Personal photo they are given 7 days in which to complete it - with my offer to personally help - after this period of time the account will be removed without notice (unless of course they report an issue and make contact).
It appears that some were creating Profiles/Advertisments with (what seemed like) no intention to participate or even return.
That said, I am sure that we also lost a couple really great folks - who I hope return when the timing is better for them.
I truly believe that this will make this a more 'People' Centric Network and increase the value for all.
I am closing this discussion, removing it as a 'Featured' post but leaving it as an archive - if you would like to share anything please shoot me an internal email.
--------------- Original Post Enacted 18/12/08 -------------
This is an long, but ‘IMPORTANT’ Announcement;
As the Network grows it take more and more time to administer it, answer questions, reach out, organize, educate and in general keep things flowing.
This is not a complain – I love what we’re doing here and hope we can become the model for the ‘Micro Business Network’.
I also know exactly what I'm getting into here. I ran a hobby 12 line pre-internet BBS with 1500 members and at 300-1200 baud it was work as well :).
The largest drain on my time is the notices and special attention that is required when a new member will not take the time to complete their Profile and add a Personal photo. We have members who joined months ago who still have not found the time to do what is in their best interest.
We have become a ‘real’ local networking resource that can without cost help connect business owners and professionals inside this community and in many ways help the community itself. But we need to have a better inventory of what skills and solutions we provide. This inventory is done via the Profile – it’s the real resource.
[Stands on Soapbox] Sometimes I feel like the teacher who has to spend most of the class time working with the kids who don't really want to be in the class. Membership inSide919 is easy and voluntary. [steps off soap box…]
So in order to re-capture some time, I will have to change the membership mode from 'Open' to 'Moderated'.
What does this mean?
1. New Members will register and their account will be reviewed for completeness, keep in mind that I have no intention to do anything other than make sure there is usable info in every Required field and that they have uploaded a Personal Photo (not an avatar or a logo) we are a 'social' business network (trying to encourage relationships) and social to me means ‘people’. Your website can speak for your company – your Profile should represent both but focus on you.
2. Those who Complete a Profile will be 'Approved' and will received a “Welcome and Guidelines” email (bulk email monitoring/education is also taking too much time – the internal email system is intended for “One to One” use - not bulk).
3. Those who do not complete a Profile will receive a "You're almost inSide" email with the Guidelines and a time frame (24 hours) in which to complete their profile - and their account will also be approved.
4. If after the 24 hours they have not been able to take the time to complete the Profile - they will be placed in an 'Under Review' status (invisible) and remain there until they make contact and commit to completing their Profile.
How can you help?
- Simply share with those you invite that it is worth their time to complete their profile and then start introducing them to those you’ve already made contact with so they can get a good start.
Hope this is reasonable and understandable.
My obligation to every current inSider and Sponsor is to maintain 'Quality' over 'Quantity' - we're different than the big guys - for one I don't have any desire to be big. I'd rather be great and be known for real value.
I am actively working with close to 25 members to assist them in the process, editing many photos as well as phone support if needed (will not be able to do this again ;).
Any member who was removed will be Welcomed back by simply agreeing to complete their Profile.
New members now receive the inSide919 Guidelines shortly after registration - if their Profile is not complete or they were not able to upload the Personal photo they are given 7 days in which to complete it - with my offer to personally help - after this period of time the account will be removed without notice (unless of course they report an issue and make contact).
It appears that some were creating Profiles/Advertisments with (what seemed like) no intention to participate or even return.
That said, I am sure that we also lost a couple really great folks - who I hope return when the timing is better for them.
I truly believe that this will make this a more 'People' Centric Network and increase the value for all.
I am closing this discussion, removing it as a 'Featured' post but leaving it as an archive - if you would like to share anything please shoot me an internal email.
--------------- Original Post Enacted 18/12/08 -------------
This is an long, but ‘IMPORTANT’ Announcement;
As the Network grows it take more and more time to administer it, answer questions, reach out, organize, educate and in general keep things flowing.
This is not a complain – I love what we’re doing here and hope we can become the model for the ‘Micro Business Network’.
I also know exactly what I'm getting into here. I ran a hobby 12 line pre-internet BBS with 1500 members and at 300-1200 baud it was work as well :).
The largest drain on my time is the notices and special attention that is required when a new member will not take the time to complete their Profile and add a Personal photo. We have members who joined months ago who still have not found the time to do what is in their best interest.
We have become a ‘real’ local networking resource that can without cost help connect business owners and professionals inside this community and in many ways help the community itself. But we need to have a better inventory of what skills and solutions we provide. This inventory is done via the Profile – it’s the real resource.
[Stands on Soapbox] Sometimes I feel like the teacher who has to spend most of the class time working with the kids who don't really want to be in the class. Membership inSide919 is easy and voluntary. [steps off soap box…]
So in order to re-capture some time, I will have to change the membership mode from 'Open' to 'Moderated'.
What does this mean?
1. New Members will register and their account will be reviewed for completeness, keep in mind that I have no intention to do anything other than make sure there is usable info in every Required field and that they have uploaded a Personal Photo (not an avatar or a logo) we are a 'social' business network (trying to encourage relationships) and social to me means ‘people’. Your website can speak for your company – your Profile should represent both but focus on you.
2. Those who Complete a Profile will be 'Approved' and will received a “Welcome and Guidelines” email (bulk email monitoring/education is also taking too much time – the internal email system is intended for “One to One” use - not bulk).
3. Those who do not complete a Profile will receive a "You're almost inSide" email with the Guidelines and a time frame (24 hours) in which to complete their profile - and their account will also be approved.
4. If after the 24 hours they have not been able to take the time to complete the Profile - they will be placed in an 'Under Review' status (invisible) and remain there until they make contact and commit to completing their Profile.
How can you help?
- Simply share with those you invite that it is worth their time to complete their profile and then start introducing them to those you’ve already made contact with so they can get a good start.
Hope this is reasonable and understandable.
My obligation to every current inSider and Sponsor is to maintain 'Quality' over 'Quantity' - we're different than the big guys - for one I don't have any desire to be big. I'd rather be great and be known for real value.
Tags: avatars, logos, membership, photos, profiles, quality, rules, under review, value
Replies are closed for this discussion.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Pat Howlett on -
Done!
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Permalink Reply by Thomas R Schaffer on -
Pat -I think this is very fair! The only way we have grown and will continue to grow a quality, productive network site is to make sure it is filled with pople who want to be here. I might suggest that after 1 week, the profile is dropped all together.
Thanks for all you do,,,I kow I couldn't do it!
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Permalink Reply by Kelly Welch on -
Pat, I applaud you for knowing when to say when. I think these new parameters will encourage more participation of those who 'work so hard' to get in!!
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Permalink Reply by Mark Prokop on -
Great idea Pat. You're the man!!!
Mark
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Permalink Reply by Olalah Njenga on -
Love it!
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Permalink Reply by Marge Carter on -
that sounds great especially the picture. and completing the information. thanks for this site. I have encouraged others to join in their area codes. I also suggested if they were the only one to start inviting others and they themselves will have a following. Thanks for all you have done for us.
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Permalink Reply by Pat Howlett on
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I would love inSide919ers to feel their Micro Network is worth enough to refer a business friend from another part of the US to the inSide### Network for their community. That would be a wonderful gift and appreciated. Thanks Marge.
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Permalink Reply by J. Allen Gayle on -
Your the Man, Pat! I'd be glad to step up to the plate and do whatever we need to, to make this an even greater website. I completely understand the time element. Have a Merry Christmas.
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Permalink Reply by Dave Baldwin on -
I think this is a great move. The people who want to hide behind avatars can easily do that on MySpace. Setting this expectation will help to make this a truly interactive business environment.
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Courtney Gower on -
The power of 919 is in the USAGE of it. It will continue to take a while for many people to believe it, because that's not the status quo--the status quo is referral groups, Meetups, and leads groups. But when folks actually use this network, starting with a full and robust profile, it will result in that many more people who are able to appropriately refer others to the network who will behave the same way. THAT is what builds quality, and why I have my 919 window open all day, every day, in the background of whatever else I'm working on.
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Permalink Reply by Pat Howlett on
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I of course totally agree ;)
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Permalink Reply by Jim McNeely on -
Pat, Thanks for all you do. I am working on an invite letter that tells new insiders I invite what is expected of them from the start. Participation and commitment are key to success. Just because something is free does not mean that it has no value. Salvation is free, but Christ died on the cross. You put many hours into building this: the least someone should do is fill out their profile and contribute something once a month.
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