Quote:
Originally Posted by Maisiepaisie  I've posted on many forums in the past and there isn't one that I totally agree with all the rules. There are one or two rules on here that I feel are pointless but at the same time there are other rules which I am grateful for which other forums don't have. I prefer the way this guinea pig forum is run over all others and thats the reason I post here. Whilst I might not agree with everything, its not that big an issue and I try to abide by the rules. If the rules annoy some people to such an extent then theres nothing to stop them starting their own forum. Its upto Cavyspirit to run this forum whichever way she wants. Its her forum and me and my pigs are very grateful its here. |
Good points, Maisie, and a good attitude. But people do got annoyed and/or intimidated, and become prickly or withdrawn. And a major stength of any forum is the membership. Putting together a great site that attracts people is more than half the battle, yes, but more knowledge, resources and lobbying power come with active numbers and unbridled participation.
I can't imagine cavy people being unprovoked trolls, other than kids (the ones most in need of the advice). The pet forums I belong to are populated by a nice group of people -- when people are nice to them. My favorite forum threw out almost all the rules and presented the moderators like customer service reps, counselors and researchers, and not security, police or hall monitors, and there hasn't been a hint of trouble since. The prerequisite for the job is tolerance and a sense of humour.
Telling people to start their own forum only frustrates, and fragments the cause and knowledge pool if they do leave.
I won't sign this post. This is just my last sentence. Really. Shsssssssssas.
