How Can We Better Help New Members?

[Adina P]

As we get ready to implement a new series of welcoming and informative emails to new members to help guide them once they join, I'd like your input on a few things:

-- What do new members need to know?

-- What do they need to know first...what's most important?

-- What do they need to know next...and after that?

Mainly I want to get your feedback on what is most critical for new members to learn and what is important for them to learn over a period of time as they settle into DK membership.  We want to ensure they feel welcome, now how to navigate, can find answers to common questions, etc.

When we're done, anyone who wants to get what new members get will be able to sign up for the emails.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Do we have a FAQ section? If not then I suggest one with a selection of 'answers' on each topic.  Many questions from new owners come up very frequently.  Ask each group which are the most often asked ones.  I think if I was here for the first time this would be very helpful. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

This is a great idea.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Yes and include a link to the FAQ list in the first e-mail! 

[Carol and Banjo]

Excellent idea Nicky.   In the three years I've belonged to DK, I've seen (and asked!) the same questions time and time again.   If common questions AND their answers could be cataloged in a FAQ section it would make it very easy for newbies AND some of us who've been around a while.   I, for one, don't read all posts.  I know that MUCH has been written on rashes and/or itchy skin, but I've read very little of it as it's not been an issue for us.   It would be ever so helpful if specific  info was in one, easily accessible place to refer to if needed.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yes, this is an awesome idea!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I remember being LOST the first couple of weeks. I wanted to be involved but was a bit shy at first. Maybe some sort of banner that says " take your time and learn to navigate. the FAQ Nicky mentions would be awesome.

I am embarrassed to say that I just recently found it easier to use the Forum tab to find discussions. I never did that before Camilla mentioned she uses it all the time.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Very good point Lisa.  I felt the same way at first.  Did not realize what was what!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

" take your time and learn to navigate"

AMEN

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

That's exactly what it takes and all the wonderful people on DK so willing to help!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

maybe a polite statement saying something like "DK is a great place and while you are probably very excited to jump right in and participate, you will get the most out of your experience if you take a little bit of time to familiarize yourself with how things on DK run.  I'm sure you have many questions, as most of us do, but be sure to check out the FAQ's or do a search in past discussions to see if we have recently covered your topic.  You'll be surprised at what you will find; DK has so much wonderful information."  Just a thought.  Trying to think of a way to stop seeing the same discussions over and over in the main forum.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Great points!

[Shelley & Beans]

This is worded very nicely, very welcoming and yet you are getting your point across. I would have listened, and felt this kind of statement was helpful.