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.

[F, Calla & Luca]

You can tag discussions when you start them and I'll try to remember to do that. But this cut off reply thing is getting me so frustrated I may need to seriously cut back on DK time Just happened again with this response.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Adrianne, I have the same problem.  Others seem to be able to search information out, but I rarely find what I am looking for in a search - whether in a group or in general.  Some of us just don't have a green  'techie' thumb.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It mainly takes trying to remember a unique word or phrase, which is sometimes easier than others. If the searches came up in chronological order it would help immensely I think. I f you can remember any localizing , such as the group yo saw it in etc., helps a lot.

[Adina P]

We do have an FAQ section but it is a bit outdated:  http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/FAQ%27s

[ClarkP]

A bit outdated?!?  Oh my... I see we have work to do.  :-)

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Okay, how about an updated FAQ easily accessible and as it's own tab not hidden under help OR maybe a "start here" TAB. :o)

[F, Calla & Luca]

A section suggesting that certain questions, on grooming, food, health, and training for instance have groups devoted to them and a link to the appropriate groups for those things. Maybe groups could be separated or indexed into things like regional groups, how to groups etc so they are easier to wade through. Maybe we even need an inactive, or one member group section.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Good ideas.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Maybe just give each new member Karen's personal email and phone number so they can call her directly with questions about how much and what type of food to feed :)   hehehe...just kidding Karen!

[BG and Gavin]

Ha ha ha!!  Great suggestion Amy!  1 800 555-WWKD

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, BG, for my biggest laugh of the day so far!

[Shelley & Beans]

Most of the FAQ and help links have been useful, especially adding pictures. Your step by step directions make them easy. I haven't had a chance yet, because my puppy isn't with us yet, but information on slideshows, music and setting up your home page. There are some videos (which I have watched) but I am more a press here, delete there, trial and error type person. Basically though I love the site, the way it is set up and all the wonderful people that are so helpful and knowledgeable. Thanks everyone!