What Should NEW Members KNOW?

[Adina P]

I would like to come up with some more permanent pages on DK.  Pages that we can easily direct members to when they ask very commonly asked questions.  It can be specific to groups (like the Food Group, Puppy Madness, Grooming, etc) or general types of questions. 

So think about "What did you first wish you knew when you joined the site?" and "To what info do you think members need quick and easy access?"

If, for example, some of these pages work well in certain groups each group can link to those pages and the pages can in turn link back to the groups if members have further questions. 

Right now every new member gets a link to this welcome page with BASIC info on using the site: http://www.doodlekisses.com/notes/Welcome_to_Doodle_Kisses!! -- But I'd like to create more than this and have specifics about the doodle experience AND using the site...for those who want more info.

So...shout out your brilliant ideas!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The above link didn't work for me.
The things I wish new members knew:
1. How to search for information on a common topic before posting a new discussion
2. That it's kind of awkward and/or against the guidelines to talk about a specific breeder in the forum
3. That sending a message to an entire group is kind of silly because nobody can respond to it

I'm sure I'll add to this list, but that's what immediately springs to mind.

I would also like to see your "What to Look For in a Breeder" made permanently very prominent on the main page.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh, and in the Groups, I wish people understood that the "Comments" section is exactly that...meant for brief comments, and not conducive to asking questions or advice.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Again, as a new member I totally agree with this. I was really confused about how to properly submit my question in a group. I had a new question but put it into the comments area first...which I later realized may not have been the appropriate way to do it so I relisted it again in the discussion area. So a brief explanation of the purpose of the two areas would be helpful.

[Adina P]

Group leaders CAN get rid of their comments section. Or explain this in the group's text box. I think this will be a recurring problem either way.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I think in some of the groups the leaders are not active members anymore. I tried to contact the leader of Naturally Living Group and never received a reply. So I don't think the group is being managed anymore. I don't know how common this is...

[Adina P]

It IS a problem that has no solution as there is no way to transfer group ownership. I can appoint additional group leaders but no way to transfer ownership. This is why now DK creates all groups except for breeder family groups.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Maybe you should send out a message in the Group Leaders Group , or start a discussion, reminding people that it's a good idea to appoint an additional administrator in their groups. Many of us have already done this.

[Adina P]

I can't get that group going..I tried and it got stale fast. So...? I've also privately messaged group leaders and have asked for volunteers in some groups.

Check the Doodle Sales groups. See how I have that PLEASE READ..blah blah in big font and red? Some people still miss that. But it works pretty well usually.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Can the additional group leaders be contacted, change or eliminate things? That would solve a lot.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you appoint someone as an administrator of your group, they can do everything that you can do except delete the entire group, or change your status (in other words, they cannot demote you from administrator, or ban you from your own group, lol). It's really a good idea.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sounds like it. But Adina can do all that, no?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sure, but she has enough to do, lol. This way, if you're going on vacation or are sick or whatever, you can ask your co-administrator to supervise things, answer questions, etc. while you're indisposed. So nobody can sneak in and try to sell stuff or give bad advice while you're away, lol.