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.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Wow, lazy or can't read?   Really?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I agree with all of your points, too. The problem with re-posting the same question over and over again is that eventually no one is going to answer the question. Here is the way I feel. DK is a community. If you have been around long enough you will see that many people join strictly to ask questions they need answered now.  They aren't going to stick around and get to know any of us or join in any discussions. They are going to get their answers and leave. Yet, we have many members who take the time to still answer with detailed answers when we have seen this happen time and time again. Personally, I ignore them, just like I ignore people who blog, but never ever take the time to respond to anyone else's posts or discussions. It is like a one sided conversation with someone telling you all about themselves, but not interested in what you have to say. It gets old after a while and I am getting old and when I see three or four discussions running down the front page about the exact same thing, it does bug me, because it says to me that no one is even taking the time to read other posts. Rant over and now I am going to take my Geritol and go back to sleep :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sweet dreams, and a great rant!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Aside from the Geritol I agree with you completely.

[Shelley & Beans]

As a NEWBIE, I would just like to say a big THANKS!!! to all of you experienced Doodle (pet) owners.

Thank you for sharing a committed members view point, I can appreciate how annoying it is /would be to answer the same thing over and over. I do notice that most of the posts are answered by one or more of DK's more knowledgeable, experienced members almost every time and it is very much appreciated. 

I plan on hanging around, so just want to let you know that everything you guys add to this site is helpful and appreciated. Maybe one day (ha-ha) I too will be an experienced Doodle owner. My journey hasn't even begun. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

These are exciting times for you and it is good to know you plan on sticking around :)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

WTD....I am writing this day down in my diary.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

and by diary do you mean blog?  Will we soon be hearing about how you knew all along that you were always right but that now F has confirmed it.  :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Let's cut this off at the pass. I never, repeat never said Laurie was always right. She happened too be on this occasion, that is all.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I like it the way Amy said

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Amy, I just got back from being out :) OMD...this is a wonderful idea. Thank you!!

[Theresa & Duncan]

Omg, you ladies are NOT old lol. Listen, I can understand how these things would be frustrating to experienced DK member, I really can. I guess all I'm trying to say is not all re-posts fall into that category (i.e. just posting without looking) but are a result of looking but not finding exactly what you want. At least that's been the case with me. There is a greater sense of "community" in seeking out live answers and support. Now as a new member even I didn't post about Duncan's puppy biting, as there is so much info already out there on that which is helpful. I may have posted if he DIDN'T bite though just go find out what was wrong with him!