Refinish Network Conduct/Feedback

[Anonymous]

Anonymous

November 20, 2012 at 12:11 am #39329

Hey Guys,

It seems we’ve had some issues in the last few weeks regarding the site policy’s, direction,members…etc and I would like to get some of this resolved so we can all enjoy the site as much as possible. So I suppose the problem could be partially my fault for neglecting to post any rules and such here. I think we’ve grown to the point where my plan of letting everybody just do what they want is no longer working, so what I would like to do is establish some rules with the help of the members here.

When RN was started originally my vision was to create a unique social site that attracted the absolute best of the best. I think we’ve certainly done a better job then anybody at doing so. I’ve also wanted people from all walks to feel welcome here, including owners,techs,appraisers, and hobbyists. Everybody has to start somewhere and for many beginners it’s here.

With that said a common complaint I’ve been seeing is that many of the professionals are overwhelmed by the amount of repetitive questions on basic principles explained already in various area’s of the site. I guess the easy answer would be to not reply but I do understand the concern on trying to keep this site a bit more focused on topics where the veterans can stay a bit more stimulated and still learn a thing or two.

The other complaint is how to handle members that perhaps the majority doesn’t agree with, are hostile/rude, making uneducated or irrelevant posts, interrupting discussions on the shoutbox..etc. This one seems a bit more challenging to me as I really do not like banning members or excluding people.

So let me throw out a few idea’s here;
1) So the first step is to collectively establish a set of rules that can serve everybody, which will be made with the help of the users here.

2) Create a forum category for total newbies to post those repetitive questions, but not have them appear on the latest posts on the main-page (or have them displayed separately at the bottom). This would give them less visibility but would still have the chance to have questions answered by members willing to do so. The moderators could move questions of that nature to the category.

3) There is actually another function I haven’t got quite set up yet but I will look into getting it working. In the “User Tools” menu you will notice you can form groups. So as we have all made friends with certain people here your free to add them as such and form a group. In the group (once its functioning) you will be free to carry on private (or public) discussions within the people you would like to keep the discussion confined to.

4) Along with the rules I think we should establish a code of conduct, with escalating consequences focusing more on suspensions which could eventually lead up to a ban. I would also just like to mention how much I personally dislike seeing a reply get deleted and I’ve always enjoyed how we’ve generally always allowed other peoples point of view here, even if a bit heated. a lot of people are passionate about what they do and sometimes at the end of a thread like that some new information arises, but I think we should certainly establish where that line is exactly. Furthermore, I have no problem with a “calling a spade a spade”. If you see someone posting a terrible method of doing something and you wanna tell them so, feel free. Insulting a method I don’t have an issue with but insulting the person is a little bit different. With that said I do encourage constructive criticism over anything.

So these are a few possibilities, you may notice I’ve added an answers section that I just haven’t had the time to build. I’ve always been trying to add content to the site that helps cut down on repetitive questions and also hopefully serve veterans in the trade. I often reach out to members to ensure it’s accuracy and welcome feedback on it and content people would like to submit themselves.

The site runs on software that for the most part can be customized, so I may eat these words later but anything is possible. Any feedback you’d like to leave you can either reply to this thread or email me at support@refinishnetwork.com. ( support @ refinishnetwork . com – if you don’t have java enabled)

Thanks for your understanding and continued support,

Jimmo

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