h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I agree, we should invite newbies to a survey maybe a month after they joined.

Mantra of the day: POST is not the same as PREVIEW

I think that the approach to newbies as Vip describes will enhance the feeling of entring a caring community and will instill a sense of 'VIP treatment' with little more effort on the part of the Volunteers.

"POST is not the same as PREVIEW" - lather, rinse and repeat.

I agree, Haragai. Even if we only get a few responses, it can help inform us. Perhaps after six weeks or something. Something to think about for the future, anyway.

I wonder if it's worth getting rid of the title 'ACE' in the welcome messages. at the moment you're welcomed because it's someone's job. But if you'd instead welcomed because someone likes welcoming new users and wants to see how you are then that's a lot more personal.

I never used to include the ACE title for that reason, but it was suggested that I include it to give more credence to what I was saying.

I also dislike the name of ACE anyway, but that's just me.

Vip,
To kick in an open door : "The Future is Now".

Almost immediately after h2g2 is moved from the BBC we can have a survey up-and-running and the one remaining piece of work is to formulate the questions and possible answers.
I say "a" survey because getting feedback from the newbies is not the only thing we care about. We also want to hear from the seasond researchers and the veterans.
A survey is a tool to collect data in a concise and structured way and it will save a lot of work because we do not have to trawl through the conversations.
It does not matter if h2g2 is taken over by the Consortium or by another party, the results of the survey(s) are equally interesting to both.
Inviting Researchers to a survey would show that we take an interest in their opinion and are willing to change to the concensus where possible.

Stepping down from the soapbox now.

We can, and I think we should, start with the survey(s) as soon as feasible, this is not something for the icebox or for 'later'.

I volunteer to manage the surveys. I like surveys, and Z is a whiz with them. More to surveys than meet the eye.....

How about "h2g2 Attendant", "Your friendly in-guide Host/Hostess".
Let's not use the term "Greeter" as that term has been soiled by WallMart, specially for the US readers.

I would avoid attendant or host/ess as well.

We could return to Guardian Angel, perhaps. Or Mentor, Guide, or Supporter?

Guide - uhmm. wait, isn't that a term we use for something else

Maybe a Guide guide?

>> We could return to Guardian Angel, perhaps. Or Mentor, Guide, or Supporter?

Bitch?

*thinks Ben needs a nap now*

A lot of great ideas here!

Considering how prominent dolphins are, maybe the newbie could be greeted by a Friendly Dolphin Guide?

(It may sound like a frivolous term, but it serves a useful porpoise)

There's a training course on questionarrie design at the research insitute next wednesday. It's only £35 and half a days annual leave, unless I can persuade my boss I need to know about questionarries for my research..

Mrs Zen, are you insinuating that I'm h2g2's bitch, or that I myself am classed thus? Either way,

Ben, put the fairy down,

You know when I tell people you're a pussy cat? I don't really maen that you tear the heads off sparrows for fun...

Z,
> There's a training course on questionarrie design at the research insitute next wednesday. It's only £35 and half a days annual leave, unless I can persuade my boss I need to know about questionarries for my research.. <

Ummm... Isn't Research all about asking (a) question(s) and then trying to make sense of the answers? I do not know what your job/research is about but as long as you interact with people as part of your research a questionnaire is one way to getting answers.

Does this help?

Ah, but as my dad used to say, Martin, if you ask a question, you get a answer.

I haven't done anything nasty to the fairy. She's lovely. I wouldn't do anything nasty to the fairy. I the fairy....