WiseWomenUnite.com

General Category => Grab Bag => Topic started by: luise.volta on April 23, 2011, 08:18:20 AM

Title: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 23, 2011, 08:18:20 AM
As of now, I am banning any references on our Boards to Personal Messages. If any of you ever sees a reference to a Personal Message in a post, even if benign, please let me know and I will delete it. I have no control at all over the quality of interactions that occur off the Boards and am not willing to continue to have to deal with the repercussions here. I don't like the feature and never have because there are those who misuse it on a regular basis. Somehow I am held responsible most of the time because it's part of my site. Members have used it to bash each other and me and to start wars. It was intended to foster friendships beyond WWU by allowing people to exchange personal information like email addresses and to share confidences, not backstabbing.

If you don't like a Personal Message, IGNORE IT! The person will stop if you don't respond. An argument takes two. Consider it SPAM. You don't respond to that, do you? Do not...I repeat...do not report it to me via Personal Message or on WWU via a post.

I monitor my board as you all know and you are responsible for reading and agreeing to the Modified Agreement on the Home Page under Read Me First. If you don't find it to your liking, it's not up for discussion. Move on. It's my board and it takes me several hours every day to manage. It cost an arm and a leg to build and another arm and a leg to maintain (donated by my son, Kirk.) It was created for adults; to support each other, to be heard and understood, often to reach a better understanding by sharing and it has brought amazing healing to those who were ready. I have literally hundreds of testimonies to that effect.

Disagreement is natural and necessary. We can learn a lot by listening to other views. Controversy can be done with courtesy and respect. I have, however, zero tolerance for rude and crude and I am the one who defines what fits that description. We can vent here but not attack. There's a huge difference.

Anyone can build, monitor and maintain a Web-forum. If you don't like what you find here, have at it.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: Rose799 on April 23, 2011, 09:24:15 AM
Quote from: luise.volta on April 23, 2011, 08:18:20 AM
It was intended to foster friendships beyond WWU by allowing people to exchange personal information like email addresses and to share confidences, not backstabbing.

Thank you, Luise, as I am one who has greatly benefited from it.  I really wish there was a better solution than taking down the PM option altogether.  But I also understand the position it's put you in.  I'm sorry...
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: luise.volta on April 23, 2011, 09:36:14 AM
Thanks, Rose. Maybe if enough members read this and comply, we can leave it up. Sending love...
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: LaurieS on April 23, 2011, 09:55:27 AM
I feel that it may have been a case of unfortunate timing with the Sassy vs Sassydi issue.  The problem (only as I see it) is when you have someone shifting between the pm/board you are only taking their word about what another member, felt, said, or attempted to convey.  Of course the person posting/repeating can  only do so from their point of view... that is why I for one feel that pm's should always be kept in the private mode.... Now there has to be a way if someone is just really over the top ugly to report this to be reviewed.  Or when it becomes obvious that the pm's are no longer being used as a mens of conversation and instead to wage a war, then yes at times offenses may have to be dealt with... Expulsion of a member for these reasons will of course be handled by the forum moderator.

I personally would like to see the pm/system remain intact... I'd like to think that more good has come from it then evil and I believe that the system can and will work if given a chance in the future.  A good example was the birthday surprise for Luise.. this was pm coming together for all the right reasons.  I know that I've walked many a member through forum how-to's instead of bogging down the board... I'm sure many others have as well.

With a pm system in place.. people can be 'guided' at times if they are struggling with the forum.. this can be done behind the scenes and then the person in question is not called out and publicly reprimanded which of course typically only leads to hurt, humiliation and then defiance. 

While I guess starting a posting with "I got a PM" is equivalent to "I got a blistering e-mail".. it hits home more personally because the person on the other side of the e-mail is a stranger to us to where the pm is one of us.  In the case of the Sassy's.. could the apology not have come without all the background pm digs that were involved?

Again I'd like to see the pm system stay intact and occasionally a posting or two will needed to be moderated or removed.. but heck I was just modified today by Luise and I didn't even say PM in my posting :)  Matter of fact I didn't even say a bad word :)  But I'm here and will go along with whatever is decided.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: Tara on April 23, 2011, 10:34:22 AM
Good points Laurie. 

I would like it if the  pm could stay, but only if it works for Luise, as she has mentioned that  just the boards alone  is alot to handle.

She did say this week that she  had something in the works, maybe it will be related to reducing her work load or sharing it.

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: holliberri on April 23, 2011, 11:00:52 AM
I do wish PM would stay. The e-mail isn't as convenient, and I do worry that I might get a bad e-mail from a spamme/troll/fictitious poster. That would be harder to handle than just the PM box here.

Also, I would prefer, for the most part to keep my WWU world separate from my private world.

I don't think a lot of us have abused it. But, unfortunately, if we shut down things due to abuse, we probably wouldn't have a site at all.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: luise.volta on April 23, 2011, 05:51:03 PM
Can you guys believe that I got two more wimpy, whiny, "She said ___blah, blah, blah___" Personal Messages this afternoon? It's like I wrote the above in Sanskrit!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: pam1 on April 23, 2011, 06:05:06 PM
Luise, is there anyway to get another moderator on here?  Someone to take a little bit of the load and can grab the wimpy PM's before they hit you? 

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: holliberri on April 23, 2011, 06:10:11 PM
New rule! Luise gets to post PMs

just kidding.

what if your PMs were disabled and if people wanted to complain they could  click the link report to a moderator? It might make people consider their.complaints more seriously before they bother.


Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: Tara on April 23, 2011, 06:13:16 PM
Hi Luise,

I can see where people would want to complain to you.  We know you...and care about you and you care about us, today
I felt like PMing you too  LOL.  but I didn't, as I remembered that you dont want us to, so I did what you said:  "If you
don't like a post, go on to the next".  and just dropped it.

Maybe old habits are hard to change and you might have to remind us a few times.

Sorry about that.  You've created a wonderful site here, and there is a tremendous diversity of people which is a strength
and possibly the challenge too?  thank you dear Luise

Sending Love.... :D
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: luise.volta on April 23, 2011, 06:17:32 PM
They did click "Report to Moderator"which sent them Kirk because that's how the software works. He ignores them because he's our techie-guy and forwards them to me. I am sinking fast...
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: Tara on April 23, 2011, 06:20:54 PM
Are you working on getting someone else to help you as a moderator?
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: holliberri on April 23, 2011, 06:21:27 PM
I think an anonymous moderator that doesn't have the relationship with you on, here and is not affiliated with wwu as an active member may work.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: pam1 on April 23, 2011, 06:23:25 PM
I would be concerned that old members that haven't posted in a while with the combination of new members every day (the board seems to be hopping lately) that the PM's won't stop. 

Or perhaps there is a way to put a stickied thread in every forum?  I've seen that done on here but only by accident lol

Maybe in big capital letters READ FIRST, in every forum of the board.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: Rose799 on April 23, 2011, 06:30:49 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on April 23, 2011, 06:17:32 PM
They did click "Report to Moderator"which sent them Kirk because that's how the software works. He ignores them because he's our techie-guy and forwards them to me. I am sinking fast...

Well I hope you had a wonderful time out with the girls...  You need a way to bounce those messages back, stamped "Shamie on You!"

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: LaurieS on April 23, 2011, 06:31:57 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on April 23, 2011, 05:51:03 PM
Can you guys believe that I got two more wimpy, whiny, "She said ___blah, blah, blah___" Personal Messages this afternoon? It's like I wrote the above in Sanskrit!

Wasn't me :)  I think being able to contact Luise, or anyone with authority to report an issue would be greatly beneficial for the sake of the forum.  Luise can you just glance at them and see if they have merit before taking your time and effort to alleviate any issue?  You can use the same 'ignore' button that we have :)  Mine was malfunctioning .. think I got it fixed.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: luise.volta on April 23, 2011, 06:57:45 PM
Bless your hearts for giving a rip. And for turning over a new leaf... :-)

I am very close to deleting anyone who sends me any kind of critical, negative, complaining PM and/or anything of the kind via "Report to Moderator", (which comes to me, also.) In addition, anyone who uses my Forum to criticize others is going to be deleted, if I am forced to go on a "deletion-tear."

We all speak, express, describe, and present differently. "Take what you want and leave the rest" is the only solution I can think of and those who aren't interested in doing that are just going to have to move on or be deleted. I feel that additional moderators might muddy it up further because we would all do it differently and I would be moderating moderators. I tell you, that would be curtains for me. (Any more mud.) In the meantime, I'm going to close any thread I feel I can't manage.

I have always enforced the use of four-letter words, open baiting and bashing , prejudice, etc. (all of the stuff in my Modified Agreement) to the best of my ability but this is more subtle and IMHO more lethal. I am not going to moderate, critique or attempt to "police" phraseology and/or hand out scripts.

If WWU ends up with only a dozen members who are willing to work at this respectfully and with some degree of maturity...that's close to being OK with me. I was overwhelmed a week ago and found there are those who still value WWU. I closed down the PMs and found there are those who value each other.

I once owned and operated a nursery school and it was a piece of cake compared to this. The first year here was so easy that I wasn't smart enough to get down on my knees every night and thank the tooth-fairy. I thought that was how it should be. (Actually I still think that...silly me...)

Please always try to remember I am learning, too. I can't offer perfection and I have never asked for it.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: luise.volta on April 23, 2011, 07:32:59 PM
Professional, as in trained and experienced moderators...cost $100. an hour and up. I checked into that.

I just feel like I have to simplify. How, I'm not sure...but to survive I have to.

I'm going to bed.

And I'm sending love...thank you again, for caring.



Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: Kennedy on April 23, 2011, 08:51:17 PM
Ms. Luise, I know I'm new around here and  just getting started.
With that said, One of the 1st things I noticed after joining this site is the up most respect the ladies all have for you! And I believe you are truly a wonderful caring person to do all this work trying only to help others! It saddens me  that some are trying to cause you problems.
I don't know about all the PM's you and the other ladies are speaking of but I am sorry for the stress it is easy to tell that its causing you! I'll be including you in my prayers.

So far every person I've dealt with here has been very helpful and uplifting toward me. I realize that I look forward to my time spent here!
I was worried at first that I would be made a joke of because of my worries. But that sure wasn't the case and I'm grateful to you all! I refuse to argue with anyone I know let alone people on-line! I'm a let's agree to disagree if need be person and let it go. So please let me know if there is anything that I can do that will help you in any way. God Bless!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: lancaster lady on April 24, 2011, 01:49:31 AM
Luise :
I used to run a nursery too .
You are right , all problems were cured with a kiss and a hug . If only ....!!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: holliberri on April 24, 2011, 08:48:26 AM
Luise, do you have a friend (away from WWU) that might volunteer their time to do this?
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: Pen on April 24, 2011, 08:54:36 AM
My feeling is that there may be a troll or two taking advantage of the situation in hopes of bringing this site down. Let's not feed the trolls!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: Tara on April 24, 2011, 09:33:39 AM
Luise,

this may not be appropraite in your view, but there is another mil site that I noticed deletes any posting they feel is
inappropriate, even it is a alittle off topic. 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: holliberri on April 24, 2011, 10:18:26 AM
I think Tara's point is key here.

I believe that the posts are deleted when *the moderator* feels it is a little off topic. I can think of exactly TWO instances where I wanted Luise to step in to defend me/show that posters who is boss/bring the fever down a notch.

I waited, I bid my time and Luise took care of it. She saw the exact same thing that I did. She doesn't miss a trick. She either removes inflammatory things or nicely tells the poster to change their approach. I never had to PM her at all. She knows how to moderate this board without people telling her to do it...and the more rules we add, the more difficult her job is going to become.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: FAFE on April 24, 2011, 10:27:02 AM
Ha!  I love it here.  Have never sent nor recieved a PM here.  I would be lost without this site.  Luise, thank you for all you do for us. 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: LaurieS on April 24, 2011, 11:36:29 AM
Like everything in life.. something good can be made to look bad and vice versa .... I just noticed that I always refer to the PM as the PM system which looks a lot like PMS :) just my observation that has nothing to do with anything.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: LaurieS on April 24, 2011, 01:44:41 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on April 23, 2011, 05:51:03 PM
Can you guys believe that I got two more wimpy, whiny, "She said ___blah, blah, blah___" Personal Messages this afternoon? It's like I wrote the above in Sanskrit!

Well yes I could after I looked up the meaning of Sanskrit :) 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Eitquet
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 02:27:39 PM
Thanks so much for your suggestions, caring and troll-patrol. I feel loved, supported and encouraged. :)

Thinking...thinking...

What I have learned, thus far, is that when I crashed a year ago after putting Val into nursing and again recently when "Me, Too" died...there were those who cared and tried to help...and there were those who took advantage of it and made things worse. I also learned that deleting a few trouble makers to restore peace isn't effective. (It has to be done on a regular basis but it is not the core issue.) The core issue, I believe, is that WWU is now two years old and has grown to where it's a force to be reckoned with. That is probably a sign of success. Hummm....

First of all, I see four viable options. 1. I could sell WWU for what it has cost Kirk time-wise to build and maintain it, (so I could pay him back.) I think that's around $5,000. One person or several could buy it. 2. I could cut my/our losses and just step away and let it go wherever it may go...a ship without a rudder. 3. I could shut it down and face the loss. 4. I could reorganize it in some manner and continue to keep on keepin' on to the best of my ability.

Considering option 4.: If I do that, have asked Laurie to think about taking on the Newbies. I think it's the most important position that needs to be created. Too many are getting off on the wrong foot. I don't know what that would entail. The first plan I outlined to her was full of holes. She would probably need a team. The truth is people often don't read "Read Me First" or the "Modified Agreement." They often post without ever taking a look at who we are and what we do by first reading our threads for a while. I get a notification when a new person joins and I could forward that to Laurie once she has a plan. We get an average of seven a day but, as I said, they aren't all "posters." I think that most of the "Newbie-mom" work would be via PMs.

Note: There are, of course, lots of members who only read our threads on WWU and never post..but that's not an issue. Surprisingly, I hear from them from time to time, regarding how we have helped turn their lives around. We get an average of seven a day but, as I said, they aren't all "posters."

If we keep the PM option open, I think we need a PM Guru. It's invisible but it has cost us dearly. When a member gets a hostile, negative, critical, back stabbing, patronizing PM or one inciting descent and/or choosing up sides, (what have i missed?)...she would forward it to the PM Guru and the PM Guru would deal with it. The recipient would drop out of the loop and not be involved, so no triangulation could occur...as in "I said/she said." Anyone sending a nasty PM would know that it would end up at the PM Guru's doorstep and that might cut down the volume of covert attacks. (Here's hoping.) The PM Guru would recommend membership  deletion to me when she saw it as indicated. The Category Monitors, (described below,) would do the same thing if they recieved PMs that weren't respectful and so would the Newbie-mom team. I would also forward any negative PMs coming to me on to the PM Guru. The PM Guru would have to be patient, strong, diplomatic and loving. I think her job would be hard at first but would lessen as time went on and everyone learned how the system worked.

Then, I think we need five Category Monitors. 

1. DILs and/or SILs

2. Adult Sons and/or Adult Daughters

3. Grandchildren    DIL's or SIL's Parents (Two categories for one Monitor)   

4. Grab Bag

5. The Five Remaining Categories under "General" and "Resources"

We'd need a Category Monitor job description, too. And anything we set up would have to be redone when we found out what worked and what didn't regarding all of these jobs. The Monitors, like the Newbie-mom and the PM Guru would be "known." They would have the authority to direct and correct and when that didn't work...to recommend membership deletion to me. They would use the PM system as often as possible, so as not to publicly embarrass those they needed to work with. They would also have the power to require posters to forward posts to them first for approval in extreme situations until the member got their OK to proceed online. Everyone would know who the monitor was in each category and if one got to be "a big fish in a small pond" (that happens,) she would be replaced with someone with a longer fuse and/or greater people skills. The Monitors would also let me know if they felt an initial post needed to be removed.

My job would be to be there to support those who support me and to post...at will. Kirk's job would remain our techie...and the full cost would continue to be on us.

This, too, is probably "full of holes." Let me know what you think and if any "opening" appeals to you, of course please feel free...

Sending love...

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 24, 2011, 02:43:52 PM
Luise, I've got a ton of free time coming up so I can do whatever you want me to do, if you want me to do it.  lol

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: lancaster lady on April 24, 2011, 02:46:26 PM
Dear Luise :

It would be such a shame to lose this forum , but I can understand how much stress it is causing you , and that is not good .
I hope the long standing members will rush to your aid and hope this solution works .
With you at the helm I'm sure it can work .
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 24, 2011, 02:54:23 PM
lol... I'm sorry I had to laugh when you said Laurie will handle the newbie's.. well there goes all the new people :)  j/k  What I had spoken to you about at one time was having 'canned' messages for new incoming people.. if these people can be sure to receive a copy of your "Luise's" words as a welcome and informing them of the basic 'before you post' areas to look at.  I would be only sending them these messages ... please my tactfulness is often lacking and I don't want to have to change my name to Col.Laurie..  You are correct I think it would be beneficial to be sent in a private message....

But as I said before Luise... I would have some concerns over anyone feeling empowered over the general membership and actually an automated system would be great if you weren't looking at such high cost
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 24, 2011, 02:59:18 PM
Perhaps there is a way to generate income for the site?  I know that would have to do with ads and such which could be annoying or maybe a paypal button to donate directly to Luise and Kirk. 

Laurie, I think you would do a great job.  I don't know, I think Luise can still keep the control and if there is checks and balances, people who can honestly tell each other they need a time out, it could work.  Even if someone gets too big for their britches, they can still be reigned in, it's not their site...full stop. 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 03:06:05 PM
Oh, Laurie...I'm so sorry. I really went off into left-field on that exchange. Please forgive me...I stand corrected.

OK...everybody...same plan..."Newbie-mom" job open. And any suggestions as to how that might work would be gratefully accepted and considered. I know it needs to be by PMs and that canned stuff doesn't work. I'm not sure anyone has ever opened the "Read Me first" and "Modified Agreement" cans.

I simply have to give other people power. There's no way to spread me any thnner and survive.

Pam1...interested?
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 24, 2011, 03:13:23 PM
Luise, I will do whatever you'd like me too and I'm not afraid to get told I'm wrong.  I do think Laurie would be a good fit for newbies. 

I also think some other people can step up, some that just come to mind that I think of highly and value their contributions. 

Pen
Tara
Pooh (although we know she's not feeling well at the moment)
Holly

Actually, just typing this I thought maybe Holly and I can take the DIL's, I know they seem to respond to me better.  And perhaps Laurie and another MIL can take the MIL newbies?

Just a thought, and sorry for calling you ladies out, you just come to mind as people that I value and can "see" helping the site out. 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 03:21:14 PM
Thanks for the continued interest and suggestions.

Please keep them coming.

As you may have read, Lauie doesn't want to be Lt. Newbie-mom. I can understand that. So many of us are both DILs and MILs that division may not be needed with the Newbie program. It will be more about protocol than content probably.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 24, 2011, 03:22:20 PM
Luise, how about something like this?

Two DIL posters who can help out the DIL newbies and take their complaints. 

Two MIL posters who can help out the MIL newbies and take their complaints.

When one DIL moderator gets a complaint, they share with the second DIL moderator.  Those two decide whether to approach you or take care of by themselves (communication over PM to settle dispute.)  If they cannot settle the dispute, they approach you.  I think by having both moderators involved with each section this will be a natural checks and balances of the board and one person can't get themselves up on a pedestal.  (same goes for the MIL moderators)

I know it may sound silly to divide among the lines MIL and DIL, but I do think MIL's respond better to another MIL and DIL's to another DIL.  It might cause less friction right off the bat.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 03:24:07 PM
Kirk and I have talked about a donation option and ads. He just can't set aside the time to pursue implementing them. He is one busy paperhanger. Those things would repay but they wouldn't solve the issues at hand that are closing in on me.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 24, 2011, 03:24:26 PM
Oh and perhaps just a simple notification on the board to please approach XX XX people with your complaints.  And should they still keep coming to you, just ask them to go to their complaint moderator?  That way no one actually has control or any real moderating powers, it will still all lie with you.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 24, 2011, 03:36:29 PM
I could handle what you give me if you choose. I do think we have to be sure that someone is guarding the guards. New moderators could get out of control. But, I would gladly help if I could since it means making your life easier. Just let me know. I don't think I'd be perfect, but I would do my best.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 03:44:48 PM
Pam1, ET all -

I am not thinking about Newbie complaints. I am thinking about getting them off to a good start by being given some guidance into our site. A PM welcoming each one personally, DIL or MIL, it doesn't matter, and suggesting they read "Read Me First" and the Modified Agreement" plus a few threads before starting to post and then coming back to the Newbie-mom with any questions that might come up as they get their feet wet.

Complaints: I'm not particularly interested in complaints. If people like it here they can stay...if they don't, they can move on. When complaints do arise, it would be the Category Monitor's job to deal with any open complaints and PM with that person to resolve them. All of that needs to be done respectfully, or off it goes to the PM Guru.

All disrespectful PMs, sent from one member to another, would be forwarded to the PM Guru, as well.

Our site isn't for everyone. We all have complaints and it's either worth staying or is isn't. However, if we can get a handle on the troublemakers...it could evolve into a more productive site. "Troll-patrol."

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 04:03:24 PM
Thanks, HB - Those willing to step up to the plate and be responsible for the jobs that I am starting to define have to have the authority to carry them out.

Scary, I know but I'm spread too thin. It has taken me a while to get that...but now that it has dawned, it's crystal clear. Some may misuse their power and make things worse before they get better. I hope not but I'm not going to be driven by fear and refuse to release the reins. I'm not dropping them. Be reassured.

I may have to be the PM Guru. I hope not, of course. I think I would be more effective as the PM Guru's Guru.

This is all just starting to take shape. A Think Tank in the making.

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 24, 2011, 04:15:28 PM
Ok, I'm just going to add some more nominations here. Some people probably won't see this until later.

Scoop, OW123, Hope, Nana, 1Glitterati, Rose799

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 24, 2011, 04:16:35 PM
Well, I don't mind being someone who receives complaints for whatever section YOU think I should take. I'll handle them as best I can.

We all know I never miss a generalization anyhow.  :P

Caveat: what happens when someone has a complaint about a moderator? It's a possibility. Would they then contact you?
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Tara on April 24, 2011, 04:40:29 PM
I'd be happy to help if there is something I can do and also if there is a back up system so if I'm not online for the day or out of
town someone else is in place to share the responsbility
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: FAFE on April 24, 2011, 04:59:41 PM
Luise I'm on a couple of other boards who take donations to help keep the site up.  If you would give us an address I'd gladly send a donation to help with this board. 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 05:05:11 PM
Let's see: A person with a gripe about a Moderator would PM the PM Guru. If she couldn't resolve it and it was deemed valid, I'd be brought in. If not the member would just have to "suck it up." (A term I don't like but it's very descriptive.)  I'm no longer going to be so readily available except to my team. And any complaints I get will go on to the PM Guru, as well. (Unless they are about her. LOL!)

The goal of this whole operation is to get rid of the complainers. This is not about how to placate them.  "You can't please all of the the people all of the time..." We want to stick to "being respectful" when we disagree and "taking what we want and leaving the rest..." when a thread doesn't please us. Just those two acts will take us back to being what we were before we started picking each other apart. Once started, it will never end. We have to become proactive and stamp it out. Otherwise, it will take us down.

Someone quit today because another member took exception to her presentation on a thread. I tried to go in and lighten it up but failed. We have some sarcastic members that have a long way to go to become respectful but if they are also loving and understanding part of the time...we just have to Walt them out whenever possible. If they go the other way and become less loving and understanding and more sarcastic, then "off with their heads!"

What works for most of us is where we need to go. WWU isn't custom-tailored for any one person. We have to learn to fit in and to work together before we can clean up the kind of mess we are now facing.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 05:11:30 PM
Thanks FAFE- You can go to my counseling Website at www.MomResponds.com. There's a Donation button on the Home page. I so appreciate it!  :D I won't know who it's from unless you add your User Name but know that I am grateful!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pen on April 24, 2011, 05:32:40 PM
Pam1, thanks for your kind words. I feel the same about you and the others mentioned. I am afraid I might not always be available due to my DDD who can go for months w/o a crisis and then suddenly require 24/7 attention for a few days, but I'm willing to help in some capacity. Perhaps a shared duty?

We have so many wonderful members, we must remember that most of us have the best interests of the site at heart...but it only takes a couple of "sad apples" (apologies to the Jackson 5) to spoil the whole basket.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 24, 2011, 05:34:41 PM
Well, I do nominate Laurie to handle newbies. She was the first to welcome me here via PM, and her welcome was the first beginnings of the attachment that I do feel to this forum. (Not even Laurie knows that). I understand if she won't take that role though, but in my mind, since she already does it anyway...then I think she might as well wear the hat. I didn't even know there was a PM until she sent me one.  So, I second Pam's selection.

I don't mind taking the Daughter/Son board so long as it is to resolve a complaint of someone. If that would be much of a role (considering how often I do post on here), I don't mind being the PM guru, b/c I think the problems would be easier to spot when notified versus the exchanges that snowball on the boards, even if they were really big ugly problems at the time.

And, if you bag this idea altogether, I understand that too. I do think this site is in excellent standing and that is due to your hard work.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 24, 2011, 05:41:32 PM
Quote from: Pen on April 24, 2011, 05:32:40 PM
Pam1, thanks for your kind words. I feel the same about you and the others mentioned. I am afraid I might not always be available due to my DDD who can go for months w/o a crisis and then suddenly require 24/7 attention for a few days, but I'm willing to help in some capacity. Perhaps a shared duty?

We have so many wonderful members, we must remember that most of us have the best interests of the site at heart...but it only takes a couple of "sad apples" (apologies to the Jackson 5) to spoil the whole basket.

I already said Pen and Pooh would make a great team. Perhaps they could share moderating, as Pooh has her weekends and Pen can't be here all the time either. Plus, a team might not be a bad idea for some more of the subtle complaints that occur. (Sorry,  Pooh, I'm speaking for you again).
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 06:54:46 PM
No need to apologize for tossing out names as well as offering ideas and volunteering to fill openings. It's a compliment, always when someone nominates you for something. No one will get "stuck" with a job they don't want or can't handle or have to stay in one they find they don't like. We are doing what Think Tanks do...thinking! :-)

I was offered the highest honor here at Warm Beach when I was recently nominated for president of our campus, volunteer association. It brings in over $100,000. a year to filter back into the community by running a thrift shop, a ceramic lab and hosting an annual bazaar. This is a church owned facility and I am not a Free Methodist...so that pretty much doubles the honor when they chose to offer it to me.

My point is that I declined but it was still wonderful to be nominated! :-)

.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 24, 2011, 06:57:26 PM
Congrats, Luise! That sounds like quite an honor.

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 07:13:26 PM
Thanks. My heart is in my Web work. What can I say? I'm six questions behind on my counseling Website, www.MomResponds.com and I don't know how many comments are waiting for approval. I was all caught up on Friday!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 24, 2011, 07:15:28 PM
LOL, only you know what you can do. That is incredible. I'm still trying to figure out what I can do and what I can't!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 24, 2011, 07:21:32 PM
Quote from: Pen on April 24, 2011, 05:32:40 PM
Pam1, thanks for your kind words. I feel the same about you and the others mentioned. I am afraid I might not always be available due to my DDD who can go for months w/o a crisis and then suddenly require 24/7 attention for a few days, but I'm willing to help in some capacity. Perhaps a shared duty?

We have so many wonderful members, we must remember that most of us have the best interests of the site at heart...but it only takes a couple of "sad apples" (apologies to the Jackson 5) to spoil the whole basket.

Sorry Pen, didn't mean to put you or any others on the spot.

So we got for sure

Holly
Tara
Pen (sometimes)

Alright Laurie, WWU wants YOU.  Yea or nay?

I'd personally like to monitor the grab bag lol


Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 24, 2011, 08:15:01 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 03:21:14 PM
As you may have read, Lauie doesn't want to be Lt. Newbie-mom. I can understand that.
Did I just get demoted to Lt from Col? Geez Luise a girl turns her back and wham :)  whatever you decide
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 24, 2011, 08:20:42 PM
Laurie,  you haven't been promoted to begin with; you're only in recruit status at the moment.  :P
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 24, 2011, 08:25:12 PM
Can I be the recruiter? 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 24, 2011, 08:32:31 PM
Pam, if there was ever any kind of hijack on this discussion board...it was tonight and it happened faster than ever. You've been recruiting all night long! LOL.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 08:36:20 PM
I love it!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 24, 2011, 08:39:32 PM
I think I've found my calling, I've got plans for tomorrow if we don't have more sign ups by 10 am. 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 24, 2011, 08:46:45 PM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Kennedy on April 25, 2011, 12:44:21 AM
How wonderful so many wanting to help you Luise. Like I said eailier it is easy even for a newer member to see how special you are!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Nana on April 25, 2011, 03:07:09 AM
I agree with having Pam1, Laurie (if she agrees) and Holly to help Luise. Thank you Ladies for caring about this our second home.  There are many other great wise ladies who could possibly help out but cant speak for them.  Examples:  Pen, Hope, Faith, Faithlooksup, Scoop, Glitt, Kennedy and of course Katherine. 

Will be reading this project's development lol.

Love you all (I mean it)

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: lancaster lady on April 25, 2011, 05:29:36 AM
Well they aren't called hero members for nothing ! Good luck ladies .......let me know if you ever.need back up .....only happy to.help save our forum ... :)
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 25, 2011, 10:07:46 AM
Bless your hearts. Keep the ideas, offers to help and nominations coming!  :D

I have sent my ideas for our reorganization on to Kirk, who is my advisor as well as my "techie." He will see what I missed and suggest what I haven't thought of.

I only have one goal in mind and that is to lessen the complaints and negativity so we can go forward into year three in a simpler, smoother, kinder and more productive way. The larger we get, the greater our resources...but with it comes added complexity unless we decide otherwise. Sending love...





Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 25, 2011, 11:15:40 AM
Oh lol.  I go away for 3 days and look at all I missed!  Thank you ladies for thinking (nominating) me.  I am very flattered that you guys think that much of me.  I know I can get long-winded and it must take great patience for you to read some of my stuff. 

Of course I will help Luise if you find something for me to do.  I do take the weekends off for a couple of reasons.  One, my DH and I spend Saturdays together and also I think everyone needs to step away sometimes.  It gives me fresh perspective to take those couple of days.  My DH actually works on Sundays, so I could be on those days.  I just usually am catching up on my facebook and household chores during that day...Lol.  Laurie has actually caught me online reading a couple of times on Sundays!  So, Saturdays are pretty much the only time I don't actually get on.

I love this place and everyone here!  Whatever you decide Luise, I am just grateful to have this place.  I will do whatever you choose Yoda.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 25, 2011, 11:23:21 AM
That warmed my heart, Pooh! Thank you. We are in the early stages...doing Think Tank. Toss in any ideas that come up, please.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 25, 2011, 11:45:11 AM
Really, I think you have made plenty of good suggestions, and so has everyone else.  I think that no matter what you try, there will be a learning curve and some growing pains.  There is just no way to not have them as people will be trying to figure out based on their own opinions.  I think two people bouncing off each other could work very well, and also may not due to different perspectives. 

I know I have a high tolerance for people and I have found myself feeling bad for new people when they come in and people start kind of ganging up on them.  I remember when I first came here, I had to post a few things before I caught on to the groove.  People were very kind to me when I first started.  It seems they waited for me to post a few things and let me get my feet wet. I think new people get jumped on fairly quickly now instead of giving them an opportunity to try to fit in and catch on to the do's and dont's.  I am not saying that they don't have to be corrected if they come in guns blaring, but I have seen some lately get jumped for just having different opinions.  We are telling them to be open to different views, but yet bashing them for theirs.  I would hate to see a new person get reprimanded so quickly before giving them time to adjust a little.  Also, I like to think that when someone new comes in (there are a few exceptions) that they are hurting, angry or upset about something.  I tend to be at my worst when I am that way and I would like to think that initial posts are coming mostly from an emotional standpoint.  I know mine were.  It takes a little while to get a handle on your emotions and see some different opinions.

I will miss the PMs, but I understand why you are leaning towards getting rid of the function.  I have used them for various reasons.  I like to be able to vent to the trusted members when something makes me angry instead of putting it on the board.  I like to be able to share pictures with a few other trusted members.  I have even passed a few "risky" jokes to a member that I know happens to share my humor.  I also have used it to say to another member, "Umm...am I reading that right or am I misunderstanding it?"  I use it sometimes as my own personal self-check, not to have someone take sides.  Probably not your intentions for having them, but it's the truth.  I think I have only ever sent 1 to you personally.  I am sure that if you are having that many issues through PMs, I would be wanting to get rid of them too and bless your heart, for dealing with all you are getting.  It's a shame people can't self monitor themselves.

So I think all the different suggestions have been very good.  I would like to say to anyone here that possibly ends up getting a role that it will be very important to be compassionate and to not let your personal feelings bias your judgement.  And being sarcastic trying to prove a point, will push people further into a corner.  I try to save my sarcasm for those that have got to know me and know when I am playing.  Most new people are not in a position to be able to receive that in the beginning.  I wasn't.

I do think you need some help Luise, in whatever form you choose.  You are now running yourself ragged with trying to help everyone else.  So I applaud you for recognizing that you can seek some help, and get it.  You know I luff you!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 25, 2011, 11:46:04 AM
Quote from: Holly on April 24, 2011, 05:34:41 PM
Well, I do nominate Laurie to handle newbies. She was the first to welcome me here via PM, and her welcome was the first beginnings of the attachment that I do feel to this forum. (Not even Laurie knows that). 

I just saw this Holly.. well that makes me feel like a better person today.. thanks :) 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 25, 2011, 11:55:02 AM
I saw that and thought that was such a sweet thing to say about you.  It truly was.

Give me just a minute...and I'll think of something sweet to say about you....just a sec....

thinking...thinking.....
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 25, 2011, 11:58:29 AM
lol.. I missed you too Pooh
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 25, 2011, 12:14:49 PM
Thanks for all of that. I am distilling it and passing it on to Kirk...who is my Forum Mentor. Sending love...
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 25, 2011, 12:21:53 PM
Quote from: Laurie on April 25, 2011, 11:58:29 AM
lol.. I missed you too Pooh

Ha ha ha...you know I love my Laurie!!!!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: lancaster lady on April 25, 2011, 12:48:15 PM
I agree with everything Pooh says ........ :)    Even  though I will always feel like a newbie ......Pooh always made me feel welcome . I think her take on the forum is 100% correct ...and hope that Pooh and all the hero members can get the WWU  forum back to its happy place ......here's to the A team ...... :)
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 25, 2011, 01:02:18 PM
Aww thank you LL.  I don't think of you a newbie at all.  You are my Bonny Lass!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: lancaster lady on April 25, 2011, 01:05:34 PM
Love you too Pooh Bear ......and thanks ......feeling low for no reason at all ......bummer ...xx
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 25, 2011, 01:11:11 PM
Well, it happens to all of us.  We just have to give ourselves a "free pass" to have a bad day every once in a while.  And then we start singing and feel all better quickly.....

"Just what makes that little ole' ant....think he can move a rubber tree plant....everone knows...an ant....can't...move a rubber tree plant, but...."

(Sing with me loudly!)

"HE"S GOT HIIIIGGGGHHHH HOPES!  HE'S GOT HIIIIGGGGHHHHH HOPES!  HE'S GOT...HIGH APPLE PIE IN THE SKY HOPES!!!"

(I was gonna go with Madonna's "Like a Virgin" but I knew Laurie would have something smart aleck to say!)
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: lancaster lady on April 25, 2011, 01:19:13 PM
Lol ......love you more now !.......haha
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 25, 2011, 01:19:44 PM
Yes, and since she has already used HIGH HOPES in one of her smart aleck comments earlier this year...she probably won't again.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 25, 2011, 01:24:20 PM
That was the plan!  ;D
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 25, 2011, 01:41:21 PM
I use to sing that song as a young innocent girl.. I had dreams, I had hopes and I had goals.  Hi Hopes was my inspiration, the song gave me direction and solitude when the skies became darkened by doubt.  That ant.. that was me for a time in my life, the little old ant... now my mind wanders back to those days, those days of dreams.. and you've shattered my past dreams and goals, you've cheapened my memories.. and the ant... the little old ant *silently weeping* the ant.. oh my gosh the ant.. he had high hopes, really really high hopes

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Rose799 on April 25, 2011, 01:47:55 PM
Good grief, Pooh, what in the world did you say in that other post?!!!  Poor Lauri...and that poor, pitiful ant!!!   
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: AnonymousDIL on April 25, 2011, 01:49:08 PM
Quote from: Laurie on April 25, 2011, 01:41:21 PM
I use to sing that song as a young innocent girl.. I had dreams, I had hopes and I had goals.  Hi Hopes was my inspiration, the song gave me direction and solitude when the skies became darkened by doubt.  That ant.. that was me for a time in my life, the little old ant... now my mind wanders back to those days, those days of dreams.. and you've shattered my past dreams and goals, you've cheapened my memories.. and the ant... the little old ant *silently weeping* the ant.. oh my gosh the ant.. he had high hopes, really really high hopes

Laurie, are you starting to feel warm? I'm sitting with a magnifying glass FRYING that little Ant! Mwahahahaha!!!!!

I was hoping for the smart aleck comments on "Like a Virgin" LOL
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 25, 2011, 01:53:28 PM
She's lying...she used to watch Laverne and Shirley!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 25, 2011, 02:07:24 PM
I had to Pooh.. Laverne and I both had a giant L

And adil .. you would be the rotten kid who fried the ants :)
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 25, 2011, 02:07:59 PM
Oh, it is so good to have bad girls!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 25, 2011, 02:09:06 PM
Luise.. don't encourage Pooh
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 25, 2011, 02:10:18 PM
Quote from: Rose799 on April 25, 2011, 01:47:55 PM
Good grief, Pooh, what in the world did you say in that other post?!!!  Poor Lauri...and that poor, pitiful ant!!!

Thank you Rose and the ant thanks you too
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 25, 2011, 02:11:14 PM
Pooh doesn't require encouragement...
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Nana on April 25, 2011, 03:46:53 PM
I completely agree with Pooh.  We were all Newbies once, and I dont know about others but I did feel I was walking on eggshells.  It is enough walking on eggshells with our grown children or dil/sil, and still have to walk on eggshells in a forum where we are looking for understanding, advice, or simply to vent.    Better said by Pooh.

We need Pooh on Luise's team because she can be the defending Or neutral side Lol> 

Lancaster Lady would also be great in this squad.

Love   
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: lancaster lady on April 26, 2011, 12:03:16 AM
Thankyou Nana for your support ,however I'm far to sensitive for loads of topics here and would end up crying  all day .....LOL
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 26, 2011, 05:13:39 AM
Quote from: Nana on April 25, 2011, 03:46:53 PM
I completely agree with Pooh.  We were all Newbies once, and I dont know about others but I did feel I was walking on eggshells.  It is enough walking on eggshells with our grown children or dil/sil, and still have to walk on eggshells in a forum where we are looking for understanding, advice, or simply to vent.    Better said by Pooh.

We need Pooh on Luise's team because she can be the defending Or neutral side Lol> 

Lancaster Lady would also be great in this squad.

Love

Thank you Nana.  You are always so kind and I think you would make an excellent neutral party.  You always make me smile with your words and I enjoy reading anything you write.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Nana on April 26, 2011, 09:49:54 AM
Thanks Pooh.  You know that I also look forward to your posts. 

I dont think I have the guts to stop strong winds.  So I'll leave it to beaver (you)

Love.


Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 26, 2011, 11:51:36 AM
Hi All,

I have Kirk's feedback and here is my tentative plan, starting May 1st:

There will be no more PMs as of May 1st (for all the reasons I have outlined.) So, obviously, no PM Guru.

No "Newbie-mom" We get too many non-posters. Each Category Moderator will handle her "Newbies."

Each Category Moderator will need to be willing to interact with me via email and I will do my best to help out and still not micro-manage. I will delete posts you want deleted and members you feel are detrimental to our site. Each Category Moderator can pick an assistant if she wants too but I won't be involved in that process. You will all have your own management style.

I am asking, via this post, that those I have listed below consider taking the jobs outlined. Let me know, when you can...if you are on board.

Team:

I would like to ask Laurie to be my Forum Assistant. Trouble-shooting semi-technical issues, teaching and just keeping an eye on the overview. In addition she would be Category Moderator for the seldom used categories: Forum Support, Commercial Stuff, Internet, Biographical Sketches, Helpful Resources, Success Stories and Poems and Writings. The other Category Moderators could refer members to her at Helpful Resources with technical questions. Any posts that come in under Open Me First, I will redirect.

I would like to ask Pooh and Pen, who offered to jointly manage a category, to take Grab Bag.

I would like to ask Holly to take DILs and/or SILs.

I would like to ask Pam1 to take Adult Sons and/or Adult Daughters.

I would like to ask Tara to take Grandchildren and DIL's and SILs Parents.


We are starting year three and all of the above looks appropriate and do-able to me. I hope it does to you, too...because it really is your Website to manage and grow. I'm not stepping out of my role but I am stepping back.

Sending love and gratitude...

Luise
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 26, 2011, 12:52:47 PM
I would be happy to help and very happy to coordinate and juggle it with Pen, if she's willing.  I will email you now Luise, at your email you provided with the title "WWU Team" so you will have mine.  Thank you for trusting me with your baby.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 26, 2011, 12:55:00 PM
Same here, Luise. I am out the door of work, so I'll e-mail you when I get home.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: lancaster lady on April 26, 2011, 12:59:47 PM
GO TEAM !!!! Good luck you guys ...xx
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 26, 2011, 01:11:53 PM
Wonderful!

If anyone else volunteered that I missed...(I did take notes), please look at offering to work with one of these ladies. I think everyone will need back up and someone to bounce issues off of.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Rose799 on April 26, 2011, 02:38:33 PM
I have faith in the team, too!!  And this way, you'll be free to come out & play with us more often, Luise!  YEAH!!!  :D :D :D
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Nana on April 26, 2011, 04:25:52 PM
Thanks Luise.

You got the perfect Team  (Äll  Star Team).  I know they will do fine.  Thanks Ladies for your time and good will.  Love you all.
Luise....you are not stepping back....you are delegating. 

Best wishes....
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 26, 2011, 05:19:29 PM
Sounds good to me.  I'll get an email account I'll post to the site so anyone can contact me there after May 1st.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 26, 2011, 07:09:54 PM
Great Pam! Thanks! So you are taking over Adult Sons and/or Daughters May 1st, right?

Holly asked about how I intended to handle complaints that I might get about Category Moderators, so I took my email address out of my reorg post above. I definitely don't want it floating around.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Tara on April 26, 2011, 07:49:11 PM
Hi Luise,

I'm happy that the team is forming for support of WWU.  I am wondering if I might be able to function as a
back up person for one of the posting areas...(if one is needed)   I think backing up might be a better match for my schedule as
I'm building my private practice and also will be out of town a fair amt this next three months.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 26, 2011, 08:07:30 PM
Thanks, Tara. Let's put it out there that you are up for being someones backup.

Is there anyone who would like to be the Category Moderator for Grandparents and DILs and SILs Parents? These are not high traffic categories. That's why there are two.

Julia would you like to take that on?
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Tara on April 26, 2011, 08:49:30 PM
Maybe someone who takes a slow site would invite me to be back up.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 26, 2011, 09:11:56 PM
Tara: My guess at this point is that whoever takes the slow sites, which are the ones I suggested for you, won't need backup...but it's all a guessing game at this point.

To All: What some of the team are doing is to get a separate email account for this work only.

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 27, 2011, 05:28:21 AM
I have also clicked the little box next to my email address in my profile so that people will have my email if they need to contact me.  The seperate email is a great idea.  I am giving the team members and Luise my personal one and I will create a random one to post that anyone can see.  Lol....I think I have a touch of OCD this morning.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 27, 2011, 05:32:08 AM
Ha ha ha...Ok, now I have changed my mind.  I opened up an entirely seperate email for anything WWU.  Luise and Pen, I already gave you my personal one (which I don't mind you having) but could you change it to the one I just created for WWU.  That way I can keep it all together...Lol

My WWU one is WWU_Pooh@hotmail.com

Sorry for the confusion.  And a heads up today, we are getting hammered by these storms again so I will be in and out of my office today.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 27, 2011, 05:33:09 AM
Quote from: luise.volta on April 26, 2011, 07:09:54 PM
Great Pam! Thanks! So you are taking over Adult Sons and/or Daughters May 1st, right?

Holly asked about how I intended to handle complaints that I might get about Category Moderators, so I took my email address out of my reorg post above. I definitely don't want it floating around.

Yes ma'am, I'll be ready.  Any advice or words of wisdom thrown my way will always be welcome. 

Perhaps complaints about a catergory moderator can be made to another moderator or Laurie?  At that point they can decide if it is legitimate or not, whether they approach they other moderator or not.  And if all that fails, approach you to take action?  That way by the time it gets to you it's actually legitimate?
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 27, 2011, 08:45:42 AM
Thinking...thinking...

Kirk is looking at getting the "Report To Moderator" option to bypass me and go straight to the Category Moderator. She then can approach the issue via open posting without divulging names; i.e.
"Generalization has again been reported to me and noted, lets knock it off." And for those really sensitive gals, "Remember the 'Take what you want and leave the rest' admonition, please." Or to the arrogant, "Would those attached to generalizing take this warning...if you continue, you will be deleted from membership. It reeks of prejudice." The complaint is thus acknowledged without private dialog.

Separate email addresses is a great idea. Laurie has done that, already. I would prefer (but it's up to you) that you don't put your new email addresses in your WWU Profiles. I am trying to discourage off-site interactions. That's where the "I said/she said" gets going. It's hard enough to stand by what you say when posting without being quoted beyond that venue.

Things will go much smoother if you only interact with the members in your categories within the posting format. And Category Moderators can refer members to other categories the same way. Like, "Good question! Please post it again under the 'Helpful Resources' category and I bet you'll get what you need there. Then feel free to return."

If a member in any category wanted to reach a Category Moderator, she would go to "Report To Moderator." I'm aiming for as much up front as possible and as little as possible that is unseen. The occasional "Report To Moderator", (I don't get many,) would go directly to that Category Moderator and not come to me...if I understand Kirk correctly.

If Julia doesn't respond to the invitation to join us...the two very light categories..."Grandchildren" and "SILs and DILs Parents" will go to Holly and Pam1, if they are willing, because of the overlap. I don't think it will change the load to any discernible degree.

Thinking...thinking...
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 27, 2011, 09:31:59 AM
Those categories are light enough that I'm ok with it.

My concern would be someone who needs a little extra help in adjusting to the forum.  It might be a little embarassing for everyone to discuss on the board.  I understand not wanting too much behind the scenes but I think to smooth the waters we might need a little bit.  I also kind of think we need to present a united front, so it might be best if we have the option to discuss off board.

DH did mention to me (he's a site owner and moderator) that his moderators get together on a weekly basis to discuss issues, things they noted etc.  It keeps them all on the same page.  I think that may be a good option if all the moderators are up for it.  It doesn't have to be weekly, could be monthly or as needed.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 27, 2011, 09:38:16 AM
Quote from: pam1 on April 27, 2011, 09:31:59 AM

DH did mention to me (he's a site owner and moderator) that his moderators get together on a weekly basis to discuss issues, things they noted etc.  It keeps them all on the same page.  I think that may be a good option if all the moderators are up for it.  It doesn't have to be weekly, could be monthly or as needed.

This is a great idea, I think.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 27, 2011, 09:56:19 AM
I am good with whatever you guys decide.  Luise, I unchecked the option to view my email from my profile, if you want to edit it out of that post. 

I probably will not make it on much today, we got hit by a tornado.  Luckily, only 1 signifigant injury and about 7 houses completely destroyed.  So we are very busy and I have been pulled into dispatch.  A second round of worse storms is supposed to be here in about an hour or two, so keep us in your thoughts.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 27, 2011, 09:58:46 AM
Dumb question, (with many to follow in all probability.) How would we get together? In a Chat Room someplace? Weekly might be best at first. Would it work for Laurie to head that up? Then she would report to me. Laurie, any thoughts?

Regarding Category Moderators doing one-on-one work, I'm leaving that and the option to publish your WWU email addresses up to you. My preferences and suggestions come from my own experience, which may not be yours.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 27, 2011, 10:02:58 AM
O, Pooh...sending good Juju!

And you can follow your own instincts regarding your email availability, as posted above. I have backed down on that because I think the decision should be yours. If you leave it open and it's too much, you can get a new address that you don't publish in your profile and delete the first one. Trial and error/success.  :)
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 27, 2011, 10:03:17 AM
I am good with either.  I trust your experiences and if you get the report to moderator to come to us, then I see no need for the email except to correspond with you and other team members.  I was just posting it to give members a way to ask a question or anything, but the report to moderator thing would be the same.

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 27, 2011, 10:05:04 AM
I would like to add that whatever way is decided, I think it needs to be consistent to all of us so as not to create confusion.  Either post emails or use the report to moderator. 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 27, 2011, 10:08:38 AM
I think that we can get together via Chat somehow, if that works. It just needs to be at night. Lunchtime at work won't allow a chat feature.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 27, 2011, 10:12:03 AM
Yes. Timing would be the problem, probably, because we are in many time zones and each person has her own constraints. I wonder how others do that?
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 27, 2011, 10:14:11 AM
I'm the early bird among us. I'm also a night owl.

I generally get 4 hours of sleep...chatting late won't be a problem for me. Not sure about Pam though. She's never disclosed, but I do think I've reduced her location possibilities as somewhere in EST.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 27, 2011, 10:18:19 AM
I can probably do anytime.  Just let me know
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 27, 2011, 10:20:44 AM
I'm in EST too.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: lancaster lady on April 27, 2011, 10:24:52 AM
Stay safe Pooh ..... :)
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 27, 2011, 10:48:41 AM
Thanks LL...about 30 minutes away from us right now.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 27, 2011, 12:49:14 PM
send it our way Pooh... right now we are in a dangerous drought ... I don't know why but I get this vision of Pooh being like the Grandmother in Twister the one with all the whirlybirds in her yard spinning like mad as the storm comes in.  Of course she was hoping that I'd see her more as the Helen Hunt kinda gal.

Chatroom.. I've been told that Gmail has a chat option.. I'd have to look into it

Something that I feel needs to be considered as far as emails go on the open forum... by removing the pm and the emails everyone is forced to take EVERYTHING to the open board.  Let's say SuzieQ is having a problem with inserting a picture.. we've posted how to do it.. but Suzie isn't catching on.. she doesn't want to appear to be a dummy but might need more one on one to get it figured out .. good time for a email.

BonnyLu is having some issues with that crabby lady Laurie.. Does she stand up and say.. Hey does anyone hear me.. Laurie is a pain in my bazooka and I need some help ... Now Laurie knows and of course will feel the need to defend any and all accusations. 

HotandTidyDIL is making tons and tons of insulting generalizations and isn't toning it down .. does someone jump up and announce that they are the monitor and it's deemed that their behavior is unacceptable?

I have found in the past and I've done so on many occasions sent someone a pm and said hey heads up here.. that f-bomb is going to get deleted then publicly scolded.. might want to try and curtail that.   I  like to think that I have welcomed many and defused a lot of possible problems behind the scenes.  lol. ok I started one as well.. we can't all be perfect. In this respect I believe that #1 pm system is valuable.. #2 email could suffice something that has not been taken into consideration except once mentioned by Kirk was by posting your email address you are opening yourself to possible spam. 

Something else.. if every aspect is handled on the open forum then it will be painfully obvious to anyone new that there is a define pecking order.. I don't think that is the impression you want anyone to enter the forum seeing... these are strictly my views and my concerns
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 27, 2011, 02:27:47 PM
Laurie, ET AL: I don't know the answers to any of those things but I can add some thoughts.

In considering the idea of a "pecking order," (which didn't enter my head,) I have changed my mind about the chats. I don't think anyone should moderate the chats and all of you should have equal rank.  It would just be a place to exchange experiences and learn. What I'm hoping for, of course, is that each of you will find a way to do your job independently...solving your own problems like I have had to do over the last two years. If the chats become judgmental and critical then I think we should pass on doing that. I had no one to turn to unless it was "technical" for the last two years and I answered to no one. Mistakes? You bet. Progress. Yup.

My email account at gmail filters out Spam, if that information helps.

I seems to me that it's OK for the category leadership to be out front. "Hi, lulu, welcome. I am the Moderator in this category. Here are some suggestions to help you get your feet wet: Go to Open Me First and read the Modified Agreement to see if you can live with that because it's a must. Read some threads on different subjects to get the 'feel' of WWU and then let me know by ______ if you have questions." You put "here" in that space or your email address depending on how you want to run your category.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 27, 2011, 03:28:00 PM
GMail does have a chatroom, which is why I use it for googleDocs. It's great! (Tara...if you need a tutorial for GoogleDocs...I can show you! I forgot to tell you that).

I do like the idea of PMs/at least e-mail for concerns and direction. It is personal...so to welcomem a poster personally seems like it would be of great benefit and make this place feel more like a home to them.

Also, if someone does have a problem, they may be discouraged from bring it up for fear that it will be discussed on the board later. That may be a deterrent for a very real problem. I remember a PM sent out of kindness was misconstrued on the board...it wasn't the PM that gave the person the power to do that, it was the "airing of grievances" amid the board.

Also, Luise, a weekly chat at first could allow you to be aware of everything we're doing and have an open discussion about it as opposed to just wondering what goes on behind the scenes. We'd have our e-mail history/time stamps as proof if a problem arose. I don't think everything needs to be transparent as on the board as much as it needs to be transparent with you.

Just thinking out loud.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 27, 2011, 04:09:53 PM
This is Think Tank time and I love it that you are thinking out loud...all of you Nothing is cast in granite at this time and anything can be reversed. Once we hit May 1st...I would like to stick to what we set up. And if we aren't ready on May 1st, so be it. We need to have the best plan possible abailable.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Tara on April 27, 2011, 10:12:13 PM
Holly,

I agree that the moderators role could be very welcoming.  I have visited another site and the moderator
contacted me via  pms a few times in the kindest most welcoming way.  It didn't have a 'one up' sense
about it.  I suppose that it depends on the style and personality of the moderator.  Holly,  I would love a tutorial
on Goggle docs., have been trying to figure it out.

I love this site and want to support it but I'm feeling too swamped right now to do moderation.  Maybe in
the future, but in the meantime I'd like to be supportive.. 

The weekly meeting sounds like it would be very informative and supportive in the learning curve


Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pen on April 27, 2011, 10:22:03 PM
Hi, all. Are PMs or chat rooms safer from viruses or hackers than opening emails from unknown sources? I'm kind of leery of opening strangers emails.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 27, 2011, 10:29:46 PM
I would not accept any attachments Pen.. but yes by pulling it from the pm and going email we would be accepting the possibility of more risk
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pen on April 27, 2011, 10:45:16 PM
DH & I depend on our computers/network for our incomes...so I'm for whatever will minimize the risk.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 28, 2011, 05:21:22 AM
Pen, thats my concern as well. 

DH is a tech guru too.  I've spoke to him a little about all this and he said he'd be willing to set us up somewhere with a chat feature with the least amount of risk.  If that sounds ok to you guys?

It might even end up being gmail or yahoo.  But at least we would have someone look into it to keep our computers safe.

Let me know or just let me know where to sign up lol
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 28, 2011, 09:52:45 AM
Not opening attachments is the trick, right? Plus a super anti-virus defense system.

I'm so happy that you are all so interested in making this work. Bless your hearts! I'm really touched.
Yup, lotsa gratitude floating around over here in my neck of the woods.  :D :D :D

A little history: WWU came into being as the natural result of the questions that come to me on my counseling Website, www.MomResponds.com I noticed after several years (that site is 6 years old) that the #1 question was about issues with adult children and extended families. There is room for comments on that site but they all have to be approved, so when women started dialoguing it was pretty unsatisfactory for all concerned. WWU is the direct result of my desire to support further dialogue by having a place to refer those women to. (For those interested, the #2 question is about sexless relationships and #3 is about where to find the VIN number on a vintage travel trailer!  ;D ;D ;D

I am following your lead regarding chats and will be there "with bells on." We're down to only three more days until blast off. I am working with Kirk regarding what your tools will be. I want you to have all of the ones I have, if that can be set up. The only thing I can't do is delete and that's not because Kirk ever second-guesses me, or is even interested...it's a techie thing. So your delete requests will come through me.

For now, "SIL's and DIL's Parents" will be Holly's and "Granchildren" will be Pam1's. Please let me know if that doesn't work.

Viva la team!!

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 28, 2011, 10:16:28 AM
Pooh and Fafe....you two are the only ones I know of down south. I hope you are both safe and sound.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 28, 2011, 03:13:56 PM
KIRK SAYS HE HAS EVERYTHING READY TO GO ON MAY 1ST:

           1. Personal Messaging will go off permanently
           2. You will all have full Moderator Power

               Right above the last post (after Quote) will be added  - Modify, Remove, Split Topic
               Right below the last post will be added - Move Topic, Remove Topic, Lock Topic, Merge Topics

TITLES:

           Kirk: Administrator

           Luise: Global Moderator

           Laurie, Holly, Pam1, Pooh and Pen: Moderator


                              Get ready...get set...
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 28, 2011, 03:44:24 PM
So you are doing away with the email option as well? 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Nana on April 28, 2011, 04:36:01 PM
    Luise: Global Moderator

   Laurie, Holly, Pam1, Pooh and Pen: Moderator


Reminds of :  Charlie's Angels   lol
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pen on April 28, 2011, 04:45:59 PM
We are the Mod(erator) Squad!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 28, 2011, 06:07:53 PM
Love it, Pen!  ;D ;D ;D

No, Laurie, the email system you have set up with each other and me is ready to go. You have to have a way to stay in touch with each other besides occasional chats. I can see that (finally)...and some moderators may want to connect that way via their dedicated email addresses with members. Like, "Jellyfish, please email me at ____@______.com if you feel comfortable doing that and we'll talk about this a little bit." Unwanted emails can be ignored.

I wasn't able to ignore the PMs I got because I was being held responsible for them, as part of my site.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Rose799 on April 28, 2011, 10:10:59 PM
Quote from: Holly on April 28, 2011, 10:16:28 AM
Pooh and Fafe....you two are the only ones I know of down south. I hope you are both safe and sound.

You're in my thoughts, as well.  Hope to hear from you soon... 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 29, 2011, 05:20:08 AM
FAFE, I saw you on...I hope that means everything is okay.

Pooh...waiting for news...
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: AnonymousDIL on April 29, 2011, 05:30:38 AM
Yes, praying for the safety of all the ladies down south. These storms are horrible. :-(
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on April 29, 2011, 12:28:26 PM
I only have time to write a few lines.  I am safe but our county is horrible.  We had five seperate tornados out of five different storms.  The first two have been classified as EF2, they are still trying to classify the last 3 that hit us all in a span of 3 hours.  They are thinking EF4.  We have right now around 150 totally destroyed homes, 600 halfway destroyed and I don't know how many with minor damage.  They have just now entered the 4th area, so that number is climbing.  We have had 9 fatalities.  The 4th tornado went over our building and we just have minor damage but the roar was horrible and no one stopped answering the 911 phones.  It was amazing.

I worked 18 hrs, 3 hrs sleep then 14 more.  I got 4 hrs sleep last night and back at 7 this morning.  I will have to work thru the weekend so I will not be on. 

I have never seen anything like it in my life, and I just want to cry.  It is horrible.  We are in Cleveland, TN, Bradley County as there are many news reporters here if you want to track us.  Thanks for the prayers and well wishes.  I have never been so proud in my life of all the emergency response people and a community.

Thanks guys and sorry that I can't get on right now but I will catch up next week!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 29, 2011, 12:42:43 PM
Oh, Pooh, how terrible. You are making such a huge contribution. Please remember your health concerns and don't burn the candle at both ends down to where it whacks your already distressed immune system. Sending tons of love, caring and appreciation for you and what you are.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on April 29, 2011, 12:53:01 PM
Pooh, I am glad you're safe and sound. I'm also glad you're there to help those that need it so badly right now.  I haven't heard much about your area, I've only really heard about Alabama so far. I hope you're taking care of yourself as best you can. I will be thinking of you. Rest when you can!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: lancaster lady on April 29, 2011, 01:05:35 PM
thinking of you Pooh Bear ....stay safe my friend ...the weather has gone mad in the world lately ...thoughts are with all those families ...take care ...x
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 29, 2011, 01:17:03 PM
Pooh - We just got a report in form Kennedy: "Tornadoes, Tornadoes, Tornadoes" and I copied and pasted your post over on that thread, as well. Hard to imagine! We are all with you!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 29, 2011, 01:47:15 PM
Pooh -  you and your family and area are in my thoughts.  I'll be keeping an eye out on TN. 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 30, 2011, 06:42:23 AM
Holly or Mod Squad,

Where should I be setting up my email account?  And where is the chat thingie?

Love Technology Challenged Pam
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on April 30, 2011, 10:12:49 AM
I know that gmail has a chat option and it a free online email service
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pen on April 30, 2011, 12:44:19 PM
Question: Since we're not officially in Mod Squad mode yet, may we welcome a newbie who isn't in our category? LadyD sounds like she needs a kind word or two.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 30, 2011, 01:21:48 PM
Sure. I don't see why not?  :)
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 30, 2011, 02:13:23 PM
Mod Squad: I know you are all going to have your own leadership styles but here is one example of a welcome:

Welcome_______: If you haven't already done so, please go to the Home Page and read the first two posts under "Open Me First." The first one,  "Modified Forum Agreement" is something you need to read, understand and agree to follow to be a member of WWU. The second, "Welcome...Here's How This Happened" will give you some history.

Happy posting...listening...learning...contributing and hopefully...laughing!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on April 30, 2011, 02:23:37 PM
Ok, I'm pamwwu@gmail.com.

Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 30, 2011, 06:07:12 PM
OK, Team...Kirk just flipped the switch. You're on! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D (One for each of you.)

None of us has the PM option any longer. I am going to post my email address again here, temporarily, so you all have it. I carefully wrote down yours and can't fine the slip of paper I wrote them on. (Senior moment?) I have pam1's because she just posted it, but if the rest of you would email me yours I promise to get them into my gmail address book this time. 

It's totally up to you whether you post your email addresses in your profiles or not and how much you interact with your members via email. I've let go of that. You're all going to have your own styles.

We will always have some overlap in subject matter due to the way people post and the way threads are sometimes hi-jacked, (guilty,) so... wherever the original subject comes in, that will be where the thread lives and which Moderator it is under...no matter how the data may wander off the subject.

We may have a few glitches to iron out...be we're up and running.

Congratulations to all of you who stepped up to the plate. Thank you so much!! You now have your magic wands!

Sending love...
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on April 30, 2011, 06:12:41 PM
Never mind, I found them.  :-[
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on May 01, 2011, 10:21:26 AM
OK, it looks to me like we can close this thread as soon as you have agreed on a chat place and time and everyone is able to show up there. Let me know what you decide. I will remove my email address from a recent post here as soon as the weekend is over and everyone has caught up and is on board and connected.

Bless your hearts!!!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on May 01, 2011, 10:35:53 AM
Pen, I am hoping you can pick up the slack for me the next couple of weeks.  I promise I will make it up to you.  Everyone else, I will catch up and get on board with everything you are doing when I can.

Luise, I can see all those functions and it looks wonderful. 
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on May 01, 2011, 10:58:45 AM
Pen, let me know if you need any help.

And yes, Pooh, those functions are all necessary if you are going to do the Mod Squad thing.  :D
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pen on May 01, 2011, 02:02:06 PM
No problem. I won't be able to read or post while at work, but will check in before and after. Let me know about the chat arrangements.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on May 01, 2011, 02:05:17 PM
Laurie are you putting the chat together? Let us know via email, OK?
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: cadagi101 on May 01, 2011, 03:10:51 PM
well done girls...(mod squad)  and chief mod Luise.    The changes are exciting I,m sure it will run smoothly.      I have been away for a while still reading though.     I may not post for a little while...a bit busy...
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on May 01, 2011, 03:41:34 PM
Thanks, Julia! Sending love...
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on May 01, 2011, 04:27:19 PM
Just let me know what you guys decide.  I have never had a gmail account as I have all my msn accounts (live, hotmail, etc. linked together).

We use MSN instant messenger at work and it allows people with different emails to talk to each other I believe.  Seems I remember a few of them had yahoo accounts and were still able to join.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: holliberri on May 01, 2011, 04:33:36 PM
I am on any one you ladies decide to use.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on May 01, 2011, 04:43:03 PM
I have no idea, so you guys tell me what to do.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on May 01, 2011, 04:44:10 PM
Lol Pam!  Me too.  If I need to open a gmail, I will.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on May 01, 2011, 04:47:01 PM
LOL Pooh.  Check your ring finger, is it close in length to your pointer finger?  That means your technology impaired.  Serious.  The longer in length your ring finger is compared to your pointer, apparently means something connected to your brain and testosterone, which in turn affects if you're technologically efficient.  And I am serious here lol.

So basically, if you're a technophobe like me, you've got about the same length ring finger and pointer finger.  Which means we did not get enough testosterone in the womb.  And we can blame our mothers for that.  LOL
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on May 01, 2011, 04:50:14 PM
Well mine are the same length too but I'm finding that a hard comparison after what I shared with you guys on the whole "hair everywhere" talk......
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on May 01, 2011, 05:01:31 PM
LOL  ;D
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: pam1 on May 01, 2011, 07:01:53 PM
Hey Pen, just a heads up -- but the Mod Squads various emails to you are being returned.  I don't if it is us or you LOL
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pen on May 01, 2011, 07:28:45 PM
Oh no. I put you all in contacts, so I don't know what the issue is.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pooh on May 01, 2011, 07:30:54 PM
Umm...it was us Pen!!!!  Holly straightened us out! Lol.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: Pen on May 01, 2011, 07:36:39 PM
Good, I was just composing an email for testing purposes. Away we go!
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: LaurieS on May 01, 2011, 08:30:05 PM
I am new to gmail myself, there are some nice convenient features that may come in handy for your purposes.  The instant messenger services are nice if you happen to remember to turn them on :)  Gmail can be configured with most email editors, the majority already has it.  My suggestion would be for everyone to obtain a gmail acct, and put wwu as a part of your name..  example mine is laurie.wwu@gmail.com .. this would also turn into your disposable account if and when needed.

Holly has used this program more, but she did show me where to add people to a chat until you have created a chat room with everyone in it that was #1 online at the time and #2 accepted the invitation.

Gmail is a free service like hot mail... looks like a nice program.. that would be my suggestion at this time.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on May 01, 2011, 08:42:23 PM
Thanks Laurie. I already have a gmail account, so will try to open a new one with WWU in it. If you are willing to take this on and set it up...and schedule and monitor that chats, I would be grateful. Just a suggestion for you to consider.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on May 01, 2011, 09:29:59 PM
OK - I am now at luise.wwy@gmail.com Laurie walked me through the process tonight.
Title: Re: Personal Messaging and WWU Etiquette
Post by: luise.volta on May 01, 2011, 09:44:38 PM
I am going to close this thread because it is open to the membership and has been used to develop a team of Moderators. From here on in, we need to keep our work on a team basis instead of on an open forum.
Email is the way, no matter how cumbersome and chats, if we can figure those out.

After opening a new account at gmail, I wonder why I needed to because you all have my old email  address and I am not an anonymous person...so you can just keep using the one I first gave you. I have not wanted to entire membership to have it for obvious reasons.

Thanks to all of you for stepping forward on day one and taking this on. Sending love and appreciation.