Why do so many people join this forum and so few stay?

[tamara_mc41]

I am not sure if you all consider me new or not still , but I really do plan on being here for along time I like the people and really enjoy all the conversations, its sad to find out people make accounts then vanish, and I hope non of the people on here I communicate with and like disappear

[ylisa7]

I've noticed that also. Always lots of new members but not many stay. I know I joined to hear about more books to read…just what I need, lol. As much as I love reading it only occupies about 10% of my everyday life. So for me for a forum to keep me coming back for more…I need more. I don't mean a ton of drivel but some.

There are a lot of posts on the Community and Off Topic section, and yes I know a lot are one liners or a quick answers, but maybe people want a little more of that. Maybe some extra sub forums that don't pertain to books or writing might have people stick around for more. The topics seem to get lost in the Off Topic section.

For me a few more Sub forums in the Off Topic Section would be nice. This way those who don't like the drivel won't have to see it if they don't want to

Some other General Sub forums could be:

Entertainment and Arts
Food and Drink
House and Garden
Health, Beauty and Exercise
Hobbies and Travel
Work and School


Just an idea. Of course it's not good to overload with too many sub forums either.

[Skillian]

I would theorize that it is easy to just register really quickly and try it out. But then people get distracted again and forget about it. I would guess that most people are just passing by most sites they look at and aren't as interested in becoming a permanent member. Maybe they just wanted a few books to add to their list.. then they are back off into their world. Also, I think some people simply aren't as social. And while they may check back from time to time as a guest or whatever... maybe they don't feel comfortable leaving comments. I moderate a chat room and it is surprising how many people just lurk as a guest and read what everyone is talking about without contributing. Also, sometimes people register to multiple accounts due to forgetting passwords... etc. It is also unfortunate how many people don't come back because of poor timing. Like if when they come in there is already a heated debate going on and they feel neglected because they can't get a word in. I would bet that here sometimes new people come in and they make a few posts then after being unlucky no not get much response they leave. People are kind of impatient sometimes. haha. As far as in the chat room if a new person connects with at least one other person well, they absolutely come back. So maybe we could make a joint effort in making sure to respond to introductory posts and other posts which haven't been commented on. That really could make a difference in making people feel accepted and encourage them to stay.

[rssllue]

I think many might just see the words review and money when they sign up and not read the rest of what Scott posted about this site. Then they become disillusioned in their own mind when reality hits home. Or maybe they are just all antisocial!

[Skillian]

I think many might just see the words review and money when they sign up and not read the rest of what Scott posted about this site. Then they become disillusioned in their own mind when reality hits home. Or maybe they are just all antisocial!

You might have something there! I think a lot of people come in looking for money. I've seen a good bit of feedback where people are like disappointed by the whole becoming a reviewer process.. which is shocking to me because it seems pretty well explained on how it wont make anyone rich and you are most likely only to get a free book out of it... at least until you have proven your awesomeness. haha. It seems that if people are here out of joy of reading and not just for money... then this is the site for them. The rest dwindle away quickly.

[gali]

I think many might just see the words review and money when they sign up and not read the rest of what Scott posted about this site. Then they become disillusioned in their own mind when reality hits home. Or maybe they are just all antisocial!

Ditto

[Fran]

I think many might just see the words review and money when they sign up and not read the rest of what Scott posted about this site. Then they become disillusioned in their own mind when reality hits home. Or maybe they are just all antisocial!

I would have to wonder at the quality of reviews that would be submitted by someone who either couldn't be bothered making the effort to read the full details of how the review process works or who, as you say, see "money" and assume they are on to a free lunch.

[Skillian]

I think many might just see the words review and money when they sign up and not read the rest of what Scott posted about this site. Then they become disillusioned in their own mind when reality hits home. Or maybe they are just all antisocial!

I would have to wonder at the quality of reviews that would be submitted by someone who either couldn't be bothered making the effort to read the full details of how the review process works or who, as you say, see "money" and assume they are on to a free lunch.

You guys must be right! I have evidence!


http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/member ... =group&g=8

When you look at more recent people who have joined the review team... and just look at their posts! The vast majority of people come onto the site... click to be considered for the review team (without even reading that there are minimum requirements) and then never even make a post! How funny! And kind of sad at the same time. haha

[ALynnPowers]

I feel like there have been quite a few newbies here recently who seem pretty likely to be sticking around, review team or not.
Personally, I did come here for the review team, but I stuck around in the forums because I like the people!

[bookowlie]

I think it's just that people nowadays are not reliable about sticking to commitments, whether the commitment is informal or formal. I belong to an in-person book club. There is a core smaller group that comes to every meeting. However, every month there are a few newbies who come to one or two meetings, then disappear. Then there are the in-betweener's who flit in and out. They either freely admit there was something else they wanted to do that day (go to a movie, nice day outside, etc.) or don't participate for a few months at a time because they didn't like the book selection.

[Stella White 47]

When Epinions shut down last year I was very disappointed because I liked the idea that I could write a few paragraphs or a few pages, and see what a large community thought of my writing, plus I could earn a few pennies for it. I also followed a number of member's reviews. I learned about products, books and movies this way.

I looked for a replacement, and stumbled on this site. I thought I'd like it, the differences from Epinions jumped out at me, and it was like trying to replace an old friend who unexpectedly died with someone new too soon.

I was hampered by using only the library internet, so my time here was limited. I made mistakes, especially acting out of habit as with the previous "friend". I got discouraged, and gradually gave up.

Now time has passed, and I've accepted that Epinions is really gone, and it also seems to be gone also from my subconscious. I had gotten to know a lot of people there, and really missed them. I was hoping some had drifted in this direction also. Perhaps they did. Anyway, I am hoping to stick around this time. I do like to read and talk about what I have read.

[Skillian]

When Epinions shut down last year I was very disappointed because I liked the idea that I could write a few paragraphs or a few pages, and see what a large community thought of my writing, plus I could earn a few pennies for it. I also followed a number of member's reviews. I learned about products, books and movies this way.

I looked for a replacement, and stumbled on this site. I thought I'd like it, the differences from Epinions jumped out at me, and it was like trying to replace an old friend who unexpectedly died with someone new too soon.

I was hampered by using only the library internet, so my time here was limited. I made mistakes, especially acting out of habit as with the previous "friend". I got discouraged, and gradually gave up.

Now time has passed, and I've accepted that Epinions is really gone, and it also seems to be gone also from my subconscious. I had gotten to know a lot of people there, and really missed them. I was hoping some had drifted in this direction also. Perhaps they did. Anyway, I am hoping to stick around this time. I do like to read and talk about what I have read.

Awww, that is unfortunate. I have found a great sense of community on various places online, and yeah it can be heartbreaking when the site goes down. Especially if you weren't able to get contact information. But this place is great... lots of good people.In time I'm sure you will come to love it too.

[Tiffany01]

I like it.

[MarieMc]

I am fairly new here, but for me it seems as though there is not a lot of 'conversation' its more like everyone posts random thoughts to the topic question. Maybe I am looking at the 'wrong posts', but I try to catch ones that have activity,and maybe that is part of my downfall. The active ones are the ones that have simple almost thoughtless responses. I want more than that. Perhaps I should give more than that, but then who is going to respond? Very few.

Or perhaps some of new members are just looking for a place to sort of interact without getting too involved and maybe others want the seasoned members to interact with them first so they feel welcomed... I think when I joined only two people said hello to my intro post. That doesn't feel very welcoming. So the temptation is to move on to another forum that is more welcoming.

[Skillian]

I am fairly new here, but for me it seems as though there is not a lot of 'conversation' its more like everyone posts random thoughts to the topic question. Maybe I am looking at the 'wrong posts', but I try to catch ones that have activity,and maybe that is part of my downfall. The active ones are the ones that have simple almost thoughtless responses. I want more than that. Perhaps I should give more than that, but then who is going to respond? Very few.

Or perhaps some of new members are just looking for a place to sort of interact without getting too involved and maybe others want the seasoned members to interact with them first so they feel welcomed... I think when I joined only two people said hello to my intro post. That doesn't feel very welcoming. So the temptation is to move on to another forum that is more welcoming.

The most time you spend on here the more you will notice people interact. haha. I will just leave the tab open while doing other things and refresh the new page from time to time... and see who replies to me. It really just depends on the post. Yeah a lot of them are kind of random... and people only post their response without commenting on others... I think it just depends on mood and whatnot. And yeah... don't feel bad about the intro post getting few comments. I think they get kind of lost in the abyss sometimes. If you ever click the 'unanswered' link when at the forum home page... if you scroll through that most of the time it is intros... well not so much anymore since I have been stalking it to make sure I introduce myself to new peeps. haha. I want people! Love me! haha. That is something everyone here should keep an eye out for... maybe we should designate a welcoming committee. haha.