Members Profiles

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Providing Information

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

As most long term active members are aware there are many unactive members who are quite happy to read the chit chat without making comment, I can understand and respect the privacy of these members and hope that our conversations help shed some light on whatever modelling problems they might be struggling with.

However I do wish that when these members decide to join in the conversations or ask specific / technical questions that they would fill in their profile page so that the rest of us have some idea who we are talking to.

A case in point is a new member who asked some very specific questions regarding balsa wood, I was happy to respond with equally specific answers and yet I have no idea who the member is.

More to the point is the fact that to seek answers to technical questions, wether it be electronic, hydrodynamic or construction always involves asking an person who is knowledgeable in the particular area and that in the wider world such answers usually have a professional fee attached.

Whilst I am not advocating charging for advice I would certainly like the person or institution asking the question to have the decency to let me know who they are.

Paul

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Paul, quite right, it would be nice if members filled in their profiles and wotnot. Nice to know who you are talking to and also not offer advice to an expert woodworker regarding woodwork matters (or whatever)

I thought your advice on the point in question was very technical and considered. Myself, i would have said cant you use 18mm balsa dowel well soaked in sanding sealer ! But without knowing what the use was for this dowel, other methods may be more appropriate. We know your fondness for a bit of varnish..

Ashley

[Andy CParticipant @andyc56856]

Hi Paul

I think you are right about profiles, but I also think the people forget to fill them in once they register. As a case in point I have revisited my profile and my some updates. I wonder whether the system can sent a promt for member occasionally to jog their memories? also I thnk it is import to sign off posts with your name, then people will know who they are talking too, especially if like me your username is not your real name.

Regards

Andy

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

Good point chaps. I just checked my profile to see what I had put, oh heck, nothing at all.
I,ve put that right now. I think many of us just forget.
Charlie.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Colin

I don't want to put you on the spot regarding this matter but is it possible for the website to be configured so as to automatically remind members to fill in their profile.

It would also be nice to know how long people have been members for at least then we could judge if the questions are coming from bona fide model boaters or first time chancers who want a free bit of information.

Paul

 

Edited By Paul. on 08/09/2012 18:37:09

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Paul,

I don't think it is for us to stipulate how much information people post about themselves on the website. Whilst they are cretainly encouraged to give a minimum of details in their own interests, many people are quite rightly wary of putting personal information on the Internet. If you are considering entering into a transactional, or indeed any other relationship with another member it is of course open to you to request furter details from them via the personal messaging facility.

As far as how long people have been registered for is concerned I don't think this is of any practical help as people can register and then have no further involvement for any length of time. A more pertinent measure of involvement is number of posts which allow you to get a feel for the character of the member and this is shown against their name on their postings. For example I would have total trust in Ashley (to run off with my model the moment I turn my back on it!)

Colin

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Ooooh, Colin, dont tempt me with those very nice boats you bought down!! (but bring something larger next time)

It might be nice for a minimum of info to be provided, after all, simply providing your general area and perhaps something about your boats and interests would not be too invasive, and if they live within striking distance of Bushy Park, Surrey to partake in sociable Sunday morning boating…

The members who have posted several times and I have subsequently met up with on the pond have all been good eggs and have met my expectation for virtual and actual banter and character.

Ashley

[Kimosubby ShipyardsParticipant @kimosubbyshipyards]

Hi all,

Colin, you mentioned the number of posts made as a good measure of interets and involvement too. I've just noticed though, the counter seems to have stopped on everyone.

Ashley has been 1914, and me 114 for some time now. Has the mouse with the counters not been fed? If you check others you'll find they have all stalled, or had when I looked just now.

Kimosubby

[Kimosubby ShipyardsParticipant @kimosubbyshipyards]

Ah,

and now that post became 115 for me, so maybe its the system's counting method.

Kimosubby (this should show 116)

[Kimosubby ShipyardsParticipant @kimosubbyshipyards]

Ah, light bulb moment chaps! [or is this another eureka?]

the count changes on every post one's made in the sytem, so my first post now says I've done 117, yet when I did it it was my first.

Got it, and sorry for being stupid!

Kimosubby

(with tail between legs and walking slowly away from the computer as it slowly shuts down.)

[david the newbeParticipant @davidthenewbe]

hi all

im new here but have already posted a few time and i do agree with Paul that its nice to see a bit about the person who is giving some advice and with a newbe like me if thay r close maybe meet at local pond and make friends as it looks like most of the older members are from wot i read.

dave

[CothyParticipant @cothy]

hello folks,

Check my number of posts low it i and the profile is sparse, and the reason is all the warnings about information on open web sites.

I have been warry about that and concerned about profiles as even telephone cold callers can have some horrific amount of personal info on you. So I will be taking it easy on adding to my profile even posting a photo. Trust takes time so sometimes we will have to be patient and wait for the info to trickle through about profiles.

I have posted twice before and had some good info from Paul which I am still working on. Thanks Paul.

I have still to work out the finner points on useing Forums as well, which also adds to the slowness in doing things. So please be patient with us slowbees.

I wonder if I will ever have ten posts and even then it will probably be for info not giving.

Yours

George S

[Sm shogunParticipant @smshogun38232]

I won't be posting a profile as I am one who has had serious attempts to steal my identity online by professionals looking to steal my identity.

Many people don't realise just how easily identity theft is, I do, and unfortunately from experience.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Dear Sm

The profile is merely a brief history of your model building experience and a way that other members can gauge you as an individual.

You don't include any sensitive information such as addresses or phone numbers.

Paul

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Dear Sm

This helps the membership in general to protect ourselves from potential exploitation.

Paul

Edited By Paul T on 18/09/2012 14:46:22

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