Have We Lost Site Visitors?

[Zondrae]

and I always tick the "keep me logged in" box.

Mostly I am logged in as soon as I open the site. The only time I have to log in is if the modem needs rebooting.

[keats]

Only popping back for a day, but looking at recent activity it appears very elitist here and very much a private club between a dozen members. How many members do we have in the ABPA?? Then go figure. I have tried to lead people here but they sat they are pretty much cut down in their stride as soon as they voice an opinion. Sentinels at the gate and all that. Keepers of the holy forum. If people were as inviting as they keep claiming then these visitors and members may come back. Anyway enough from me for another six months. I have work to do and a genre to take to the people. But think, people, before running some mathematical survey!

[keats]

Oh and think about it instead of taking offence or ranting back at me. It is becoming a lot like a few member's private Facebook page. Bye and try to keep it poetry.

[Heather]

With respect Neil I really don’t believe that people get cut down here. We have had very few new people register lately but new comers are always made to feel welcome and are encouraged warmly when they post new poems or comment - ALWAYS. I've never seen anything but encouragement for new people. Sue (mummise), Wordancer and Rimeriter are relatively new and have been made to feel very welcome and have soon become part of the furniture.

Prior to the poetry sections being opened up (you had to register then just to view) I often saw new people register without actually posting a poem or comment and regular forum users – especially Maureen and Zondrae put up posts to welcome them to the forum and to invite them to contribute. I’d suggest that many were just browsing and passing through.

When I first visited the (old) forum, I sat back and watched for a bit before I joined in but as soon as I contributed I was encouraged and made to feel welcome. The friendly banter made me want to join in – it didn’t put me off in the least. My poetry has improved because of that encouragement and the information on the website and from people on this forum. There is often robust debate on various aspects of poetry which is both interesting and helpful.

I don’t do facebook or twitter. The forum is how I keep in touch with my ABPA friends – some of whom I have met, (some I have stayed with) others I haven’t met. The chit chat/off topic section is where we keep in touch in a general sort of way and this section is closed to non registered viewers – what harm can that do? For more personal messages I use a pm or email..

While there are some people that visit the forum regularly, there are quite a few others that visit from time to time and contribute and they are never made to feel any less welcome than the regular users and often they are given a hearty “hello” because we haven’t heard from them in a while.

I guess the internet, email, forums, whatever, just aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. It boils down to choice. It could also have something to do with an aversion to this type of communication by older people - I'm not sure. But for those that like to chat here – in the off topic section – well why not? We are all intelligent, literate adults and we enjoy talking about other topics too – in the appropriate place. Many of us have gotten to know each other because of this forum and have consequently met. Sue and I will be going to Morisset and although we haven’t met I feel we know each other a little at least and that is only possible because of the forum.

Just because a dozen or so are regular users does not automatically make us elitist. We all love our poetry and sharing our poetry here and anyone else is welcome to do the same.

Heather

[mummsie]

Me, elitist, far from it. I joined this site back in April. At that time I had just taken an interest in writing poetry and was looking for a site to gain knowledge and to try and understand more about a subject I knew very little about.
I can honestly say I've found that and more here. There is a wealth of talent here on this site that I've found to be so encouraging and helpful. When I first joined I struggled with things like rhyme and metre, but through the patience of others I am finally getting my head around it. The lessons I've learnt her are immeasurable.
Sometimes it's up to the individual to put in a bit of effort if they want to make a sight work for them, a bit like life really, if you want it, go get it. Don't let a few comments that you read and don't agree with put you off.
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Bill and his lovely wife Maureen,I visited them in Quenbeyan and from the moment I walked into their home I felt I knew them, and that was because of this site. I can't wait for Morriset to come to meet Heather and Manfred and hopefully some others off the site, so if it wasn't for the forum none of this would be happening. I'm loving it.
Cheers
Sue

[Maureen K Clifford]

Feel exactly the same way as Sue and Heather - I feel that the members here are 'family' . You can have the odd bit of naughtiness, the occasional bit of argy bargy, lots of fun, always receive help and encouragement and so on. Personally love the opportunity to meet in person with members who have become cherished friends.

Often chat with Bill on the phone - I think he just likes having 2 Maureens around and always enjoy our conversations.

If we are elitist we must be the cheaper end of the scale elites because a more down to earth mob than we have here would be hard to find.. haven't found a snob her yet or anyone who seeks favoured treatment. Don't really think we are the 'cafe society' set. It may perhaps appear to be a clique rather than elitist because the conversations seem to be always amongst the same groups of people but that is not our fault...if us mob shut up there'd be nothing going on on the bloody site at all - and any body can join in - just jump in - takes two to have a conversation.

Personally I love seeing piccies of Marty's horses and Neville's drawings, grandchildren and animals. Love hearing of David's success with his book, Bob Caravan Park performances, the outback trips that Ross makes and Zondraes trip and Glennies possum and slithery problems - it's what families do they share the minutiae of every day lives... and they care about each other, and IMO that is exactly what our mob do - as Sue has also mentioned I would like to think that everyone here would know that no matter where they went within our country if another ABPA member was in the vicinity the welcome mat would be out and the billy would be on and the door would be opened with a smile and a hug.

Cheers

Maureen

[Bob Pacey]

The purpose of life is to have fun !!!!

Nice little feather to put in the cap.

International, Award winning, Elitist Poet ???


Has a nice ring to it don't you think.


Cheers Sisters.


Bob

[Maureen K Clifford]

IAWEP?? doesn't row my Boat Bob but could run perhaps with EIEI -pO elitist international experienced individualistic po -et

[Darren]

I am not a poet but I do enjoy reading poetry. I occasionally have something to say and feel quite comfortable saying anything. I agree with the comments from the girls above and Bob. I have met a handful of members from the site and talked to others via PM or email. I agree entirely with Maureen (who recently welcomed us into her home where we stayed there for a few days) that you get to know a lot about people and you are welcomed with open arms as a friend.

I have never been treated with anything but friendship, compassion, humour and good advice.

I am involved in an industry where knowledge and ability is paramount. The forums that I am involved with there are very often elitist and when someone asks a dumb question or makes a stupid statement they get shot down. It certainly doesn't encourage people to stay and learn. This forum is welcoming and the members do encourage newbies.

It is open to all to join in and it is probably true to say that the first step is the hardest. Once you take that first step then you will realise how easy it is to become involved and how helpful these talented people can be.

Darren

[Maureen K Clifford]

Friends are just strangers we haven't met yet