Just a thought! I totally agree with all the actions Sue has taken to make this the best holder site on the web, however as a result the home page is not very attractive to potential new members. The front page contains several items warning members about bad behaviour and site problems. I must admit that as a first time visitor I might be put off joining or contributing to Holdergals. Most of these items are history now anyway.
We have to maintain the high standard that Eric and Sue have so generously given us, but dirty linen should be kept well away from the home page. Let us see only positive and complimentary articles on the home page, after all it is the first image a new visitor gets to our wonderful community.
This is in no way meant as a criticism, we are all well aware of the tremendous work that is done by the few for the many, but let us give the rest of the world a more positive image of Holdergals.
Zarah
Not sure I totally agree with you Nick. I know you are all for attracting plenty of comment and new members etc, but i would sooner have 1 good member a month than 10 a week who may flaunt the rules. But let's see what others think.
I agree with Zarah on this one. It is a point I have made before and it is nice to see that someone else shares my view of negative vibes giving off a bad first impression of this long standing, specific and exciting site. No need to apologise about the misunderstanding Sue but please get my name right. It is KEV on here.
It's not Nick making the suggestion, it is me Zarah! It is my sincere belief that negative vibes deter potentially good new members.
I am so so sorry Zarah, I must apologise to you and Nick. Sorry I didn't look to see who had started it. Please accept my apologies.
My holder fetish made me dive into this site, back before I had any real computer savvy, because of my holder fetish. Was actually taught here by latexman on how to put the links up. Between Sue and Eric, I enjoy sharing whatever I can to everyone on this site to show my appreciation. Been offered to help on other sites...not for me.
Just afraid we will all start getting the surfers and spammers like other sites. Nothing I would like to have to go thru. Like Sue said Id rather make a real friend than be in the middle of the crowd.
I wasn't going to join in on this thread until something occured to me.
Even though "dirty laundry" is on the home page for everyone to see, it's still nice to be a part of a website that IS moderated and rules are followed. I will agree that a flashy homepage would be nice but it's comforting to know that somebody is at the controls so thanks again for everything Sue.
?
I am 200% on board with what Zarah said. I'd been away from this site for a while (was a huge contributor too), but decided to join up again and put the past behind me, hoping to see some vast improvements on how the site is run, but the blogs and news sections smack dab on the front page is a total turnoff. I know Eric has so many other things on his plate and cannot run things by himself like he used to, hence the appointment of an admin, but the admin is supposed to stay unbiased and unemotional when it comes to situations like the ones shown on the front page. Most importantly, good advertising and encouragement promote membership. We don't need to be seeing bickering and childish behavior and petty bickering plastered on the front page. Good admins will take these sorts of conversations aside and away from areas that may distract new members. Sue, i will agree that one good member is always better than 10 bad, but again, that's an admin thing. Perhaps a redesign of the front page and also the moving of forum info to be placed in one spot deep within the site will help make the site more attractive? Just some thoughts is all.
Holdergals is one of the few sites that has had staying power, so let's keep that record going and not let it go to shame like so many others. Contributions are what drives this site so even if some bad apples seep into the fold, the admin can take care of that without having so much drama overtaking the enjoyment of the site.
~J
With reference to the home page I refer you to comment made by Eric last December ( see below ) which makes clear that the page is for site notices so I think this debate, although interesting, has to be put to the sidelines and more focus made upon commenting on the photographs and images kindly added to the site on such a regular basis by our terrific membership.
I am and always have been a devotee of holder debate and comment and there are lots of forum topics that can be debated at length so rather than bicker over the good work done by our admin lets talk about the photos because after all.... thats why we are all here and why the site has been so successful for over a decade.
Comments
by admin - 12/17/2009 - 23:45
I think it was just miscommunication. Either way, the front page is for notices pertaining to the site.
Regards,
Eric
As we can tell and we are all getting his 2 cents worth again. Welcome back Jim.
Eric is the only one who can design the site as he is the owner. I stand by my moderating decisions and if you disagree and think me being emotional, I know you have thought that of me for a long time, then fair enough. I disgaree. I would sooner people can see the front page of this site and realise we take no shit and we are after good members and not trollers. Since raising this issue I have been inundated with messages by members who freely admit to not posting but offering their opinion on the group. I believe in democracy so will go with the majority
At the moment it is very heavily in favour of keeping things the way they are. Only Nick ( sorry Kev ), Zarah and Jim seem in opposition.
Personally I think this type of bickering is what makes sites close. Less us not forget that one of the main reasons Dame du Fume Cigarette closed was because of childish behaviour.