Poll Welcoming Our New Members - What Are Your Thoughts?

[Recovery4Me]

Is it possible, that a simple courtesy or social conveyance is perhaps being processed a bit too much?

I feel comfortable that the staff is monitoring and will redirect or revisit if deemed necessary. Supporting those whom are taking the risk & time of extending does help perhaps quell some of the isolation for both sides.

Such exploration such as a thanks for donations might be nice and bring attention to the site's needs...is that false? No that is gratitude. Sometimes people give welcomes in gratitude for this board, members and the chance of community.:hug:

 

[joeylittle]

Just poking my nose in to say that new members now get a PC from myself and @Nicolette (as Admin and Supporter Admin), saying hi and directing them to a few useful links. I'm especially happy with how new members are using the introductions forum sooner, sometimes even right after they join :tup:

Ultimately, there's no 'one right way' for this. But the rightest thing about it, IMO, is to see members talking about it from a grassroots, community-driven initiative perspective.

Ultimately, volunteering is a very reliable way to boost mood. So volunteering to welcome people, be it once or 100 times, is good for the person doing the welcoming. That's a solid benefit.

 

[GardenGirl0214]

Thanks @Fadeaway. It's ok though. I realize it can be a bit daunting walking in...

I'm not strong enough for chat right now either. I was in there last night, and it was completely overwhelming to me, but I'm dealing with a lot right now.

 

[GardenGirl0214]

I didn't vote, but as a brand new member, I can honestly say that I have found the welcoming messages on my profile to be quite nice and not at all over the top. So, thank you.

 

[EveHarrington]

I would definitely have appreciated a short - welcome to the forum - message when I first joined. I think m...

IMHO welcoming is a vital function of the forum in light of the fact that some members can be a bit harsh when responding to new people on the forum. It happened to Cj77, it happened to me in my first thread, and also to an unnamed member who messaged me in a panic about how to delete a post because they felt unwelcome. Yes, everyone has a right to respond how they see fit; however I think we should do everything in our power to make new people feel welcome here. It is hard joining a new community and feeling like you're the outsider in a room where everyone seems to already know one another. I know I am not alone in this sentiment. In a life full of PTSD crud, why would anyone want to stick around a support group that gives the first impression of not being supportive? Yes, some do, but some will also leave. I will get off my soap box now. I struggle VERY much with the us vs them concept, being exclusionary and so on. We are all in this together. Save the energy for fighting PTSD, not battling one another.

 

[ms spock]

To add for member knowledge: re "Liking the Welcomes"

https://www.myptsd.com/threads/liking-the-welcomes-to-new-members.63717/#post-1044512

 

[ladee]

I enjoy helping in Welcomes.. I know I felt 'a part of' when I first got here because I was welcomed on such a huge site. I keep my message simple, letting them know we have a supportive community, and to take their time getting involved, and when they feel more comfortable. Guess I don't think about who might be a troll or not going to stay. I get quite a few responses from newcomers, and that helps me too. Some will reply that they aren't ready, then we get to have a conversation...
I take a break when I want or need to... no contract, just do as you feel like it.
I also welcome on the Introduction threads... rarely do both places... that would be when I would feel the newcomer might feel like it's 'staged' or not sincere.
But I also spend a lot of time on the forum itself.. I do have a good balance...

 

[SeanCharles]

Greetings! Tonight I posted a thread elsewhere. I realize many things as that post hopefully explains given that I am dealing with a annual personal anniversary. I want to send :hug:s all around as I am sure many have been wondering about my absence. I am using the absence to reflect on my growth as a person, not stew on failures or faults, but to examine me and who I am.

I am hoping I am not using this post as a soapbox, because I am not. I am posting this as a means of communication.

 

[UnKnown-Self]

I would be willing to welcome new members. I say once a month because there are times I isolate even from here.
However as a part of building my own foundation keeping my word is essential. Committing to once a month is reasonable and I think it would help me. I never have visited the chat room so I would stay on the welcome page or reply to their first post. It's all part of giving back.

 

[digger]

Poll closed due to admin changes to preferred welcome practice which you can read about in the link below...

Profile Page Welcomes