I have a request

[sumi]

First of all, I apologise to the staff if this is the wrong section to post in, but it's a general issue.

I've noticed a growing trend amongst especially the newer members on the forum to PM some of the older and more experienced/knowledgeable members with site related and chicken queries or complaints. I've had queries and I know of other members who's had this experience, but I'm speaking on behalf of everyone:

We do not mind answering questions, we really don't, but keep in mind if you ask your question in the appropriate section on the site more members, who may be too shy to ask will benefit from the answer as well, not just you. Also if you use the advanced search bar on top and type in the relevant keywords you'd be amazed by the amount of information you get (and possibly the number of discussions relating to your query).

Secondly, if you have a problem with the site/staff/another member, please do not put us in an uncomfortable position by complaining by us other members. Talk to the staff. Please!


Also check here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/447629/best-practices-for-starting-a-new-topic-getting-help

Thank you, everyone. I'll get off my soapbox now.

 

[Wynette]

Sigh....other peeps have posted in this regard, it doesn't change a bit. I think it's just the nature of a forum!

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

Great post and reminder!

A lot of our long-term members, especially amazingly helpful ones like SpeckledHen get a TON of PM's from new members asking for help. My suggestion to all of the people who get these PM's is to reply with a template response... something like:

"Thank you for your note. I think your question would be better served to you, and the forum community if you posted it in the public forum. This will ensure you get help from a variety of smart people while allowing others to learn from the questions and answers posted."

and/or

"Thanks for the link to your forum question, I'll try to take a look at it as time permits."


Regarding complaints about the forum, staff, etc: We're very open to feedback on how we moderate the community. While we're pretty confident in our rules and how we enforce them (we've had over 50 combined years of experience working with this community in the staff) we know we aren't perfect, so we invite private feedback via PM regarding how we are doing. We do not allow public questioning of moderation because it just causes more drama and has way more negative outcomes than positive.