Robert_Moriyama wrote:A certain party blamed the unending influx of spam posts (although I clean 'em out several times a day), pointing to Bottomdweller's remarks on why she started a topic "plugging her work" outside of the existing Administrivia topic. But Bottomdweller was only trying to be sure that people saw her announcement (which might be hidden if the "latest unread post" in Administrivia was spam). She continues to post comments in the current month's folder (for which thank you, Michele) as much as or more than anyone else.
Maybe it's an "embarassment of riches" thing. Maybe we should publish fewer stories each month so the ones that are published have a better chance of being read and receiving feedback...
Opinions?
RM
I found that party to be wise and extremely understanding of the problem at hand. But mysteriously, his comments just dissappeared into thin air. Such is the way of those who point out flaws for correction, when the effort involved to fix the problems exceed the will to do it!
The lack of interest in participating in the forum can be attributed to several things:
A.) The monthly issues "need" to come out the same day every month, preferably on the 1st, when everyone would normally expect a new edition to be published. The audience needs to count on the reliability factor, so they are not hunting for each new publication, checking back several times a month until loosing interest.
B.) Other forums must have this problem too and so someone representing the management of Aphelion should contact other sites with forums and ask what they do to fix their problem with spam. Answers can be had and are out there.
Tao's idea is a good one, being the first post must be sent to an editor first before posting to the forum at will.
It's not right that Robert has to shoulder 90% of the load removing spam, especially when a fix can be had with some information and adjustments to the sign ups.
C.) There needs to be new staff appointed to handle the workload of new jobs like new membership, site promotions etc.
Spread out the workload! That's probably the fear of screening new members, that the work will be heaped upon someone who is already doing a lot!
D.) Once the spam is fixed and the issues are out on time every month, work can be done to promote the site online with writing groups and reader circles, who would love what is going on here, but currently not aware of this work.
(If anyone wants to crucify the messenger, I'm sure any hardware store would make them a deal on lumber and nails.)
ME (That is code for Mark Edgemon)