Different Forums and member response

[richoso1]

I want to mention the fact that here at the SMF, we have a great site with members who care and take a friendly approach to most subjects, and moderators that consider the human element. Why I am mentioning this?

I belong to a handful of other forums , some that do not have anything to do with smoking or grilling. None of the members from these other forums combined, are as friendly and helpful as those here at the SMF. You welcome newbies without a second thought, and you reply as best you can to a question. I have not found this to be true of many other sites.

The moderators here are friendly, and they interact with members on a regular basis. This is aside from the regular duties assigned to a moderator. I don't see this type of interaction on many other sites. No moderator or administrator here at the SMF, has taken an attitude of "Above the Rest", when this site was constructed, or while it is is being monitored. I'll give you an example, so that you can know the difference.

Today, I got a pm from a moderator from a site, it was an Infraction notice. I was issued this infraction for posting something in the wrong forum. Here at SMF, the moderators usually will let it slide or just move the post to the appropriate forum.To tell a member that a particular forum is restricted to professionals only, is a little confusing because If indeed it is meant to be a public forum, and there is no notice of a structured level of members, why the restrictions to certain forums? Needless to say, i will no longer visit that site, as I do not consider it a friendly public site.

We have a great site here, and members, moderators, and administrators alike are friendly and helpful. I've been around here for awhile, and it only gets better.

Save the planet... it's the only one with Q.

 

[beer-b-q]

Thanks for being a great moderator here Rich, we all appreciate what you guys do...

 

[SmokinAl]

I agree Rich, I can't wait to get on here everyday, you guys are doing a great job and we all really appreciate it. I feel like this is my family here. Keep up the good work!

 

[callahan4life]

Here, Here!

 

[gros cochon]

I agree 100%. I've visited many other sites, but this is the only one I decided to join. Very friendly atmosphere, and knowledgeable folks who are always very helpful. Plus, you can't beat the Q-Views, definately my favorite. Tanks to everybody who makes this site so special.

 

[alblancher]

We have had discussions about how to handle forums that discuss advanced techniques.  When I say advanced I mean that people not familiar with food safety and basic curing could get into trouble.

The topic discussed was a forum I suggested about fermented and long term cured sausages.  Most of these recipes call for specific temperatures, humidity levels, long cure times and inoculation with bacteria or mold cultures.  There are many ways a safe procedure could become an unsafe procedure. 

How do you protect forum members from themselves?   Would you simply post a warning in the forum header?  Would you limit access to the forum by post count?  Would it be an invitation only forum?  Would a visitor to that forum have to register for that specific forum and sign off on some type of disclaimer?

I mention this because participation in a forum may require an understanding of the topic and rules of the forum.   If a user indicates a lack of that understanding he may need to be reminded or even restricted.  If I was moderating a Fermented Sausages forum and someone asked the difference between Cure 1 and Cure 2 I would expect them to receive some type of notice that they are in the wrong place to post such a question.

Smoking Meat Forums is a laid back site with an implicit purpose of education and fellowship between members both new and not so new to the hobby so fortunately the moderators and experienced members treat it as such  

Not sure if this is even relevant to what Richoso1 posted but it is a question I have.

 

[fpnmf]

I totally agree!!

I have been part of many newsgroups,chat rooms,yahoo groups and such for quite a few years.

This place amazes me with the great way it is run and played in.

  Craig

 

[adiochiro3]

By far the most friendly site I've ever visited.  I like hanging out here and keeping any eye on what some of my favorite members post.  It does feel like family, and I hope to wind up meeting some of you characters face-to-face in my course of travels!  I'm confident that if I were traveling and got in a pinch that many of y'all would jump in and lend a hand without thinking about it, if you were nearby.  Nice feeling!

 

[roller]

AMEN !!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks everyone you are a great group of folks here....

 

[tyotrain]

 

[Fife]

Yes thank you

 

[scarbelly]

Thanks to Rich and the other moderators of this forum for making this a great place to share this fantastic hobby. I also belong to other forums and there are some with more rigid rules and some with less rules.

I will tell you that thru personal interaction with several of the folks like Rich on this site I have some great personal friendships. Thanks again guys and gals

 

[eman]

I think that is one of the reasons i have stayed here for as long as i have. No attitudes and no one upsmanship .

 A few other sites i have visited were very cliqish and if you weren't in the inner circle you really  did'nt feel welcome.

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Thanks,Rich. I would belive we all agree.Thanks for the place to air our ideas.

 Stan   aka   oldschool...

 

[boykjo]

 

[meateater]

Rich you are 100% correct. 

 

[sqwib]

I totally agree with Rich and have had a similar circumstance with a yahoo group, I no longer visit there.

Another thing I must point out is the way this site is designed, it is very easy to follow, well structured and extremely user friendly.

Many other sites let you edit your signature with pictures and other items that take away or distract from THE TOPIC!

Just the other day I posted something, and a few SMF members Pm'd me right away saying it could go against forum policy, so I quickly edited my post with an apology, now I'm sure some of the Mods saw it but either they were gonna let it slide or they were giving me a chance to take care of it myself.

SMF gives you just the right amount of FREEDOM to make it an enjoyable place for all to visit frequently.

Congrats to all who makes this a great place!

 

[venture]

Very true!  By far the most helpful and friendly forum I have visited!  Thanks to all members and mods!

Good luck and good smoking.

 

[alaskanbear]

Couldn't agree more.  Been here a little over a week and feel I have 'e-met some wonderful brothers (&sisters). The information is above great and informative.  I cant wait each day to sign on and read all the new posts for that day and go back and read some that happened way back in '07 even.  Thanks for accepting me into the brotherhood of smokin love!!

Rich

 

[realtorterry]

I also agree. I'm in a few other forums & rarley visit. They're not user friendly! I always leave & come here