Members Wants/Needs

[Teapot]

On a scale from 1-10, how much do you value the wants and needs of your members? Why did you pick the number you did?

For me, I would probably pick 8. I love hearing what member's have to say about a forum/site and what they think can be done better. They really are what make the forum/site better and help it to grow. But sometimes there's times when suggestions go against things I'm really not all for.

 

[THF_Martin]

Probably 7/8 because their opinions are very important. They help the forum survive and grow and at the end of the day the community is built for them. However, I still have the final word on suggestions so sometimes put my foot down.

 

[Ashley z]

It depends. If a member does not have anything helpful to say, then I don't value what they have to say. If they are helpful and intelligent, then I'll give more weight to what they are saying. It just depends. If the majority of my members want something, I'll consider it a lot more than if only one person wants something changed.

 

[Thomasss]

Every suggestion, even if it's the stupidest suggestion, takes priority. On a scale, I would honestly give a 10. I find it important to listen to every single thing a member suggests or "demands." Obviously you cannot do everything people suggest, but that doesn't mean you can ignore it. 😛 Even if I am against it, if the majority of the members want it I will consider it.

 

[Ashley z]

Every suggestion, even if it's the stupidest suggestion, takes priority. On a scale, I would honestly give a 10. I find it important to listen to every single thing a member suggests or "demands." Obviously you cannot do everything people suggest, but that doesn't mean you can ignore it. 😛 Even if I am against it, if the majority of the members want it I will consider it.

Very good point. Sometimes the best advice can come from someone who just joined the forum that very same day. Other times, the best advice might come from a long time member. All feedback and users should be highly respected and listened to.

 

[John]

I think it depends on which members the advice somes from. If a troll keeps giving me suggestions, I don’t put much of a value of their opinion. However, whenever an active member gives feedback, I'll generally try to do the best I can to implement their suggestions.

 

[Sunshower]

I'd say 8 or 9. It is incredibly important to listen to your members - they're your lifeblood, after all! They're why your forum exists, and without them, it'd be nothing. Their complaints and suggestions can be incredibly valuable in not only keeping old members, but attracting new ones.

That being said... it's worth it to note that not everything a member says is right. Ultimately, it's up to you what you want to listen to, what you want to discard, and what you want to take under consideration.

 

[Cierra]

10/10. Members opinions always count, so we'll take them into consideration- but not all of them are feasible so everyone's ideas don't always get implemented. If it is a known troll or problem member I would say 1/10.

 

[Ashley z]

10/10. Members opinions always count, so we'll take them into consideration- but not all of them are feasible so everyone's ideas don't always get implemented. If it is a known troll or problem member I would say 1/10.

In your experience, do the trolls or problem members ever recover and become upstanding forum members? Or do most of them stick to their immature ways?

 

[Thomasss]

Do the trolls or problem members ever recover and become upstanding forum members? Or do most of them stick to their immature ways?

Yes, if the user actually wants to join and isn't one of those people who find it entertaining bugging the staff. I have actually hired a few "trolls" as my mods after they turned around a bit. ^.^

 

[Sharon]

I would have to say 10 definitely. Members' opinions are extremely important. Although I always appreciate outside feedback it is the current members' opinion that I really find myself going out of my way to at least acknowledge. Sometimes it is not possible to give members what they need or want but I think it's important for administrators to at least acknowledge what they're suggesting.

 

[Felly]

10 for sure. Even if their suggestions can't be implemented, I'd rather listen to them and make them feel like someone's listening and at least attempting to do something about their suggestions. Acknowledgement is important, and so is trying!!!