the phantom members

-m2- · Apr 16th, 2003, 06:23

I see these birthdays pass, note we now have 1277 members, and wonder.

I looked at the member pages and using a quick sample of 5 pages, found that nearly half have never posted, another 1/4 have one post. Often there is even bio info and e-mail addresses for the non posters. Do they lurk? are they shy? why not at least say hi? at least a few of my PM's are from people who have never posted publicly. (hmm...guess I could ask them)

Anyone else curious? Step Up, Folks!!

marreigh · Apr 16th, 2003, 09:32

Fair enough comment I think so heres my 2 cents worth. I am going on the trip of a life time to India and I can't wait it's something I've been dreaming off for 20 years ,now with my children grown up I'm selling my home to travel the world but mostly India. I have been doing a degree in Religious Studies with a focas on Eastern Faiths, I have been doing this parttime over the last few years and I have developed a very strong interest in anything Indian.I also worked part time in New Zealand's oldest rock and crystal shop for years , many of our most precious and beautifil crystals come from India and I am very keen to check out different gem markets and mining sites whilst in India along with a million over things I want to experince.I am interested in any thing to do with travel in India, I 'm quite keen on Homestay as an opition for accomidation sometimes while traveling ,I understand some states are sent up for it better than others, any information would be great.

Midnite Toker · Apr 16th, 2003, 14:53

-m2- Are "phantom members" like phantom limbs? Chopped off but the feeling remains?

We need John Wayne Bobbit to help us on this one.

I think there's nothing wrong with the sleepers being there but not posting. Some incentives - like a free Easter Egg for any exisiting member posting their first topic or reply - might get more involved, or perhaps the new FREE super email system we're testing. Then again most probably won't stir.

IVAN · Apr 16th, 2003, 16:12

Quote:

Some incentives - like a free Easter Egg for any exisiting member posting their first topic or reply - might get more involved

Or perhaps breast massages, eh Toker?

nswgirl · Apr 16th, 2003, 16:33

Okay, I'll bite!
I've been cruising this site (and T.T.) for about four months in preparation/anticipation for my first trip to India, which begins later this year for an as yet unspecified period of time.
I'm saving any questions for closer to departure time, in order to benefit from those with the most recent experience.
The best of the posts enable me to taste the spices, smell the coconut oil and feel the cold air on my cheeks whilst hiking in the hills. With the Australian winter (such that it is, in the southern states) about to descend, these very best of posts can make the sun seem to shine bright and clear on a rainy day.

Midnite Toker · Apr 16th, 2003, 22:00

Considering the issue over a chilled orange juice, I came up with this:

I think there are three kinds of members here.

*The non-Indian "regulars" who may or may not travel to India, but who love to chew over all aspects of a country for which they show a deep affection.

*The resident or non-resident Indians, who may fall into the category of either regular poster or lurker.

*Last, but certainly not least, the people like nwsgirl (lovely wattle you're wearing, by the way!), who browse as many information sources as they can to prepare for a trip and sometimes pose questions to the members in the other two groups.

Did I leave anyone out?

-m2- · Apr 17th, 2003, 05:24

first a welcome to nswgirl and marreigh -- hope you find lots to interest you as you plan your trips and that you will feel free to ask questions and chip in on any discussions that interest you. Your interest in homestays, marreigh, deserves its own thread so that it will get the attention it deserves.

These two clearly fall in Toker's third group -- without, till now, stepping up. The 'phantom members' i was wondering about are different than the 'guests' who come by once, or now and again, and neither register nor post. Different too, than the members who visit while trip planning, post a bit, go to India (or not) and move on to find out more about their next travel objective. I was thinking about the visitors who take the time to register and move on before posting, or perhaps just continue to lurk. I guess that the number of phantom member birthdays celebrated on page 1 will only increase as our members list will probably never be pruned. And no, i don't see this as a problem.

As for your second group, I get the feeling that there are quite a few Indians who visit mostly to see what foreigners have to say about their country, but I really appreciate the ones who move from lurking to posting as they can add a lot to discussions with expertise as well as adding a (sometimes) missing perspective or point of view.

(i guess John W would be the ultimate authority on phantom members

)

Apr 17th, 2003, 09:44

interesting post .

One way of knowing how many people remain active as readers or posters is to ask those who have not posted in six months ( or twelve) to re-register....email them and/or pm them.

Rockers · Apr 18th, 2003, 14:49

Another reason for disapearances would be that this is a site about travelling, so people are often using the info they've read here and are in India living it up!

Tomi · Apr 18th, 2003, 20:39

Hey Rockers, you won't get away this easy! I want to hear about your experiences with the volunteer job in the Trichy area. At least some of the more memorable ones. Maybe open a new thread under Tamil Nadu?

indiamike · Apr 19th, 2003, 04:42

Occasionally I will go on a slash and burn deleting members who I feel will never show up again. Their profile and sign on names are usually a dead give away. I have sent out a mailer once to inactive members, my host wasn't pleased since it raised an alarm that I was sending out spam even though technically I wasn't, so shy away from that.

Many people have signed on and visit on a regular basis, and have emailed me and may say something to the effect of "I am registered but I like to browse the boards, or I had a terrible experience with another board and I am hesitant about posting but enjoy the site".

There is also a ton of people who registered just to take the quizzes, to write a journal, others that upload photos to share with friends and family, and some who want to add their favorite links, etc...etc.. if you check through each of those sections who will find a ton of participation, they just may have nothing to say yet on the forum part. My work load spans the entire site, so one day I may be helping someone with editing photos, the next helping someone add an article, and the next helping someone with figuring out the functions of the site.

People come for information and to share, and for many it may be a once in a lifetime trip and they need advice and have no one else to ask. Other people lose interest or may just move on.

It would surprise you how many people may go a whole year browsing the site without a word and then suddenly speak up.

All to often though sites like this start to have cliques and other people may feel that they are intruding on a conversation, something I have desperately tried to avoid by welcoming new members and encouraging activity.

Hopefully this thread will encourage the "phantom members" to pop up and just say "hi". We want you here and everyone is welcome to join in at anytime.

Mike

Apr 19th, 2003, 10:02

that is great mike - do encourage the silent members ...maybe they can mail you a small bio of three lines and you could post it.

it can be kept annonymous ,but if people respond to it..they know they will be welcome and may even participate !

why not let their mails to you be posted..the ones that are neither personal or private... ?again responses may encourage them !

sockeyeron · Apr 19th, 2003, 11:57

Hello all. you are right M2 I should at least say hi. My wife and I are planning a trip to southern India in Sept. but were reading and learning from the experienced travelers and thought we would ask questions as we approached departure time. I have not been hiding nor am I too shy but felt that with no India travel I should watch and learn. Anyway, this is a fantastic site and hope you continue to let folks like me keep learning.

-m2- · Apr 20th, 2003, 06:02

hi sockeyeron, welcome aboard! I'm just across the strait from you on Gabriola Island.

Hope you finding some useful info and insights as you plan your trip; now that you've broken the ice, you'll probably find it easier to jump into any threads of interest or to start a new one when you've come up with a burning question or two.

and thanks, Mike, for your insights into the question. Hope to hear from more phormerly phantoms.

edit: whoops, almost forgot to say Happy Birthday, soceyeron!

Apr 20th, 2003, 09:41

break the ice guys...way to go

Apr 16th, 2003, 06:23	#1
-m2- . Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: . Posts: 1,578	the phantom members I see these birthdays pass, note we now have 1277 members, and wonder. I looked at the member pages and using a quick sample of 5 pages, found that nearly half have never posted, another 1/4 have one post. Often there is even bio info and e-mail addresses for the non posters. Do they lurk? are they shy? why not at least say hi? at least a few of my PM's are from people who have never posted publicly. (hmm...guess I could ask them) Anyone else curious? Step Up, Folks!!

Apr 16th, 2003, 14:53	#3
Midnite Toker absconding member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Vienna, Austria Posts: 473	Phantom members? -m2- Are "phantom members" like phantom limbs? Chopped off but the feeling remains? We need John Wayne Bobbit to help us on this one. I think there's nothing wrong with the sleepers being there but not posting. Some incentives - like a free Easter Egg for any exisiting member posting their first topic or reply - might get more involved, or perhaps the new FREE super email system we're testing. Then again most probably won't stir. __________________ travel tips, blog, downloads, panorama photos, online security, tokes: the tokezone

Apr 16th, 2003, 22:00	#6
Midnite Toker absconding member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Vienna, Austria Posts: 473	Three groups Considering the issue over a chilled orange juice, I came up with this: I think there are three kinds of members here. The non-Indian "regulars" who may or may not travel to India, but who love to chew over all aspects of a country for which they show a deep affection. The resident or non-resident Indians, who may fall into the category of either regular poster or lurker. Last, but certainly not least, the people like nwsgirl* (lovely wattle you're wearing, by the way!), who browse as many information sources as they can to prepare for a trip and sometimes pose questions to the members in the other two groups. Did I leave anyone out?

Apr 18th, 2003, 14:49	#9
Rockers 'Itchy Footed One' Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 71	Another reason for disapearances would be that this is a site about travelling, so people are often using the info they've read here and are in India living it up! __________________ "Freedom is not doing what one pleases for the sake of it, but the ability to make good, moral choices to fulfil our social duties to our fellow human beings". Gandhi

Apr 19th, 2003, 11:57	#13
sockeyeron Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 72	Hello all. you are right M2 I should at least say hi. My wife and I are planning a trip to southern India in Sept. but were reading and learning from the experienced travelers and thought we would ask questions as we approached departure time. I have not been hiding nor am I too shy but felt that with no India travel I should watch and learn. Anyway, this is a fantastic site and hope you continue to let folks like me keep learning. __________________ Carpe Weekendum

Apr 16th, 2003, 09:32	#2
marreigh Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NEW ZEALAND Posts: 16	Fair enough comment I think so heres my 2 cents worth. I am going on the trip of a life time to India and I can't wait it's something I've been dreaming off for 20 years ,now with my children grown up I'm selling my home to travel the world but mostly India. I have been doing a degree in Religious Studies with a focas on Eastern Faiths, I have been doing this parttime over the last few years and I have developed a very strong interest in anything Indian.I also worked part time in New Zealand's oldest rock and crystal shop for years , many of our most precious and beautifil crystals come from India and I am very keen to check out different gem markets and mining sites whilst in India along with a million over things I want to experince.I am interested in any thing to do with travel in India, I 'm quite keen on Homestay as an opition for accomidation sometimes while traveling ,I understand some states are sent up for it better than others, any information would be great.

Apr 16th, 2003, 16:33	#5
nswgirl Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 5	Okay, I'll bite! I've been cruising this site (and T.T.) for about four months in preparation/anticipation for my first trip to India, which begins later this year for an as yet unspecified period of time. I'm saving any questions for closer to departure time, in order to benefit from those with the most recent experience. The best of the posts enable me to taste the spices, smell the coconut oil and feel the cold air on my cheeks whilst hiking in the hills. With the Australian winter (such that it is, in the southern states) about to descend, these very best of posts can make the sun seem to shine bright and clear on a rainy day.

Apr 17th, 2003, 05:24	#7
-m2- . Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: . Posts: 1,578	first a welcome to nswgirl and marreigh -- hope you find lots to interest you as you plan your trips and that you will feel free to ask questions and chip in on any discussions that interest you. Your interest in homestays, marreigh, deserves its own thread so that it will get the attention it deserves. These two clearly fall in Toker's third group -- without, till now, stepping up. The 'phantom members' i was wondering about are different than the 'guests' who come by once, or now and again, and neither register nor post. Different too, than the members who visit while trip planning, post a bit, go to India (or not) and move on to find out more about their next travel objective. I was thinking about the visitors who take the time to register and move on before posting, or perhaps just continue to lurk. I guess that the number of phantom member birthdays celebrated on page 1 will only increase as our members list will probably never be pruned. And no, i don't see this as a problem. As for your second group, I get the feeling that there are quite a few Indians who visit mostly to see what foreigners have to say about their country, but I really appreciate the ones who move from lurking to posting as they can add a lot to discussions with expertise as well as adding a (sometimes) missing perspective or point of view. (i guess John W would be the ultimate authority on phantom members )

Apr 17th, 2003, 09:44	#8
archits Posts: n/a	interesting post . One way of knowing how many people remain active as readers or posters is to ask those who have not posted in six months ( or twelve) to re-register....email them and/or pm them.

Apr 18th, 2003, 20:39	#10
Tomi Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cambridge, MA, USA Posts: 449	Hey Rockers, you won't get away this easy! I want to hear about your experiences with the volunteer job in the Trichy area. At least some of the more memorable ones. Maybe open a new thread under Tamil Nadu?

Apr 19th, 2003, 04:42	#11
indiamike Retired Admin Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: New Joisey for now Posts: 1,760	Occasionally I will go on a slash and burn deleting members who I feel will never show up again. Their profile and sign on names are usually a dead give away. I have sent out a mailer once to inactive members, my host wasn't pleased since it raised an alarm that I was sending out spam even though technically I wasn't, so shy away from that. Many people have signed on and visit on a regular basis, and have emailed me and may say something to the effect of "I am registered but I like to browse the boards, or I had a terrible experience with another board and I am hesitant about posting but enjoy the site". There is also a ton of people who registered just to take the quizzes, to write a journal, others that upload photos to share with friends and family, and some who want to add their favorite links, etc...etc.. if you check through each of those sections who will find a ton of participation, they just may have nothing to say yet on the forum part. My work load spans the entire site, so one day I may be helping someone with editing photos, the next helping someone add an article, and the next helping someone with figuring out the functions of the site. People come for information and to share, and for many it may be a once in a lifetime trip and they need advice and have no one else to ask. Other people lose interest or may just move on. It would surprise you how many people may go a whole year browsing the site without a word and then suddenly speak up. All to often though sites like this start to have cliques and other people may feel that they are intruding on a conversation, something I have desperately tried to avoid by welcoming new members and encouraging activity. Hopefully this thread will encourage the "phantom members" to pop up and just say "hi". We want you here and everyone is welcome to join in at anytime. Mike

Apr 19th, 2003, 10:02	#12
archits Posts: n/a	that is great mike - do encourage the silent members ...maybe they can mail you a small bio of three lines and you could post it. it can be kept annonymous ,but if people respond to it..they know they will be welcome and may even participate ! why not let their mails to you be posted..the ones that are neither personal or private... ?again responses may encourage them !

Apr 20th, 2003, 06:02	#14
-m2- . Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: . Posts: 1,578	hi sockeyeron, welcome aboard! I'm just across the strait from you on Gabriola Island. Hope you finding some useful info and insights as you plan your trip; now that you've broken the ice, you'll probably find it easier to jump into any threads of interest or to start a new one when you've come up with a burning question or two. and thanks, Mike, for your insights into the question. Hope to hear from more phormerly phantoms. edit: whoops, almost forgot to say Happy Birthday, soceyeron! Last edited by -m2- : Apr 20th, 2003 at 08:28.

Apr 20th, 2003, 09:41	#15
archits Posts: n/a	break the ice guys...way to go

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