[Paul M]

Originally Posted by Erwin

1. Coders not feeling appreciated for the work they put into the site.
2. Non-coders feel that their questions are unanswered by staff or coders.
3. Members feel that vB.org staff do not listen to them and take them for granted.
4. Personality differences between certain members, and between certain staff and members (and dare I say, between staff from vB.org and vB.com)
5. Promised changes have not come to pass as yet.


...... but solutions have been few and far between. I would like members to start coming up with possible solutions so that we can move forward.

I would also like Staff to come up with possible solutions

If only it were as easy as a few simple solutions, but a few things about each of the above.

1. A hard one, personally I have no requirement for financial reward unless the amounts are more than vb.org would ever be likely to pay - winning something like a HOTM would mean more to me than $50. How about features on well known coders - I see another forum does regular inteviews with staff members, but no one ever does it for coders - 15 minutes of fame can do wonders towards making a person feel appreciated.

2. I'm not really sure how you can do anything about that as far as coders go - but staff should make an effort to answer questions, and if they are site related questions or suggestions - not avoid them with vague non commital answers - the hacks database being a prime example, stop fobbing people off with "it's coming soon, people have lives" - explain it's delayed for three/whatever months and exactly why - people hate bullshit answers.

3. See part 2 above, lack of answers is what makes people think no one is listening. Staff should possibly think more before posting, and digging themselves into a hole they can't get out of (and yes, members as well). I also think the way staff are chosen should be looked at - there seems to be zero member involvement - the last two moderators just appeared out of the blue. No warning, no involvement, nothing. This immediate gets people thinking of "jobs for the boys" - xxxxxxx is now a mod because he's Brad's mate (that's just an example Brad ) Also - what are peoples specific roles on the site - no one really knows (for example, we suddenly get told in this thread that Amy is a 'member liason' - that's certainly news to me, and everyone else I would imagine - and again - no member involvement in the choice).

4. They will always happen, the difference is that Staff should try and be more professional about it and perhaps avoid the posts of people that they clash with (and I guess that would work for members as well).

5. As already covered in point 2 - keep people informed of delays and the reasons, members can be quite understanding when things are properly explained. Also, Brad did cover an idea in a post several pages back - basically more member involvement in projects for the site.

Well that's my random collection of thoughts - no doubt some will agree, others will disagree, but at least I tried. Sorry if it seems slightly biased towards what staff should do - but that's just the way it turned out - after all they are in the best position to make changes.