KingdomBuilder wrote:This is good, Lester. I try to make it a priority to shoot new members a hello message, but I can't deny that I often am only brought to the remembrance to do so whenever I see the new name a few times.. Should probably be more proactive.
I also realize that my hello may not mean very much... people joining are clearly interested in CA's/ CM's, both of which I am not and cannot speak for.
‘not sure if you were on MD?
one difference on MD was, new members’ first posts were open for all to welcome with an “Introduction” thread, many new members would share a lot, right then! - many would receive lots of replies, sometimes pages of replies.
evenso, many did just as you’re describing, post once or twice, then disappear, no matter response.
some would arrive and be active for a specific problem, once they received all they were interested in, they would go, sometimes with “thank you,” sometimes, just leaving.
it’s well to be welcoming in any case. the MD way, or MN way ..
but, understand, people may not respond as you wish. don’t take it personally.
they are welcome to return - and, that happens, too.
it is interesting that most are seeking conservative Anabaptist information, direction.
that has been consistent (in my observation.) i’m not sure why.
possibly one reason is that this forum is not colorful/flashy, the more liberal groups have quite a lot of internet presence that is more “with it,” that way. this forum seems to be interesting to readers/writers. (i’m not sure, just a guess.)
it was interesting to read the very early posts.
even those beginning doubted the longevity/active members/interest of the forum!
they were unsure if it would last a year, two years, three years!
it’s lasted well beyond original expectations/guesses. it was an internet experiment, young ones just playing around .. reading archives was a pleasant activity. i was impressed with some of the early discussions of scriptures, many were very good. it wasn’t all “fun+games.” plenty of that, but, lots of more serious thinking, studying, questioning, too.
having read some of that definitely influences my perspective on this forum.
i hope there always remains a youthful (esp CA/cA) membership. that was where the forum began, it seems fitting for that “demographic” to be an active part as time progresses. my hope. not sure how others feel.