Lately there has been very little traffic here on FMH. What can we do to make people want to come back and join in?
Well, I think it's obvious. WE NEED MORE CONTROVERSY! Bob, are you out there to stir up the ol' bee hive??
Well, it ain't from a lack of trying. Any Esoteric discussion wanes quickly. We either offend people into non-participation, or it leads into water way over their heads. Either way they don't participate. Being that this is a public forum, it could very well be that most folks here just don't want to discuss much other than idle chit chat. After a while, it tends to get stale. I've noticed a few of our members frequent the tiled boards more often. My assumption would be that they have more in the way of conversation. Of course this is all speculation on my part. It could also be that people are just busy these days.
I do enjoy reading the esoteric discussions, but as I am only slightly brighter that a turnip, I rarely pipe-in. Will work to participate a bit more.
Also, taking a look at this post, Winter, Coach, Gary and myself, we all have join dates from August to November last year. I believe there are quite a few more (Duncan?) in that area. I followed a facebook link to find this site. I haven't seen it out there lately. There have been a lot fewer new members in "Initiation" lately. Maybe the lack of new blood is dulling this forum down a little. Any good methods of getting the word out in Cyberspace that isn't cost prohibitive? I'm an internet novice.
We've already talked about dead terrorist, esoteric is something I am still wading in the kiddie pool and not able to hit the big pool yet...I do enjoy reading the discussions....I do like topics of general masonic education..... I think this is like other forums, it goes in cycles....sometimes I seem them very active and other times is seem inhabited by crickets.....I say if ya got something to discuss, just throw it out there and see if any one bites
That's my motto. I also hope people aren't intimidated by some of our discussions. I remember some of my earlier posts being almost taboo. As long as we abide by our obligations, and keep our passions within due bounds, pretty much any subject is fair game IMHO. MDonahue, and Fireman... Our esoteric discussions aren't brought up solely for the more experienced to discuss. They are brought up to allow for questions to be asked and answers (hopefully) be discovered by intelligent discussion. There is no such thing as a stupid question. I know I've asked some doozies! Sometimes I wonder if people may think I'm some sort of wiz at Freemasonry. I assure you that that is definitely not the case. The only reason I know what little I know is because I'm not afraid to ask, or post my thoughts on a subject. That's how we learn! besides, the only way you will learn to think and process this stuff is if you participate in the discussion, read, and train your brain to think differently. We may have a newer group coming in, or it may be a wax/wane sort of thing who knows. Just don't be a lurker... I know you all have something to say, so say it! I enjoy talking with Brothers and non-Masons alike. As far as getting the word out on the internet, I believe Jason is doing the work to advertise on FaceBook and stuff like that. He may have slacked off a bit due to his personal life getting busy. Rest assured, he is promoting the forum. There is also nothing from preventing any of us from recommending the forum though!
I've been using this forum to delve into areas of education in general, from plain and simple to esoteric, which I believe the lodge is missing. I try to post when I feel I give something of value or when I'm not using a straw to get air. Anyone I've come across that is interested in the esoteric side I push them this way. I think if they have the patience to look through the posts and find something relevant to them they truly want to do the work. Wait we have tiled forums?
Not yet. It's been discussed. there are many pro's and con's to doing it. Jason has endeavored to make the forum open to anyone. If I had my way, we'd have Tyled sections. But alas, there are problems with jurisdictions as to what is considered "regular" and accepted. With any luck we'll be able to work through this issue. But for now, discuss things as your jurisdiction and obligations allow. Most of all have fun. If you have a question that is questionable for public view, feel free to PM those you feel confident to be Masons and discus it in private. That will help matters quite a bit. Also, if you have a topic to discuss or a question to ask that you aren't sure about if it's OK to post publicly... Please PM a Moderator to ask and we'll give you guidance. That has been done before, and we've had great success in doing it this way. I'd (and I'm sure the other Mod's would agree) rather take the heat for approving a topic that is questionable, than having a forum member feel bad for not asking first and post and get flamed.
THis is my busier time of year with weddings, Widows Sons Events, etc so I have less time to read and respond.
Jason, maybe an email sent to all members that politely invited them to come back and participate in FMH? As an admin you should have the option to email "all", right?
I think it's just the time of year. Many of us get busy around this time with kids getting out of school, yard work, and getting outdoors to have fun. It even seems like facebook might be slowing down. Many lodges are going through transitions of officers and will be going dark for the hottest months. Lots of good reasons to see a drop in traffic.
Unacceptable! I just graduated college and have time to get into good arguments, uh, I mean discussions!
Aw, cut me a break! We had one of the other PAs go part time, and the boss is kickin' my a$$ with working 5 days a week (turn ON crocodile tears). I haven't been to Wednesday AM Masonic Breakfast in 2 weeks. This retirement thing is just not working the way I though it would... I must not be very good at it. "Just when I taught I wuz out...dey puuuulllllled me back in!" S&F
