We all know that certain things happen on here frequently: some topics come up regularly, for example ("I'm dating/in love with a JW;" "oral sex;" and so on. Is it possible to compile a list of the most frequent thread titles/subjects and post a FAQ page, maybe with links to a sample of past threads on topic X, and tell people to click on there rather than begin a new, already-explored topic?
Maybe a welcoming page explaining that this is an anti-JW site (the name would tend to give the opposite impression), a list of some of the rules such as bad language, duplicate accounts, trolling, an explanation of (and encouragement for using) the search feature, and other things that, again, seem to be mentioned often?
Something to explain more about the background of the WBTS (including an organizational chart, glossary, and so on) and its believers with the non/never-been-a-JW in mind who comes here. For example, sum up their beliefs, the verses cited, our rebuttals, and that way when a visitor reads about the UN scandal they're not left asking "So what's the big deal with that?" Maybe a "mission statement" about why this board is here, or what we hope to accomplish? Much of this will be as unintelligible to them otherwise as a site for bridge, curling, rugby, or canasta aficianados would be to anyone who doesn't play or know those games.
And maybe something to explain to the lurkers that we are not demonized and neither will they (or their PCs) be for being here, that there are people here from all levels within the Society, that we bring different perspectives to the board (age, race, sex, how long in, you know the list), that no question is dumb if asked seriously, something to ease the jitters of those coming here on the sly especially.
Possibly a question for the whole board's input: should links to pro- and anti-JW sites be listed here? On the one hand people would say this gives balance. A rebuttal would be, "People can find the official JW site on their own; nothing here prevents that." And I'll admit links to "pro" sites would be about as desirable as a link to a KKK site, or one to the American Family Association would be to someone who's black or gay respectively if they have a page set up.
Looking at this board from a marketing perspective inspired this. A year or so ago I read that surveys showed that if a website took more than eight seconds to load up, people would move on. So the site has to be interesting enough to keep people here. And if they mention it to others, a link to an "opening screen" could do a better job orienting the first-time visitor than the version of the board they'd get secondhand from well-meaning friends.
Maybe too, selling items like bumper stickers with this or other sites on them, lambs, etc., along with some background on the items for the newbies and the casual browsers as well as those on here. Profits could be used to keep the board up and running.
I'd be willing to take a crack at writing the text for some of these (time permitting) along with any others who'd like to give it a shot, then Simon can proof it and something could be roughed into shape. Form committees to do this via e-mail possibly?
Some thoughts.
Edited by - Kingpawn on 23 January 2003 14:3:1