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[JCZ]

And where did all these old members (original post Feb.27, 04) fade to??

[Fatboy]

And where did all these old members (original post Feb.27, 04) fade to??

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WingDingers.com    ??     [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[JCZ]

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WingDingers.com

[Fatboy]

JC,

 This crowd plays hard and fast..........some folks may have trouble keeping up. Sooo they either become lurker's or turn into wing dinger's............ [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

 Maybe you guys (moderater's) could mass email our idle member's to see why they've lost interest. Maybe something can be gleaned which will help improve the site.

 Maybe there just out riding................

[Siegfried]

JCZand Fatboy -

As a newbie (and a fairly fanatical one at present, given how much time I spend following developments on this site), I'd like to offer several observations:

1.  First of all, this site F**KIN' ROCKS!!!  There are so many areas of a CVO owner's experience covered--so many places to make an observation or comment or to ask a question, that I want to say in as forceful a manner as possible that this is one terrific site--and I thank everyone who participates even on an occasional basis for making it so, with special thanks to the moderators, who make it work day by day.

2.  What leads members to fall away?  That may be very hard to generalize.  Owners sell/trade their bikes--I bought mine (yes, the Cherry is tucked safely in my garage, and I need to update Siegfried's Saga...) from a guy blissfully ignorant of this site, and others who participate for a time may subsequently sell and never be heard from again.  And then there are those who bought their CVO 4 years ago--how timely and relevant is this site for them these days?  I can't answer that, and I want to note that you do invite their participation.  But, let's face it--most activity and energy is around bikes recently produced (and their problems, dammit!!), as well as more general topics.  There is a solid core of people who actively participate in much of this, and that is one of the attractive features of the site--there are people I feel I have come to know a bit because of what they have revealed about themselves while discussing a variety of issues, problems and celebrations.  But that solid core is only a small percentage of the total number of those who have become members over the years this site has been operational.  Not everyone feels as compelled to stay involved, and I don't know that there is anything that this site can do, as such, to change that.  It's a natural progression, even if it is a bit sad.

3.  What about getting new folks into the fold?  We have been focusing on those leaving--what of those just getting into this site?  Obviously, I felt very welcome to start my threads and to chime in on others whenever I felt I had something to offer (whether others shared my feeling about what I had to say or not....)  But then, at 52 and having been humbled enough in life to be able to take criticism and rejection without a lot of fuss, I wasn't worried about getting zapped by some of the more, well, 'acerbic' members.  Others may be at a different place, and may feel it a bit intimidating to even jump in and get going.  What to do about that?  First of all, I think the 'Lurkers Welcome' thread was a great step--very thoughtful to invite them in a friendly way to identify themselves and say what their interest is.  A number have already bought the bikes--apparently, they either felt uneasy about jumping in on a thread or felt they had nothing to add, but were comfortable enough to accept the invitation--great move, and kudos to whoever came up with that idea.  Any other way to encourage lurkers to become newbies?  Again, I felt comfortable just jumping in, but perhaps setting up something like 'Newbie Corner', where newbies, and only newbies, can post questions would provide a safer place for newcomers to become involved and get their feet wet in terms of contributing to this site.  I immediately felt welcomed by all y'all, and I think it would be great to have other newbies feel the degree of acceptance and welcome that I have.  Just terrific people on this site--can't say enough about that.

Dave

[BLM777]

Dave...Really enjoyed your perspective and comments on the site.  You've hit on a lot of the "involvement" issues and I think to a large degree your joining, interacting and obviously enjoying the site is a predictable outcome with you, just being you.  It's been my experience that those joining with an attitude of sharing, injecting their personal views and moderating their disagreements with an ample amount of humor find the door wide open to establishing lasting friendships.   Occassionally, a "newbie" rolls in with an attitude of teaching these folks how it's really done and finds himself (or herself) embarassed by the member replies.  There's a lot of "sleepers" on this site with an incredible amount of quiet knowledge that will help anyone who asks for it, but post some tough replies to a sarcastic, "know it all" attitude.  In my time here, I've never seen a new member who really wanted a "place at the table" to be turned away by the exceptional personalities bouncing around these posts.  

Thanks for becoming a contributing and entertaining member.

[SEUC-OCD]

Another section of lurkers are probably like me in a way.  Either waiting on a bike or considering buying.

Honestly,  I have started many a reply and canceled it because it just seemed like fluff to me, and I don't want to just take up (too much) space on here with just my clever wit (or weird wit depending on your mood).  

I do not have a lot of mechanical experience, so I cannot contribute a whole lot to the technical discussions, but I sure have learned a hell of a lot (Thanks gang!)

I do however have SEUC-OCD and I can't stay away from here.  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]

In time, my bike will arrive, and I'll put what I have learned here to use, and from time to time I'll post something useful.

However, I must admit... Because I do not yet have a CVO, and because I am not mechanically enclined, it can be a bit intimidating when you feel like you don't have anything worthy enough.  I would say to those who have not yet signed up, it is worth it just to be known, so when they are so inclined to show up at an event, they can meet up with friends.  

I am sure that many who lurk often, have many times wanted to pitch in, but just didn't want to make the leap for one reason or another.  I would say, just sign up, say hi, post a funny every now and then and throw out a few atta-boys/girls!  You really are welcome!  Trust me, I speak from experience.  

[JCZ]

Dave...Really enjoyed your perspective and comments on the site.

[110tHunDer]

Another question to ask is what keeps some of us "old timers" here?  I know for me, I would not enjoy the bike itself as much as I do without being able to come here, talk with all you guys and gals, and see what everyone is doing to their bikes, talk about the problems, etc.  There is just such a wealth of information here and my OCD keeps me coming back day after day.

It's an awesome bike and all, but a big part of the enjoyment I get out of it comes from this place right here.  I may not always have the SEEG, but I 0think I will always have a CVO because of this site and the friends that I've made here.

[Bungy]

And where did all these old members (original post Feb.27, 04) fade to??

Another perspective is that some of us just aren't "talkers", more the "Clint Eastwood" type. Sit w/ our backs to the wall, hat pulled low, don't say much!

[VaEagle]

First off let me say this is just my .02 from a CVO newbie.
I have ready many posts in this site and it is one GREAT SITE! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
It has helped me decide to get a 2006 CVO and what mods to do to it and what problems to look out for as well. Thank you.
Several comments and questions were raised in this thread about retaining members and getting folks to participate. I know the feeling about not wanting to join or post when you are just in the looking or buying phase and don't actually own a CVO. I have seen on several threads about any Harley owners are welcome but maybe a clear statement on the home page stating that this site welcomes all?
I have been a member for quite awhile at another owner's website for the Chevrolet Avalanche and their forums are easy to navigate and very segmented in order to find a specific topic,I feel this helps a newbie navigate the website and find or post answers to his questions. There are even forums divided by state and region so that newbies can find other events going on in his area. Also "tagging" on that site is almost a contest for the members to bring in and welcome new members. (There is over 17,500 members on this siite)
Take a look at www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com and see the homepage then click on fourums and see how they divide things. I personally like the division for problems or mods based on what it is so if you were looking for exhaust mods you go to the exhaust section and don't have to search in other areas.
I do notice a tendancy on all owner websites for folks to get off topic for the thread. The moderators on the Avalanche website are constantly telling folks to stay on topic and moving stuff.
Such as this topic under this thread I guess? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
That can mean some great information or comments can go unnoticed or hard to locate.
I would have to think the technical modification threads are inportant to a newbie or someone looking to mod their new CVO. I know these bikes are always a work in progress but I bet after awhile the fever from the "Chrome Virus" cools a little.
Then it becomes inportant to keep in touch with local events and friends made along the way.I would dare guess that if those friendships and local events aren't made then participation in this site will dwindle and maybe disappear altogether for some.
I verbally tag folks all the time about this site. I have all the local Harley dealers aware of this site as well. I plan to get copies of the site cards made soon and will pass them out every chance i can. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[spydglide]

[110tHunDer]

What?

[Twolanerider]

However, I must admit... Because I do not yet have a CVO, and because I am not mechanically enclined, it can be a bit intimidating when you feel like you don't have anything worthy enough.

[Twolanerider]