Some of us have talked about making the forum better and so I think it's appropriate we have a thread dedicated to identifying grieviances, problems etc. to get a better picture of what's going on. Once we've identified what these issues are then we can move onto the next stage where we can come up with ways to fix them.

Please note that this is simply a draft and all elements of this should be examined carefully before being agreed upon.

Strategic level:
The symptoms of the problems: A lot of regulars have left and haven't really come back. When some have come back, they only did so for a brief amount of time before leaving yet again and it isn't always about their busy schedule. New members don't always stay, especially those whose English is their 2nd language.

Goal: To retain members and boost meaningful contribution. Free flowing threads and discussions would be a key objective to be met in dealing with this goal.

Tactical level:
What we should do first: identify the major grieviances that members have that have made them consider leaving or have made others to leave (and told members about it before they left).

It's a start.

Making an account to advertise the forum via youtube always works.

Maybe add some docco's [Documentaries] about military-related stuff.

I've actually thought of that. It's worth a shot though I'm not sure how successful it will be. Just how many people actually follow the links on youtube videos?
But like I said, it's more about retention...

Some issues that have been raised (not necessarily by me):
- Moderators don't take active part in threads enough.
- Threads are too easily closed.
- It's not clear whether the mods are being referees or unit commanders.
- The focus of the board... is it really being a military forum?
- Civilians who piss off military personnel (apparently intentionally).
- Trolling that is forgiven due to the person's political stance (Phoenix lasted a LONG time, probably for being conservative because I can't imagine any leftist with his sort of trolling lasting anywhere near 2 years)
- The fact that moderators never change regardless of commitment or lack thereof (for whatever reason).
- The moderator's political stance that interferes too much with their decision making.
- Left, right or center? Are we neutral or does a certain political stance come first? We should make it clear and stick to it.

Okay, I do have some suggestions on how this forum might be more welcoming to newcomers/or improved. They are only suggestions and not a complaint against anyone, and they are from someone who is new(ish) on here (me), and my point of view on what I think could be done, of what I have seen so far...

Firstly, in some instances, yes, I think there are just too many rules on here, and it can make people feel uncomfortable about posting. (Especially newcomers).

Things like double posting should be allowed, (I recently got in trouble for this, I didn't even know what it meant, to be honest).

I have no problem with displaying my age in my profile, but some people may feel uncomfortable having to do this. Posters should have more say in what private info. they want displayed.

Yesterday, (and I'm not even sure how I got to that area), but I went to a place where I could see who was on, (which is fine), but also what they were doing at that particular time, i.e. what thread they were viewing. I was surprised, I don't think that it is necessary and can be off putting, we have to have some privacy on here!

Also, I've noticed that I can see 'the last ten posters' that visited my profile page. What is the point in that? Not necessary I think.

Although, I don't like to see cussing/swearing, an occasional one here and there should be allowed, without the person getting into trouble. After all, we all live in the real world. (I hope ).

We have to take into consideration that many people who are on here, do not have English as their first language, and some points will not be understood, at least straight away. They should be given a chance before getting into trouble or at least have it explained to them (maybe via Pm) by a moderator.

I'm sure I don't even understand or am aware of all the rules that need to be followed here. Although I understand that this is a military forum and there are (perhaps) more rules and regulations then there would be on other forums, some do seem a little severe.

I do have to say, that I'm glad that over the top insults and rudeness is not allowed. No one wants to feel bad for just having an opinion, or just being here. But I think some of the rules could be relaxed somewhat.

I want to be more active in the forums, and i have a little knowledge about military stuff. But I am afraid to post because i feel that the Men and Woman who serve/served wil not like it that a civilian gives his opions on military matters.
If this is not the case, then i would be more then happy to comment on the post instead of just reading them.

This leads me to another question, is the because of the civvies that some military members dont want to post anymore? Do you guys feel like we dont belong here? and mess everything up?Someday i hope to enlist, but for now civvie it is.

Some good points there, Mike.

So additional grieviances would be

- Want of more privacy.
- Civilians unsure of what is appropriate and what is not while trying to be respectful.

jep, thanks for putting it in better words 13th

Originally Posted by Mikefrombelgium

I want to be more active in the forums, and i have a little knowledge about military stuff. But I am afraid to post because i feel that the Men and Woman who serve/served wil not like it that a civilian gives his opions on military matters.
If this is not the case, then i would be more then happy to comment on the post instead of just reading them.

This leads me to another question, is the because of the civvies that some military members dont want to post anymore? Do you guys feel like we dont belong here? and mess everything up?Someday i hope to enlist, but for now civvie it is.

Mike .........
There is NOTHING wrong with a civilian participating on this military forum ... all we ever ask is a little respect. Some of us have been at the point of the sword and some of our friends have given the last full measure. Because of that, some of us believe that gives us a right to DEMAND respect.

For info ... I for one, do not suffer fools or idiots, that spout off with forceful opinions about things they know nothing about ... UNDERSTAND ... that doesn't mean that a civilian should NOT have an opinion - all it means is a respectful post will go a long ways towards a person's meaningful participation in discussions about military matters with military and ex-military forum members.

These are the people that active military, ex-military members and I welcome.

As far as why there appears to be less participation by some of the oldtimers (military and ex-military) and others, it has to do with the extremely restrictive moderation that is the norm today. It wasn't like that when I joined the forum back in 2005. You see very few heated discussions any more because of that

... and ...

because of that .....

some of us believe the forum is NOT better today.

For info ... I for one, do not suffer fools or idiots, that spout off with forceful opinions about things they know nothing about

Are you referring to my last post on here? If I didn't have such a thick skin, I would go and never come back. Is it, perhaps, angry posts like yours that put off newcomers, civilian or not?

For your information, I am a civilian, never been in the military, but I have had family members who were, and who died in various wars and I have friends who are in Afghanistan even now. I can understand that you are upset about what you have seen and been thorough Chief Bones, but no need to take it out on others.

I don't think anyone comes on here to disrespect others. We all have opinions on different topics. Yes, some are more knowledgeable then others, but we all have an interest in what is happening in our world today, and that is the reason we are here. Just because we are civilians doesn't mean we should close our minds to what happens around us, after all, in one way or another, it affects us all.