It seems like the same ~5 members (myself included) are typically the only ones contributing to threads.  Is it that we have no lives, or is it that there just simply isn't enough active membership on the forums?

 

Ehh.. keep in mind that this is a fledgling forum. I've seen many over the years, and this one is extremely active compared to most that are only a couple of months old. (expect of course, support forums...)

What? Are you getting bored with us? 

I know, I know. The discussions might go a lot deeper, or in different directions if we had more input. But, this isn't going to appeal to everyone. And, some people aren't comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences for all to read. I think some of the members joined just for support for LQ.

What are some ways we could encourage others to join in? Should we think of some different topics to maybe start people off slowly (though I think the music/movie/computer & video games/writings areas are good places to start)? How can we show people that it is safe to share, with the foreknowledge that we will not agree with everything everyone's saying and to not take things personally?

I think that Brandy is correct.  I belong to a Toastmaster organization.  For those not familiar with the organization it is a club for people to learn to do public speaking.  Not necessarily as a profession, but to be able to speak in front of others, such as at church, schools, plays, work and anywhere that a person may have to address others.  By the way, speaking in front of others is the number one fear of adults.

The concept is extremely similar to Brandy's suggestion.  When a newcomer decides to participate, they are given encouragement, flaws are overlooked along with grammar issues, choice of words, inconclusive statements.  It is an environment to make people feel safe to speak their minds.

That is definitely a concept to look at in this blog.  Maybe there can be a new rating system on the person that will help others identify with the level of interaction that person has.  Similar to what we have today with Newbie and Moderator and other titles.  I agree that we should look at "with the foreknowledge that we will not agree with everything everyone's saying and to not take things personally?" as Brandy has noted.

This could be a double benefit for everyone.  If one knows the level of the poster and agrees to be more lenient and considerate to them up to a certain level, then we may encourage others to join. The other part will help those more advanced in blogging to learn to be patient and nurturing for newbies.  We may even tone down our responses to them to show consideration.

I know this will be very hard for some of us. :  But isn't the journey all about learning? And helping others?

The principle I personally would like to see for all communication, either here or elsewhere, is one of "truth with love."  The difference between "truth" and "truth with love" is the motivation and method of communication.  The "truth with love" means that we say what we believe is true with the intent of benefiting the one we are talking to and not ourselves.  It means that we don't just say it, but we say it in such a way that the other person will value it and their life will be better because they heard it.  It means finding a way to express the "truth" so that they will understand it and not reject it out of hand.

I've experienced many examples in my life of someone just telling another the "truth" and really what they were really doing was speaking out of their own emotions with no concern at all about how the other person was receiving it or what the impact would be of their words.  They justified the damage they did to the other person because all they were doing was speaking "the truth" and if they can't handle it well that's their problem.

John wrote about Jesus that he was "full of grace and truth".  This was a unique combination.  Always before, the Law was the standard, which was the Jew's highest expression of Truth.  There was little grace or love found in the Law.  But Jesus was able to bring both to the same situation.  He also said that people would know that we were his followers by the way we loved each other, not by the truth we held.  I know that there are several on these discussion boards who do not call themselves "followers of Christ."  That's OK.  For those of us who do claim to be so, I believe this is our standard.  And I believe the principle is still a good one to use as a whole.  As a business leader, I have found this principle to be effective in both spiritual and non-spiritual applications (if there is such a thing as non-spiritual applications).

One last thought (I know, I write long postings), in Hebrews 4:12, the writer states that the Scriptures are sharper than any two-edged sword.  In that day, a two-edged sword was a very dangerous weapon.  You had to be very careful how you used it.  Maybe the world would be better off if we held the same value and caution about the Scriptures.  I've seen a lot of damage done because Scripture was used as "truth" without any concern for the situation or the person receiving it.  Maybe "love" is the value proposition that allows us to handle the "truth" without hurting ourselves or others.  (Sermon's over.)   

Furthermore, as I said before this is a new web site, it's going to take time to grow. If you really want more people here, do your part and invite people who you think might enjoy it. Post a link to the website on your profile in facebook or myspace, or whatever. Besides, it's kind of fun to enjoy the benefits of a smaller forum--not alot of nasty things like trolls (look it up) and other forms of abusive behavior.

How about a code of conduct to be included on the read first section? Sort of a guidelines for everyone to be held accountable for their replies back based on the level of the person posting.

On the email that goes out when someone joins, an explanation of the codes, the rating system, and something about not being intimidated by the postings on the blog.  I know some people get intimidated by the intensity of the postings or even the length and quality of the information. But to have them feel comfortable to post knowing that others will RESPECT and have COMPASSION that they are even attempting to put their thoughts out here.

Types of marketing that LifeQuest can do. ex. Are you listed in the church bulletin on Sunday?  Ads that the Church takes out?
Consider linking with other Religious websites?  Taking an ad in USF's paper or other similar publications?
Going to other organizations and their youth groups with information about the site.
Conducting fund raisers to be able to publish out leaflets and other material.

As a non-profit, there is the ability to get into various "informational Homeshows" or events, with a free booth to pass out literature.

There is the Florida Yard Fandango which is going to be held on March 9 and 10 2008 at MOSI where LifeQuest will be given a booth to hand out information.  There are approximately 2500-3000 people per day that move through MOSI.  Lots of opportunities to get your name out.  This is courtesy of Christine.

Other thoughts?