When a new member registers on your community, do you find that other, already existing "elder" members become annoyed and/or disapprove of "newbies"? If so, how do you deal with this?
Yes, I have witnessed mistreatment of newbies. But I think the general concept is that newbies need to work their way up and elder members feel like they have top priority. Unless you have a forum that does the exact opposite and is very welcoming of newbies. It's usually one or the other, no in between.
We have a rule on my forum, "Noob Bashing" results in a infraction. That seemed to calm down the newbie bashers.
Not generally, but recently I've been noticing the people who welcome newbies and ask them questions have started to get a little too demanding. One wouldn't answer a question the newbie had until they answered the "getting to know you" type questions, saying "We like to know who we're dealing with first." I sent a PM and told him it wasn't fair to require that people tell us about themselves right off the bat, just that it was nice when they did.
I've witnessed it a lot over the years. In some cases it's like stated above by Savage where new people work their way up the ladder of respect. I honestly don't see an issue with joking around with noobs but I have seen this carried way over board. And I have seen senior members acting all high and mighty that it's unreal. I'm not sure about how to make a rule on it but I wouln't stand for any harsh treatment either.
Like Oyobiia, on my forum, I have a rule that bashing a newcomer of the community will result in an infraction*... * Punishments will vary.
Uhh, well in Pisoga we are very close as a family...so when some are in the chat, they tend to ignore the newbies. With the new site and all, we are most def trying to solve this.
Everyone on my Forum is very nice to one another. Their lives are filled with chronic pain from debilitating spine disorders, so the last thing they want to do is spend energy bashing each other. :spin:
I find the "disapproval" of new members to be absolutely unacceptable - if I witness this, I'll immediately neutralize the situation. Bashing is not tolerated... if you have something "negative" to say in regards to a member being a "newbie", keep it to yourself.
My forum is probably the friendliest one I know of so I haven't had this problem. If I did on another community though (and I thank Heavens that this community is also very welcoming) then I would not condone "noob bashing" as Ryan put it. It's so rude and obviously puts the forum at a disadvantage; who would want to come back to and stick around an unwelcoming community?
The only time our older members disapprove is if theyre spamming or have intent to upset other members. Our new members are always welcomed warmly by all.
