User Experiences

[preservefreak]

It’s been a long time since I’ve come on this forum because of a lack of time and so in many ways I feel like I don’t have a right to comment on this, but I’m going to give my two pennies worth. Also as I’ve not been here in a while my ideas may be out of touch with the forums problems.

I’m not personally in favour of restricted or VIP sections as I think it will make matters worse for the forum. If as this thread suggests the forum has a core of posters and a large number of lurkers who don’t contribute then then over time those small number who contribute may just share all their posts and articles in the restricted section. I’m not convinced that would help the forum to grow. Rather to those many that can’t see the VIP section it could look like the forum is no longer used and updated, perhaps losing the forum future members.

However, if this tiered system of members is used then I think it is very important that there is some basic information for new preppers who come to look at the forum for advice. Maybe a beginners section that anyone can see with a few articles that complete beginners would find useful, for example an article on food, water and medication storage. One on how to cook and keep warm in a home with no services. Etc. These articles could also talk about some cheap and simple tools to achieve a basic level of preparedness. This would give the complete beginners some information to start out with and not completely shut out potential new members who after reading the beginner info could be directed to sign up and contribute to the forum for further information and resources.

Anyway, just my immediate thoughts. I know I haven’t been around in the last few months but I like the forum and have learnt a lot from its members so I will do my best to find some time to check in and contribute more.