I am really, really, really confused.

[Talk Host]

As recently as two weeks ago, your erstwile administrators came under rather harsh public criticism for a couple of things. We were chastised for our efforts to keep topics in the forum where they have the most relevance. Then in the same round, we were taken to task for having too many forums. We lost a couple of members as a result.

Every day, we receive emails and private messages from our members asking that topics be moved, removed, deleted or edited. We receive complaints about what another member has said or done.

Now, we are being asked to add additional forums. For example, a travel forum.

Folks, we have no problem providing what you want and what will make this a fun place for you to visit. But, please remember that we are humans and it is impossible to please everybody, all the time. It's sometimes difficult to know what is the right thing to do.

[Taltarzac]

The TOTV administrators do a very good job IMHO. There are many posts which I personally might object to on some point being a rather central leaning Democrat but you have to expect some people are going to be upset with others' postings because of the widely different backgrounds, experiences, economic conditions, and other variables of posters and readers of TOTV.

Live and let post as long as it is not obscene, libelous, and/or posted for the sake of starting a flame war. 024 :clap2:

[gfmucci]

At least we can find the stupid places we, the posters, post things now. :joke: :joke: :joke:

[Peggy D]

Jan,

You guys are doing a fine thing. You're right, you can't please everyone.

I feel if an individual has a problem with a post, provided it isn't generally too offensive, don't read it or respond. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Keep up the good work.

[JanetandCarol]

Jan, I really love this site and all of the forums. I am learning so much so that I can't wait until my sister and I come for a longer period of time and join in all of the fun. We are taking notes and try to visit this site as much as possible. Please don't let a few complainers get your "goat". This site has really helped me understand all of the great things that the Villages has to offer. You are doing a great job!! Thanks, JanetandCarol

[JohnnyM]

Please don't let a few complainers get your "goat". You are doing a great job!! Thanks, JanetandCarol


Hey Jan I agree with Janet and Carol. If you can do something for someone fine, if not, fine too. The basic premise of TOTV will always be no matter what the pundits say. We come here because we want to, not because we have to. Thanks to the TOTV Administrators.

[Donna]

Hey Jan,

You guys have come a long way from when you started TOTV..Some of us have been with you a long time, and this forum gets better and better.. :agree: :agree:
If there is a topic I don't care for, I move on to another..

You should all be very proud! :#1:We both know no matter what, some peeps like to complain.. ::)

For the ones that can't take the heat...stay out of the forums!

Keep up the great work... :bigthumbsup:

[Rokinronda]

Jan, I understand how tough it must be to try to monitor and follow our drivel at times, but like all of those who are posting responses on this topic, I will add my vote for this being a GREAT SITE!! You can "search" any topic that interests you and this site has informative posts about nearly anything and everything "villages". I'm sure the couple of members that "we lost" will be back here looking for answers and opinions under aliases! Don't worry, we the TOTV friends, know that you have done a great service to thousands. The lost ones can go be grumpy complainers elsewhere. I am so thankful of the friendships I've made. I think the next post should be a big party in TV to honor the Administraters for a job inconceivably well done!!!! I, for one, am truly appreciative! In the winter, when all our friends are here we will have a THANK THE ADMINISTRATERS PARTY !!!!!

[samhass]

:agree: :agree: :agree: I don't read all the posts and no one else has to either. I think you do a wonderful job. You have given us the gift of TOTV...and it is a gift.
If people start paying you, then they can :edit:.






Jan,

You guys are doing a fine thing. You're right, you can't please everyone.

I feel if an individual has a problem with a post, provided it isn't generally too offensive, don't read it or respond. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Keep up the good work.

[mcelheny]

Add me to the list of people who think this is a wonderful website. Thank you so much for setting up TOTV. I really appreciate all your time and hard work trying to please everybody! My opinion-we don't need to add. I can't keep up with everything here already.

[golfnut]

Jan, this is a wonderful site just the way it is, don't let the tale wag the dog, we know you are human just like most of us, if you have any other questions ask Hal. Thanks for all you do! GN

[JohnnyM]

Hey Jan,

For the ones that can't take the heat...stay out of the forums!


That is one serious blonde with one serious gun.....Whoa complainers, on your way ;)

[schotzyb]

What's not to like? A little variety is good for what ails you. No changes required.

[handieman]

Lets take a look at the obvious here. This TOTV forum is successful there is no doubt about that. So therefore you are doing something right. So why mess with success? You will never ever please everyone all the time so why bother trying. Anything this large will have growing pains and some will never be satisfied no matter what you do or say.
Gentlemen, grow a thick skin and continue with what your doing
Handie :joke:

[njgranny]

I honestly don't know what people could find to complain about on here. It's a super board and has much fewer "problems" than many of the other boards I frequent. There are always people who complain - since I found TOTV, I've enjoyed it so much. It helps keep my dream of moving there alive, the information found on here is invaluable, and the people are so helpful to others.

Keep up the good work.

[chelsea24]

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :#1: I've said it before and I'll say it again this is a wonderful site. If is wasn't for TOTV my husband and I wouldn't have met many of the wonderful people and lifelong friends that we have in such a short time of living here. What I don't understand are the people that email you to delete or edit a post? Why would they do that? :dontknow: We all know everyone has the right to opinion and that's what I've always loved about TOTV. If I don't like someone's post, I simply skim by it. If I want to debate a post :o (who me!) I simply debate it. C'mon all you peeps that are emailing the admins. Give them a break! My daughter works for eBay and the man that created eBay also created the feedback system because he didn't want to put up with all the complaints of buyers vs. sellers. He let them settle it all among themselves. This, in a sense, should be the same principle. If you like a post read it, if you do not like a post skip it. It's not all that complicated. But, please stop emailing the Administrators that are doing a stellar job, with any tiny backbiting complaints! Just my opinion. ;) That said, I would like a Travel Forum! grrrrrrrrrrrr (the now notorious kitten growl. ;D

[pm10]

I agree with everyone else - TOTV is a WONDERFUL site, and we all owe you a huge debt of gratitude. :agree: :agree: :agree: We've learned so much about TV; and I even feel like I know some of the TOTV'ers, even though I haven't been lucky enough to meet anyone in person yet. The only message I want to send to you, is Thank You so much!

.....and man, I wish we could go with all of you on that cruise!

[jmemc46]

:agree:Jan, I don't live in the Villages yet but I have learned a great deal from the forums, I don't read them all, but I am very happen with all the work and effort you and everyone else put in. Thank You
Jmemc

[Mikitv]

I don't live in TV yet but this wonderful forum has supplied so much information that I think you are doing a wonderful job. I've also met new friends in chat and all I can say is keep doing it. You won't please everyone and if they think it is so easy, let them do it.

[redwitch]

Being an administrator/moderator/owner of a couple of sites, I learned a long time ago to ignore the complainers. The best you can ever do is what you feel is right. You can't make everyone happy. Heck, sometimes you're lucky to make one person happy. So, dear Jan, DK and Tony, do what you feel is right and go from there.

I think this is a great site and think you're doing a super job. I don't agree with everything said by posters here and I don't always agree with what administrators do but so what? Like everything in life, you take what you want and leave the rest.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank dear Administrators/Owners. We all owe you a lot.

[Village Kid 2]

:agree: :agree: :agree: :agree:

In any organization, someone at the top has to make the executive decisions. Everyone else gets to be Monday morning quarterbacks. It's just the way it is. This is a great forum with tons of information, some fun, and some chat. You've done a great job, it's yours to run, and you get to make the rules. We benefit greatly from it even if we may make a different decision from yours sometimes. Thank you for the hard work you put into it.

VK2

[The Great Fumar]

Village Kid is absolutely right..........
You've hit the magic button and if you start changing things you might mess up a great concept.....
If it ain't broke , don't fix it...........

Besides I don't think life would be nearly as interesting without totv...

loving it fumar

[Time for Tee]

:agree: :agree: You are doing a great job and we are all "HAPPY" posters!! Read all of the previous posts when you have a DOWN day. It,s late----Nite all! :)

[jerseygirl008]

I am totally in agreement with the above post; Chelsea, pm10, NJgranny -

TOTV was the catalyst that convinced me to come to The Villages a few weeks ago. I too have a notebook full of good info. that has made TV life so much easier for me. I was so confident, because of all the foreknowledge gained here, that I came to visit and purchased a house before I left. All thanks to the confidence I gained here on TOTV.

You administrators keep administering away. Thanks so much for all you do.

[villages07]

One more vote for the great job done by the Admins!!! As an early TOTV adopter I have had the pleasure to watch the site grow in leaps and bounds. In the early days, Jan was the most prolific poster, tossing out thoughts and questions to get people to respond and interact. It took about 5 minutes to read a day's worth of postings. Now, holy moley, it's almost impossible to keep up.

Lots of good information, funny jokes, heartwarming stories, and great people. One of the neatest aspects is seeing the friendships develop and grow. For the wannabees who have come here to visit and buy, they get an instant network of friends. How cool is that?

Like TV itself, TOTV may not be perfect but it's darn close. Keep up the good work Jan, Tony, and Darrell. I have great faith in your fairness and editorial prowess.

That said, a travel forum would be fine; in looking at the list of forums, only a couple have little activity....barter and trade services and the singles forum. The singles forum flares up in life every once in awhile. The barter and trade could probably go...

Thanks again.

V07

[Rokinronda]

07, "an instant network of friends" SO TRUE! :) How I wish I had access to this forum when we made our move. I don't know how long this site has been here, but I have met more fantastic people in 3 months (6 days 22 hours and 46 minutes online here ::) OMG addicted isn't the word, I'm obsessed) than in my first 3+ years here. The instant network of information is vast!!! The forums, links, classifieds, posts and replies, including chatty talk are all statisticly drawing the attention of many new members. I vote FOR a travel forum. There is no rush because when I want info from great sources for our dream trip to Italy and England, I will ask my "instant network of friends" in just for fun! JAN, Tony, Darrel, OVER 4300 registered members!!!! Over half a million PAGE VIEWS per month! Could we be the largest residents club in the world??? Again, I personally thank you for a job very well done!! hhmmmm I think I'll check the restaurant forum!

[Lady Jan]

I

[784caroline]

Talk Host
It was I who recently suggested a "TRAVEL FORUM" but I only did so as a constructive suggestion that I thought would benefit the TV community. It was not intended and should not be taken in any offensive way to be critical of you or any of the managers of the board. You all do a great job but seriously, I am very surprised for I thought you would welcome such suggestions as to what do members want.

Regarding the personal gripes you constantly receive, you cannot stop people who always feel offended by a posting simply because it is opposite from their beliefs. They have a right to disagree just like the member who made the original posting assuming it is not blantantly offensive or so personal or cutty that it could be construed to be offensive . The Administrators have an obligation to act as traffic cop :cop: and redirect messages to the proper forums or delete offensive postings...if individual members do not agree with this they have they right to leave, but you have protected the integrity of the Fourm(s) and for that I say thank you !

The whole purpose of this board is to share ideas or what you believe and for that the Administrators should be complimented for how far they have brought "Talk of The VIllages".

[MikeH]

You have been placed in the same boat as the Morse family. No matter how hard you try or what you do someone will feel slighted, hurt, left out, ignored or angry. Some will not appreciate your efforts or accomplishments no matter what.

I, for one, and I'm sure the vast silent majority, do appreciate what you're doing and have attempted to do with "Talk of the Villages". Thank you! Do what you believe is the right thing to do and :edit: those who are always critical.

[Hancle704]

Don't change a thing. If someone wants to add something let them suggest and you should have the right to decide if it has readability. I see no restrictions on posting new topics. TOTV has proven to be interesting, informative, amusing, enlightening, sometimes annoying and often humorous. Even found a great Chiropractor for my wife as a result of reading a recent post.

TOTV fills in many of the voids in what had been available to me as a Villages resident. Keep it up, you guys are doing a fine job.

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

[Kitria]

I agree with all those saying that this is a great site for all the reasons they have given.
I also know that there are people in this world that are just not satisfied unless it is their way..and those people complain..errr.. suggest changes..

It is up to you as an administrator to see if those suggestions are a single..or very small minority of people..

Yes, you lose some..but that is their choice..don't feel bad about it.

As I say to people the Villages provide everything..even things to complain about if one so chooses. They that choose will find something to complain about no matter where they live. Now ..some complaints are legitimate and good create good change..others will be nitpick and perhaps end up making changes that are not so good for the majority..It is a fine line.

I still feel that the majority should rule..as our forefounders put forth originally.

Keep up the excellent work!

[swrinfla]

:agree: :agree: :agree: :agree: with previous posters.
I've been away for about ten days, so there's no way I'll catch up on the multitude of topics and offerings now here, but y'all should know how great TOTV is. All you need to do is join us at "lunch" at Crisper's on the third Friday. What other forum ever has such a good time?
I'll add my voice for a Travel forum - 'cause that's what I do a lot!
SWR

[graciegirl]

Jan, I really love this site and all of the forums. I am learning so much so that I can't wait until my sister and I come for a longer period of time and join in all of the fun. We are taking notes and try to visit this site as much as possible. Please don't let a few complainers get your "goat". This site has really helped me understand all of the great things that the Villages has to offer. You are doing a great job!! Thanks, JanetandCarol



:agree: :agree: :agree:

[graciegirl]

07, "an instant network of friends" SO TRUE! :) How I wish I had access to this forum when we made our move. I don't know how long this site has been here, but I have met more fantastic people in 3 months (6 days 22 hours and 46 minutes online here ::) OMG addicted isn't the word, I'm obsessed) than in my first 3+ years here. The instant network of information is vast!!! The forums, links, classifieds, posts and replies, including chatty talk are all statisticly drawing the attention of many new members. I vote FOR a travel forum. There is no rush because when I want info from great sources for our dream trip to Italy and England, I will ask my "instant network of friends" in just for fun! JAN, Tony, Darrel, OVER 4300 registered members!!!! Over half a million PAGE VIEWS per month! Could we be the largest residents club in the world??? Again, I personally thank you for a job very well done!! hhmmmm I think I'll check the restaurant forum!"


Ronda, Ain't it just the truth? :)
:agree: :agree: :agree:

[SteveFromNY]

I agree this is a very valuable site, with an amazing amount of information to offer all who are involved.
The admins are doing a great job, and I really appreciate their time and effort.

THANK YOU!!

[ouma1938]

I agree with everyone who has said that TOTV is a wonderful place to hang out and learn things about TV that we would never learn about anywhere else. And it gives those of us not there yet but "dancing as fast as they can" to get there a welcoming feeling of friendship that makes the wait a little easier to bear. Jan, you and the other administrators please keep doing what you do so well and those who don't like it and leave are missing out on a lot. Thank you all for everything you do. Long live TOTV!!!

[Jim007]

My hat is off (if I wore one) to TOTV Administrators. I know the job you are doing can be a very difficult and sometime a thankless job. One, I might add, you are not being paid to do.
I am not even a resident of TV yet, as I have not been able to sell my place up north. But, because of TOTV, I have been able to obtain some very important information about TV, which will allow me to make a better informed purchase here. I also find TOTV not only informative but also entertaining. Do I agree with everyone's opinion, all of the time? Of course not. That is one of the things that make a community blog so great. Isn't freedom to voice our opinion part of what the USA is all about. Keep up the good work, Talk Host and company> :#1:

[Frangyomory]

Love the site and constantly telling friends about it. Keep up the good work.

[784caroline]

Talk Host
I am still confused.....as previously stated TOTV is great and I try to participate and offer comments when I feel warranted. I dont think there is any disagreement there.

However based on your original post, do the Administrators encourage or should I say welcome suggestions or opinions of the members on ways to improve TOTV ? If you dont hear from the members the board will go stale without injecting new ideas. The fact that a travel fourm was suggested apparently caused you a problem.......why?

This was simply a suggestion not a demand or anything critical of the administrators yet you seemed to highlight that issue as "over the top" as another problem. Yes..I am confused!

[Taltarzac]

With the three new records set over the past 6 days or so, the Administrators must be doing something right on TOTV.

These are the records for most people online, most monthly page views, and most daily page views.

236 (May 03, 2008, 09:42:18 PM)-- Most people online record.

520425 -- Most monthly page views (April 2008).

26634 -- Most daily page views May 4, 2008.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/smf/index.php?action=stats

[Talk Host]

Talk Host
I am still confused.....as previously stated TOTV is great and I try to participate and offer comments when I feel warranted. I dont think there is any disagreement there.

However based on your original post, do the Administrators encourage or should I say welcome suggestions or opinions of the members on ways to improve TOTV ? If you dont hear from the members the board will go stale without injecting new ideas. The fact that a travel fourm was suggested apparently caused you a problem.......why?

This was simply a suggestion not a demand or anything critical of the administrators yet you seemed to highlight that issue as "over the top" as another problem. Yes..I am confused!


We always welcome suggestions. My confusion lies in the fact that one day we are critized for having too many forums, then the next day suggestions are made to add yet another. I personally believe a travel forum is a good idea. As I pointed out, I am a human being and I don't want to add a forum then be criticized for it. Just like being criticized for asking about this issue.

[chelsea24]

Jan, I am really really really confused by your confusion! LOL I'm with Caroline on this one. I agree that if a website doesn't continually grow it will fade. A Travel Forum makes sense for so many reasons.

Although we all love living in TV (Paradise) it appears that many many residents still love to and do travel all over the world. This would not be an overlapping Forum in any sense of the word. This would be a place where we could learn the better hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, safer areas, cheaper ways to go, medical attention, insurance, legal information, and the list goes on and on -- about another state or country. Also a good place to share stories about different places, cultures, money conversions. Group ventures can be put together like the TOTV cruise. Safety and health measures can be clarified.

This is a legitimate request for a well-rounded and much needed forum. When traveling, I always ask a lot of questions and have found that I have seen and done things I never would have known or heard about.

Again, with all due respect, I think you guys are doing an exemplary job, and yes you may get a few comments from people that never leave their house or don't like to travel, but hey guys you can't please everyone. There are certain Forums here that I'm just not interested in and I certainly wouldn't presume to write you and complain. I simply don't read them.

In the advertising world we used to strive for the "Big Idea". It is my opinion that a Travel Forum is a "Big Idea". It would help thousands and thousands of people. And I might point out, it wasn't MY idea, so I have no vested interest, other than I know how useful it would be to myself and others. With almost 5000 members (growing everyday) and countless others reading this wonderful site, I absolutely will not believe you can go wrong with a Travel Forum. At least give it a try. And as for the few that criticize you guys -- you've got to grow some tougher skin.

Please take this in the context with which is it written. I'm just giving my reasoning for adding a Travel Forum. Once again, as stated earlier, I think you guys are doing an outstanding job and thank you for all of your hard work. :#1:

[samhass]

Jan, Everyone can do it better than the owner. Makes you wonder why they aren't the owner, heh? Let the criticism roll right off you. Excellent suggestions should not be ignored but take the critics with a grain of salt.

[chelsea24]

bump

[Frangyomory]

You will NEVER make everyone happy. Do what you believe is best. For me, I love this site and tell everyone about it. Keep up the good work. :bigthumbsup:

[tbsoccer]

You may be really confused but you and the rest of the TOTVers have a fabulous job in clarifying so many issues for those of us trying to learn the nitty-gritty about the real TV lifestyle. You have opened our eyes and shown us that there are some things we need to aware of and put the Developer's message in perspective. Issues such as the hospital waits, long lines in the restaurants during the winter when the snow birds descend on TV, the growing list of things to do when you move to the TV, the rash of home burglaries last year, the New Years parties on the town squares and so many other important events that are not reported in the Daily Sun have been brought to light through your efforts. Information is power and you have empower all of us looking to buy in The Villages.

According your log, I have spent about 21 hours reading TOTV over the last 9 months (since our last visit to TV) and there is nothing that has changed my mind about wanting to take in this new lifestyle but I'm a lot smarter now than after our first visit, thanks to you.

[Sidney Lanier]

I don't understand your confusion either. ONE person says there are too many forums, and ONE other person says there aren't enough. So what? You're dealing with a membership of some 5,000, and even though all don't participate in the forums, when you deal with ANY kind of public, you're going to have different opinions. In a situation like this, you have to adopt a 'live and let live' attitude, and unless something is in incredibly poor taste or offensive in some way, you really need to leave the membership to its differing views and opinions expressed in postings. This site is an endless source of useful information, and anyone who doesn't like or agree with the postings of anyone else doesn't need to embrace them or even read them.

IMHO, what we as members of the forums need to do is encourage other Villagers who are not members and possibly not even aware that TOTV exists to view the site and consider membership themselves. I once posted in an earlier thread that if each of us actually living in TV encourages even one neighbor or friend to do this, this would help make TOTV a more representative organization in our community of 67,000!