Art Lovers discussion

Poll basically dedicated to our less-active members. I just hope there is something I can do, or just want to know if there is a reason for your inactivity.

BUT It is totally fine if you do not wish to participate. I don't want to seem pushy. I'm just curious if there is something I can do for you

It´s the same on all the message threads, Heather. Some people just don´t want to get involved sorry to say.

Some just like being part of the group since they share the interest, but aren't interested in participating, a sort of passive show of support.

Luís wrote: "
I already vote. I hope that's useful.. "

That's great, Luis! And I appreciate your participation in the group, too!

Geoffrey and Aaron, I know you're both right. Sometimes I'm afraid that there is something I can do better and I want to know. But those who choose not to participate, that is TOTALLY fine with me! I don't want to force anyone!. And I was going to put the option of

Is there someone or some people in the group with whom you have disagreements or whose posts bother you?

I was thinking of our last member who is now not a member and hoping that because she is gone, some people would be more relieved. But I forgot to add that as an option.

Oh well, I'm glad some people voted and I'm consoled by the responses I got, too.

I admit, sometimes I feel inadequate as moderator because this is still new to me. Yes, I've had 7 years with this group and I'm learning the ropes still, but I always appreciate feedback.

Anyway, you're both right. I try to keep the polls to a minimum because I know some people don't want to be bothered.

And to any of those people who are reading this..I'm sorry!

And to those of you who are enjoying the group in silence, I welcome you and appreciate you anyway! And I hope you are enjoying the group!

Again, if there is anything you would like me to know but don't want to express it in public, please feel free to send me a message.

Heather, it is very sweet that you are trying to get more member involvement! I think that as a moderator, you are doing a fantastic and admirable job. Kudos and please keep on.

As to your question, I would like to share the below with you. Based on my observations of various Goodreads (GR) groups, the following are plausible reasons for non-participation:

1) Some members are no longer in GR: They might have joined the group many years ago, but are no longer using this website.

2) Some members only use GR to rate/review the books they read: Perhaps they joined the group because they have an interest in art, but only log in when they want to view/write reviews of a book.

3) Some members are just busy and only log in to GR very sporadically. Given the nature of discussions, it might be hard for such a user to catch up. He/she would have to theoretically read through all the "new" messages to get a sense of what is ongoing.

4) As Geoffrey and Aaron mentioned, there are people who just like being passive and want to be left passive! Imagine you are like the teacher of a class and are trying to get all students to participate! Some people might even be scared you want them to participate. Getting our voices into the internet can be in a sense "dangerous", of which criticism might be the slightest danger. I know of a couple of GR members who don't like commenting in groups in views of protecting their privacy.

Finally, I would like to make a suggestion, Heather. If you truly want active members. I have seen such a tactic being used in other groups: send a massive e-mail saying that you are cleaning up the members, and that you will only keep those members that have made at least a comment in the past 6 months or else will be deleted; with the request that if those people still want to be in the group, say something, e.g. their favorite color.

Ying Ying wrote: "Heather, it is very sweet that you are trying to get more member involvement! I think that as a moderator, you are doing a fantastic and admirable job. Kudos and please keep on.

As to your questio..."

Those are great reasons, Ying Ying. Most of which I would have never thought of.
I don't want to infringe on anyone and I really hope that my poll didn't offend anyone.
As to your last suggestion, I think it's good but honestly don't think I will apply that one. Even if for some of the reasons you mentioned. There will be people who never want to comment and I don't want to delete those people from the group or force them to comment at all maybe because they don't want to draw attention to themselves, they are trying to remain a bit anonymous or for other reasons we haven't thought of.

I am just going to leave the poll as is, thank those who have commented and those who have voted, and apologize to those who were bothered by the question in any way.

Thank you for your post Ying Ying!

You're welcome, Heather!

Heather wrote: "Poll basically dedicated to our less-active members. I just hope there is something I can do, or just want to know if there is a reason for your inactivity...."Heather, spare a thought for the lurkers....technophobes like me don't know how to post pictures in the first place.

You're absolutely right, Pete. And you've been with us for quite a while, I appreciate you! And I understand people just wanting to follow at their pace, own will, whatever. I remember YOU and say to all the others, I am just glad you're here!