chat, or not to chat
Seriously reconsidering allowing new associates, or potential associates into the chat. Like, ever. It would appear that facebook is missing a few trolls, but we know where they are. I was fairly active, and liked it, a lot of information shared, expertise displayed, and then it hit a wall. a big brick graffiti painted wall.
When i first got here, i recommended it, whole heartedly and loud and proud. Such a wealth of information exchange and ideas flying. Supportive, helpful, and professional.
I can't say that holds true now. Last time was a less than professional exchange for the several hours i scrolled though but didn't bother to exchange with - popped in again tonight. Yes, a few i found to be intelligent and exchanging, ideas, concepts - but not the majority. I actually ended up finding what would have been facebook blocked trolls yammering idiocy and uninformed chatter, not serving any purpose that could be considered good in any way, shape or form.
Let me ask you - if you had new clients checking out what is to be offered here what do you want them to see? Professional? Helpful? Constructive? I did, and I would.
What i saw tonight i would not want anyone serious about a business to see or be subjected to. Childish, self serving - probably punted from facebook trolls.
With this sort of mindless chatter do you really want your future to be hinged on letting uneducated children to be the introduction to what should be an amazing opportunity to them? Would you rather be taken seriously?
Is this a social club gone bad, or a business opportunity that should be regarded as such. Yes, I sound pissy about it - how many potentials did you just lose because the chat has become a bad child's playground?
your future, are you putting it in here or are you ok with chatternuts destroying your potenial?
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I think maybe the chat should have a moderator at all times. I get what you are saying, but it wouldn't be fair to the new people that are actually there to learn if they weren't allowed just cause they are new. There definitely should be a way to keep the trolls out though since they can make WA look bad.
Lori, I'm only ok with creating from the inside out. I understand your frustration. Time is energy, life energy, and if it's wasted, it starts to drain away from a person.. Such people then feel an emptiness within, and don't consciously realize what's happened. They become "sticky", looking for fast solutions and instant gratification.
If people didn't fall for this, scam businesses would all go broke......
Hi Lori. I have to wonder sometimes whether those who are in chat are there for the wrong reasons and do have their own agenda. The way the ranking system works here is that additional points are awarded if a member is seen to be 'helping' others via interaction in live chat. The system does not recognize that they are not giving advice, just that they are there 'helping'.
what ppl really forget is that the ranking system here isnt all that important, i mean it helps ppl know who can be the most aactive but there are plenty of very helpful members that don't have super ranks. but for some reason ppl aim to improve their ranks instead of improve their business
I compeletly agree, while not everything always has to be business business business it should always be a friendly exchange of ideas even if people do not agree with each other. Not to mention that lots of people can see chat and never participate and I know for a fact that a few people have scared off individuals. I think ppl forget that there are others watching and it is often the first impression people get when first signing up for their membership.
If I see a conversation that is inappropriate, name calling, trolling (ive seen quite a bit lol) I ask them to take it to pm's if they want to argue or just report them for spam because it is simply not what the chat function is used for.
Live chat is not just for Q&A, but I do agree with you overall. While I frequently use it for regular chats among members (usually to discuss ideas and progress), there has never once been a time where I haven't answered a question when one was asked in live chat. I have never once ignored anybody. If I know the answer, I will answer. If I do not, I direct them to the search functionality or prompt other users to answer instead.
I agree that some newer members are treating it just as a chat box, but I believe in balance and playing (forgive the expression) devils Advocate, so I feel it's important not just to focus on one side.
I know why you made this post(I saw the chat messages that angered you earlier with Kristin), and I think you aren't without good reason for making it, especially with the nature of the discussion that was occurring prior to you stepping in. There is definitely a problem lately, but it mostly comes from newer members not understanding the original purpose of live chat. Users (such as myself) who have been here for at least several months have a better grasp of its function, and the pay-it-forward nature of the WA community.
Additionally, one thing that frustrates people (myself included, occasionally, though I still answer) is that the same questions get asked over and over. New members often make absolutely no attempts to find the information for themselves. They do not bother using the search functionality. As somebody who constantly does my best to help people in live chat, surely you can see how irritating this could become? If someone can't be bothered to search for information themselves, this displays a lack of respect for other members when they expect instant answers in live chat. I understand this is a paid service, but that does not entitle people to a monopoly on how others choose to use their time. All members should make an attempt to find the information for themselves first. If they cannot, or do not understand existing explanations, it's perfectly reasonable to ask in live chat. Though, most of the questions that get asked could be answered by simply finishing the first training lesson.
Bottom line is that overall I agree with you, but live chat is not just for questions and answers. Nobody tries to "monopolize" the chat. People make friends here and live chat is the easiest and fastest way to speak to them without exchanging sensitive information. Again, playing devils advocate here, no hard feelings, and overall I do acknowledge the problem.
generally i find a lot of great information in chat - and even the long time ones find new info when they pivot their business or are just needing some brainstorming. its also a great way to put some humanity to the sites and gives us all assurances we aren't going through all of this alone. most of us have made some great friends there, and its generally a fun distraction. if we cant self monitor for professionalism then options maybe should be considered.
I JUST, 10 minutes ago had a new member send me an email asking for help and she mentioned that she go no help on chat!!
I advise new members to steer clear of chat altogether. It sounds drastic but I have not found anything useful on chat when I have asked questions. I agree with your observations. It is like a cheap, social stream now. It is the one part of WA I don't like at all.
I think it would be nice if someone that works for Kyle (not sure if WA has a staff) would always be on there for all the serious questions. Just so there is a moderator or someone to help keep it relevant, helpful and professional. Gosh your eyes are beautiful! I keep looking up and seeing these green eyes from some beautiful exotic sea. I think it's a fair gripe and I'd send a personal note to the upper ups to see if they have any suggestions. :)
Best-
Maria
I think it would be wise to have a moderator. Or even someone who looks over the chat transcript and follows up with members who are using it for their own personal talks. If they are reminded that the chat room is to help others, maybe they could pm others. There should be a way you can do a private chat with another member. I have sent pm's to other members to get help, but it would be nice if I could invite them to a private chat room. That would keep me motivated and asking questions if I didn't have to take my chance in chat where everyone ignores me.
The first time I went into the chat room was to ask a question, but unfortunately, there was no response. then I tried to glance through most of the chats, to my surprise they are personal issues not relevant to what we all are here for.
So, it is the high time our members know the purpose of it and use it accordingly. Thanks for your observation and for sharing, God bless you
I have only been here a couple weeks and I have been in chat a couple times. Most of the time I pm someone if I have a question because they aren't answered in chat. Most of the time my questions are ignored while a couple of members make attempts to monopolize the chat. In most cases it isn't helpful banter, so I leave. Most of the time I feel invisible.
which the opposite of what it should be don't you think? it was, when i started. shout out to chat was faster than lightening for answers and help - now so many personal agendas - seems counterproductive to me - makes me sad :(
It seems like there are two or three people in there that take over and they ignore everyone else. I asked a question tonight and no one even acknowledged me. I made a couple comments and figured they didn't care so I left. Enough for me not to bother with chat!!!
it is really such a shame, there are so many of us that would move mountains to help each other - all here, all willing, and too often not even able to get in a word - there has to be a better way. n one should ever feel like no one cares - so many of us do - but i think its why we don't go into chat :(
I had the same experience. My first questions were just ignored and then I got some answers to later questions but they were actually rude and bad advice!
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I don't spend much time on chat, having a preference for other problem solving platform features available to us (Search, asking questions). Have you asked K or C if they feel Chat is meeting their expectations?
I'm pretty sure your point about the negative impact chat could have on visitors considering the benefits of WA membership would get their attention.
good point, and should have been an obvious move for me i didn't see - thank you. i, at the very least, owe them the courtesy of knowing my concerns on it. thank you - that is an actual step towards solution i needed your eyes for me to see :)
I think if they decide to "Moderate" chat, or make some serious changes, they also need to add private chat rooms for members.
Additionally, why not have two live chats? One for q&a, and one for general chat. That would solve all of our problems. Lori, what do you think of this? It would be as simple as having two tabs when you open live chat. This accomplishes a few things.
-Allows members to have a place to chat about whatever they want
-Having a separate, dedicated Q&A/support chat also prevents anything from getting flooded out by nonsense
-Allows members to feel more comfortable asking questions, without fear of "Disrupting" any current conversations.
I guess I don't understand the need for chat if it's not focused on answering very specific questions asked in a courteous manner. Why not just use the WA blog for general social interaction in the community.
I vote for K&C staying more focused on state of the art platform upgrades and services that will increase the value of WA membership.
Why does anybody have casual conversation? To get to know one another, and pass the time. The more actual friends you have on ehre, the more successful you will likely be. I have many mentors on here who have helped me significantly with my online business - If I hadn't connected with them on Live Chat first, I would not be where I am.
WA blogs, all due respect to Kyle and Carson, are a horrible way to hold a casual conversation. For one, they only really seem to get seen by people within a given person's network - What about newbies who don't have large networks yet, but still want to be apart of the conversation? The blog platform is just not built for chatting, it's built for commenting and replying to comments.
I absolutely agree with you that the founders should focus on improving the site over adding miscellaneous features like this - But, since so many of you seem to be in favor of going back and making changes to the chat system anyway, I don't see how my suggestion is any different than yours. Add a second chat tab (Or simply a better, instant, private messaging system, with group chat capabilities), and you make everybody happy.