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 Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 11:40 pm
I had a spark of genius. I've been (attempting) to venture out more into regular Gaia-- it's awful. I really like the concept of the Life Issues forum, but it is the home to tabloid-esque "problems" and trolls. Normally I wouldn't think a flamer-troll-etc free Life Issues could work...
However, I think our 21+ guild has been a great place to discuss, give and receive genuine, mature advice.
So I want to throw two ideas out for everyone:
A. I might consider starting an Advice Guild with restrictions on who can enter (i.e. Approval first). If so I'd encourage everyone to join because I know so many people here have wonderful things to share and say.
B. Or we could keep it in the guild and make a thread or the like here...
Downside of B: I actually would consider this forum open to people under 21 since young adults often times need guidance and sound suggestions. Now if I could keep a good filter on who would be entering and what not even with a few younger Gaians (and I probably would have a minimum age requirement) I think it might work...
Thoughts?
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Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 12:38 am
It does sound like a good idea, however the only problem is that other individuals who are not the "bringers of advice" will still have the opportunity to say their two cents. That could lead to problems since the idea is to try to give the adult perspective on things in order to help out the greatest amount of people, and there are a lot of "younger" individuals who are more than happy to chime in their two cents thinking that they have life figured out at 14. I can't be mad at them; I was one of those kids too...
Also, is there going to be someone who oversees all responses before they go out to the concerned individual, and how many exec members of the guild will have the ability to respond?
I think you can pull it off, and I'd be more than happy to join, but there's a lot of things to think about when trying to help others with their problems.
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Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 11:38 am
I like the notion of keeping it in the guild only because I rarely venture out into the world of Gaia outside the guilds and it also seems less likely to get spammers, trolls, etc. here. I realize other people have problems, too but, if we're trying only offer "adult" advice shouldn't it stay here?
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Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 7:56 pm
I don't see why you can't have both. I mean if you just want the advice of an older gaian, just ask herem but if you want advice from somebody who is understanding but not necessarily older, you can ask there. It's not like it has to be either - or. That would be more work, but I would join or help out how I could, I think it would be a great idea. Not to mention their are some people under 21 who need a place to go where they can get some gooda advice, not just give it.
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Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 9:22 pm
Hank- Generally I was thinking more of it for us "old fogies" to provide some insight into youngsters. One of the big issues that you brought up is the "two cents" something even the best of us are prone to. I figured there were two ways to help combat this. I don't know all of the guild settings, but I know that some guilds you can only get in by invite (or maybe it's admin approval?) this would definitely not be an open Guild if I make it. Mostly it would involve keeping an eye out for posts by members on Gaia that are well written, friendly, and helpful. I've seen a few examples out in Gaia, though they are the exceptions and not the rule. Younger crowd I'm thinking maybe 16 yrs youngest. Too young of members in a guild with older members would raise parental concern.
The second way to help avoid the "two cents" is to make it clear that there is a BIG old sticky with rules of the forum. Now most forums have those stickies-- which always get ignored in the main of Gaia. In our Guild I don't think I've ever witnessed anyone doing something out of line. The guild/forum/thread would also come with a major disclaimer that it shouldn't be relied upon as some all knowing source, just a refuge to get moral support and friendly suggestions.
One thing we could do that Life Issues doesn't do is keep certain issues on a "refer out" basis. Certain things people shouldn't be going to a message board to, issues such as rape, death of a loved one, or crisis situations we could post up hotline numbers and links to resources of. It wouldn't be a matter of being "cold" more so the legal and ethical liability of encouraging individuals to seek professional help.
Mostly the issues wouldn't be overly big... more so like some we've seen in our Guild: "Job Advice..." "Car Problems..." "Weird Medical things..." This has often worked out pretty well. We're fortunate to have a variety of professionals in the guild smile
>Gah, I'm wordy!<
Bakura- I know what you mean. I suppose my main concern is outreach, which comes with pros and cons. And I suppose there are a few issues the youngins' could be helpful on. Teens are pretty in tune with teen problems. Also, for parents dealing with adolescent children maybe teenage members can help parents see their child's perspective? But like you said, lots of trolls and spammers...
Chibi- Very true. I guess my inspiration comes from the cringing I get every time I peak into Life Issues and see kids getting really bad advice!
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