How can we find out (really find out) what everyone thinks?

I'm not sure how we work out what the whole general feel about it is, it seems to be the same core group of people posting their opinions on all the threads, I know there are more BTers than that, but without a proper poll, how do we actually know what everyone REALLY thinks?  There seemed to be surprise that the overwhelming majority of people liked the badge idea - I think this is because lots of BTers aren't posting about how they really feel on other threads, but are happy to click on an anonymous poll - maybe not confident to do so, or maybe they don't really have a strong opinion and aren't hugely bothered about the potential changes.  Whatever it is, I feel like we are currently doing a fab job at prematurely pressing our own self destruct button as some of us are getting fired up, others just want to move on, and some are happy to just go with the flow.

I guess I'm almost in the 'not bothered' camp, so don't have strong feelings about the new site or the move, I'm happy to go with the flow.  I don't have the time or inclination. I'd love to be able to join in more with the posts today, but can't, as I have to return my poorly, gone down-hill again daughter to hospital, something that I know is contributing to my don't care attitude of what is happening here as it's sooooo not important compared to real life.

I don't like the change but have accepted that it will happen BUT we have some power to make those changes suit us Hitchers. I'm not planning to run off to another forum or set up my own in protest. I want to see what this new model looks like and be able to give my views/thoughts to the panel that will be chosen to represent us. I think to begin with, Hitched poorly managed the handling of the new site, trying to make it all very exciting for us without really listening to us. It seems that yesterday they may have got the message that people are not very happy and they (Sarah) seems to be trying to work though it with us. 

It's not the most dramatic thing going on in my life right now Catarina, but it's clearly upsetting a lot of people on here and that's sad to see. I hope people stick around on Hitched to at least see how the new site goes and I hope everyone speaks up about what they do and do not want to see on the new site before making a decision to leave. It's caused some really heated 'debates' on here over the last few days and I hate seeing people getting so worked up about it. 

If its agreed that a poll to determine the biggest issues is a good idea I'll happily set something up on survey monkey to get the ball rolling. That way people can state anonymously what they think. Any suggestions of what we need to know over and above general views on a new site in principle, view on the name, thoughts on an alternative etc

For me, I like hitched, it was different from the rest, it was no netmums or bounty I came here and like the atmosphere of the place, there were hardly any tickers, hardly any awww huns, Obviously I can't stop people having tickers etc but it's what attracted me to hitched in the first place, good sound advice from well spoken, well articulated people. (nothing like me then!) it wasn't twee or fluffy and the sense of humour on here was fantastic.

I am not saying no one can be fluffy or be supportive but I didn't like the forums where people agreed with each other for the sake of it. this was different.

As the older members have left and new ones come in this place is changing. It's no where near as bad as bounty but it's still changing nonetheless. Now I know things change and I can't expect them to stay the same but I think the people who made this forum what it is are now so diluted, the way hitched is, is changing.

again obviously I don't own this forum and obviously everything I say matters not a jot.

I suppose thaats why I am against some of the changes, this place was different and now it feels like it's just turning into another generic baby forum.

I don't really like arguing on a board and am happy for the most that people get on

But as ever Catarina, you are right, there is more to life than forums and disputes over names changes. I really hope your daughter is ok and recovers quickly. You know where I am if you need to chat or offload.

 

I found the badge poll thing very interesting. I didn't comment on a founder badge and haven't voted in the poll, as I'm not fussed either way, I don't think it matters.

I have spoken about the name, purely because it is awful. If they don't want to change it that's fine, and not my reason for why I may not move over. My reasons for that are very personal. I'm struggling being here whilst things aren't going well for me, but I still come because it is 2 clicks from OT (where I spend most of my hitched time). 

I also don't really like the way things have been done, but it's done and can't be altered so it's best to look at how they act from now.

 

sorry, ive been silent but not intentionally. too many cookies on my phone meant i couldnt get in.

i will take part in any polls, anonymous or not. ive not read even a small amount of the posts yet but il get reading.

i do think thhough that hitched is a business, if we dont follow to mumdrum #ffs# then they will suceed with new members. if a new site is being set up and so much going into in then they are hopeing to attract more than us hundred or so! 

i personally am here for the people that are here. if everyone goes seperate ways i would dissapear. i want somewhere 'we as we are' can be happy as a group and with new influx too. i wont follow to a site i dont agree with though where we will be used to begin numbers for something bigger, where are feelings go unheard. i have no idea if this is the case yet so im off to read.

For me, the main thing is keeping our community together - and that means trying our best to make sure that the new site is one everyone is happy with. We need (in my opinion) to make sure that the name and style of the site is inclusive, not pushing out anyone who isn't yet a mum or is having difficulties, and try to keep the Hitched feeling where there is good advice offered which acknowledges guidelines and research and avoids the 'your baby, your way hun' thing which I don't think is that common on here and makes a discussion forum pointless. Would happily complete a survey, anonymous or not, if people feel that's the way to best gather opinion.

Pretty much what Sm said I liked here because it was different to the other forums but I worry that the move will mean its going the same way as the others as the tools etc look like bounty/netmums etc.

There's nothing for me to comment on until the forum has been up and running for at least a month.

Meant to say Catarina I hope S is ok

For me this is the only forum I post on (well occasionally DW) but this is where my heart lies and I would be really sad if we all went our separate ways. 

I agree with everything that sm and Margot have said and I will also take part in any polls or surveys annonymous or not.

I really hope we can get some of the things resolved soon.

Catarina I hope your daughter gets better soon xx

sineadw:

i wont follow to a site i dont agree with though where we will be used to begin numbers for something bigger,

This is what I feel has happened so far. Ok so Sarah has been doing a good job at getting back to us and the offer of allowing us to set up a panel to have some input is great - if they actually listen.

Although I'm not a fan of the name I don't feel strongly enough about it to let that stop me moving across for that reason alone. If we were to move over to a new site (which from the small preview we had looks a lot more appealing and easier to use) with the majority of the posters we have now and the atmosphere was to remain the same then that would be perfect. But... it's clear that the intention is to expand the BT side of the forum so we are undoubtedly going to gain lots of new members if it is successful. What I don't want, and won't be a part of, is if Hitched/Mumdrum/whatever-they-decide-to-call-it turns into one of the many other baby forums where shoddy advice is given and everything is all fluff and 'yeah hun, your baby... your way' blah blah blah. We could join any old forum for that. I know that new posters are needed and it's great when new people join (I am pretty much a newbie myself!) but I worry that with a sudden influx of lots of new posters then the current Hitched way may get lost amongst all of the fluff and nonsense... just take a look at WP!

It's a relatively small community here compared to some of the other baby sites and I think that is key to keeping the brilliant atmosphere that we have. At the moment I know that if I asked a question I would receieve honest, constructive and useful advice, whether it was necessarily what I wanted to hear or not. I can't say the same for other forums (the issue a few months ago on another forum re. SIDS guidelines I think it was is proof of this) and it would be a great shame if BT lost this.

So that is what I am concerned about: how the planned growth and expansion of the new BT site will inevitably change the heart of the forum as we know it. It's hardly the end of the world, but I think it will be a shame if it happens. I guess only time will tell though and I don't see the point in getting worked up over things that haven't been implemented or even decided yet as far as we know. I believe that some of the people who have put themselves up for the panel so far will do an excellent job of voicing our opinions and letting Darren et al know exactly what the most important aspects of BT are (something they seem to have had no clue about up to now). They've offered us an olive branch and it would be silly to waste the opportunity to have some input into the new site.

Wow, that was quite an epic post. Sorry!

I haven't got militant bone in my body. Can't say the word 'Hitched' attracted me, but godammit I love the word Hitchers!
I'm probably far too easy going but I've been through a of ton a *** in my life and I want us to stay together.
So, I'm happy to vote, do a survey, whatever.

I'd be happy to fill in a survey. I've not commented on any of the threads as I don't really have a concrete opinion yet! I think the name is terrible, which seems to be the general consensus, and the most important thing to me personally, like others have said, is that the community stays together. x