A zero waste forum? I want your opinion!
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Morning all, I have a quick question for you and I’d appreciate you taking a moment to answer.
Some of our readers have asked for a zero waste forum and I’m wondering how much interest there might be in running one.
I’ve been spending some time thinking about the pros and cons and so far I’ve come up with the ‘cons’ might be that there will be less discussion throughout the site on individual articles. This is no big deal really. The biggest ‘con’ is for me personally with time management!
The ‘pros’ include that we could talk about the wider ranging topics of eco friendly and frugal living. The forum would focus primarily on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, composting and repair etc, but these lifestyle choices naturally lend themselves to other areas.
It seems apparent that many of you embrace a ‘green’ lifestyle, ranging from light green to dark green and this might be an opportunity for us to discuss topics such as water conservation, fairtrade, organic etc. I’m also aware that many of you are frugalistas and there would be the chance to share money-saving tips etc.
The other thing I was considering was a membership site and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Would you like a private members area? If so, what would you like to see happening in there? What would you expect from me? What features do you think are missing from our zero waste site that could be incorporated in a membership area?
Maybe you think everything is hunky dory as it is, you don’t have time to take part in other areas of the site and there are already some great ‘green’ forums on the net, so why reinvent the wheel.
Please share your thoughts by taking part in the polls below and leaving any additional comments. And if you’d like to get involved in any way, perhaps by moderating a forum, then let me know! I’ll be needing a band of merry men and women to help 🙂
I’m afraid taking part in the survey will result in you being taken to another site for the option of leaving your name – something to do with using a freebie, so please navigate back by clicking your browser ‘back’ button a couple of time to take the next poll!
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Two great ideas for a new direction in the trend, Mrs Green, with ‘ Yes, Definitely’ replies the Zero Waste enthusiast response, at least in my case.
I think your doing a smashing job the way things are now. I will say that I am against a ” private members only” area. I have seen that happen on other websites, and you lose a lot of people that way. I thought your site was a way to encourage others to be more green and to follow greener life style choices. Your site shows how you do it and how others can do it to. Very uplifting and encouraging. When you want to encourage others to participate, and follow your lead to do better, you don’t shut them out with an “exclusive” club membership. How is that going to encourage others to participate and make better choices?
Just my opinion of course, and thank you for letting me say it.
@John Costigane: Thanks John!
@Kathy: Thank you kathy for sharing your thoughts about a members area. I take on board what you are saying and hear the idea that having such an area might not help others to make better choices 🙂
@Mrs Green:
Hi! I think this would be a lot of work for you. I would support you, but I do think this would be very hard work for you. Best wishes, Annabelle.
I’m only a recent follower, and this comment should be given less weight than long-time followers. But for what it’s worth, I am in agreement with Kathy about no membership area, and that you are doing a great job “as is”. Also in agreement with Annabelle about the extra work for you. And, finally, I find myself strapped for time as it is, without another interesting site beckoning!
I also agree with Kathy. It would be an extra hurdle for many who drift around the web popping in here and there.. And as has also been said, another burden for yourselves. In a nutshell, No imo! 🙂
Personally I really like forums and find them more user friendly than blogs. The search functions and the more structured set up means it’s usually easier to find your way around. As you say, you can encourage numerous, less topic focused discussions, with the potential for many more people to join in, get involved and share information. The down-side can mean you sometimes get spam-bots and/or muppets too.
@Annabelle: Thanks Annabelle, good to hear of your support and concern – you’re right, it would be more work!
@Jo: Thanks Jo, your comments are just as valid as anyone elses, so thanks for voicing them,
@Poppy: Point taken Mrs Poppy 😀
@Tracey: Thanks Tracey; I find forums easier to navigate too which was one of my reasons for considering it. Obviously I can find my way around this site blindfolded but I’m aware that isn’t true for all people.
Hi Mrs Green,
Change can be uncomfortable for some, so careful planning and discussion would be necessary. I like the idea of a membership, with possibly a smaller committee of the more experienced. Membership fees can also be a consideration to finance projects, expenses etc. Other people’s ideas could add more since there are many aspect to Zero Waste eg, personal/family goals, good businesses promotion, campaigns (like Junk Mail and Return To Sender), Grow Your Own and other more cooperative efforts. Things might be slow at first but our Zero Waste trend has risen markedly over the 3 years or so since Karen started the ball rolling.
@John Costigane: thanks John; there would be a lot to think about and a lot of planning; this won’t be an overnight thing! I’m still deciding whether I have time to commit to it 😉
@Mrs Green: No doubt, it is a great deal for one person to organise. Other enthusiasts would also need to spend more time moderating comments. I certainly would be willing to be part of that team. Other regulars may be similarly inclined.