Engaging Members

Hey @Oaktree 

I've read some of your posts and I think they're good. Particularly like how you tag people in your posts.

I don't think there's anything that you're NOT doing. It can take a while to gain momentum. Even when I'm responding to people I get minimal interactions (in the veteran space in particular), and responses can be much slower than other spaces in the Forums. I think this is because there are fewer people in the Shoulder-to-Shoulder spaces and the posts don't come up on the landing page.

Also, in my experience, the families / spouses of veterans tend to be more active.

Keep doing what you're doing, and collaborating with people like @Magpie22 so that it's not just you who is posting in that space. I'm always happy to collaborate too or support with some brainstorming, so just tag me if you want me ✌️

I think we just need to be persistant @Oaktree . It is something we are finding with Yarning Space and Vets' space because they are so new. Remember, the main forums have taken 11 years to get to where it is now. The start up is always slow.

I think if we keep going, we will break through - but it doesn't happen overnight. 

I wonder if we can think about threads where we invite the main forums over to ask questions about those who have been/or are in the defence force? You may have people who are interested in joining.

Then, hopefully, veterans can also answer some of those questions?

It takes time. I know it can be discouraging, but I think we just have to keep going. I couldn't thing of a better person to start these convos than you!

Thanks @0ddsidian @tyme 

I am not a very patient person. It just feels like I am talking to myself at the moment. 

@tyme @0ddsidian @AuntGlow 

Do you think I should spend some of my time over in the family space as well?

It's okay @Oaktree, I can feel that way at times when I post as well. It can take some time to build/maintain a conversation, but you're doing a wonderful job and you're a lovely writer! We meet the community where they are at and sometimes they don't have the space to engage as well, so that's something to remember. But I think this is likely due to the smaller amount of people in these spaces and definitely not a reflection of you. 💛

Thanks @AuntGlow 

I will just keep persevering

I do doubt myself sometimes

I wonder what more I can do?

Oh, I think we can all relate to that, can't we? @tyme @0ddsidian 

Maybe we can look at what you have already done well and let that breathe?

What if what you have already done is enough? @Oaktree 🥰

i think the other mods have said it perfectly @Oaktree with time and persistence, the engagement will build up. it is harder in a newer space.

sometimes i might tag someone who's 'supported' the post and invite them to discuss the topic  directly (big chance they won't answer and that's okay), or i might check-in on someone who's posted in the past and have a more general conversation to connect with them, get to know their interests, etc (sometimes they might not respond and that's not on you). these are just some extra stuff, there's absolutely no pressure to do this! i've looked through a couple your threads and you're doing a great job already, i hope you're proud of your hard work so far 💙

@rav3n 

Thanks for the tips 

I will try inviting people who have supported a post to post something 

I absolutely relate to that @Oaktree. I think my difficulty with patience is linked to my excitement and passion.

There was a period of time where it was mostly myself and @RiverSeal posting in the families space and I really wanted to see more. I wanted to post even more, to see if MAYBE another post would get the momentum going. But I think I realised two things:

1. The veteran and families community needed to see multiple people / voices posting in the space and that just having people associated with SANE make posts wasn't going to make it feel super authentic. So I've mostly taken to responding to other people's threads (This absolutely isn't me saying that you shouldn't post anything!)

2. Any posts I made had to be SUPER relevant to the challenges veterans and families are experiencing today. I spent so long talking to both my parents about what they are experiencing, what they think I could post about, and also reading things on social media and in various newsletters, making sure I was getting a really good and wide sense of what was happening for these groups (and I am IN this community already!)

I constantly get imposter syndrome and second-guess myself, so I think I understand a little of what you're going through. I've seen you post in the Shoulder-to-Shoulder spaces AND on the main forums and I think you do your best work when you're just being your natural, caring self.

Maybe instead of thinking about what "more" you can post right now you could work on brainstorming, planning and researching things that you might be able to post in the future (e.g. next week, next month etc). 😊