"Personal Introductions" category ?

citizenschallenge

I enjoy visiting the Center For Inquiry forum and their first category is "Introductions."

Though CFI has dwindled to a few regulars from it's former glory days, it still has a sense of community because folks have crossed over into sharing bits of their personal lives so we've developed various personal connections, even if they are of the 'virtual' kind.  

I think their "Introduction" threads helps that along in that newbies share a bit of themselves, which opens up surprising connections with others.  

BaerbelW

Good idea, CC 

Threads in which participants can introduce themselves are often very popular in the MOOC forums as it gives the students an idea from where across the world everbody joined.

VictorVenema

Good idea; helps to understand where people come from. Make it obligatory? Otherwise it would be a bit embarrassing to presume that people are interested in the story of your life.

Sou

Great idea. I suggest using the Latte Bar forum. (IMO writing something about yourself is a generous act, not a  presumptuous one. It makes everyone feel welcome to get to know other people.)

Kand

VictorVenema said:

Good idea; helps to understand where people come from. Make it obligatory? 

My preference on that is not to make it obligatory. Instead, maybe just encourage folks to voluntarily introduce themselves, and then lead by example???

citizenschallenge

Sou, what are your longer term thoughts about going public with this?
I'm sure other's besides me would like to blog about this and help raise curiosity and visits. 
Please inform, coach, coordinate, so we're on the same page with you.
Perhaps, start a fresh thread outlining your ideas. 

Sou

Barring a major setback, it will be going public in the near future (short term). How it tracks in the longer term will be up to the public

(Are there any marketers or PR people in the house with a good roll out strategy?)