stickies for new owners?

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lulu!

lulu!

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I'm not sure if this has been brought up before, but reading the new posts every few days I keep noticing that a lot of people who are new to the forum are posting the same kind of questions in regards to their pigs, eg. behaviour or ~basic~ health problems.
I really don't want to sound nasty, because I remember being new to pig care and I know it's nice to have reassurance, but I for one find it difficult to keep posting the same advice over again, especially when it's things that are not only repeated so much, but are also all over the web- not just on guinea specific sites, but yahoo answers etc.
I was just wondering what people think about a first time owner sticky, similar to the boar behaviour sticky (although this is an example of one topic that people don't seem to notice before posting?) Like, maybe the sticky could direct to the boar behaviour one?
Idk, maybe it's pointless, but I keep seeing threads with titles that look quite urgent, so I click on them thinking that I want to help and I'm sort of like "....oh. Wasn't that posted like a week ago?" Or maybe I have the wrong attitude, lol. :))
 
I know what you mean. I've been on forums for 5 years and have been through the posting the same advice over and over, it's wearing after a while - not that any newbie should be worrying about posting a question for fear it's already been answered elsewhere, but for the oldies on the board it helps to be able to provide a link giving the info the OP needs along with the offer of more advice if the link doesn't answer everything.

The Care Reference Section contains a lot of useful threads, I often point people there:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=8

There is a lot to be desired in that section though as a real hub of information, so perhaps certain useful stickies or a thread full of links to important stickies could be included?

Topics that come to mind that could be raised (either written up as a standalone thread, or as a thread that holds a collection of links) include a summary of dry foods, summary/mini-reviews of hay types, basic bedding info, info on C&C cages, tips on finding a good vet, behaviour explanations - with videos and audio where possible.

The only thing I don't feel would be great (or allowed!) is a medical treatment advice thread. Simply because each poorly pig has specific needs, and (with a few exceptions) directing people to a thread isn't in the best interests of the pig, the pig needs advice tailored to their specific problems.
 
Like most regulars, I do feel the same; especially when you get exactly the same question three time within as many days...

We have a motley collection of threads to answer often asked questions in the - sadly very unattractively named - reference section. That is where a lot of my links refer to! If you can think of something to add, please feel free (you have to run it past the mods, though!); the more we do not have to invent from scratch every single time, the better!

Like Laura, I do feel similar about the health section. However, it might not hurt actually posting the stickies about early signs of illness and a first aid kit from the reference section again in the illness section, as they will be read more that way.
I'd rather have people coming on with their problem than making a (wrong) diagnosis themselves.
 
Well I guess I'm classed as one of the newbie's because I don't post every single time I see something or even when it's funny as I'd rather make a contribution.

Being new to forums also, it takes a little getting used to about how to navigate your way successfully and quickly - so it's personally a double wammy for me.

Naturally I can only speak for myself, and whilst when I first read this post, I was a little annoyed as to what was being inferred and took it personally. However I can actually understand what is being said here and tend to agree/sympathise a little with the more experienced GP owners. So not wanting to waffle, yes I think a "big stickie" on general and hot topic or regular issues would be useful. I think even more useful would be that when someone registers with the forum, a "handy hints" document could be emailed to them. I don't know whether its possible but it's an idea and still being a newbie I think I would have been grateful for it.

I don't know if I've really made my point here or not but I will personally try and search first before posting (not that I've posted here loads anyway).

Thanks for reading. No replies required.
 
thanks for the feedback guys :) i really didn't want to sound like a meanie because it's hard being new, but i do find it very wearing. and in a way it makes the forum kind of... boring? because half the threads seem to be the same thing.
in regards to the health issue, i definately don't think a thread suggesting what people's pigs could have would be suitable. i don't personally agree with the extent that possible diagnosis are issued as it is- imo you can only tell what is wrong with a pig by seeing it for yourself. i meant more in terms of what guinealynx has, ie. what is and isn't normal, and what signs could be causes for concern. however this should be included with a warning that of course you can't take the internet word for word when it comes to your own pets health. i would hope that newcomers have the initiative to know themselves when something is wrong with their pet- if they're new to pigs, then they could read the thread and if they're concerned take the pig to a vet.

but yes i hope it can be looked into to directing newcomers to stickies that can help them :)
 
Ok so I'm not new anymore, but I was at one point and although there are good documents but when you have pigs lunging at each other the "Oooo" I better search first before posting approach doesn't come into it especially when you've never had pigs before.

Generally when people post they are here because they have a problem and maybe a bit anxious, as they need a quick answer, so being directed towards a sticky isn't always what people want. They want someone who has been there not a basic sticky. Every situation is different and can be very stressful for a first time owner.

I would much rather new members got involved in the forum as thats what it's for rather than be terrified to post because someone has posted before. I do tend to do a quick search but I do find the search quite hard to use, I get loads of threads I don't want and I'm not new, so I can only think what it is like for a newbie.

Thought this maybe worth pointing out.
 
I think in times where your guinea pigs are causing you worry, it's quicker to type the problem into the search here or in yahoo answers than to write out a whole post and wait for answers.

I know what you mean and the point wasn't to stop people getting involved with the forum, more just to give other members a chance to answer a more varied range of problems, and possibly get out there some good points for all new owners to read in general.
 
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lulu! said:
Well, personally I thought that knowing about basic behaviour- and fighting is- is something you'd research before getting a pig?
And I'm sure that typing in "my guinea pigs fight" to yahoo answers/the search here is quicker than writing a whole post and then waiting for answers?

Not being rude, I'm just saying :)
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Yes I agree, but reading is nothing like experiencing and quite often or not dominance is one of the main questions which gets asked about(maybe not the best example in my first reply). I personally found it very stressful when I first got my pigs and I did post frequently even though I'd researched first. It can be quite stressful and it is good to speak to people who know about pigs.

Why not just preview posts before going into them the first few lines come up, gives you the general idea as to what the thread is about. If it is something you have seen before and can't be bothered just move on to the next one. I think spending my time finding and posting links to stickys would be alot more annoying, but I do think the whole point of a forum is asking questions and yes we can search but you get lots of threads you don't want.
 
lulu! said:
I think in times where your guinea pigs are causing you worry, it's quicker to type the problem into the search here or in yahoo answers than to write out a whole post and wait for answers.

I know what you mean and the point wasn't to stop people getting involved with the forum, more just to give other members a chance to answer a more varied range of problems, and possibly get out there some good points for all new owners to read in general.
Click to expand...

Looks like you amended your post and I posted at the same time. I do know what you mean, but generally as I have stated if people come across the guinea pig forum I generally think they are here looking for advice so ask questions, which is what the forums about.

Say for example someone comes on posts about (ie my guinea pig is making a noise say chattering), if someone was to turn round and post a link to me and say have a read at that. I may read it but I would probably think twice about posting again, because everyone is just going to post me another link and I would feel silly. It's only once you use the forum regularly that you start finding the different Stickies the forum is quite hard to get used to if you haven't been here before.
 
Yes, sorry. I thought my first post looked a little arguementative >.<

Maybe we should just see what other people think, although I'm guessing that this idea will be in a minority. If people directed newcomers in a friendly manner to stickies I don't think it would be so bad, I'm a member of other forums which manage to do so and don't stop people from posting again.

I'd also just like to add that this was just a general idea and I didn't necessarily mean sticky absolutely everything ;) I just thought maybe a sticky with info such as advice for getting a new pig, recommended foods, general signs of illness (I would go with what guinealynx has) could be useful and put people's minds at ease more quickly than panicking, making a post and then waiting around worrying for however long it takes for a reply.

But, yeah, I can't really see this going anywhere :) lol.
 
JoanneG111 said:
but I do find the search quite hard to use, I get loads of threads I don't want and I'm not new, so I can only think what it is like for a newbie
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I agree completely - The search can be a nightmare on here I find. I would much prefer if posts from the game room weren't included in searches. They (generally) swamp the search function.

I have to agree with Joanne, if I have a problem, I would rather post and get a response to my specific problem rather than a general response. I do google things, but I also like to post to get other peoples thoughts. I'm still relatively new to piggies (almost a year since my first pair) and still have a lot of questions.

There are stickys already which a lot of people haven't read so always get linked back to. If I can offer my opinion or advice on something that someone has posted about, I will, because I like to try to help them like so many members have already helped me on here.
 
I think a combination of directing some posters to stickies and personal replies is important, but in cases where someone needs an urgent answer, they'll get a much quicker reply if someone posts a link to where the answer may already be explained comprehensively, and if they wish to take the matter further beyond the sticky then at least those who reply know that the basics have been covered.

It needs to be a balance, not a total switch, not that that was suggested. :)
 
I would have liked a "Welcome to the world of guinea pigs"-page when I first found this forum... Useful stickies are in so many places, but maybe they have to be? I mean, the shopping list is on food which is logical but the companion one by teadragon is on welfare instead of behaviour (where I always look for it)...

Oh, and we should totally do a sticky on fleece... I don't think there is one?
 
From a Newbie's point of view:

I have only just joined and I did not think that there was a search function as most sites have a search box and I was looking for this not a drop down menu. Had I been able to find what I wanted from the search, I would probably have read it and gone away. I would not have joined as I would not have needed to. I joined to ask my question.

I also think that a Newbie's first question is their first interaction with the other members on the site and the kind responses I recieved left me with a good impression of the site and I have come back. I have now made more posts on this site than any other website. (not a record at only 10).

I guess it is a choice of where you want to be on the continuum between being an efficient provider of information and being a friendly welcoming site. I can also appreciate that it can be tedious answering the same question over and over again. I can also appreciate that new people want to reach out with some kind of communication and a question will be most people's way of doing that.
 
I think the last few responses are just about right. There is room for linking and stickies, but the thing I like about the forum is the personalisation. It's good to know if you have news to share, questions to ask and just feel like a chat there is always someone there with you to help and natter. The person who said about a newbie getting a link as a response would not get a feel of how friendly the forum is, and maybe go away. Where advice is sought, there is nothing wrong with giving an answer provided you are competent to do so, or just responding with support, then attaching a link for further information. Like others though, if I posted a question, and got a link for a reply, I would think it very impersonal even if it was a good link. x
 
I think there's room for a bit of both.

Stickies are really useful for both new people and those of us that have been around for a while and want to give a bit of help. Sometimes when the forum is quiet and I like to reply (even when I don't know the answer to a question) just so people don't think they're alone or being ignored. It may be (particularly in the case of health issues) that all I can say is to hang on and wait for someone more experienced. But often I can point to a sticky or another recent thread. I try and balance posting a link with another comment that's more personal- welcoming the poster to the forum, saying how useful I found the sticky when I was new, or adding something from my own experience. I often ask the poster to let us know how they get on.

The stickies that I most often refer to are the ones on bathing, toys, boar behaviour and introducing pigs. :)
 
As a complete newbie I too find the search a bit temperemental.

There could be a basic Q&A such as links to c&c making link, what foods they can and cant eat, how often do you clean the cage out, grooming, handling, etc.
Just a basic one stop that could be right up on the main home page that someone could see as soon as they log in.

It may not stop people asking questions but I must say that I have had a lovely warm welcome and people answering my 'daft' questions as a complete novice.
Us newbies want to get it right and by asking a few silly questions it could stop us making a silly mistake or stop us wasting time with trial and error when someone has already learnt from a certain mistake.

Thats what a forum is all about and I am member of quite a few :))
 
As a newbie myself, I agree with Flintstones. I always look online when I spot a problem, but sometimes online advice seems to contradict eachother-for instance, there was recently a post about milky urine here. I'd previously worried about this, and looked online. One article suggested my pigs were on their way to having renal stones, while another said it was perfectly normal. I ended up e-mailing the breeder who I got my boys from, and asked her why it happens, if it was a sign of renal stones or a UTI etc etc. She was very helpful, and made it quite clear when I picked the boys up that if I have any problems, she will always help if she can. I was really appreciative of this advice, and it set my mind at ease.

While reading online can be useful, it can actually serve to make readers more anxious-with different articles contradicting eachother, or the article not answering your individual query fully. There is also no substitute for human reassurance and I totally agree that people often post here because they are anxious and need to know that people are there to support them.

I completely understand and can see that answering the same questions can be tiresome, but perhaps there is some way that the newbies and experienced owners meet in the middle here? The e-mail on registration is a good idea, but I do feel it would be briefly read, and then discarded (then needed afterwards!). Stickies/FAQs are a really good idea, as the newbie can read the sticky, and then ask any additional questions they have, that have not been answered.

It's clear that everyone here loves animals-we are here because we want the best for our pets, and that can only be achieved with good advice. But I also realise that the experienced owners feel obliged to reply to the same questions over and over again, and I can only sympathise...as I say, I just hope something can be worked out so that both types of members are not left bored or anxious.
 
I know that there are stickies for 'how to' bath, look after, feed, illnesses etc but I was wondering if, and shoot me down if this is a silly idea, there could be one post that has the links to them all, sort of a one stop shop so that someone can briefly look down the list and then click the one they need.
I realise that they could probably do this through the home page but for novice computer humans this might be easier if they cant find what they are looking for.

So the choosing your piggy (as well as the link for guineapig rehome)
Getting your piggy home
Feeding
Bathing

and so on, you get the picture can all be linked into one post directing you to the right thread?

Could be named Answers to all your piggy queries and the experienced could point them there and still say if your question is still not answered then come back to us?
 
Hi, I can see the picture from both the view of one of the many highly experienced people on this forum and of the newbie to the site.

I first started coming onto this forum about a year ago and found it a godsend when i had many many questions, concerns and worries regarding my girls.

A year on, I do still ask questions (many of which have probably been posted before) but to be honest, its only out of reassurance rather than not knowing the answers. I already feel that i know the answers to the questions that I'm asking but sometimes need someone to say "yes, thats right" to me (lol).

Answers to all my questions are on here somewhere but its being able to search them and find them that takes the time especially when your desperate for an answer.

I think that maybe a sticky for first time owners would be a great idea to assist newbies in getting through the basics with their new piggies ie: food (type/amount), bedding, basic illness symptoms, noises, housing requirements, weight of piggies, bonding.

A sticky with those areas covered is covering the "everyday life of a guinea pig" so to speak. Any other questions would, I guess, would be more specific to each piggy/owner and could then be asked.

Is there anyway that the search option could be tweaked at all? I sometimes find it brings up posts/threads that are not relevant to what has been searched.

Hope that helps from the point of view of someone who is reasonably new on here - and apologies for all the stupid, repetetive questions i may have asked you all in the past.

Claire x
 
Pammy - that is just the idea I posed to the mods. I asked them to clean up a load of stickies and also put that idea to them. I do think one main link, maybe sent on registration to the forum, which links to all the stickies, would be a great way to do things.
 
Pammy - that is just the idea I posed to the mods. I asked them to clean up a load of stickies and also put that idea to them. I do think one main link, maybe sent on registration to the forum, which links to all the stickies, would be a great way to do things.
 
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