Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

The Maemo Greeters Pilot has been going for a while, so it's time to solicit feedback.

This is a simple unscientific poll but it would also be helpful if respondents could add their opinions to the thread, such as:

- Was the Pilot announced and presented properly? What could have been done better?

- Was the engagement facilitated effectively? What could have been done better?

- Should the Pilot have taken a different approach? What?

- Other

Feel free to be perfectly honest and objective in your responses.

I am planning to wrap up the Pilot phase this weekend and go through the material for possible refinement, then formalize the program.

Thanks!

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Maybe a code of conduct should be required for Maemo Greeters. I say "maybe" because some people could get offended just by innocent humor...

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

I didn't hear about it... that's my only feedback.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

I would agree. There are certainly people that are greeters that does not conduct themself in a very inviting way.

The one that comes across my mind actually wrote that he was 'pissed off' about a person's (nooo..not mine...) opening thread even though, to most people it was neither an inflamatory or negative post at all. If he misunderstood or not doesn't really matter - it was how he phrased himself.
The same individual has also demonstrated the same rather poor attitude to other people.

No names or anything - and, I actually don't 'blame' him at all - we all get emotional and wrapped up in things we care about (me, I'm a great example of that) so to have regular forum members tagged as 'greeters' at the same time as they participate on an even ground I think is doomed to in the end fail.

I also don't really see the need or value in the Greeter program.
I would think most people here are 18 years+ and capable of reading an FAQ page and jump in.

It's a nice community initiative I think in that it's an initiative but it feels like something that, for me, is rather value-challenged.

Just my highly subjective thoughts - since you asked.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Can you suggest anything that might have helped the visibility?

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

OK, I joined now. I like the idea.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Maybe add a note to the suggested signature that says, "Find out about the Greeters Program"

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

That's an excellent suggestion, and it brings up a shortcoming of sorts: this is strictly voluntary, and I'm reluctant to introduce any heavy-handedness into it. I'm hopeful that an occasional admonition will suffice.

I realize it will be natural to hold Greeters to a higher standard than casual posters, but I don't want to see a separate sort of moderation applied. I guess we'll wait and see how this works. It's entirely possible it may not... but I do see value in trying, since many people had asked for some sort of solution to a certain amount of confusion. I'm very pleased with the results so far!

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

I think some have something along those lines already, and it's certainly useful information.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Cool signature.

I want to steal it and add to it:
integrity/ego = personal success ratio

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Actually the request was for objectivity... but the honesty is appreciated, anyway.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Per definition, ones thoughts on most things are highly subjective - even though,as I tried as well, one can try to keep an objective view on things.
I'm not aginst the program - I am just struggling to, in my subjectively objective ways, see how it could work. Good luck regardless.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

It began working when the first volunteers edited signatures and went out into the wild... no luck required.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

I wo

l would argue that just because someone puts something in their signaure is not an evidence of a concept 'working'. Maybe even this poll is a reflection of that...

Anyway, to be somewhat constructive, even though that last post didn't exactly entice that as it's 'working' and '...no luck required':

Instead of just having people decide that they want to be a greeter why not place some more rule-sets around it. A rules of conduct was brought up.

Every six months, or when there's a need, go out and ask for volunteers.
Create a poll where people can vote on the candidates.
Open-source, open community. People can look up posts-thanks ratio, posting history, etc before they cast their vote.

Make the Greeter Post a sticky in the Community forum.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Silvermountain I think you may be simply overlooking the innate value of helpful links being dispersed throughout the forum. That was the simple premise here... the Greeter signatures are like a viral help desk-- spreading, multiplying and easily identified as useful resources for anyone who encounters them.

But that's already well explained in the original thread. I do appreciate any and all feedback and will return the focus to that.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

What we really need is a few of the more recent Newcomers to tell us whether they found it helpful. Sadly, they might not find their way here.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

This is the reason why I proposed a Maemo Greeter's Office, like a separate site where Greeters "on duty" are available to answer to newbie's questions, chat-way or irc-way.

This should be adequately advertised on the maemo.org site, and maybe could have a widget on the maemo device(s).

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

This is a personal reflection, but fwiw I felt a slightly larger responsibility than just spreading the links. I would have liked to be more knowledgeable and able to answer questions. If others feel the same way maybe that is something to consider when constructing guidelines for greeters and the program in general.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

I'm really encouraged by comments like yours, because that assures me there really is value to the program.

I'm not sure to what extent your suggestion should be formalized though... the main thing to consider is that this concept is so basic, so simple that even a brand-new member who knows nothing of Maemo or the devices could edit their signature and immediately start helping others find their way!

However I also want to motivate Greeters to grow into superusers of some sort, as well as offer a higher level of help if they feel so led. So IMO that should be little more than a suggestion on the Greeter page. But we'll see!

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

I'd agree with nymajoak. There ought to be more to the greeter's programme thab just wearing the T shirt.

I came in this evening to a PM from a new user asking a question about the Maemo news. I didn't have a good answer (why isn't the news fileterd by date order?) but it was good to connect. It was pretty clear from the PM he(?)'d picked me to PM because of the greeter thing.

That means Greeters do need to be a bit more careful how we respond to new people: courtesy and patience like any 'front of house' customer service people, even if we don't have answers. In an ideal world, we'd get quickly skilled up in answering the basic questions.

Hint to Nokia: how about expediting delivery to greeters so we can answer questions? ;)

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

I'd be glad to help anyone about anything if I can, but to help actually you need enough knowledge about the subject. What happens when I don't have enough knowledge (as in Maemo/N900 case)? I basically search Google or wikis to generate an answer; but as you know, those answers wouldn't be as reliable as answers generated from first hand experiences.

So to sum up, I like Maemo Greeters idea since I like helping, but I wish I had a device to be more useful as a helper (And as some people know, I probably won't be getting one)

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Okay, don't take this as any sort of guarantee, but consider: the more you get Thanked for helping in any way, the more you increase your odds of qualifying for a discount in the future.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Yeah, I know how you feel, until my n900 arrives, Im a bit in the dark as to the best way to help people. Once I have had it, and tried to install apps, set up mail and generally use it, I will be in a better place to help people..
Still every little helps..

it is going to be a learning experience for all of us I think - can't wait

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Well, discounts are not the solution for my current problem (check here) but I'll definitely try to help as much as I can whether I have a device or not, because "benefiting from community" is not my first goal while "being helpful to community" is :)

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Too much the same signature is boring, and the content is too dynamic and overlaps. It is better to have users find their own way conveniently from maemo.org homepage, as suggested elsewhere by dneary.

Another problem is that the names to the links are translated, but the content not. That is not helpful. I'd expect that article to be in the language used to link to it.

As I said there is also overlapping between the various content further puzzling. Really, the wiki is the right place to 1) make a portal and manage information 2) translate well-written English content to your language.

To give some substance...

• New members say hello <- specific, OK
• New users start here <- overlaps with Beginners' wiki page and Maemo5 101
• Community subforum <- Why? Why not N900 or General or Offtopic or...
• Beginners' wiki page <- overlaps with New users start here and Maemo5 101
• Maemo5 101 <- overlaps with New users start here and Beginners' wiki page, and article name is not descriptive to content
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) <- specific, OK

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Baby steps. ;)

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Anyone car to comment on this. I see it as part of what the greeters programme is about.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

I'll admit I felt the same way, I did make an attempt to be more proactive than I would have normally been in answering questions. And I have done so in a few threads.
Since I joined the pilot, I started compiling a very small list of bookmarks (should have had this already :P) so that I may have thread links ready when wanting to help out a newbie, instead of having to search for them each time before replying. (don't ask me for the list it's very small, just adding bookmarks as I visit threads and deem them important basically.)

Because of my signature I assume, I was approached by an Italian newcomer with a PM. He was interested in the N900 and asked some specific questions, specifically about battery life. I explained everything I knew in detail, and he was very appreciative. I told him it wasnt first hand experience, but I plan to follow up with him as soon as my N900 arrives to let him know my findings in regards to battery life.

I do have a fulltime job and a life, so I can't commit too much time to this, but I enjoy doing it when I have the chance.

Just my two cents

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

RevdKathy posted the following in the "tired of people not using the search"-thread:

Ir reflects exactly my feelings on what the "job" of a Greeter "should" be. Answering at least simple questions others are "tired" of. As long as the Greeters have the "blessing of the forum" to have this role, they would probably feel more comfortable jumping in where they can. I don't think it matters all that much if they are not superusers from the beginning. There is always questions they are comfortable to answer, and as long as doing so is part of their job description they will become more and more knowledgeable over time.

So my point is that maybe you would get a long way just by putting "be generally helpful" and "answering questions you are comfortable to answer" in the Greeter job description?

EDIT: Just to be clear: the post i quote above is the one RevdKathy links to two posts back, so the gist of my post is that I agree with her. :)

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

A small addendum: If the Greeters get a cooperative effort going they could also over time build and maintain a larger FAQ and tutorial base in the wiki which would make it easier and easier to handle common questions, (almost) regardless of individual knowledge.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

I'm off work tomorrow so my plan is to go through the material so far and see what needs updating/cleaning.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

I think this is a fantastic program, and to tell the truth, it exceeds my expectations in that I think it is a better idea than I thought this group would come up with, and it is a better idea than I might come up with! New users are desperate for coherent answers that they can understand, and to have a bunch of people who are actually dedicated to helping the users get the help they want is a dream come true.

And, greeters, you could have a great future at Wal-Mart! (joke!)

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Thanks... I think!

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

only thing besides that would be a knowledge for where to ask the questions asked one can't answer themselves.

(hope you understand what i am trying to say here :D)

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

I kind of hope that the longer one has been here the better idea one would have of that. (And most of the greeters, while n00bs, appear to be people who've sniffed around here a lot! We volunteered because we're keen)

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

lets write this open.

greeters are needed because newcomers doesnt know what, where and how to ask their very spesific questions. they don't know how to handle info that answers to them but not directly.

that is why a greeter should

• have a tag with useful links
• know at least where to direct asked questions(or ask themselves and interpret the answer to who asked the question originally)
• have patience

everything else is optional IMO.

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Precisely. :)

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

how to be a greeter if i may ask?

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

Jump in and put some sort of 'greeter' message in your sig. There's no application process, no vetting (shame - I was hoping for a free medical). Then behave like you work for Walmart (apparently)

Re: Feedback on Maemo Greeters program
 

@wahlau, just add the signature that you can find on the first page (with enhancements added in later posts) and start greeting :)

If you speak any other language(s), you can translate (part) of the signature to make life easier for the newcomers.