I vote we make the forum easier to find on the Guild website. As in the easiest thing to find other than a Join Us button. All in favor?

Aye. guess ill have to shape up with more exposure.

a little aside: i have tried many search words on google as tests to see if it would access this forum. No such luck!?.

Gabel,
Haven't you learned by now that the website is by design:
a. out of date (expired stuff needs to be archived or at least moved off the home page)
b. anti-modern (eg buying more than 1 item at the store)
c. anti-intuitive

Now what was it you were saying about our membership drive ?

Emmett

just for lively discussion sake:

a: i agree
b: that is my new favorite term, lets rally "anti-modern"
c: lets not make it too easy, after all timber framers have the best intuition

just brainstorming but a way around a: could be as simple as a "cover page" of a picture of a frame that says "enter"

the frames could be from members pictures. change it up from time to time. seems like a visitor who doesnt know about it would have a better understanding and be more intrigued to enter then explore.

I like many of these ideas, but not this one:


Nothing personal, Mo, but I've never liked such "splash pages" which don't really serve a functional purpose.

But I agree that in general, the TFG home page is pretty busy and crowded, and not always intuitive. I suppose those of us that are complaining are, in reality, volunteering for something, eh Joel?

Gabel:

Making the forum easier to find on the web is a great idea. (Great minds think alike )

I actually stumbled onto the Guild through a google search last year. A bit of ferreting found the forum, but you're right: a big "JOIN THE DISCUSSION" button would help big time.

So would bumper stickers sold at the guild's store... or even included as bookmarks in Timber Framing issues.

Something like:

Got Timber?
join the discussion at www.tfguild.org/forums

great idea Gabel.

A bumper sticker,, yesss! And while the forum open to the general public was initally shocking,, I realize that the other forum I participate in: Fine homebuilding break-time, is open to the public,, and while there are some trolls, and some people who are just fishing,, It is a good forum. Yup,, bring it on!
Or,, it could be open for viewing,, but members only posting?
Hmmmm,

Second thought,, I'd happily trade my scantlings mailed- to
e-versions for some TFG bumper stickers.

I'm firmly in favor of this as well.

Brad