Making up state/regional mailing/PM lists? Opinions! <poll>

[LudavicoSoldier]

With all the AO days lately, I would like to see a mailing list of members by state, so we can communicate outside of the forums. This would have to be an optional inclusion due to potential spam issues, but it would be great to have. If not email, then an option to PM all members from your particular state. I think that this would be more feasable than the mailing list, due to privacy issues. LMK what you think.

[LudavicoSoldier]

Another thought, if we wouldnt want ALL members to be able to do this, nominate 2-3 state representitives that will process requests to contact all AO members in a certain state, and then pass along the message at their discretion.

[ramennoodles]

definately, this sounds like a greaet idea.(email list)

[sps16]

States are pretty big, there could be hundreds of people in a state on AO, maybe it should be broken down state and then region

[RetroEclipseMan]

I think it could be a good idea. It would make planning AO Meets easier for the states like Washington with a small population of AO members that may not check the AO Meet and Great section everyday.

[LudavicoSoldier]

THats what I was thinking. Howver, if its too complicated a task, I would like to see state sub forums.

[lord1234]

state forums wouldnt be good...
despite what it looks like..there are only about 1000 active posters MAX. That means that state forums (statistically) would have about 20 members each. What about doing regions, for example, New England would be a region, Mid atlantic, midwest, southeast, Lakes Region, South, North West, and california

thats not a bad idea spleef i am all for it..could make regional event announcements cool...give a few people in each region moderator power(for that forum only of course)

--Spydarm

[LudavicoSoldier]

Exactly. Any input from Admins?

[Z-man]

My Thoughts

I too like the idea. I think the forums would be a bit much for some states you might have 3 active people posting... kinda overkill for small forum. From what experience I have with organizing these OA Days the single most useful feature would be a "State-wide" PM / email.

1). I think the best way to go about it would be to leave the choice up to each person so that they can read for themselves but also have the option to have it sent to them.

2). I think that you should have the option to receive a PM AND email if you so choose. I know that I get my email faster and am VERY current on it whereas I sometimes lag on the AO stuff.

3). I think that it might even be nice for the option to sign up for multiple States. I see many non-CA residents for example, wanting to pop in for an AO CA day. I think that is great!

4). It would be nice if there were some basic rules that people were made aware of before they spam out a message. Something like "Olnly use this spam if you have a confirmed date and location for this AO Day" or somethign along that. I am just playing devil's advocate.

Anyhow just my thoughts. I think a forum like this is still small enough that we could get away with a potential spam button like that. I guess if the Mods are willing to give it a try I would be happy but we would have to be prepared for them to stop it if we all started getting swamped with useless questions.