Interview # 2.
This time around, I had no fellow interviewer. Hopefully next interview will be a threesome. I met up with Kier last Wednesday. It must have been a propitious day for nice interviews. As she enters the room, she enlightens it. She tells us about how she views ToriForum, the frequent joys and sometimes the sadness it brought about.
Redcloud: OK here we go!
Kier: ok!
Redcloud: Are you drinking something at the moment?
Kier: No....should I be?
I was thinking of having a glass of wine, but perhaps it's too early.
Redcloud: Have you already written in TF while you were drunk?
Kier: Absolutely! Some of my best posts have been while I was drunk
On a serious note, though, I try not to post or email anyone while drinking, because I tend to get a bit emotional, and therefore stupid. I've always wanted to "share" a glass of wine with Mary!
Redcloud: in the ToriForum Lounge of course
Kier: Of course!
Redcloud: What were the circumstances of your discovery of TF? When did it happen?
Kier: You know, I tried to remember how I found toriforum, but I just can't. I think I probably found it the way I find everything I love online; surf, surf, surf. I think I became a member.....let's see....2 years ago. As soon as I started posting, I felt at home.
Redcloud: Did you find sharks when you were surfing?
Kier: Haha...yes! But I punched them out! I honestly did NOT like a lot of the Tori sites I found online....
Redcloud: I saw the sharks complain about you to an old fisherman
Kier: *LMAO*
Redcloud: What did please you when you discovered TF?
Kier: I loved the variety of forums and threads; there was something to keep everyone entertained. But it was the people that caught my attention; everyone seemed to be so close, and I really wanted a part of that. They were genuine and sincere about accepting me, and I appreciated that.
Redcloud: In what way do you think that groups showing solidarity can allow easier integration to new members?
Redcloud: [is it comprehensible?]
Kier: Nope! just thinking! Hmmm....well, it's always a challenge to make new members
feel comfortable. The thread specifically for New Member Introductions is wonderful because older members "vocally" welcome new people to the group It's kind of like high school all over again for new people, I think; The fear of rejection, the not being sure of where you fit in. I hope that newbies feel as if we're an open forum....we do try to make it that way, anyway! I sometimes still feel like a newbie...
but that's just me!
Redcloud: Do you remember a happy event?
Kier: Oh, so many!
(let me think for a minute)
Redcloud: sure
Kier: I'm always thrilled when a member announces that they're expecting. I remember when Mandy and Sam shared the good news with us, and I just felt so grateful to be a part of a place that celebrates life's joy with everyone! Plus, I love the birthday threads. They're my favorite!
Redcloud: Do you have a sad event in mind?
Kier: Yikes...(again, thinking)
Oh, when Haullie left - for sure. She was the very first person to welcome me to toriforum. Thankfully, we have Mary...who was the very second person to welcome me to the forum.
But wait!
... The sad event of Haullie leaving was REALLY turned around because Mary has put 5,000% of herself into the forum.
So...yeah. Not too much sadness. (in the forum as a whole that is)
Redcloud: At the very beginning, we tend to focus on finding affinities with people. Who did you feel closer to at first?
Kier: I felt very close to Elizabeth from the beginning. She's just so sincere about everything, and so kind. As a whole, I think everyone feels a closeness to Mary - she's like the Mom of the forum because she seems to know everything about everyone - in the best way possible. (It feels a bit weird to be talking about people!) LOL
Redcloud: Among those you haven't chatted with or exchanged no IM, who would you like to know?
Kier: Carly and Jay. I've been PMing Paulo all day, and am happy to be getting to know him. I would like to know all the regulars better, but I'd have to say those are the 3 that come to mind first
Oh! Wait! HELEN! *Herry*! And Aims! And Miranda and Sabsy. *lol* I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know you and Josh much better
Redcloud:
Redcloud: Could you describe TF phases that you experienced after registering?
Kier: When I first was registered there was a bit of a "calm phase" where everyone seemed to be settled into friendships. Then, for whatever reasons (I have no clue!), there was a lot of tension among some people (who aren't members anymore, I don't think!). That was stressful for everyone. After that, another period of calm when it didn't seem like too many new people were posting. There was a sudden SURGE in newbie posting for awhile, and that is always exciting! I think we're in a phase where the regulars are getting closer and the newbies are becoming regulars and it's all very neat to observe.
And I could talk the ears off of corn. Sorry *LOL*
Redcloud: What question did you like most in this interview?
Kier: The last one
I mean, the one about phases!
Redcloud: Many thanks for your time!
Kier: Millions of thanks for having me!
Redcloud: It was a pleasure.
Kier: The pleasure was allllll mine (in a dramatic British accent)
Kier: