Some regular posters missing ?

[Ktee]

been there done that, i'm a good boy now, even Ktee likes me...

 

stevo

[Jessica Berry]

I found this forum when I was bored at work one day and sat googling! We were already in Adelaide and getting established by the time I found the forum so in general I have been more of a contributer than an asker (if that makes sense!!).

 

I try to contribute to the jobs and careers threads the most as my background is HR/recruitment (along with other areas, I have had a varied work life since coming to Adelaide nearly 5 years ago!!) and I feel I have something to offer in terms of knowledge of this subject. Sometimes though you do find yourself wondering why you put the time and effort in. For example the College I used to work at was inundated with employers contacting us with jobs (admin, secretarial, legal, medical, reception) because they did not want to put them on seek as they could not deal with 100 - 200 applications. I posted this on here and I said come and do a course and I can refer you for the jobs, often you may be the only person I would put forward and the grand total of no one took up the offer, then people will post saying I can't get an office job!

[Guest ReadyPenny]

I'm with Jessica. Have offered to help numerous members one way or another and just been messed about. Even waited home all day on a public holiday for a couple to arrive, they never showed or called/text to apologise!!! I read often, but rarely post and each time I do I swear it's the last, but here I am again!!!

[ajford]

Hi been doing the reading too more, sometimes you feel you can't help on some posts on here however when we can we do, not always with the best answers or opinions either,can't always please everyone too.

We have had some fantastic answers to questions we have asked and hopefully we have helped others too with the questions asked.

also made some very good friends too through here.

So thank you .

[Diane]

I found this forum when I was bored at work one day and sat googling! We were already in Adelaide and getting established by the time I found the forum so in general I have been more of a contributer than an asker (if that makes sense!!).

 

I try to contribute to the jobs and careers threads the most as my background is HR/recruitment (along with other areas, I have had a varied work life since coming to Adelaide nearly 5 years ago!!) and I feel I have something to offer in terms of knowledge of this subject. Sometimes though you do find yourself wondering why you put the time and effort in. For example the College I used to work at was inundated with employers contacting us with jobs (admin, secretarial, legal, medical, reception) because they did not want to put them on seek as they could not deal with 100 - 200 applications. I posted this on here and I said come and do a course and I can refer you for the jobs, often you may be the only person I would put forward and the grand total of no one took up the offer, then people will post saying I can't get an office job!

 

Gotta say if there was a PIA annual awards ceremony for the person that puts up the most helpful and useful advice, you'd definitely be on my list of nominees

[Jessica Berry]

I'm with Jessica. Have offered to help numerous members one way or another and just been messed about. Even waited home all day on a public holiday for a couple to arrive, they never showed or called/text to apologise!!! I read often, but rarely post and each time I do I swear it's the last, but here I am again!!!

 

I know exactly what you mean. I keep toying with the idea of organising a get together/workshop advising people on cover letter and resume writing (I used to teach this) as there are people missing out on great opportunities because their resumes are not being presented in the right way or containing the right information, but to be honest something holds me back. Like you said, I have visions of giving up my time one evening or on a weekend and people saying they will come along and want help and then sitting there on my own thinking why did I bother!

[Jessica Berry]

Gotta say if there was a PIA annual awards ceremony for the person that puts up the most helpful and useful advice, you'd definitely be on my list of nominees

 

Thank you Diane, that comment is very much appreciated.

[Guest Guest5035]

Gotta say if there was a PIA annual awards ceremony for the person that puts up the most helpful and useful advice, you'd definitely be on my list of nominees

 

ahhh ...........thanks Diane:unsure:love you too.

stevo

[Diane]

ahhh ...........thanks Diane:unsure:love you too.

stevo

 

Might be a special category just for you, Stevo - you know you're in a class of your own!!

[Guest Guest5035]

Might be a special category just for you, Stevo - you know you're in a class of your own!!

 

now thats funny..

:xmas13:

stevo

[jtct]

People have given us loads of help and encouragement on here alonge the way and we have tried to do the same ........but with different ages, Visa types and experiences its hard to be relevant at times...... You can't please everybody (or anybody sometimes)

 

eg. I'm a bit fed up with all this rain already even though I've only seen rain twice like this since we arrived in early October. In a few months time I'm sure I'll be ecstatatic on days like this. After 60+ years in the UK it will take a while to adjust!!!!

[janice1uk]

I know exactly what you mean. I keep toying with the idea of organising a get together/workshop advising people on cover letter and resume writing (I used to teach this) as there are people missing out on great opportunities because their resumes are not being presented in the right way or containing the right information, but to be honest something holds me back. Like you said, I have visions of giving up my time one evening or on a weekend and people saying they will come along and want help and then sitting there on my own thinking why did I bother!

I think that is a great idea. I would be up for it but don't arrive till Feb.

[Moosh]

I've always found that once the expat has moved over, they no longer visit the site as they don't have a need and their lives are busy enough. I personally never had the option of forums like this before I moved to Australia so when I discovered these type of forums, I found them enlightening and informative. That's why I still log on to see if there is anything happening that might interest me. I don't join forums to find new friends as I would prefer to meet friends face to face and have had bad experiences with doing that. I log on to the forum now and if there is some information I could add or help people out then I will do so. It's the normal cycle of forums that people drop off and move on.

[minty]

Might be a special category just for you, Stevo - you know you're in a class of your own!!

 

When i was at school that was known as the "special table"

[Guest pixie7]

Hi all- Im still here too! Just a bit manic at the moment as we fly out in 3 weeks! Selina we fly just after you and as you know (Princess!) i tend to use facebook but Istill check this site often.

Jessica Berry, Diane, The bacons (Selina) to name just a few have helped us lots on our journey and this site has been great- I try to have imput where and when I can (not visas as I applied before changes) and hope to offer more advice once im in Adelaide.

Keep up the good work everyone- this site is invaluable and I think lots of people still refer to it even if they dont post as much

 

Helen x

[Guest DanandJanna]

Maybe some people get sick of the irrelevant posts and links to equally irrelevant stories online. For example there was a link to the story of a kid who'd been run over in China and wasn't helped by passers by. Can't remember who posted it but whats the point? Probably because they don't have anything decent to say but want to get a reaction from other users over something, anything, in an attempt to start a pointless argument.

Do the same people help when they see posts that they deem to be repetitive? Probably not. As far as asking the same questions we probably did the same a couple of years ago and got some great advice, we didn't know you could search the site as I'm sure a lot of people don't.

Theres also the fact that whenever there is a discsusion about preference of suburb, standards of living here versus uk, driving etc it quicky decends into *** for tat posts as some of the long term posters can't take any ctisism of Adelaide.

All this is not only unhelpful its quite boring and won't encourage people to post.

[Diane]

Maybe some people get sick of the irrelevant posts and links to equally irrelevant stories online. For example there was a link to the story of a kid who'd been run over in China and wasn't helped by passers by. Can't remember who posted it but whats the point? Probably because they don't have anything decent to say but want to get a reaction from other users over something, anything, in an attempt to start a pointless argument.

Do the same people help when they see posts that they deem to be repetitive? Probably not. As far as asking the same questions we probably did the same a couple of years ago and got some great advice, we didn't know you could search the site as I'm sure a lot of people don't.

Theres also the fact that whenever there is a discsusion about preference of suburb, standards of living here versus uk, driving etc it quicky decends into *** for tat posts as some of the long term posters can't take any ctisism of Adelaide.

All this is not only unhelpful its quite boring and won't encourage people to post.

 

 

I think this is a little unfair - there are several sections of the forum, some of which are for information helpful to new migrants, some of which are for specialist stuff such as real estate and accommodation available, and some of which are just for general chatter, such as the Barbie area and to a certain extent, the News and Gossip section. There is no rule that says everything posted has to be strictly relevant to Adelaide - I think of the Barbie area as a bit similar to a real barbecue, or pub, conversation - people chat about stuff they've seen in the news, stuff that has struck them, stuff that has made them laugh etc. If you ever visit the parent site, Poms In Oz, it's a bit similar to the Chewing the Fat section on there. If you don't want to read these posts, don't go to those sections, it's up to individual choice! In the same way, some of the chats on that section get a little heated as everyone has a point of view, and some defend it strongly. If you have ever been in a pub discussion about something, I'm sure that will be familiar!! No-one is forced to join in such a discussion, and if it gets too heated, no-one is forced to stay in the room!

 

As mods we try to keep a bit of peace, but everyone is entitled to their opinion!

 

If the site was solely stuff about migrating and Adelaide-only, it would quickly lose any interest for those people that have been here a while, and then there'd be no-one to answer a lot of the questions that are asked! Also sometimes someone in the UK will post something up that is of interest only to others in the UK, and someone in Adelaide will post something that's of interest only to others already in Adelaide! That's why there are different sections..

[Guest cazzie]

We are back! We arrived on Saturday and are settling back in Hallett Cove for the next six months, then back to the UK for 6 months and so on. I do look on the site from time to time as I am still interested in what is going on and will never forget how helpful PomsinAdelaide was to me in those first few lonely months. But as a few have stated, life does move on and particularly when you work full time, there isn't always time to log on and get involved. What does it matter anyway - the site will roll on and people will always come and go. I applaud the moderators for taking the time to do such a great job and I will definitely be dipping in and out as time and inclination allows. Finally, I actually like it when people debate issues - it becomes very interesting and funny sometimes! Good to be back.

[snifter]

Maybe some people get sick of the irrelevant posts and links to equally irrelevant stories online. For example there was a link to the story of a kid who'd been run over in China and wasn't helped by passers by. Can't remember who posted it but whats the point? Probably because they don't have anything decent to say but want to get a reaction from other users over something, anything, in an attempt to start a pointless argument.

Do the same people help when they see posts that they deem to be repetitive? Probably not. As far as asking the same questions we probably did the same a couple of years ago and got some great advice, we didn't know you could search the site as I'm sure a lot of people don't.

Theres also the fact that whenever there is a discsusion about preference of suburb, standards of living here versus uk, driving etc it quicky decends into *** for tat posts as some of the long term posters can't take any ctisism of Adelaide.

All this is not only unhelpful its quite boring and won't encourage people to post.

 

From a personal POV, as a forum user, its good to have a mix of sections. Not only for asking questions about moving to and living in SA/Adelaide, but to have a cross section of other areas. Of course the practical stuff is important, but so is the social aspect to using a forum. Some people enjoy reading and discussing news events from around the world. The child being run over in China made the news globally, so why is it bad form for someone to post about it here? It shocked people, yes, it was tragic indeed, but should we only post happy safe things? Why should people be confined to post only about moving to Adelaide? I don't think for one second the person who posted that here was trying to provoke an argument. The Barbie section is intended for chat, for news stories, for conversation not related to anything to do with emigrating to Adeldaide, and to some degree so is News & Gossip. So people are welcome to post news stories that interest them or might interest others, so long as its within the forum rules. If anything I feel I have a better understanding of people when they actually participate in this sort of thing that those who don't and who sit on the sidelines without saying anything. Its not always about talking shop is it? We all need a bit of time to chat about stuff and this forum hopefully offers the people interested a place to do so.

 

Funnily enough, one of the busiest sections of the Poms In Oz site is the Chewing The Fat section and News & Gossip section. Both used to post news stories, topics that interest people, debates and more. I pick and choose what I read and reply on and pass by the stuff that doesn't really interest me or I wish to avoid for whatever reason. Its choice and people can join in or not, whatever suits them. But I don't deny anyone else their right to post it if they wish. Yes sometimes the wheels fall off but tbh I enjoy a more lively active forum than one that has 250 odd people logging in per day but only a handful bothering or wanting to post. Its a shame people don't post more on PIA in a chatty way as without it the forum is limited to people asking and answering the same old same old and those dividing things you say about suburbs, schools and so on are the only subjects on offer. And then of couse things become polarised and repetitive.

 

I try to point out the search function to people if I don't feel able to answer a questions asked or if its not been answered at that point. Its a valuable feature of the forum and hopefully one people do find out and about and put to use. But of course, they are welcome to ask again if they don't know about the search feature. Many people who join here have never used a forum before, so its good if the community here can help them find their feet. I try to remember I was new here once also and to offer new arrivals the same kindness and support given to me. If that means I answer the same questions a fair few times or point people to the search function to help them find stuff already posted, I'm more than happy to.

 

To me, being on this forum is more than just posting asking about shipping or schools. Its about building a sense of community, about getting to know people, to feel welcome and to not feel that when we move to Adelaide I won't really know a soul outside of my husbands family and his friends. Yes I'll have only met people here online up till that point, but I hope to meet some in person once we are living there. But being able to pass a bit of the time of day just chatting is a welcome relief sometimes and its good to not have to talk only shop. And once I move to Adelaide I am sure I'll continue to post here as tbh I like it and am happy to want to remain an active member of this community. I don't even have to bother posting now as its only me applying for a visa, its a spouse one as I am married to an Aussie, so straight forward for me, plus we have a place to live, family there and so on. I've no real need to contribute but I like to, its how I am and I enjoy being here. I don't let one or two grumpy people put me off. I read the same threads and posts as you, but I guess I don't interpret or read them in quite the same way as you.

 

Some people seem really down on the forum. As in putting it down, or putting the people who post on it down. I get some people only post a couple of times a month, sometimes not for a few months on end, or even go longer than that without posting. I reckon you only get out what you put in. I see positives in people chatting about off topic newsy stuff. I see positives in people asking the same old questions and being able to at least offer a few words to help them get going. Sure there are some tensions but honestly, I do feel its because its the same old people posting and others who could offer another POV are not. If its because they feel like you then not much I or anyone can do about that. I think people could poke their nose in and post on this stuff and if someone feels something is said that is out of order, they can report it, and then, from a mod POV we would take a look at it. I look at it as only being able to make a difference if I actually put the effort in. I've not tired of that yet and don't see it happening any time soon either.

 

I've not gotten to know you at all round the forum. I know who a fair few others are because they post more, even if I don't always agree with them (and lets be honest, not everyone agrees all of the time), but I have a sense of them, they are active, for good or bad. Your personal viewpoint and feelings on it all, that is your prerogative and of course they are not wrong. Its how you feel but I certainly don't share those views and see a very different forum to you. I've not formed the same opinions of this forum as you. My view and feelings about it are very different. Perhaps because I am used to newsy chatty forums where seemingly irrelevant stories are posted. It all has its place and I for one enjoy embracing it. If others would rather not, or if its not for them, then so be it. World turning and all that.

Edited March 10, 2014 by snifter

[snifter]

OK, I thought about this. This forum is like a village. Much quieter than PIO (the main sister site), less traffic, less people posting and so on. Its so mild and innocuous here (compared to PIO) I'm amazed people get so up in arms as they do. I guess it could equate to sleepy village syndrome. Not much happens and so when someone says or does anything even mildly controversial some people take umbrage or grumble about it and it becomes a 'thing'. Its talked about in hushed tones behind closed doors almost.

 

Honestly, the differences in the forums, how they are used, the amount of people who post them, it all makes a difference to how people deal with things and how they view the forum. In a way I think the fact this is a quieter slower forum doesn't always help it. Things linger here, whereas on PIO they'd be old news and chewed over and spat out. People also tend to take things far more personally on smaller forums is my experience. On larger faster moving forums people tend to develop a more toughened skin and sure, sometimes people get riled or upset, but it feels different, in a way I can't really explain right now, to a slower moving forum. I think the real time feel is there more on faster moving forums.

 

I like both forums. That they are so different doesn't bother or faze me in the least. I've adapted to both

[Guest Guest5035]

ONYA SNIFTER..

 

stevo

[JimandBarbinAus]

well were still here!!! in durham, we fly out 2nd july next year, i do have a butchers at the forum but theres not always subjects i want to post on, but the site is always one of my faves

[minty]

Maybe some people get sick of the irrelevant posts and links to equally irrelevant stories online. For example there was a link to the story of a kid who'd been run over in China and wasn't helped by passers by. Can't remember who posted it but whats the point? Probably because they don't have anything decent to say but want to get a reaction from other users over something, anything, in an attempt to start a pointless argument.

Do the same people help when they see posts that they deem to be repetitive? Probably not. As far as asking the same questions we probably did the same a couple of years ago and got some great advice, we didn't know you could search the site as I'm sure a lot of people don't.

Theres also the fact that whenever there is a discsusion about preference of suburb, standards of living here versus uk, driving etc it quicky decends into *** for tat posts as some of the long term posters can't take any ctisism of Adelaide.

All this is not only unhelpful its quite boring and won't encourage people to post.

 

A bit like how you have jumped on this one maybe

[minty]

personally I prefer this site to PIO but that's just me. I also like a debate and find it funny that people get so uptight when someone disagrees with opinions that are different to there own. It's also good that people post about other things otherwise it would get a bit boring.

[Guest Django]

well were still here!!! in durham, we fly out 2nd july next year, i do have a butchers at the forum but theres not always subjects i want to post on, but the site is always one of my faves

 

I know this is nothing to do with moving to Adelaide but................. Why are you talking cockney if you're from Durham????