This site could have been so good BUT

5POSTS

15 years ago

I don't think i'll be using this site any more. I have made a real effort but the confines are too extreme. I don't want to be computer-buddies with boring house wives and exchange local shopping tips. I have been to MANY countries and most have a site or chat group but they are MUCH more inviting (bad part is that you have don't have this sort of facebook account). I am not the only one who is infuriated with the situation.

On a side note, I spent some time picking out and loading photos. I like looking at vacation pics with people in them, gives me more of an idea of who they are. Panama City is full of old foreign men and retirees. I want to find like-minded people.
Most of my pics were rejected because they "look like profile pics". Those are the type of pics that I want to see from other people, I don't want to see their crappy monument or landscape photos (in your email "monument" was spelled wrong) I can use google to find that. I want to see the person hiking or the person diving with sea turtles.

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Yud ViP

7031POSTS

15 years ago

I am aware of the pictures you submitted, however, Victoria has decided to reject some of them because it was really kind of profile pictures! Thanks for bringing us the grammatical mistakes, our developers team has already rectified it.

Concerning your first part of your message, what I can do for you to facilitate your blogging on our web community. I have not really understood what do you mean by it!

Regards

Julien Founder

53136POSTS

15 years ago

Hi cheekyarentyou,

I am Julien, founder of the website. I've been alone developing the website for years (this is one of the main reasons everything isn't perfect here), but we are now growing and I recently recruited a technical team & a moderatio team, and we are willing to do our best to improve the website / provide a better service.

how could we make the site more inviting ?

You suggested integrating facebook accounts ?

Any other idea, suggestion ? (we always appreciate)

Regarding the pictures, I'll see what I can do ...

All the best,

Julien

connectaUganda Member

3POSTS

15 years ago

The site is ok they just need to check the graphics abit.

alisa_ram Serial expat

612POSTS

15 years ago

What about a live chat as well?

I know that it's easier to criticise, but the job cannot be done overnight. Developers have a tough time, so be nice to them!

Julien Founder

53136POSTS

15 years ago

A live chat would be almost impossible to moderate ... we've got 210 countries and 400+ cities -in 3 languages- on the website

Nic'oPY Contributor

134POSTS

15 years ago

Hello
Live chat would also discourage people from using the Forum itself in my opinion, meaning helpfull info would be lost to people that are not ON atm.

I find this site very good, by-far the most active from all I've seen.
I do however have one complaint\query. The photos I've uploaded I can only see a bit bigger than thumbnail size. If I go into my profile and click on them there, the screen goes grey with some-kind of bar appearing that makes it look like it trying to load the photo, but nothing ever happens...

Hope its solvable without a big headache.

Julien Founder

53136POSTS

15 years ago

Hi Nic'oPY,

thanks for your support. I noticed that bug last week, we'll try to fix it net week

sgpropagents Member

2POSTS

15 years ago

This site is great. But many things you cannot do.

Yud ViP

7031POSTS

15 years ago

#10

But many things you cannot do.

Could you propose some suggestions (we will always appreciate) where we can improve. Also your critic as well will be welcomed

Ron and Linda Member

14POSTS

15 years ago

#11

I've spent time on numerous blogs -- most of them involved with areas of interest or hobbies. This site is as good as the best I've encountered. I can only imagine what it must take to pull together and maintain such a site; well, actually, I can't even imagine it. I'm so grateful that there are those of you out there who feel called to do things like this and I want to be one who encourages and applauds your efforts. I thought is was especially magnamamous of you all, the sincere way you handled the original poster on this topic. I doubt I could/would have been quite so wonderful. Thank you!

muffiemae Active member

79POSTS

14 years ago

#12

Thanks, Julien and moderators. I think your site is very good. It has helpful information without a lot of senseless blather.

As for Facebook, Julian Assange says:
Facebook in particular is the most appalling spying machine that has ever been invented, Assange said ... Here we have the world's most comprehensive database about people, their relationships, their names, their addresses, their locations and the communications with each other, their relatives, all sitting within the United States, all accessible to U.S. intelligence.

I do not belong to Facebook - and never will.

HaileyinHongKong ViP

4723POSTS

14 years ago

#13

I don't have any suggestions, but I'm still trying to figure out how to put a signature under my posts.

I don't understand why pics that might look like profile pics are bad.

Julien Founder

53136POSTS

14 years ago

#14

I replied to your question about signatures in another post.

We will soon create personal photo albums for profile pics

Miss G New member

6POSTS

14 years ago

#15

HaileyinHongKong wrote:
I don't understand why pics that might look like profile pics are bad.

I also don't understand this.

I am new to the site and do find it a bit cumbersome and not very well laid out. But I'm guessing that's more of an issue with the forum software than preference.

Changing July's month of birth in the drop-down list from "Jule" would be nice. I'm a bit of an English grammar and spelling fanatic so I kind of wince when I see the mistakes here.

While I was updating my places lived, the software would not let me add a destination if it wasn't in the drop-down list. So even though it says I lived in Quebec it was actually New Brunswick. But since it wouldn't let me add a place, Quebec was the closest so I had to pick that. LOL

The AdBots are a huge annoyance. In fact, it's really difficult to find anything through all the ads on the site. Generally, I steer clear of sites with tons of ads, but I'm going to keep giving the site a try for a bit and see if I can settle in. I have great hopes!

Good luck on building your site, and I wish you all the best.

simbol Member

12POSTS

14 years ago

#16

I understand what you are saying and agree. This site is like Bulgaria itself....a communist strictly controlled regime where you are not free to express yourself.

Julien Founder

53136POSTS

14 years ago

#17

I guess the last post is particularly constructive, and will considerably help us to improve the service

jransier Active member

29POSTS

14 years ago

#18

I don't have a lot of experience with other sites. I'm glad I found this one and have made some contacts that I was looking for in healthcare in Rwanda. I would like to know how to access the 'sent messages'. There is a button indicating whether or not to save the message but I can't figure out how to get into the 'sent' folder. Please advise.
With gratitude
Joanna

Julien Founder

53136POSTS

14 years ago

#19

have a look to your inbox > you will see a link "sent messages"

Daynasara Member

10POSTS

14 years ago

#20

cantget into my inbox it just brings me to forums ;(

Julien Founder

53136POSTS

14 years ago

#21

maybe you deactivated it ? check in your profile > privacy

Asmus Guest

0POSTS

14 years ago

#22

I just registerd to this Website. So I can not say so much things. but I do a lot networking since I live abroad (five years) and be very active on an other Website in Shanghai. I do miss some things here already that I have on the other website.
But - I createt once a travelpage for whole China and can imagine how difficulot it is to do so for the entire World.
@Julien: good job man. Hope I can help to improve in near future. Let me first get used a bit to this Community. But I create already some Ideas. Haha, bad habbit. See you around.

ericwt Serial expat

280POSTS

14 years ago

#23

Wait a second...you have known about this issue bothering people for several months and you have not posted a simple explanation to people as far as what you want in your photo section?

Why on earth have you not posted a clear message to people before they upload a photo that is not a monument, landscapes or city picture?

When I got the message I was offended and I am sure others were too.

Page 2 of your Belize photo page has a photo of pots. If you are going to have ridiculous rules (that you do not even post) it needs to be enforced equally. Actually now that I look there are multiple photos that do not meet your qualifications. Seems like selective moderation, even if they do not follow the rules that you do not post.

I totally agree with cheekyarentyou...I do not want to see monuments or cities.

I live in the Jungle.

Since I am unwilling to climb on of a Palm to get a landscape photo, I suppose I will not upload any of the thousands of photos that I do have of rare and endangered plants and animals,birds and reptiles.

Looks like I need to find another forum.

Julien Founder

53136POSTS

14 years ago

#24

ericwt, you are 100% right, and we will sort this out right now. I will speak with the team today.

Thanks for your message, and sorry for the inconvenience,

Julien

ericwt Serial expat

280POSTS

14 years ago

#25

Julien, Thanks for the response. I am highly impressed.

I know it takes time to get things going with a site.

However you have my word that I will be willing to wait and do my part to add to the content of your site.

It is rare that a Founder of a forum actually listens to their members. This says a lot about who you are as a person.

I do hope that you get Facebook (TM)integration soon.

Over the next few months I will be adding content that has never been posted anywhere and I will tell others about this site.

Thanks Again.

eandaroel Member

1POSTS

14 years ago

#26

hi well you sound little bit sure of yourself and enjoy judging people you have not met. I happen to be one of these (not so) boring house wifes and do not appreciate being called this, it is offensive. There are many things people like to know from the expense of things to the local living, places to live so on and so on. Helping people out with my experiences of living abroad from shopping to hols and work what ever the question, I like to help as I know it is difficult when there is know one out there to help you. So I think this is a worthy sight for people to look at and join, it may have teething prob's but they will get sorted out eventually. Please keep your offensive remarks to your self just think you may end up a lonley old boring house wife one day through no fault of your own..

regards
eandaroel

canobs New member

4POSTS

14 years ago

#27

Your site sending a lot too many e-mails, several every day, loading my received messages, tried to unsubscribe but not working had to register your messages as spams to get rid of them

Christine ViP

42879POSTS

14 years ago

#28

Hi canobs,

I have unsubscribed you to topics and forums. If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to Contact us.

Thank you.
Christine

Julien Founder

53136POSTS

14 years ago

#29

Canobs, thanks for reporting this issue. You can manage all your topics & forums subscriptions in your profile https://www.expat.com/forum/profile.php?id=334567

(reporting us as spam won't help to improve our system)

Asmus Guest

0POSTS

14 years ago

#30

Hi Julien, U must provide a space where u can see who is online & invite him/her instantly for a chat. This will make all members visit your site everyday, am sure. And may be more than once per day....

Hue1964 Active member

76POSTS

14 years ago

#31

I think in all fairness the team is doing a great job. It's free and don't expect too much. I think some of the issues faced may be country specific. Certain countries may not have that many expats based there. I am an expat based in vietnam & thanks to the guys on the forum, they have given me a lot of good tips & information. I've also made many new friends from this site.

Keep it up guys

Armand ViP

24785POSTS

14 years ago

#32

Thanks for your support Hue1964!

We are always glad to know that you obtain the help needed

Regards
Armand

HaileyinHongKong ViP

4723POSTS

14 years ago

#33

ericwt wrote:
Wait a second...you have known about this issue bothering people for several months and you have not posted a simple explanation to people as far as what you want in your photo section?

I made the mistake of asking a question once and the reply was, "I replied to your question about signatures in another post."

I don't expect any site to be perfect - and other than not letting us post pics, I don't have any problem with this one - but if the people in charge don't want to answer questions they should say so.

Julien Founder

53136POSTS

14 years ago

#34

Well, I am in charge, and I am doing my best to reply to anyone ... almost in real time sometimes, as you can see

I can insure you that we're doing our very best to be reactive

haggishunter Serial expat

561POSTS

13 years ago

#35

I wish there were more women on the pakistan forum, there are certin things i cant ask as most of my questions have been answered by men

What about a recipe site for that country. i would love to try new recipes. As i only know how to cook chichen and lamb 1 way and my rice bounces

would love to try desserts

Aurélie ViP

22735POSTS

13 years ago

#36

@Hahhishunter - A continuous participation on the Pakistan forum would be the best solution.

You should raise a new discussion and ask more questions concerning new recipes on the Pakistan forum.

Thank you,
Aurélie

James ViP

11272POSTS

13 years ago

#37

Hi haggishunter,

I have to agree with Aurélie 100%. A country's forum is only as good as its members make it. If they want to participate and do so regularly, adding interesting and relevant information and topics that generate dialogue then it will be a good forum, if people rarely participate then you'll probably find more lively conversations in the viewing room at a funeral parlor.

If you want to see a section about recipes for example, then why don't you start one yourself? It's not that difficult to add a topic and I can't understand the logic "let George do it" or "let Alice do it".

As Brazil Animator, I am on the blog every single day without fail. I contribute many informative, interesting and/or controversial topics to generate debate and prompt dialogue. The Brazil Forum members are very active because of this.

From somebody who loves to cook (I learned when I was 5 years old) and for a time before becoming an English teacher I even taught Culinary Arts in the public school system I've included recipies on the Brazil Forum, you could do the same if you were truly interested in that, rather than complain that there aren't any. You post recipes and invite others who read your topic to add theirs too, simple as that.

Please check out mine and you will see:

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=212709

Like the old saying goes... If you only do what you've always done, you'll only get what you've already got. Think outside the box and go for it.

Cheers,
William James Woodward - Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team

mciy Member

13POSTS

13 years ago

#38

Speaking of selective moderation I tend to agree with you, I do not understand why others are allowed to give their contacts in forums when they reply to any post and others like me when I did it was deleted..Like I do not get it..What are we allowed to post in forums and what are we not allowed to post?

The w=blog is exciting in one minute and frustrating the next.

James ViP

11272POSTS

13 years ago

#39

Hello mciy,

I'm not aware of the specific situation you're talking about when you mention a posting being deleted. Was it in some way an advertisement? If so, generally they are deleted as a matter of routine. If the posting was deleted for any other reason generally the moderator or member of the TEAM will post the reason for doing so.

If you read your local forum's Code of Conduct (at the top of the first forum page) you will have a much clearer idea of what is permitted and what is not.

Also, we strongly recommend that you DO NOT post contact information such as e-mail addresses or telephone numbers in the open forums for your own security. You have no idea how many people complain about being flooded with spam, blame the blog; yet it was they themselves who put the information out there for all to see and ABUSE.

Cheers,
William James Woodward - Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team