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[BenedictMcAleenan]

Hi Everyone,

As you probably know, the forum works best with your feedback. We've made a few changes recently (such as allowing you to post things like video, photos, etc.), some of which were as a result of users' suggestions.

Soon we'll be looking at ways of taking the forum forward and developing it as a platform for local discussion and we want your ideas, suggestions, gripes, etc. We're not promising we can use every single one, but we're very keen to hear your thoughts on it.

So, what features would you like to see that aren't available now?

Would you like to see the forum become more of a source of user-generated news?

Or would you prefer it to be more of a Welwyn Hatfield social networking site?

Would you like it to allow you to ally yourself with particular causes? Or sign forum-based petitions?

Would you like to see new boards (or fewer boards)?

The only thing we're absolutely set on is that the forum should remain user-led. That is, we want users like you to take it further, and you to generate the content of the site. We'd be really interested in your feedback. Let us know what you think!

[bbtzs]

I think it would be better if it were a bit more magazine like in that it could run like the present with almost readers letters (posts) and replies but, I would like to see it also have policy discussions and other linked areas of interest like groups open information etc. Does it have to be one way or could it be one 'gateway'.

[Anne]

As an example, I am very concerned as to how the so-called 'Community Housing Trust' will operate. It seems to me that it is a way of Welwyn Hatfield Council reducing their head-count, yet ensuring more opposition to the needs of tenants.

The Forum would be a prefect medium to discuss tenant's real feelings, and not just those of a selected few.

[BenedictMcAleenan]

Anne,

I completely agree with you that the forum can be used for this. This thread's more about how we develop the actual forum itself - any member can already start a topic and I really encourage you to do so regarding the Community Housing Trust.

We know for a fact that the forum is read by politicians of all sides, council officials, Police, PCT, the University, companies and other groups with an interest in Welwyn Hatfield. Even if they don't get on the forum and write something themselves, there's a decent chance it'll be read by them. Failing that, it can also help you to connect to others with the same concern or make your views on the subject known to Grant Shapps.

Hope that's useful and that you go ahead and set up a topic on the subject. If you need any guidance on starting a topic, let me know. My e-mail's benedict@welhatconservatives.com

Best regards,

Benedict.

[mythoughts]

I'd like to see occasional guest appearances where, for example, the likes of the leaders of the three main parties logon for an hour or so to respond to questions in real-time. Could also invite local police, hospital chiefs, councillors etc to do the same.
 
Might be hard to arrange but I bet the readership figures would go through the roof - would be a tough night for the moderators, granted, but could be fun!

[BenedictMcAleenan]

Great idea mythoughts, and definitely one we're already looking into. We thought about having a video link for it as well. But either way, the real-time thing is interesting.

Would anyone like to suggest people you'd like to see answering questions on here? I can't make any promises though!

[eumelus]

what would be a very good idea is having our local councilors actualy participate in their respective sections, it seems only a few have the bottle to stand up for their convictions.

[jonmorris]

I'd like to see occasional guest appearances where, for example, the likes of the leaders of the three main parties logon for an hour or so to respond to questions in real-time. Could also invite local police, hospital chiefs, councillors etc to do the same.

I am not sure if any special software exists, but First Capital Connect run extremely popular 'online forums' every few months where the MD and other key members of staff (safety, planning, timetabling, infrastructure etc) participate to answer questions directly. They're incredibly honest and it's probably better than attending a meeting where you may not get to ask all the questions, or exactly how you wanted to ask them.

The key to their system is receiving all the questions within the 2-3 hour period, but they're not posted as in a chat room or a visible forum. You get a question number allocated and they'll answer as quickly as possible - not necessarily in order (as some things require a more detailed answer).. but rest assured, you'll get an answer. Your details remain private too, but they can contact you after to follow things up if you want more information or you venture into a field that cannot be answered there and then.

It's worth investigating. More businesses should do it, and I am sure it would work very well for politics too.

[BenedictMcAleenan]

Jon, this is an excellent idea for how to do this. I've mentioned above that we're interested in running online 'interviews' and we were searching for what would be an appropriate format. Thanks for pointing us to this - we'll definitely look into it. I've forwarded to Grant to see what he thinks and whether the technology's available.

[Anne]

The key to their system is receiving all the questions within the 2-3 hour period, but they're not posted as in a chat room or a visible forum. You get a question number allocated and they'll answer as quickly as possible - not necessarily in order (as some things require a more detailed answer).. but rest assured, you'll get an answer.

Are the questions and answers made available to everyone?

[jonmorris]

Yes, and then they're archived for all to see once the forum has closed.

Here's what FCC has done so far:

http://www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/Main.php?iCmsPageId=233

[BenedictMcAleenan]

Thanks for this, Jon. It's definitely something we're looking into doing so we're grateful for having the example of how it's been done by others.

Best,

Benedict.

[Anne]

I would like to hear from the Welwyn Hatfield Community Trust... not just the menials, but those who make the decisions.

People can then compare their own situation/problem/dilemma with the outcome of others. Openness is paramount.