View Full Version : How can I encourage more people to sign up?
Chris
20-02-2006, 10:11 PM
It never fails to amaze me how many non-members browse the forums.
I often wonder what I should be doing to encourage more people to become members? Any suggestions?
If any non-members see this post and would like to make any suggestions, or would like to tell me what's stopping them from registering with www.SwimClub.co.uk (http://www.SwimClub.co.uk), then all you have to do is send me an email to:
webmaster@swimclub.co.uk
I am considering making 95% of the forums unnaccessible to non-members .... this seems to be common for a large number of forums and seems to be a good way of encouraging people to sign up - although conversely, it also hides a large number of topics that might otherwise encourage them to sign-up!!!
I'm fighting a losing battle here!! :banghead:
I want more members ..... 5,000 is the next target. How can I achieve this??
We're all friendly in here :wave:
Chris
Spidey
20-02-2006, 11:03 PM
Chris. What is it you get by having more members? I have not a clue how the site is paid for either.
Linny
20-02-2006, 11:04 PM
I am considering making 95% of the forums unnaccessible to non-members .... this seems to be common for a large number of forums and seems to be a good way of encouraging people to sign up - although conversely, it also hides a large number of topics that might otherwise encourage them to sign-up!!!Forcing people to join in order to read won't make swimclub more interesting, only people contributing will do that. Therefor I don't think that any sections should be restricted. Why would a non-contributing member be better than a browser unless there are benefits to a large membership that you are not telling us about Chris.
NotVeryFast
20-02-2006, 11:27 PM
Yes, I agree with Linny, there are already many members who never post, so I'm not sure what's gained by having even more non-posting members. I suppose it would help to give an idea of how many different people are reading the forum, is that what you were thinking Chris?
Chris
21-02-2006, 08:28 AM
No direct benefits to having a larger membership (but it is obviously more appealing to potential advertisers!)
Spidey: Site is paid for by me with the assistance of occasional donations from generous forum-goers!
Forum success is generally gauged by total membership, although I agree that this does not always give the bigger picture. Must be a male thing ;)
Vincent
21-02-2006, 08:42 AM
So far I found the forum interesting as people on here have good points of view on swimming related topics - it is very good!
I am sure what everyone would find really good too is to discuss ideas or anything with the top nationals guys of Britain and elsewhere (I know there are a few already...I am not ignoring you guys!!).
A David Davies or a Simon Burnett or a Mark Foster as members would be really interesting I would imagine!
V.
GettingFaster
21-02-2006, 09:14 AM
Are you able to distill the raw numbers to get specifics? More important than total number who have ever signed on is the number of active members who have logged on in, say, the last 3 months.
Vincent's comment is indeed valid, though we have had visits from 'celebrities' over the years. Thing is, I'm sure some celebrities would want the chance to join in anonymously just like the rest of us, so perhaps the Boss would allow a special dispensation for those individuals to have two log-ins - Celebrity and Regular (At the risk of causing upset, I know of the existence of one member of swimclub who has two log-ins.)
There are probably a few high profile swimmers who are members but run under names other than their own. I think in remaining annonymous it might stop them being easily singled out. Many other members do the same.
Chris
21-02-2006, 10:04 AM
Thing is, I'm sure some celebrities would want the chance to join in anonymously just like the rest of us, so perhaps the Boss would allow a special dispensation for those individuals to have two log-ins - Celebrity and Regular (At the risk of causing upset, I know of the existence of one member of swimclub who has two log-ins.)
I am pretty sure that there are very many people with (at least) 2 usernames ... generally because they signed up years ago and have forgotten their username!
Whilst I do everything I can to preserve anonymity, sometimes people give themselves away!!
I would welcome any internationals (former and current), high ranking ASA officials, Big Bill himself even, and I can categorically confirm that under no circumstances will their sign-up details be divulged (unless it becomes necessary due to criminal proceedings .... I can't hide fugitives from the law!!)
Chris
200m Breastroke
21-02-2006, 10:33 AM
You do now have one more member of the forums Chris- me!
I'm one of those 'guests' that keep logging onto the site. I've never been that inclined to join up, as i mostly use the forum to increase my knowledge of the swimming world. Be prepared for some random sounding comments from me though, as i don't think i have as much swimming related knowledge as most people on here!
:wave:
Chris
21-02-2006, 11:30 AM
You do now have one more member of the forums Chris- me!
I'm one of those 'guests' that keep logging onto the site. I've never been that inclined to join up, as i mostly use the forum to increase my knowledge of the swimming world. Be prepared for some random sounding comments from me though, as i don't think i have as much swimming related knowledge as most people on here!
:wave:
Well the recruiting drive is working!!!
Welcome to the forums (and congratulations on your choice of event .... everyone knows that 200 breast separates the men from the boys!!!)
Chris
Long Distance
21-02-2006, 12:06 PM
Another convert to the forums
Chris
21-02-2006, 12:20 PM
Another convert to the forums
Hurray!!! and welcome!!
Chris wonders why he didn't think of this sooner!!
:king:
Martin-Y
21-02-2006, 12:38 PM
Are you sure they are non-members browsing the forum, or just members who haven't bothered to log in, like me sometimes. But now I have had to log in to reply, well done.
Wildswimmer
21-02-2006, 03:19 PM
My own initial impression when I first visited this site was that it catered mostly for pool-based competition swimmers. You could try making it more attractive to recreational swimmers, as well as the non-club non-competitive long-distance outdoor "swim-hikers" like myself - and there are quite a few of us.
Wildswimmer Pete
KatieBun
21-02-2006, 04:33 PM
My own initial impression when I first visited this site was that it catered mostly for pool-based competition swimmers. You could try making it more attractive to recreational swimmers, as well as the non-club non-competitive long-distance outdoor "swim-hikers" like myself - and there are quite a few of us.
Wildswimmer Pete
What about an Open Water forum?
Chris
21-02-2006, 04:38 PM
What about an Open Water forum?
It's coming .....
Silver Fox
21-02-2006, 07:09 PM
Can you not do a link to all the swimming clubs that are openly advertised in British Swimming...just a thought...Laurie
Spidey
21-02-2006, 08:06 PM
Spidey: Site is paid for by me with the assistance of occasional donations from generous forum-goers!
Forum success is generally gauged by total membership, although I agree that this does not always give the bigger picture. Must be a male thing ;)
Chris, I (we) are of course forever in your debt, thank you. Larger can be better if it attracts advertisers of course.
Spidey
21-02-2006, 08:09 PM
Be prepared for some random sounding comments from me though, as i don't think i have as much swimming related knowledge as most people on here!
:wave:
Don't be too sure. I can not master 200m Fly let alone a decent backstroke turn.
lane4
21-02-2006, 11:52 PM
My own initial impression when I first visited this site was that it catered mostly for pool-based competition swimmers. You could try making it more attractive to recreational swimmers, as well as the non-club non-competitive long-distance outdoor "swim-hikers" like myself
The more recreational swimming this site becomes the less I (and many others I know) will post here [Geochuck and several others cheer loudly]. Competition swimming is the main reason for most members being here I would suggest. A move towards more recreational interests is not the way forward IMHO.
lane4
21-02-2006, 11:57 PM
I am considering making 95% of the forums unnaccessible to non-members...
I'm in favour of this Chris. Only those willing to contribute should be able to read what's going on in most of the discussions.
restors
22-02-2006, 07:05 AM
"Are you sure they are non-members browsing the forum, or just members who haven't bothered to log in, like me sometimes. But now I have had to log in to reply, well done."
I have to admit to being one of those people who browse as a guest and only log in when I have a question or a contribution to make.
GettingFaster
22-02-2006, 08:10 AM
If you don't want the hassle of having to sign in and remember passwords etc, you can always click on the 'remember me' button when signing in - then you never have to sign in again! Well not from that computer anyhow.
Wildswimmer
22-02-2006, 08:39 AM
The more recreational swimming this site becomes the less I (and many others I know) will post here [Geochuck and several others cheer loudly]. Competition swimming is the main reason for most members being here I would suggest. A move towards more recreational interests is not the way forward IMHO.
I'd suggest that most of those of us you'd consider to be mere "dippers and splashers" may prefer to post in the new "Open Water" forum - which you are under no obligation to visit. After all I did suggest to Webmaster Chris that the new forum would be for sea, river, lake and lido swimmers whether for competition or just for fun.
I get the distinct impression that there's some disapproval of recreational swimming. I don't how how my particular activity would be classed, but I can assure you that the dedicated all-year round open-water swimmers' cold acclimatisation training is every bit as arduous as competition training and possibly even more painful.
Swimming has many enemies in positions of authority, especially in the corrupt, very influential, and unnacountable Health and Safety Gestapo. Not only are "No Swimming" signs plastered around every body of water bigger than a puddle (and if RoSPA got their way, even puddles would be included) but all around the country swimming pools are being closed like there's no tomorrow. Some local authorities have even taken it upon themselves to prevent swimmers' access to tidal estuaries, in complete defiance of both maritime law and rights of public access. We are all in the same boat (or rather out of it) and need to present a united front. There's no place for any assumed feelings of superiority by the competition boys over the rest of us, or vice versa for that matter. It's horses for courses - we do what we do. And don't forget that unless you swim in a private pool (as I do) the cost of your training facilities is being subsidised by the dippers and splashers, as well as the council taxpayer.
I was hoping not to ever have to bring this up, but I'm going to. Open-water swimmers resent the way the ASA stabbed the Heath Ponds winter swimmers in the back over their campaign to retain their right to swim through the winter. I'm supposed to register with the ASA for the cross-Mersey swim, but believe me they are going to have to hold me upside down and shake hard for their four quid. I begrudge every penny.
Wildswimmer Pete
NB By coincidence, as I type this they're just doing a piece on Broomhill Lido on Radio 4's Today programme.
GettingFaster
22-02-2006, 10:52 AM
I get the distinct impression that there's some disapproval of recreational swimming.
Wildieboy, please note WHO posted the disapproval - Mr4 is well-known for his disapproval of ALL swimmers who are not in the top echelons of the elite, including age-groupers, Masters, swimmers below National level etc, so don't take it personally! :D
And I heard the Broomfield piece. Let's see what Broomfieldsaved posts on this...
Oh, and welcome to someone I've been trying to persuade to sign up for ages! :wave:
Linny
22-02-2006, 03:02 PM
GF, that's not fair. The membership profile and the topics of discussion have changed a great deal even since I joined and whilst this can be seen as enrichment it has led to some loss of the speciality* of SwimClub. In that sense I sympathise with lane4's view and probably even agree with it.
It's kinda like punk rock in the 70s (of course I was just a babe); the bands wanted to sell more records so they had to change to appeal to a wider audience. In doing so they lost their appeal to their original audiences. I wouldn't want that to happen here.
* I know this isn't the right word but I can't think of the right one. It's my age you know - these instances are known to we old folk as CRAFT moments. :cry:
Wildswimmer
22-02-2006, 03:15 PM
Wildieboy, please note WHO posted the disapproval - Mr4 is well-known for his disapproval of ALL swimmers who are not in the top echelons of the elite, including age-groupers, Masters, swimmers below National level etc, so don't take it personally! :D
And I heard the Broomfield piece. Let's see what Broomfieldsaved posts on this...
Oh, and welcome to someone I've been trying to persuade to sign up for ages! :wave:
What about Mr. Pugh? -5C in his trunks :aarrgghh: - definitely the top echelon in our branch of the sport! With Dan Earthquake doing 40 mins in a relatively tropical +3C a close second.
Don't worry, I've not taken offence. Look where I live, we speak our minds up here! Also, Victor Meldrew is my role model! Not only that but the British winter is getting me down. Every year I keep saying it's going to be the last one, but one year I'll make it to Liverpool Airport with a one-way ticket to somewhere life's worth living.
Wildswimmer Pete
NB If anyone offends me I sulk in the corner, very loudly. ;-)
Chris
22-02-2006, 04:33 PM
GF, that's not fair. The membership profile and the topics of discussion have changed a great deal even since I joined and whilst this can be seen as enrichment it has led to some loss of the speciality* of SwimClub. In that sense I sympathise with lane4's view and probably even agree with it.
It's kinda like punk rock in the 70s (of course I was just a babe); the bands wanted to sell more records so they had to change to appeal to a wider audience. In doing so they lost their appeal to their original audiences. I wouldn't want that to happen here.
* I know this isn't the right word but I can't think of the right one. It's my age you know - these instances are known to we old folk as CRAFT moments. :cry:
Whilst not wishing to state the obvious, the open water forum is but one of a large number of forums .... the remainder of which must be thought of as having a competitive bias.
I hardly consider this a significant move away from my core audience!
In any case, if someone's not interested in the open water forum, stay away from it :wave:
Chris
There are huge amounts of guests at 8.40pm and not search engines. Most reading current or recent threads. I think it would be good to limit guests access. All I do is make sure I don't delete my cookie and get signed straight in.
I really fail to see why you need to limit guest access at all. I appreciate that you are wanting to increase the member numbers but when you use multiple computers to view the latest posts it can be time consuming to have to log in each time.
Chris
23-02-2006, 03:20 PM
I really fail to see why you need to limit guest access at all. I appreciate that you are wanting to increase the member numbers but when you use multiple computers to view the latest posts it can be time consuming to have to log in each time.
I vew the forums from both work and home, and I'm signed in at both venues.
Granted ... if you're using public access pc's regularly then I can see why you wouldn't remain signed in. Otherwise .....
A large number of discussion forums limit access to the "meaty" forums to members only. It's seen as a way of encouraging people to register. However, I can also see that if they're not able to view the posts in the "meaty" forums, how would they know whether a) they existed, or b) whether they were worth becoming a member for!
Chris
still learning
23-02-2006, 05:20 PM
Im also guilty of browsing as a guest, but in future I will log in.Like wild swimmer I too am a non competitive swimmer,I say recreational but this dosent realy sum up what I do,in the morning where I swim there are ladies and men just about movintg through the water,mainly talking and getting out after 4 or 5 lengths these also are recreational swimmers. I study all the replies about breathing,stroke length etc.and try my hardest to improve thats why I found this siteso good and have recommended it to any one who will listen to me
Spidey
23-02-2006, 07:28 PM
The more recreational swimming this site becomes the less I (and many others I know) will post here [Geochuck and several others cheer loudly]. Competition swimming is the main reason for most members being here I would suggest. A move towards more recreational interests is not the way forward IMHO.
I dissagree
still learning
26-02-2006, 04:25 PM
I disagree with Lane 4. If a poll was taken of members who dont compete I suggest he may be surprised at the numbers. Can he trll us why he resents non competitive swimmers gaining access to the swim club forums? Some subjects dont even concern swimming, its just a forum of people with a common interest ie. swimming. Its an excellent site so dont knock it.
JonathanB
26-02-2006, 04:31 PM
Hello everyone. I am a forum owner of two popular forums and wanted to share some tips with you.
1. Get a new style, the one you have isn't appealing at all.
2. Install this (http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=99579) mod. If you need help installing that, I can do it for you.
3. When they come to your site, they see that front page module, they don't actually see the forums. This can be bad in some cases.
4. You will probally get about 1 or 2 registrants out of every 500-1000 guests.
5. Advertise your website with as many other swimming forums and places as possible.
6. Hold a contest.
Give some examples of a contest that a swimming forum could possibly run then? I can't think of too many, apart from best action shot etc.
Ok, going on the appearance of sites I quite like the look of yours Jonathan colourwise and the larger thread preview section on the right. However, the banner at the top is a little bit on the brightside of things and could be toned down.
I thought a new look was in the pipe line already...
JonathanB
26-02-2006, 06:56 PM
Maybe you could set up a sponsorship with someone in your country. Or you could give away a fastskin or something signed by an olympian.
londoner62
26-02-2006, 08:58 PM
Maybe you could give away a fastskin
:aarrgghh: I wonder how the boss would react to that.:aarrgghh:
We could try making our discussions even more interesting (though they're probably too brilliant to improve upon). If you can think of a really really facinating topic, maybe people will just have to join so they can write something too.
Or maybe not.....worked for you with this thread though.
KatieBun
28-02-2006, 01:55 PM
Or maybe not.....worked for you with this thread though.
Ooh, cynicism, zed! I think there's a place for everybody interested in swimming on this site. The opinions of recreational swimmers are no less important because they choose not to compete, Mr 4! There's a place for purists too, but, IMHO, the forums would be a great deal less popular and far less interesting to read without the element of human interest. Some people's ambitions, goals, experiences, questions and achievements may not be as exalted as others but they are just as valid to the sport and should be respected as such. If I just want a coaching text book, I have plenty to choose from on my book shelf.
Sploosh
28-02-2006, 03:05 PM
I'm no longer a voyeur either.
GettingFaster
28-02-2006, 06:05 PM
Welcome, Sploosh, you're very welcome, look forward to hearing more from you, whatever your interests may be.
I reckon one of the things that stops people signing up is that they can't think of a name or psuedonym to use! :D
Chris
Over the last week there have been more new contributers than I can remember. So this thread did have a very positive effect.
broomhillsaved
01-03-2006, 09:34 PM
swimclub.co.uk has become one of my favourite sites, since i discovered it and i think the vbulletin layout is great. Establishing something like the Open Water Forum for rivers, lidos etc gives campaigners, wild swimmers, and so on a little home, whilst lane4 can enjoy the "competitive" threads in other forums
campaigning for years and years is very hard work, but gradually we are building up a solid local and national profile, greatly helped by people like Duncan Goodhew speaking out for swimming, the general impetus of the Olympic Games and the unprecedented amount of press coverage on swimming pools both open and closed at the moment.
i think chris keeps a very good balance for a huge variety of different interests
Chris
01-03-2006, 09:38 PM
Chris
Over the last week there have been more new contributers than I can remember. So this thread did have a very positive effect.
:thumb:
Chris
01-03-2006, 09:40 PM
I'm no longer a voyeur either.
Hi there Sploosh ... please accept my heartfelt welcome :doctor:
It takes a bit of a jump to get involved, but once you're in here it's very difficult to stop posting!
Chris
01-03-2006, 09:41 PM
swimclub.co.uk has become one of my favourite sites, since i discovered it and i think the vbulletin layout is great. Establishing something like the Open Water Forum for rivers, lidos etc gives campaigners, wild swimmers, and so on a little home, whilst lane4 can enjoy the "competitive" threads in other forums
campaigning for years and years is very hard work, but gradually we are building up a solid local and national profile, greatly helped by people like Duncan Goodhew speaking out for swimming, the general impetus of the Olympic Games and the unprecedented amount of press coverage on swimming pools both open and closed at the moment.
i think chris keeps a very good balance for a huge variety of different interests
:wave: I do try!!
Chris
01-03-2006, 09:47 PM
Hello everyone. I am a forum owner of two popular forums and wanted to share some tips with you.
1. Get a new style, the one you have isn't appealing at all.
2. Install this (http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=99579) mod. If you need help installing that, I can do it for you.
3. When they come to your site, they see that front page module, they don't actually see the forums. This can be bad in some cases.
4. You will probally get about 1 or 2 registrants out of every 500-1000 guests.
5. Advertise your website with as many other swimming forums and places as possible.
6. Hold a contest.
1. I disagree. I think it's very easy on the eyes. It's dirt common, I'll give you that, but there's nothing wrong with it. Of course, if someone capable of designing me a "better" theme would like to do so, I would certainly be willing to make the change!
2. It's not a bad mod in principle, but it needs a lot of polishing to make it look good enough to be worthy of inclusion on the site.
3. In some cases yes ..... I'll give that some thought. It might be worth mixing up the articles on the front page .....
4. I would say our strike rate is higher than that.
5. I am happy for the reputation of the site to draw in new members. I don't need to spam other peoples sites in an attempt to sell my own ....
6. Contest. People do like something for nothing. It's just a matter of getting something half-decent to give away, or think of a fair way of awarding the prize.
Chris
01-03-2006, 09:48 PM
:aarrgghh: I wonder how the boss would react to that.:aarrgghh:
I think you all know exactly what I think of that!!
Fastskins are not for giving away ... they're for hoarding!! I do however accept gifts :wave:
Sploosh
01-03-2006, 10:14 PM
Thanks for the welcome.
Don't know how often/if I'll ever post - I've never felt the need before. But to be excluded!! Now that's not nice. :cry:
Katie
02-03-2006, 04:24 PM
1. I disagree. I think it's very easy on the eyes. It's dirt common, I'll give you that, but there's nothing wrong with it. Of course, if someone capable of designing me a "better" theme would like to do so, I would certainly be willing to make the change!
2. It's not a bad mod in principle, but it needs a lot of polishing to make it look good enough to be worthy of inclusion on the site.
3. In some cases yes ..... I'll give that some thought. It might be worth mixing up the articles on the front page .....
4. I would say our strike rate is higher than that.
5. I am happy for the reputation of the site to draw in new members. I don't need to spam other peoples sites in an attempt to sell my own ....
6. Contest. People do like something for nothing. It's just a matter of getting something half-decent to give away, or think of a fair way of awarding the prize.
Well done Chris!! I agree!
*cough* And this site has many more members *cough*
bob_bingalong
03-03-2006, 03:56 PM
I'm in! Never bothered before as I didn't have much to say. Bit of a late starter, but I reckon this swimming thing is contagious!
CGorman
03-03-2006, 04:20 PM
I have'nt been following this thread and I don't know if it has been covered; but by restricting access you will block a huge amount of search engine indexisation and this will eventually lead to far fewer search engine refereals. (theres my 2 pence!)
Chris
03-03-2006, 04:25 PM
I'm in! Never bothered before as I didn't have much to say. Bit of a late starter, but I reckon this swimming thing is contagious!
Welcome Bob!
Chris
03-03-2006, 04:28 PM
I have'nt been following this thread and I don't know if it has been covered; but by restricting access you will block a huge amount of search engine indexisation and this will eventually lead to far fewer search engine refereals. (theres my 2 pence!)
You're probably right.
Half of me thinks that people will be intrigued if they can't see all the forums, and so will sign up so that they can!
25% of me thinks that because they can't see them, they won't know about them and therefore will think the forums' are rubbish and won't bother signing up!
The other bit of me is undecided!
:confused:
ruthcp
03-03-2006, 06:24 PM
Gosh you do have multiple personalities then Boss!!
(Or are you just indecisive?) :king:
swimmer.com.au
14-04-2006, 11:24 AM
Hi Chris,
I think the easier you make the sign up the better. Most people just want to enter their name and password and be done with it.
Alternatively, you may be able to schedule special guests to chat away in your forums for like an hour. You could have swim coaches, physios, swimwear manufacturers, swimmers etc....
Yeah that's a good idea but surely the people on the receiving end of all the members will be bombarded with loads of questions all in one go. Having "guests" on the site might work better if some kind of chat room was setup so that you can see new messages as you reply rather than typing a message and finding that about 8 people have already asked the guest that question already.
Also, I imagine that would need to be heavily watched over to ensure the conversation stays within appropriate boundaries.
hop2407
04-05-2006, 11:10 AM
Another Newbie here.... My 1st post of many I hope.... Being a member of another forum (Audi), a couple of things I like on there are, the ability to 'preview your post' before submitting (perhaps u can do that here and I haven't found it yet !!), a display of smileys to use (for those who dont know the character set to use) and a forum specifically targetted for 'New Members' (there they can add their first post and the long standing members can welcome them)
Anyway, looks a good forum - I joined after reading the For sale / wanted forum.....
A bit of bio for me:
Was a county swimmer (now I suppose Master is the term Hee Hee) and swam the channel as part of a relay team - but dont really compete now - just keep fit.
Never got rid of the swimming buzz - Love the poolside rather than sat on a hot sweaty balcony, so took and passed ASA timekeeper.
Member of Cheserfield SC in Derbyshire.
2 Children who are swimmers, age 9 (Boy) and 10 (Girl nearly 11)
Daughter is going to Midland champs this year - 9 events (inc 200 fly - Bless !!)
Son is improving fast....
Welcome!!! :wave: Hopefully you will have found you can preview posts here too and there are a list of smilies to chose from!
Happy posting :)
hop2407
04-05-2006, 11:49 AM
Thanks for the welcome sush..... and yes i've found the preview and the smilies :read:
KatieBun
04-05-2006, 12:33 PM
Hello hop2407 and welcome to the forums. Even if there isn't a "New Members" forum, you can't escape. We can still find you!:settee:
hop2407
04-05-2006, 12:55 PM
Ha Ha Ha - Thanks Katie - good Smilie.....
newmie66
04-05-2006, 11:48 PM
just wanted to say to chris that i think these forums are an awesome idea!! :D gives everyone a chance to talk and give one another advice!
Chris
05-05-2006, 10:01 AM
just wanted to say to chris that i think these forums are an awesome idea!! :D gives everyone a chance to talk and give one another advice!
:wave:
nonswimmer
15-05-2006, 03:20 PM
I'm a non-swimmer(hence name), and petrified of water(or was).
My three kids girl(2) boy(5) had never experienced the pool till a recent holiday. My eldest girl(8) has only had a few lessons with school.
When I saw how much they enjoyed the water (once they had gained the confidence), I became determined not to pass my fear on to them and began a search to get them into lessons.
That is when I came across this site.
It has helped me to find the information I was looking for, and I'm sure that it will be a valuable source in the future, and maybe accompany my kids all the way to the top.
To become a proffesional you have to start somewhere. Whether competition or open water, there is a great balance on this site.
Grateful. Thanx. Will recommend to friends.
Still relatively new - but an idea(though you may have one already) a game forum. Games related to swimming. Such as "Alphabet of swimming terms" or "Who am I?"(famous swimmers or coaches) you could put polls in there too, such as "Open water or pool" "recreational or competition"
I'm sure everyone could come up with more ideas.
hop2407
15-05-2006, 04:26 PM
:wave: From one New member to another - Welcome :wave:
nonswimmer
19-05-2006, 10:52 AM
Hi to yu too Hop.
What do you think of the ideas chris, Hows about a games forum?
Still relatively new - but an idea(though you may have one already) a game forum. Games related to swimming. Such as "Alphabet of swimming terms" ...
The alphabet sounds good. Many people who look at this board could be put off because they don't understand common swimming terms that competitive swimmers use. For example, most non-swimmers I know wouldn't have the foggiest about doing drills or anaerobic training or terms used in racing like 'over the top starts'.
... or "Who am I?"(famous swimmers or coaches)
We could have small competitons using photos or clues to help people guess the famous person.
Also, we could have profiles for some of the top swimmers in the world (Phelps, Hoff, Lenton etc) and results and articles or any interesting (swimming related) issues could be put up in their thread.
you could put polls in there too, such as "Open water or pool" "recreational or competition"
Nonswimmer, you can put up whatever poll you please! I prefer a pool to open water and competing than rec swimming :)
Steve
19-05-2006, 11:29 AM
The alphabet sounds good. Many people who look at this board could be put off because they don't understand common swimming terms that competitive swimmers use. For example, most non-swimmers I know wouldn't have the foggiest about doing drills or anaerobic training or terms used in racing like 'over the top starts'.
You could always point them at the pullbuoy swimming dictionary (http://www.pullbuoy.co.uk/cgi-bin/glossary.pl)... :) Admittedly it needs a bit of an udpate (and it is on my list) but it's got most things in it.
vBulletin® v3.7.4, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.