Re: Ojar.com MUST change. tripny2k6: I'm not going to lie, I kind of feel like one of the joggers that was following Forrest Gump all over the US. He stoped running and Im like....now what do I do??
:-\
Re: Ojar.com MUST change. admin: Bea,
glad to include you in the dialog.
I have already been given some fantastic ideas privately on moving this site forward. The goal is to create a group of inspired individuals to help evaluate, create and implement these 'new' ideas.
I feel that one of my big mistakes was always assuming that OJar should focus on only one topic. I suspect this is a direct result of trying to do to much by myself. Maybe with the help of others we can do some amazing things.
-- Michael.
Re: Ojar.com MUST change. trapped: I too would be happy to help. Im not quite sure what you have in mind or how I can assist but would hate to see this site go under. Its been an absolute lifeline and more, Michael.
Its the best!!!!
And that is not lip service. I mean it truly.
;D
Ojar.com MUST change. admin: Hi Everyone,
I want to share with you some thoughts of mine recently.
I setup OJar in Aug. 2001. Since that time millions have visited the site and countless thousands have been helped in some way. Couples have met on this site, married and some have had kids. All good stuff, you would agree I hope.
This site has endured copycats, bickering and attempted hacks but right now it faces its biggest challenge. The challenge is this, *I* am tired of dealing with the day to day issues of this site. My divorce was over 10 years ago and I feel I have nothing left to say on the topic.
Chris helps and has made a huge impact but unless something changes I am ready to move on with my life and so for this site to continue things must change.
From time to time people have offered to help but they tend to flake after a short period. I guess that is just human nature.
So, where is this going you ask?
Later this week, or at least very soon I will invite several people to a conference call (phone) where I will present the problem and seek outside help with the best method of continuing this site. If you feel you wish to join this conversation, please post a reply below.
The ultimate outcome will not be, "Michael keep doing what you've done since Aug. 2001". Sorry, its time for changes for me and everyone.
I will invite people that are both dissidents to this site and long term account holders. I need smart people to give me their input.
If you feel you have ideas you are invited BUT like I said it is time for some changes where-ever they take us even if it means this site has outlived its use-by date and its time as in any life-cycle to change, or even to end.
-- Michael.
Re: Ojar.com MUST change. wizer_now: Michael,
I must say, as I read your post, a lot of thoughts, questions, and possible answers crossed my mind.
First, let me say that you should be commended for the excellent work that you have done on this site, and you have, without a doubt, helped improve and probably even save the lives of untold numbers of people who are going through a terrible time in their lives, myself included.
Secondly, l would like to add that I am somewhat surprised by your change in attitude, in fact, only a short month ago, you posted in this same section about ideas to reach out to a larger audience, and before that, you were looking for a model to advertise Ojar..Well, you have your reasons...and let me say that I hope that some of the recent antics by the more colorful members on this site (myself included) were not a big part of your decision. To whatever extent they may have been, please accept my apologies.
You are correct when you say that the population of Ojar is not your typical cross section of the population in general, most of us are going through trauma and crises in our lives like no others, and reactions may be unpredictable. Some post in anger, some with hate, others in futility, and some in despair. The one thing that we all have in common is what brings us here, and what we hope to come away with.
That much said, I would like to offer some suggestions:
It is obvious that Ojar has grown far beyond your original intentions, and now reaches out to literally thousands of people...it is understandable if you feel overwhelmed, or if you feel that too much of your personal time is spent here.
A few questions that I think is important for you to answer:
Do you intend to stay on in any role? Because if you don't want to do that, then eventually this site will probably shut down, because no matter who steps forward to take the reins will eventually want to move on themselves.
How much time is necessary to keep this site going? Perhaps I am being overly simplistic, but what else is required besides turning on the server, making sure it runs relatively smoothly, monitoring disputes between members, and collecting money from Premium memberships?
If you are willing to stay on, in some sort of reduced administrative role, but wish share some of the other tasks, then one suggestion would be to clearly define what is required to maintain this site and ask for volunteers to take up some of the slack. Again, a problem with the membership on this site is that it tends to be transient. Todays volunteers may not be here in a month, or a year. Someone has to be behind the scenes long term.
So step one might be to throw the hat around and see if any of the regular members are willing to take on some of the responsibility. The first place to look might be with the members that either have high post counts or spend a lot of time on the site. If you get good, reliable offers to help, then that could steer you on one direction.
If you hear cricketts chirping, then it might be time to seriously consider shutting down. But instead of simply pulling the plug, perhaps research other divorce support forums around the internet. Maybe some of the members here are familiar with other sites. Then you could contact the administrators of those sites and let them know that you will be referring former and prospective Ojarians their way. That website could then possibly hang out a welcome sign to former Ojarians, so we don't just scatter in the wind, with no direction and no place to go.
Finally, regardless of whatever decision you make, please realize that you have done a wonderful service to thousands of people, and you have created a legacy that will live on for literally hundreds of years.
Thanks.
-Steve
PS. I may modify this post as I come up with other great ideas!
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