chpfamily.com Forum for family!

[chpfamily.com]

I just wanted to let everyone know there is now a forum for CHP family members, DW does a GREAT job running this forum and I am admire him for what he has done.

I have had the thought of a family specific forum for a while. But it takes money to purchase everything and get it setup, well I finally decided it was a worthy cause. The forum has only been up a couple days and I would love input from everyone on how to improve it.

My idea is a forum for family members, by family members. I would like to setup a verified family members section where members would be able to share a little more information that normal (not to much), but it will take some work, so that is in the future. Of course I will always be lurking and making sure personal information does not get posted. The officers safety is #1.

I will be trying to recruit family members to manage the forum and help spread the word. Hopefully it will become a great resource for family members to seek support. Especially the new wives and SO's of new officers graduating the academy. If you are all interested in helping please join and PM me on chpfamily.com

Again the website is http://www.chpfamily.com and if you are remotely interested in helping, please let me know.

Take care all.

[PapaBear]

Seems to me that this is a competing site. Everything a family needs to know or ask is available in the CHPForums.

I take umbridge that this person (chpfamily.com) would have the audacity to advertise his/her personal website in an attempt to take people away from these pages.

[dw]

Please hold off on any further responses to this thread until I have a chance to compose a response this evening.

[dw]

Let me thank you all for waiting while I had the time to properly respond to this thread and the creation of chpfamily.com.

I will be first to remind people that the Internet is not a democracy and fundamentally I take no issue with the creation of what appears to be a competing web site. I am not in this for market share and believe that information is only useful if it is accurate and easily accessible. This is the reason I’ve spent countless hours moderating, organizing information, and creating an index. It is also for this reason that I have long said to my friends that if a better venue existed for the hiring section (i.e. an official Department forum), I would gladly consider providing a link in lieu of our hiring section. The proposed content of chpfamily.com overlaps in many areas what I already provide and I’m not sure why the administrator is looking to reinvent the wheel and further entropy.

That said, I am irritated about the manner in which things have occurred. I learned of chpfamily.com this morning by reading the same post as everyone else. I do not run CHPForums.com for notoriety nor do I have any sense of power; but I have put a lot of effort into creating this Internet presence and in the spirit of “CHP family,” it would have been nice to have had a heads-up. Further, I specifically asked at the beginning of May for input and collaboration to improve our family forums. I have always been open to new ideas and have continually made changes to better accommodate our members. That I was never contacted makes me skeptical of the administrator’s intentions. The premise of chpfamily.com is “for family members, by family members.” I realize there is an empowerment to the family participants by allowing their own forum, but doesn’t chpfamily.com miss the point of reaching out to the inclusive CHP family? I was ready to create that sense of empowerment by expanding our family forums and introducing family members as moderators. I even internally considered supporting a private family forum. But the response was lukewarm and no one stepped-up to move anything forward.

I am wary of chpfamily.com for the same reasons that originally prompted me to start CHPForums.com. The old chp.net forums were not moderated, chaotic, and often inflammatory. The MySpace groups are, for lack of a better term, a mess. I have to wonder if chpfamily.com was started independently because of a disagreement with the style by which CHPForums is run.

Finally, to advertise chpfamily.com here under these circumstances is audacious. What’s done is done however, and I’d suggest you go to their site and check it out – I did.

Now feel free to talk amongst y’selves.

[Wife*Of*NZ]

I've realized, after posting a few times, just how little the family of applicants seem to matter around here. I wish there was a place that a wife could ask the questions that keep her up at night without the fear of being torn apart, or embarassing her husband.

I can understand with the flood of wannabes, how arduous it can be to hear some of our questions.....but I thought that was part of why this forum was here.

I wont be joining chpfamily.com because I too think it was a bit snake-ish to come advertise here, but I really hope DW and the admin do create some sort of family-friendly area for people like me who just would like to know what our family is in for WHEN my husband gets in.

[dw]

I've realized, after posting a few times, just how little the family of applicants seem to matter around her....but I thought that was part of why this forum was here. It is unfortunate that you feel that way and you are entirely correct that this is part of why the 'Forums are here. I took a minute to review the threads you've participated in and I don't see how anyone said or did any of the things you mentioned.

I think there is something to the assumption that since cops tend to be "alpha," our spouses and significant others likely have some of that as well. As such, there are going to be strong opinions and disagreements.

I would agree that I continue to be too lenient about letting things stay on the site, but if we get more aggressive about censorship that too can lead to problems. In the past I've allowed some comments to remain and left it to the original poster to defend themselves. You are correct that it is difficult to moderate. Most of the time I am looking for inflammatory statements or those that violate policy or compromise officer safety. I do not typically touch "personality/style" issues. Again, I offered to expand the family forums (which is, I suppose, still an open invitation), and with more moderators there would be more leeway to run a family forum the way you want. Remember than I am not on your side of the table and I do not know how you (families) feel or what you are looking for in moderation principles.

[BoySergeant]

dw, you are much more eloquent than I. Since I don't have my moderator hat on right now, I'll say a few words from the heart:

I took a look at the site out of curiosity. I can't fathom why ANYONE would want to belong to that site with CHPForums up and running. Advertising that site here is a load of horse poo. It is a total rip-off of this site. I think, if the 'market' is here for family members, then start a discussion forum for them here.

dw has done an excellent job maintaining the integrity and class of this site. The administrator at that site will not have the same support and knowledge base. I wonder what kind of misinformation they will let slide by. . . Joy, more to combat and correct later . . .

Only time will tell if that site takes hold... I seriously doubt it. We have a good thing going on here... make the most of what we have!

Here is a suggestion: Move the Family forum from the hiring portion and make it its own Major Thread.

[snowdog]

If the site offers what someone is looking for then I hope they are satisfied there just as I hope they would be satisfied here.. But, after a quick peek I don't see anything there that someone can't get here. So maybe they are equal. Or, maybe they aren't.
A very important question one should ask themselves before deciding what information to trust is the experience of those representing either site. The Administrators here alone probably offer close to a century of combined years of experience. Also, how did those who offer advice come to gain their experience? Simply by living it or by living it, now being a part of the process, speaking to thousands who have succeeded and failed and having personal knowledge of what they speak.
When someone wants to ask a personal question via PM to any Administrator, or Verrified Chippie, here they have a good idea that they are getting advice from a reliable source. The many successful applicants who have PM'd me are proof of that. There are many others who have been unsuccessful but received a straight honest answer that didn't leave them wondering what went wrong.
Perhaps it would have shown greater character if the other Administrators approached DW to offer assistance in improving DW's years of hard work rather than slide in a post advertising their site which is an identical twin to this one.

[Mac]

I'll withhold public comment about "that other site" and the manner in which it was created/broached here, except to say that it will be interesting to see how (or if) it develops. With such a seasoned veteran at the helm, I'm sure it will be a rich repository of information and experience.

[ChippyFiancee]

While reading through the posts that appeared after the initial introduction to the Family Forum I find myself confused. I understand the frustration felt at the manner in which it was posted, but I do not see why there is such opposition to this new forum. Any place where an SO can go to ask questions, get information, feel connected, etc. seems like a beneficial addition to the CHP family. As an SO I am incredibly thankful for the CHP Forum and its wealth of information. However, I do not see the new family forum as competition for the CHP Forum, but as an additional way I can meet with others and gain/give support. The sites are geared toward different aspects of the CHP experience: the CHP Forum is a general forum with many broad topics while the Family Forum is focused mainly on concerns from the other side of the badge. After viewing the website it was obvious that it was clearly organized and geared toward SO's interests. I am concerned, though, that the outrage and ridicule expressed on CHP Forums will prevent this new site from becoming the support system it could be.

[makakona]

Any place where an SO can go to ask questions, get information, feel connected, etc. seems like a beneficial addition to the CHP family.
that's just it... there is usually a HUGE disconnect between where you can ask questions and where you can get information, at least in the chp arena. ever checked out the old chp.net forums? holy hell, what a mess! you should ask dw and the other moderators how much time they invest in making sure information here is accurate and appropriate. like someone else mentioned, there is easily a century of experience amongst the moderators (hat tip to chippysgt, ha!) and that lends itself to providing a forum that is safe to come to for information and advice.

I am concerned, though, that the outrage and ridicule expressed on CHP Forums will prevent this new site from becoming the support system it could be.
see above.

[makakona]

I've realized, after posting a few times, just how little the family of applicants seem to matter around here. I wish there was a place that a wife could ask the questions that keep her up at night without the fear of being torn apart, or embarassing her husband.
i've seen something like this posted before and i still don't understand what angle you're coming from. do you have specific examples? i've been here since the academy and have never felt belittled nor have i been "torn apart." as for embarrassing my husband, well, that's just a given. ;) the other officers have always been more than eager to give me advice and assistance as needed and have tolerated me when i've irritated them (please see childbirth threads!). i think there were probably some eyebrows raised when bored wives (see: me) started posting, but i think the ol' codgers have done a good job at being open to a variety of members.

the only thing i can think of when i see people complain about lack of support for significant others here is when i've seen cadet so's complaining on day two about how tragic their life is when they have to go another day before seeing their loved one. man, i've been there, done that, got the t-shirt (saw my husband a whopping six times during the academy) and that crap STILL annoys the heck out of me. i know people don't seem to take kindly to being told to suck it up, but sometimes that's the best advice they could get.

[snowdog]

I understand the frustration felt at the manner in which it was posted, but I do not see why there is such opposition to this new forum.
I am concerned, though, that the outrage and ridicule expressed on CHP Forums will prevent this new site from becoming the support system it could be.
I don't know that it is so much that there is opposition but rather the manner in which things have evolved. I'm also not seeing any ridicule or outrage, specifically by the moderators. Keep in mind that we are in a profession where we come to the the defense of our peers on the drop of a dime, not that DW needs isn't able to fend for himself. And when the offender is one of our own it hurts because we should all be working together to accomplish the same goal. Maybe it reminds us too much of being in an office where everything is comfortable then a new officer/Sgt./Lt./Commander comes in and tries to reinvent the wheel. Anyone with more than 2 years on the job can relate.
I do believe that this whole experience has opened up a great deal of positive dialog on suggestions that might enhance this site specifically for family members and we have to remember that our family is the anchor that keeps all of us grounded.

[rayni]

i've seen something like this posted before and i still don't understand what angle you're coming from. do you have specific examples? i've been here since the academy and have never felt belittled nor have i been "torn apart." as for embarrassing my husband, well, that's just a given. ;) the other officers have always been more than eager to give me advice and assistance as needed and have tolerated me when i've irritated them (please see childbirth threads!). i think there were probably some eyebrows raised when bored wives (see: me) started posting, but i think the ol' codgers have done a good job at being open to a variety of members.

the only thing i can think of when i see people complain about lack of support for significant others here is when i've seen cadet so's complaining on day two about how tragic their life is when they have to go another day before seeing their loved one. man, i've been there, done that, got the t-shirt (saw my husband a whopping six times during the academy) and that crap STILL annoys the heck out of me. i know people don't seem to take kindly to being told to suck it up, but sometimes that's the best advice they could get.

I agree w/ most of this post. I still don't know what all the hula ba loo is about in feeling you can't pm or post in this forum. Like I said before in my more active days of posting here I was well received in PM s & on this group. Sure I had some tit for tats w/ some wanna be types, but if I had a question or wanted to connect to wives/s.o I did. Whether you wanna believe it or not we are from the general public & in that sense will not always agree on everything. I came to group in the first week of my husband's cadet training. I posted a lot, but was WARNED not to post too frequently as not to harm our cadets. WHATEVER!! If your read any of my post I never gave away any academy secrets like Asian food Thursdays, pillow fight Wednesday, & the oh so sweet chocolates on your pillows Mondays. Oops:redface: I just did sorry guys! Please, Please, & Please ladies who have eluded to being "torn apart" & the such elaborate. As long as your aren't posting I hate x staff member or Office x is a meanie you should feel free to wonder if you are the only one who feels lonely or scared about the life of the academy. Read thru previous class threads & you'll see that you are not alone. We are very blessed to be in the days of the internet where there is a way to connect to other wives/s.o across the state in the CHP FAMILY. I count my blessings all the time. I'd love to ask my new officer questions about the CHP paperwork stuff, but honestly while in his first year his brain is pretty much in training mode. I'm glad to be able to connect to some of the veteran wives or ask a officer here the questions that will help me out. I also pay it forward to the other wives/s.o I've come to know. Rambled long enough.

[chpfamily.com]

Well the moderators here are upset about CHPfamily.com, thats very unfortunate.

This was in no way my goal. I am not trying to take members from CHPforums. I simply feel that there should be a place where family members can also go to feel more comfortable with each other, their posts and their questions. It's been mentioned in posts before but some family members don't feel comfortable posting here for certain reasons. I am not looking for CHPfamily.com to contain tons of valuable information on policy and hiring and how the CHP operates, CHPforums has that covered.

Although you gentleman have TONS of valuable experience being officers, you are not an officer's spouse, or parent (well some of you may be). Thats who I designed this forum for. If people have questions for officers, I will encourage them to post their question on CHPforums.

I love CHPforums, its great for Officers, and applicants, but I feel it lacks a bit in the family member support department. I had hoped that the forums could work together, in the future in some way. I was looking forward to a competition to raise money for the 1199 foundation. My idea for the forum was a place that family members could go to share experiences, get to know each other and feel comfortable, locals get set up lunch dates, etc. I think there is a reason why the Myspace wives club is growing, people feel more comfortable knowing the officers are reading and criticizing everything they say. I could be wrong.

Everyone has their opinion and I respect that. CHPFamily may not take off and become the big support network I had hoped for. But I will do what I can to try. But I promise you, I am in no way trying to compete with CHPforums, or offend anyone on here.

- Take care.

[Stargrl]

Everyone has their opinion and I respect that. CHPFamily may not take off and become the big support network I had hoped for. But I will do what I can to try. But I promise you, I am in no way trying to compete with CHPforums, or offend anyone on here.

- Take care.

Shoooz. To me it just seems ballsy to come to one site just to advertise a new one. I think it would have been much more appropriate to pass something like that by the moderator of this site. It's like going to an In 'n Out burger place and putting up pamphlets for your Out 'n In burger shop without checking with the management first. That's how it came across to me.

[Mom]

Shoooz. To me it just seems ballsy to come to one site just to advertise a new one. I think it would have been much more appropriate to pass something like that by the moderator of this site. It's like going to an In 'n Out burger place and putting up pamphlets for your Out 'n In burger shop without checking with the management first. That's how it came across to me.I have to agree with Stargrl. I completely disagree with the way this was pushed, from the postings on the site, to the PMs sent behind the scenes. Perhaps this site could have been a nice site, but the way it was handled was completely wrong. And that negativity will carry over.

[jrsfan]

I have to agree with Stargrl. I completely disagree with the way this was pushed, from the postings on the site, to the PMs sent behind the scenes. Perhaps this site could have been a nice site, but the way it was handled was completely wrong. And that negativity will carry over.

Well said, Mom & Stargrl!

[chpfamily.com]

I am at a loss. One post on a public general CHP forum, about a more specific place that family and friends can meet and actual post their concerns, worries and experiences and make some new friends, along with two private messages, to two people who I thought would be great moderators, is going about advertising the wrong way. Wow. If that prevents you from using the forum so be it. But you, and all family members and friends are still welcome.

I am not trying to defend my post, announcing the forum. It was simply an announcement to those who might be interested. I will however apologize for not giving DW a heads up about it first and asking permission to post a link. I still believe it will grow and become a great benefit to the family and friends of the CHP. I guess I never thought anyone would somehow get upset that it exists.

DW, I apologize Sir.

[Wife*Of*NZ]

i've seen something like this posted before and i still don't understand what angle you're coming from. do you have specific examples?

I do, but I am not going to hash them out. Each wife or SO has their own personality and perception...and it is possible that if it's been mentioned more than once, there could be some truth to the feeling.

I don't doubt that you have found others here supportive, but you are obviously part of that "family" having a spouse that has gone through the academy and is now an officer. I was simply stating that this forum can feel less than friendly for the wives of the guys that are just hoping to get in.

Anyway, this wasn't the main point of what this whole thread was about. I have gained a wealth of knowledge from this site, but am normally the type to join in discussions and try to interact with people on forums. I would love if there was a place that was a bit more comfortable for people like me.

Thanks for the input, I will evalute my need for thicker skin!!!

[rayni]

I like a lot here got their feathers ruffled w/ the whole chpfamily.com deal. After re-reading this thread & others w/ similar direction I came to a different conclusion then I initially had. I know that several gals (eventually including myself) came on here announcing another venue to go to for wives/s.o in this forum. The myspace wives club was advertised here although not thru a topic starter, but more of "hey new ctc x-xx there is a myspace group just for us spouses/s.o". That is how the group gained members. What is the difference then? Although the chpfamily.com deal is currently public I think it would be great having a private section for the spouses like this forum does for the chippies. Sure DW could take that on this forum, but then it would be just a headache. He has done a fantastic thing here, but now I see the other forum as a compliment. I know that I could never truly understand my husband's side like he couldn't get my side. Like said before two different experiences going on. I want a officer's perspective I come here. I want to know if anyone else feels like kicking their cadet/officer's butt I get my girls' perspective to see if I'am alone. (during academy I was definitely not alone in wanting kick butt :lol:)The idea of a veteran spouse moderating family members is already being done in the myspace group so why not another doing it in a forum set up. Myspace's groups is a mess i.e there is no search function or break up of where to put a a new topic. I love the myspace group, but it is harder maneuver thru. The way v bulletin is set up makes it easier to access various topics. I know I rambled & my apologies. Not brown nosing either side just trying to be the fair person I'm "known" to be.:wink: We've seen several people post here & others jump the gun w/ their conclusions. Poster apologies & clearing up the intentions so others cut them a break. Seen it many times on here. The admin of chpfamily.com attempted to clear up the intentions so............

[HIPCHIP]

Well, obviously, the moderator of CHPFamily does not feel comfortable here with certain questions or aspects. If one person feels that way, then I'm sure there are more, and if they feel comfortable asking questions in that forum, then that may be a good thing.

Personally, I did think it was a bit funny to advertise here, but then again, how else would you get the word out? I'd also prefer to see sections added to this forum instead of starting a new forum, so maybe that is something to look at.

We're all here to help each other, so a family specific forum could be a good thing, but having to bounce between this forum and that forum could be more trouble than it is worth.

Lets try and come up with a compromise. If there are enough folks that feel we need a family specific thread on this forum, then tell the administrators. If there isn't enough of a response, then it really isn't needed.

[HIPCHIP]

I now see that CHPFamily.com can't be viewed unless you register, whereas earlier you could check it out and see what it was all about. Sounds strange to me. If I can't even look at it I would have no interest in joining.

[Eagl5]

OK, so although some of you don't like me posting, even though you don't know me here is my 2 cents. Like I have posted many times before, whatever did officers and their wives do before the internet or this website? I bet there was mass hysteria in CHP land. But alas DW comes along and we have a great website (this one) to go and talk and answer the same questions over and over and over and over......again. :cool: So what is a new spouse or s/o to do? How many have gone to the X-mas parties or office sporting events and think you have walked back into high school? You got the motors in one corner, the working car cops in another. You have the management staying just long enough so that when the drunk new guy gets stupid they can deny deny deny and then you have the wives. Its actually funny to watch how some of the wives treat other wives and girlfriends. I mean MEOW saucer of milk right? Then you got the wives who are open and accepting and take new wives under their wings and are nice to them and talk to them. This is what this site is, the nice wife. Use the family forum, when DW ask on how to improve it, give him feedback, PM him e-mail him etc....Or pm or email me I am lucky enough to be in his constant prescence and can get messages to him. Do we need another website? No, do some wives need to get a bit thicker skin? Yes, but I think that is something that comes with time on the job for both their husbands and themselves. :cool: The other new site is the over eager new wife that wants to be everybodies friend, but then disappears when you really need them. So thats it for me for this topic, actually more like 10 cents then 2 cents but hey I like to talk. Peace out.

[OfficerWife]

Myspace's groups is a mess i.e there is no search function or break up of where to put a a new topic. I love the myspace group, but it is harder maneuver thru. The way v bulletin is set up makes it easier to access various topics.

Rayni you are right on about that! It's almost impossible to find/search anything in the MySpace group unless it is posted as a separate bulletin, but super easy here on this platform. There have been many times that the search function has come in handy here, like when I wanted to refer to your past thread about what to get a new officer. I also like the idea of a 'verified' section so that what is discussed can be private.

[rayni]

Rayni you are right on about that! It's almost impossible to find/search anything in the MySpace group unless it is posted as a separate bulletin, but super easy here on this platform. There have been many times that the search function has come in handy here, like when I wanted to refer to your past thread about what to get a new officer. I also like the idea of a 'verified' section so that what is discussed can be private.

Ahhh... you understood some of my ramble. THANK YOU!! That was exactly my point. In this forum I click on your name & can see what you have previously posted. In the myspace world you just can't. DW, sorry for the delay in ideas to contribute to the applicant family forum when you asked a while back. If anything from this whole thread it got people talking.

[jrsfan]

Rayni you are right on about that! It's almost impossible to find/search anything in the MySpace group unless it is posted as a separate bulletin, but super easy here on this platform. There have been many times that the search function has come in handy here, like when I wanted to refer to your past thread about what to get a new officer. I also like the idea of a 'verified' section so that what is discussed can be private.

That is exactly what I gripe about with MySpace. This forum is so easy to navigate. You can look at all of Rayni's previous ramblings with just one click. :biggrin: :wink: Love you, Rayni!

[MLB2]

I think sometimes if you are not a wife, or a S/O of an applicant, cadet or officer, the forum is a little bit difficult to post in. If your a Mom, I think the perspective would be different.

I don't think the CHPFamily intended any disrespect, just a different perspective. DW has done an awesome job on this web site and although he does not do this for praise he does this with an intelligent perspective of maturity, experience, humor and heart. We can all see that. Some of us are Mom's. Dad's, brothers and sisters. Some of the frequent female posters seem to be very strong and outspoken but I don't recall seeing too many posts from dads, sisters or brothers.

The CHP Family (not website) to me, encompasses all those connected to an officer. applicant or cadet. It includes those those who don't know much or have any knowledge of law enforcement except that they have a family member who is a cadet or officer.

I don't see the other website as competitive or insulting. Everyone needs to find there own level. If it works for some posters, so be it. It certainly does not diminish the longevity or professionalism of this forum. Some of the testier posts toward the other site surprise me. How could it be wrong to want to support your officer in only one area? Being supportive in general, in any way, is a compliment to this site and all the posters and all the officers and cadets.

This website will always be the great, informative site that it was concieved to be for aspiring cadets/officers and still is. I refer people to this site everyday. You could not have better moderator's or administrators than there are here.

However, I can see posting on the other site or answering someone or throwing in my two cents more than I would on this site. Not because I am not comfortable here but I am a family member of an officer - not a cadet any more and I am not a wife or a significant other. So, I feel a bit intimidated sometimes.

I think we should all keep an open mind. I agree that a heads up would have been nice to the adminstrator but since it did not happen maybe it was because of lack of internet experience and protocol.

But I think for all of us to think it was negative and nasty may be the wrong perceptiion from obviously a novice who was trying to fill a need they saw as being apparent. Just difference in people.

They say (whoever they is) that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Maybe the site will develop and maybe it won't. Who knows. It does not take away from the status or intent of this website.

I am going to mosey over there and take a look and see what it is about.
But I am still part of this forum and I still like this forum and the information and support that it provides.

DW you do a fantastic job - don't let it ruffle your feathers. No one can replace you or this forum. You do what you do with great care and concern.

Just my two cents:rolleyes:

[OfficerWife]

That is exactly what I gripe about with MySpace. This forum is so easy to navigate. You can look at all of Rayni's previous ramblings with just one click. :biggrin: :wink: Love you, Rayni!

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[bcjack]

As a non-CHP member, I read the posts in this thread with interest. What I see is, if there are issues with the way you think this forum is operated or have an idea for a change, TELL DW!!! He appears to be a very caring person and has the best interest of all of you at heart. I can't even imagine how much time and effort dw expends on a daily basis (in addition to his regular job duties) to keep this forum running (thank you dw!!)

As far as the other site using this forum to advertise, I felt it was kind of a cheap shot at this forum.

Thank you dw and all of the others who give their time, expertise, knowledge and money to make this forum the great place it is!!

[cain.vanessa]

Speaking from the stand point of an applicant I have found this site to be very informative, and IMHO have not seen anything inflammatory but i also have not read all of the posts on this site, yet. As an applicant I have no interest in joining that other site, but the one concern that I did have was the accuracy of information that could be posted through that site. I have seen here countless times where one makes a statement and along comes a verified chippie to correct it. I believe this to be the best source of information because of the reliability of the information being displayed. With that said, i will continue to be a member of this site; if and when I get the chance to attend the academy and my family wants to know about the dept I will refer them here. Thanks DW and the other moderators and verified chippies who have helped keep this site running and an effective information outlet.

[rayni]

That is exactly what I gripe about with MySpace. This forum is so easy to navigate. You can look at all of Rayni's previous ramblings with just one click. :biggrin: :wink: Love you, Rayni!
:lol::lol::lol:

[Stargrl]

I like a lot here got their feathers ruffled w/ the whole chpfamily.com deal. After re-reading this thread & others w/ similar direction I came to a different conclusion then I initially had. I know that several gals (eventually including myself) came on here announcing another venue to go to for wives/s.o in this forum. The myspace wives club was advertised here although not thru a topic starter, but more of "hey new ctc x-xx there is a myspace group just for us spouses/s.o". That is how the group gained members. What is the difference then?

The reason that I think it's poor internet etiquette to advertise the chpfamily.com forum on its own is thus: it's one thing to say, "I'm on the myspace wives group, PM me and I'll tell you more about it", but it's another thing to say, "Hey I started this new forum, y'all come on over now ,ya hear?" What that person is doing is taking advantage of the audience here on an established forum to do their advertising. It may seem like it's splitting hairs, but may I allude again to the burger advertising analogy. I've been a member of various other forums (non LE) and any time a post was made advertising another forum, it was instantly deleted. Therefore, upon reading the initial post by the chpfamily.com person, I thought that surely they had passed it by DW and it was actually being promoted by him from this site. Look at it this way: how did you find chpforums? Most likely from doing a google search, and discovering it. That's the way it goes on the internet, you get your site out there and find legitimate ways to get it known. Another good way would have been for that poster to invite via PM the people they think would be interested. There's nothing against that. I'm not a big fan of going to a site I don't know about and having to provide personal info to get an approved membership, especially since I still have no idea who that person is!

[Mac]

...I am going to mosey over there and take a look and see what it is about...
I'm reasonably sure that you're already quite familiar with what it's all about "over there".

[BoySergeant]

I am at a loss. One post on a public general CHP forum, about a more specific place that family and friends can meet and actual post their concerns, worries and experiences and make some new friends, along with two private messages, to two people who I thought would be great moderators, is going about advertising the wrong way. Wow. If that prevents you from using the forum so be it. But you, and all family members and friends are still welcome.

I am not trying to defend my post, announcing the forum. It was simply an announcement to those who might be interested. I will however apologize for not giving DW a heads up about it first and asking permission to post a link. I still believe it will grow and become a great benefit to the family and friends of the CHP. I guess I never thought anyone would somehow get upset that it exists.

DW, I apologize Sir.

If your forum were specific to family, it would not have numerous overlapping categories. Additionally, my concerns about your site are much further reaching than you think. Will you maintain the integrity of the Department and its reputation? Will your site reflect positively on the men and women of the CHP? Is this just a passing fad for you… will you abandon the site or get tired of it? What kind of experience do you have to run such a site? How much experience do you have with the CHP?

On your site, how does "Support and Testing" relate specifically to family members? This sounds like a hiring thread to me. What experience do you have in helping officers through the testing process?

Isn’t the CAHP already discussed on CHPForums (where it should be) in the Chippies Only section?

There is already a humor thread on CHPForums as well as a Classified thread.

Oh look, there ALREADY is an applicant family forum on CHPForums. DW asked if a more detailed family forum was needed over a month ago… some response, but not a lot. DW posted a poll of those who think a family forum should be posted at CHPForums or hosted on another site … take a look: http://www.chpforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5350

Here is how the cow ate the cabbage: Using CHP Forums to advertise your site was wrong from the beginning and you knew it. You are not dense. We have met, we have talked. You are not even off probation yet. You have no true experience. No true experience to guide or moderate others in a CHP related forum. It is no wonder you are aggressively seeking out moderators for your site. If dw would have let me ban your accounts, I would have done it and deleted all references to your site. I still might when he’s not looking. Don’t play the “apology” line with me mister, I see right through it to the heart. How can you apologize to dw with one account and support your site with the other?

I call BS!

[iakona]

I checked out, and became a member of, chpfamily.com. There's not much there right now, but has a lot of areas to start threads. The thing that got me was the "counter" under the user name and number of posts that shows how many times a member has been "thanked."

I know dw does not expect to be thanked for his efforts in creating a great forum to discuss everything under the sun, and I doubt dw ever thought of having a counter for the number of thanks he's received. I know a thread started to remind us all of the hard work dw and our administrators put in to keep us all informed, but even then, dw said that he wasn't doing this for the thanks.

Just a little weird, imho. :think:

[Mac]

Another board I'm on used to have a "karma" counter for each user - you could "exalt" (+1 karma) or "smite"
(-1 karma) other users.

Note that I said "used to" in the above sentence. It can become a status symbol thing and certain users get bent out of shape when others get thanked (or 'exalted', or whatever you want to call it) more than them. Every once in a while, two people would get in a 'smiting' contest with each other and end up with negative 'karma points' or n00bs would start randomly smiting people, which led to threads like "Hey, where did my karma go?!?". IMO, the disadvantages of having such a thing far outweigh the advantages. The Admin on that board removed and re-instituted it a couple times before finally deciding that it was gone for good.

[chpfamily.com]

If your forum were specific to family, it would not have numerous overlapping categories. Additionally, my concerns about your site are much further reaching than you think. Will you maintain the integrity of the Department and its reputation? Will your site reflect positively on the men and women of the CHP? Is this just a passing fad for you… will you abandon the site or get tired of it? What kind of experience do you have to run such a site? How much experience do you have with the CHP?

On your site, how does "Support and Testing" relate specifically to family members? This sounds like a hiring thread to me. What experience do you have in helping officers through the testing process?

Isn’t the CAHP already discussed on CHPForums (where it should be) in the Chippies Only section?

There is already a humor thread on CHPForums as well as a Classified thread.

Oh look, there ALREADY is an applicant family forum on CHPForums. DW asked if a more detailed family forum was needed over a month ago… some response, but not a lot. DW posted a poll of those who think a family forum should be posted at CHPForums or hosted on another site … take a look: http://www.chpforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5350

Here is how the cow ate the cabbage: Using CHP Forums to advertise your site was wrong from the beginning and you knew it. You are not dense. We have met, we have talked. You are not even off probation yet. You have no true experience. No true experience to guide or moderate others in a CHP related forum. It is no wonder you are aggressively seeking out moderators for your site. If dw would have let me ban your accounts, I would have done it and deleted all references to your site. I still might when he’s not looking. Don’t play the “apology” line with me mister, I see right through it to the heart. How can you apologize to dw with one account and support your site with the other?

I call BS!
Let me first respond to some of your statements...

Oh look, there ALREADY is an applicant family forum on CHPForums. DW asked if a more detailed family forum was needed over a month ago… some response, but not a lot.

Thats because some family members don't spend the time on here because the forum doesn't appeal to them as much as it does to the officers and applicants.

If your forum were specific to family, it would not have numerous overlapping categories.
On your site, how does "Support and Testing" relate specifically to family members? This sounds like a hiring thread to me. What experience do you have in helping officers through the testing process?
Isn’t the CAHP already discussed on CHPForums (where it should be) in the Chippies Only section?
There is already a humor thread on CHPForums as well as a Classified thread.

Support and Testing is for new features I add to the forum and a place to report errors, testing the looks of signature, etc. Notice the description reads "Questions, Comments, Bugs and New Feature testing"

As far as classifieds and humor, two website forums can't have two similar forums that are general. I love to laugh and I wanted a specific for anything funny. When people sell things they want to reach as many people as possible, no? I don't agree that those two forums make my forum obsolete.

I don't see a CAHP forum anywhere... Additionally family members can't have questions about the CAHP? The site is obviously brand new and i want to see what people use and don't use, whatever is unused will be removed.

Will you maintain the integrity of the Department and its reputation? Will your site reflect positively on the men and women of the CHP?

I've stated numerous times, the forum WAS NOT designed to talk CHP policy or how the CHP works, so I am not worried about accuracy.Life as a family member of the CHP officer need not always be accurate, when its an opinion. You act as if I want people to come ask questions about CHP. That is the exact opposite of what I want. It is a place for family members to share there feelings and concerns and meet other family members. I'll say it again, if there is a policy related question, I will gladly point them in this direction.

Using CHP Forums to advertise your site was wrong from the beginning
I SCREWED UP! I shouldn't have posted before getting DW's approval. I will admit I made a mistake as I did before.


We have met, we have talked. You are not even off probation yet. You have no true experience. No true experience to guide or moderate others in a CHP related forum. It is no wonder you are aggressively seeking out moderators for your site. How can you apologize to dw with one account and support your site with the other?

I haven't apologized to anyone on any other name, I've never met you in person. I did not make this forum for recognition or money, and you may think you know who I am and thats fine, because I assure you, you don't. Even if I post my name birthday and address, it doesnt matter. I am not doing anything wrong.

I am aggressively seeking moderators because there are some family members that are very good at helping other family members with problems, questions etc. Those are the people I want to moderate the forums because others turn to them with questions.

I am trying to create another option for family members, not applicants, not officers. If family members chose CHPfamily to post on because they like what it offers and they feel more comfortable, why does that bother you, you don't want them to leave CHPforums? Isn't the whole goal to help? Or is it that they are your members and I can not have them? CHPforums will continue to grow regardless, of whether CHPfamily.com is up or not. I guarantee it. If you want to ban me there is nothing I can do.

Why would I need experience with the CHP if the forum is about being a family member? Apparently you STILL think after my previous responses that the forum is meant to somehow replace CHP forums.

As far as the family forums go, some people do not feel comfortable posting on this site because of the moderation. Not only that but CHPfamily.com is a much more in depth family section. Additionally, people can actually post about things that are not CHP related, a funny video they like. Just how actual friends BS, without having to worry about it not being related to a family question. Or make a post about how my day is going crappy here's what happened, or my grandma is sick, pray for her. It doesn't all have to be a question about something. CHPfamily offers some things CHPforums doesn't.

CHPfamily.com is truly a GOOD idea and a great feature to family members. I advertised it the WRONG way and thats what has everyone feathers ruffled. I apologized and I can do nothing but leave it at that.

I apologize if I am sounding harsh or rude, I do not mean to, I am somewhat frustrated with the situation I have created.

-Take care

[chpfamily.com]

I checked out, and became a member of, chpfamily.com. There's not much there right now, but has a lot of areas to start threads. The thing that got me was the "counter" under the user name and number of posts that shows how many times a member has been "thanked."

I know dw does not expect to be thanked for his efforts in creating a great forum to discuss everything under the sun, and I doubt dw ever thought of having a counter for the number of thanks he's received. I know a thread started to remind us all of the hard work dw and our administrators put in to keep us all informed, but even then, dw said that he wasn't doing this for the thanks.

Just a little weird, imho. :think:

When a member finds a thread useful and the information helps them, they can hit thanks to the poster. Instead of making a useless post that says "Thanks." I thought it was neat.

EDIT: This is hopefully my last response, the forum exists, if its something you as a family member wanted, use it, if not don't. Sorry DW.

[dw]

Discussion of chpfamily.com closed for now.