Subjects allowed on the forum

[JoeItalia7]

No sienna. I think Mark was saying that they should NOT be visible to non members. Non Members should only be able to see topics relating to Italy

[Markymark]

Sienna/Joe - My view is that Off Topic threads should not be the first items visible to visitors - all the Italian related posts should be at the top so that they are seen first, anything else underneath, that way at least people would have to scroll down to see the other topics - if they can be "hidden" to guests, even better.

[Melbournegirl]

As I have been mentioned I thought that I needed to post but I needed to have a think about things and I wanted to get back to Melissa personally.

My impreession is that people generally are very friendly on this site and very helpful and so far it would appear that there is no Bill2 (very pedantic) (those who slut around on Italian forums will know what I mean ;-) ) I think this should continue.

In a world where we are are encouraged to show emotion, blog, tweet, and be in constant contact via mobile or text, I do think people lose the art of self censorship, stiff upper lip is an unappreciated trait.

That said if someone is having a bad day and wants to vent, then I do think it compliments the very nice people on here that it was done here. I myself was a little surprised but as I pointed to alternate sites straight away and then then the conversation turned to good eating, on an off topic forum then I see no harm done - on that occasion. It is all very well to live oversaes, but it can be lonely and not as exciting for some.

I do think offtopic and news should be at the bottom and perhaps encourage off topic to be about off topic news items etc, not off topic personal life stuff, but it is an innocent mistake.

When it comes to responses I thought you would all be queing up to tell me your flavours but no one seemed to really care. I also posted an article form the Guardian about Berlusconi, sicerely wanting a couple of opinions but that did not get alot of interest as I have re-read this thread I realised that perhaps 2 cardinal rules were broken, politics and linking to an outside thread, but I did not post the Berlusconi article to start controvery, as someone who hopes to be living there by the end of the year I wanted to know what people thought.

I also think it is very important to remember that way something is written can be very different if it was in conversation, vice versa.

I do not have any unusual ideas on how to get more traffic, but if visitors see us genuine and helpful and having fun, they will come back for more.

That was long....Sorry

[Markymark]

Originally Posted by Melbournegirl

As I have been mentioned I thought that I needed to post but I needed to have a think about things and I wanted to get back to Melissa personally.

My impreession is that people generally are very friendly on this site and very helpful and so far it would appear that there is no Bill2 (very pedantic) (those who slut around on Italian forums will know what I mean ;-) ) I think this should continue.

In a world where we are are encouraged to show emotion, blog, tweet, and be in constant contact via mobile or text, I do think people lose the art of self censorship, stiff upper lip is an unappreciated trait.

That said if someone is having a bad day and wants to vent, then I do think it compliments the very nice people on here that it was done here. I myself was a little surprised but as I pointed to alternate sites straight away and then then the conversation turned to good eating, on an off topic forum then I see no harm done - on that occasion. It is all very well to live oversaes, but it can be lonely and not as exciting for some.

I do think offtopic and news should be at the bottom and perhaps encourage off topic to be about off topic news items etc, not off topic personal life stuff, but it is an innocent mistake.

Thank you - reasoned, sensible comments. 'Nuff said!

[JoeItalia7]

Originally Posted by Melbournegirl

When it comes to responses I thought you would all be queing up to tell me your flavours but no one seemed to really care. I also posted an article form the Guardian about Berlusconi, sicerely wanting a couple of opinions but that did not get alot of interest as I have re-read this thread I realised that perhaps 2 cardinal rules were broken, politics and linking to an outside thread, but I did not post the Berlusconi article to start controvery, as someone who hopes to be living there by the end of the year I wanted to know what people thought.

I'm sorry to hear you havent recieved many responses. Please don't be discouraged by this, we encourage everyone to post as much as possible. From time to time, it just so happens that certain topics don't catch on. Maybe this is because its a dried out subject that has been discussed too much already. Not saying this is what happened with your topic, just a general observation. Bottom line, please continue to post as often as you'd like. We would love new italian related topics. I strongly encourage this for everyone.

[Sienna]

Or just don't have the time .. see an interesting topic, have a quick read inbetween jobs and no time to input. The reasons for not posting can be so innocent.

For one I am interested in politics and will reply when I've been able to give my response some thought. I try to avoid "shooting from the hip".

[Linda]

As an American who is planning to visit Italy again sometime in the near future, I think advertisement for rentals is a good idea. But advertisements in general can be distracting at times so I understand the concerns.

[mifsrycap]

uhm,Thanks so much 4 sharing with us,bros :-)