3 Rules, One Blog: Admin updates on More Navy Communities, Security Issues, & Threads…
Hello Everyone!
There has been some chatter on the boards (and in my PM’s) that I wanted to address.
I have made some ground rules, but I haven’t made official blogs about them, and I would like to do that now. The comment I am using is one I read recently, BUY by no means is this member alone in writing these concerns or thoughts- I am using it as an example because it’s well written and covers all the issues that need to be talked about.
RULE 1: You may not bash any other sites on this site.
Comment:
I also belong to another group online called Navy Moms Online and it is a totally different experience it is truly ONLY for Moms and I have found much more support there and …
My Response:
Bashing sites is totally and utterly unacceptable and will be deleted if I see it. I do not go to other sites and say: You’ll find more “fill in the blank” at our site. We at N4M’s want to educate viewers and members on how large the navy community is by acknowledging these sites … as seen in these links:
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topic/show?id=1971797%3ATopic%3A23407
And with conversations with Beth and Susan J we started a whole new section, just for recommendations of other online communities.
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topic/show?id=1971797%3ATopic%3A32000
If you have a site that you want to be put on our list… read these threads and contact me.
RULE 2: Navyformoms.com embraces moms and other family members.
Comment:
I was told about this site from a very good friend who also has a son in the Navy so I came to check it out. It is a fairly good site. However the title of the site is Navy for Moms and it has been somewhat of a disappoint to me when I now see that there are girlfriends,,wives...siblings..etc here. There are plenty of other sites out there for the g/f and wives but not many for just Moms. I feel the Moms have a very unique feeling about their sons and daughters going into the Military and should have a place all their own to post and share their thoughts and feelings with other Moms.
My Response:
So, as long as the girlfriends, wives, sailors, siblings, grandmothers and dads (etc) aren’t offended that this is called for navyformoms.com- then we will welcome them with open arms. In fact, their perspective brings a lot to our community and in many cases moms have learned from their story and have enjoyed their company. And if you look at what “non- moms” are asking… it’s the same things that the moms are asking. Yes, they have their specific groups that they are joining- but they aren’t harming the boards and I have no reason to discourage them for being here. We are all here because we miss and love somebody in the Navy and need more information and support. My cohorts and I hope that down the road, with the sites success, that we can make this more of Navy Family Site- But we decided to start this off with moms. Side Note: By looking at the member list though, non-mom members make up less than 10% on this site.
RULE 3: We’re an open community (and we are going to stay that way)…
Comment:
I sometimes wonder just how secure this site can be when anyone can join. Makes me kind of nervous..after all loose lips sink ships!!!!! … my biggest concern is keeping our guys and gals safe and out of harms way. I just wonder how long it will be before someone post something that should not be posted. I am curious as to whether everything that is posted is read by someone to be sure that all is well. There is just something about being able to pull up a Web Site and read about any problems people may have with our USN makes me a little uncomfortable. I had someone who does computer security for the government check the site out and he was amazed that all that was being put out there for the public to see at just a random glance as he put it is a slippery slope that this site is going down. It is obvious to me that no suggestions or input will be taken on how to make this site more secure. As far as putting this site out for future sailors or families of sailors if they are indeed trying to make a decision about joining I don't think this would be the best place to come to make that decision not when you see some of the complaints here about what happens once they join.
My Response:
Yes. This site is open. For a purpose! We are trying to help and educate moms and other members who have kids that are “thinking about joining”. We want to be a source that people can openly read and ask questions to other mothers (and other family member that is willing to answer them). Yes, I know there is going to be all types of content (but, it’s not a real community- if people can’t talk their issues out.) And we have a ton of Navy mom Pro’s and supporters that lend their advice and help in those situations.
“Loose lips, sink ships” has been said on here before. In fact, I am sending the house rules members as I greet them. Here they are:
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topic/show?id=1971797%3ATopic%3A103
Also this privacy thread has been read and is in the forums and there are two schools of thought. After talking to our Navy connections- I am concluding that it all boils down with what you are comfortable with sharing:
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topic/show?id=1971797%3ATopic%3A11...
Here are a few ways to make your information private:
One is PM’s.
The best way to send messages to your friends is by using your address book on a network. With your address book, you can send a message to one, multiple, or all of your friends on that network at once.
To use your address book, click on the “My Friends” link in the right hand column of the network. Next, click the link to “Send message to friends.” You’ll be able to select friends from your address book and write them messages from this page.
Also, you make Private Blogs:
You get to decide who can view your blog posts: just you, just your friends, or everyone (the default setting). To change this setting, click the “My Settings” link in the box on the right column of the page. Click “Privacy” and click the circle next to who you want to read your blog.
By default, your blog posts are set to allow anyone who can read them to comment on them. You can change this option and limit who can comment on posts to only your friends — or only you. You can also decide if you want to approve comments before they are posted or all comments to posted immediately. These options are listed under the “Privacy” link under your “My Settings” as well.
Finally, each time you write a blog post, you can override your settings to further expand or restrict your audience!
** All questions (from deleting your account, to uploading photos, etc) can be found on this site: http://help.ning.com/ **
I am here to keep the “trolls out”. Which, I have already exercised. Also, as we grow bigger and stronger- we have some GREAT members that help in self-policing this site. And I am truly grateful for that.
I stand firm in making this a community were everyone feels comfortable. (Though, I know, I can’t make everyone happy), People share what they are comfortable with while keeping the rules in mind.
http://www.navyformoms.com/profiles/blog/show?id=1971797%3ABlogPost...
Sincerely, Catherine
There has been some chatter on the boards (and in my PM’s) that I wanted to address.
I have made some ground rules, but I haven’t made official blogs about them, and I would like to do that now. The comment I am using is one I read recently, BUY by no means is this member alone in writing these concerns or thoughts- I am using it as an example because it’s well written and covers all the issues that need to be talked about.
RULE 1: You may not bash any other sites on this site.
Comment:
I also belong to another group online called Navy Moms Online and it is a totally different experience it is truly ONLY for Moms and I have found much more support there and …
My Response:
Bashing sites is totally and utterly unacceptable and will be deleted if I see it. I do not go to other sites and say: You’ll find more “fill in the blank” at our site. We at N4M’s want to educate viewers and members on how large the navy community is by acknowledging these sites … as seen in these links:
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topic/show?id=1971797%3ATopic%3A23407
And with conversations with Beth and Susan J we started a whole new section, just for recommendations of other online communities.
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topic/show?id=1971797%3ATopic%3A32000
If you have a site that you want to be put on our list… read these threads and contact me.
RULE 2: Navyformoms.com embraces moms and other family members.
Comment:
I was told about this site from a very good friend who also has a son in the Navy so I came to check it out. It is a fairly good site. However the title of the site is Navy for Moms and it has been somewhat of a disappoint to me when I now see that there are girlfriends,,wives...siblings..etc here. There are plenty of other sites out there for the g/f and wives but not many for just Moms. I feel the Moms have a very unique feeling about their sons and daughters going into the Military and should have a place all their own to post and share their thoughts and feelings with other Moms.
My Response:
So, as long as the girlfriends, wives, sailors, siblings, grandmothers and dads (etc) aren’t offended that this is called for navyformoms.com- then we will welcome them with open arms. In fact, their perspective brings a lot to our community and in many cases moms have learned from their story and have enjoyed their company. And if you look at what “non- moms” are asking… it’s the same things that the moms are asking. Yes, they have their specific groups that they are joining- but they aren’t harming the boards and I have no reason to discourage them for being here. We are all here because we miss and love somebody in the Navy and need more information and support. My cohorts and I hope that down the road, with the sites success, that we can make this more of Navy Family Site- But we decided to start this off with moms. Side Note: By looking at the member list though, non-mom members make up less than 10% on this site.
RULE 3: We’re an open community (and we are going to stay that way)…
Comment:
I sometimes wonder just how secure this site can be when anyone can join. Makes me kind of nervous..after all loose lips sink ships!!!!! … my biggest concern is keeping our guys and gals safe and out of harms way. I just wonder how long it will be before someone post something that should not be posted. I am curious as to whether everything that is posted is read by someone to be sure that all is well. There is just something about being able to pull up a Web Site and read about any problems people may have with our USN makes me a little uncomfortable. I had someone who does computer security for the government check the site out and he was amazed that all that was being put out there for the public to see at just a random glance as he put it is a slippery slope that this site is going down. It is obvious to me that no suggestions or input will be taken on how to make this site more secure. As far as putting this site out for future sailors or families of sailors if they are indeed trying to make a decision about joining I don't think this would be the best place to come to make that decision not when you see some of the complaints here about what happens once they join.
My Response:
Yes. This site is open. For a purpose! We are trying to help and educate moms and other members who have kids that are “thinking about joining”. We want to be a source that people can openly read and ask questions to other mothers (and other family member that is willing to answer them). Yes, I know there is going to be all types of content (but, it’s not a real community- if people can’t talk their issues out.) And we have a ton of Navy mom Pro’s and supporters that lend their advice and help in those situations.
“Loose lips, sink ships” has been said on here before. In fact, I am sending the house rules members as I greet them. Here they are:
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topic/show?id=1971797%3ATopic%3A103
Also this privacy thread has been read and is in the forums and there are two schools of thought. After talking to our Navy connections- I am concluding that it all boils down with what you are comfortable with sharing:
http://www.navyformoms.com/forum/topic/show?id=1971797%3ATopic%3A11...
Here are a few ways to make your information private:
One is PM’s.
The best way to send messages to your friends is by using your address book on a network. With your address book, you can send a message to one, multiple, or all of your friends on that network at once.
To use your address book, click on the “My Friends” link in the right hand column of the network. Next, click the link to “Send message to friends.” You’ll be able to select friends from your address book and write them messages from this page.
Also, you make Private Blogs:
You get to decide who can view your blog posts: just you, just your friends, or everyone (the default setting). To change this setting, click the “My Settings” link in the box on the right column of the page. Click “Privacy” and click the circle next to who you want to read your blog.
By default, your blog posts are set to allow anyone who can read them to comment on them. You can change this option and limit who can comment on posts to only your friends — or only you. You can also decide if you want to approve comments before they are posted or all comments to posted immediately. These options are listed under the “Privacy” link under your “My Settings” as well.
Finally, each time you write a blog post, you can override your settings to further expand or restrict your audience!
** All questions (from deleting your account, to uploading photos, etc) can be found on this site: http://help.ning.com/ **
I am here to keep the “trolls out”. Which, I have already exercised. Also, as we grow bigger and stronger- we have some GREAT members that help in self-policing this site. And I am truly grateful for that.
I stand firm in making this a community were everyone feels comfortable. (Though, I know, I can’t make everyone happy), People share what they are comfortable with while keeping the rules in mind.
http://www.navyformoms.com/profiles/blog/show?id=1971797%3ABlogPost...
Sincerely, Catherine
Tags: members, posts, privacy, rules, security, thread, welcome
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Comment by Joyce Tucson Mom on April 1, 2008 at 3:06pm - Thank you Catherine! I'm all for feeling comfortable with sharing, and being there for others (all others) - my only "fear" is that my son might see something I posted and say "MMOOOOMMMM - how could you!!!!" Isn't that part of my job as a parent . . . :)!!
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Comment by Steve's Mom on April 1, 2008 at 3:19pm -
I too had concerns and felt put out to the point I almost left. It did seem that this site gave out more information then the Army does The worst thing I thought I could do would be to compromise my son's saftey in the future. I was blessed enough to be informed by many Navy moms and families, that have been at this for years and years, that it would be okay, and was given some security tips, that did get posted about this site.
I like it here.
Shell
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Comment by Michdang on April 2, 2008 at 10:41am - This website is one of the reasons our sons/daughters are serving this country - freedom of speech. But it provides so much more to all of us on the outside. Support, guidance, information and often times hand-holding. Sure we have to get down to the brass tacks on some subjects sometimes, but, for the most part if we're using discretion, and self monitoring, I would think its all about freedom of choice. Thanks so much to you moms who saw the need for a site like this, not just for me but for many of the moms who I can see really, really benefited that this was in place for them. Good Job Ladies!!!
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Comment by Julie Pearson on April 3, 2008 at 11:10am - I have not had any problems with my daughter knowing what I have uploaded or written on this particular site. I love it and hope that all MoM's, Dad's, spouses, g/f, b/f, etc., will be supportive of their loved ones. My daughter is so very proud that I am so very proud of her! and I want the whole world to know. This is a huge commitment they have taken and I hope and pray for their safety and happiness as they proudly serve our country. Thanks to everyone who has made this site possible. I am so happy I found it. Proudest MoM of a Sailor!!! GO NAVY4MOMS!!!!!!!!
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Comment by Jackie on April 3, 2008 at 8:07pm - As a past command ombudsman, I think this site rocks!!! It would have saved me so many phone calls. As a ombudsman for a command it is your job to take care of the family members of the sailors. This included getting info out to all family members about when the ship was pulling into ports or when they would be coming home. I Must have talked to thousands of people over that two years. It was a privilege to be able to help those families one on one, but a site like this would have been wonderful. Keep up the great work.
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Comment by Amber B on April 4, 2008 at 7:33pm -
I don't know what i would have done with out this site .Its given me my sense of control back and I have made so many cyber friends. Just knowing our kids are there together it makes it easier. when the kids write and we share it like getting 3 or 4 letters at once. You guys do a great job keep up the good work
Amber
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Comment by Barb K. on April 6, 2008 at 9:43am -
Catherine,
Thank you for all the time you put into this site and your concern for all members of our extended navy family. I have met some wonderful women some are moms, some are fiances and one is even a wife (who I thought was a mom, ooooppppsss). But all of these women, are looking for answers and if there is a mom or a wife who can help them, then I think they belong here. I only wish that this site had been available when my son entered the navy almost a year ago. It would have been so helpful and would have answered alot of the questions that I had that I sometimes thought were to trivial to call and bother the recruiter with. I may have been guilty of mentioning where my son is and what he is going to school for, but I have not ever compromised his security or the security of any other sailor that he is going to school with. Thank you for your work on the site Catherine and to all my mom friends, I look forward to hearing from you.
Barb k.
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Comment by Lisa B on April 10, 2008 at 4:46pm - I ttly agree w/ the comments i have read... my sister knows how i feel, and her and her husband were the 1s who told me to go online to look for this site, (of course it took me longer than i wanted it to) but its like my sister said, unless u have a child who enlists,and then becomes active, u really have no clue what all the waterworks are for, and there is so much insightful, useful information on this site is and will be my lifeline with my daughter b/c she is NOT a letter writer, and also just today i ordered the flags with the 2 stars for my marine nephew, and my navy daughter, for 4 of us in the family, and i would never have known about these flags or there history if it weren't for this site..i love all the ppl on here who are willing to take the time out of there lives to answer our questions , look into lending a helping hand and being a shoulder to cry on, isn't that what the usa stands for togetherness, united we stand, divided we fall...god bless you catherine and all the others who have bee here for me and the others *hugs*
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Comment by Gaye on May 19, 2008 at 9:52am - Thank you Catherine....I was getting pretty rattled...and my daughter is over A school so I know that really new moms etc. must have been pretty upset...thanks again..and I hope that someone starts the daughters in the Navy group....
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