Galad Wants YOU (for the 2010 Membership Survey)!

[Nandi el'Shahir]

Completed it!

Aryawnah Sedai. I love the little monkey in your signature!

 

[Erin al'Denael]

[quote="Dralyn Montsier":3nzcz8qx]Well, the Membership Survey isn't actually done for you. It is done for the administration.

And here was hoping that it would benefit all members of the site. Feedback needs to go in both directions.[/quote:3nzcz8qx]

The survey helps administration see what the site needs. The administration takes that need and meets it. Examples were listed above. Therefore, I would say the membership survey qualifies as a benefit to all members of the site.

If you want feedback in reverse to tell you how you are doing as a member of TarValon.Net, Lenore, I'd say talk to Kerna. :P

 

[Xylianna Paladina]

Done.

 

[Alaria Celentari]

Done

 

[Anirfyan Dayen]

Done!

 

[Reniel Killan]

Done! I am impressed with the depth of knowledge you draw from us in the survey.. and even more impressed that you want to know our opinions!

 

[Eleyan Al'Landerin]

[quote="Dralyn Montsier":2lz0zq3d]Well, the Membership Survey isn't actually done for you. It is done for the administration.

And here was hoping that it would benefit all members of the site. Feedback needs to go in both directions.[/quote:2lz0zq3d]

That it was somehow helpful for you as administration is not really helpful for us.

The survey is a tool for members to have a voice and provide feedback (regardless of rank, position or affiliation) knowing that it will not only be read, but read extensively with the intent of using that information to help the organization. The demographic information requested (all of which is voluntary) is used for us to prove compliance with US regulation/law, but it is also used to assist us in looking at how we're spending resources (both financial and human) and to evaluate the effectiveness of decisions implemented in the past year. Us being on the right side of the law keeps us online, and benefits all members. Us using resources wisely benefits all members.

It is used as a tool to get member opinions on specific subjects that we feel specifically need the pulse from everyone.... last year a big one was on views towards bonding. The membership survey results and comments, combined with the Sr. Member round table discussions, were absolutely insturmenal in determining the direction we went with that. Personally, the results of this came out in a way that, without this information, I wouldn't have approved. Seeing my personal opinion vastly outnumbered, and how those opinions were spread out among our membership, were why we began the process of adjusting those rules. Knowing how people feel about certain issues allows us to make decisions based on data rather than a gut feeling of what we think that you think, and that benefits all members.

We read *all* comments. The results of the survey are printed and brought to our annual admin meeting where they, along with a copy of our By-Laws and Membership Manuals make the core group of documents used through this event. It gives every member who wants to have some sort of voice at that meeting a chance to have their thoughts presented, considered, and used to shape policy, procedure, and more. That benefits all members... even the ones who normally don't give care about anything other than having a place to post. How members use our boards, chat rooms, etc. directly influences which chat rooms we keep, what new ones we try out, and how everything is moderated. Changes that are made to benefit all members.

This is also a chance for everyone to provide feedback on how they think leadership within the organization is doing, as well as a chance to comment with annonymity if they want to. I think it would be argued that this is a good thing for all members.

People have already given concrete examples in this thread about those things affected by these surveys. I think they're pretty good examples.

So no, its direct usefulness to the membership is not actually the point, as it's not a tool for the membership. It's a tool for the administration.

Frankly, the examples provided are good ones. They're big issues that have all been affected by the results of the membership survey. But it sounds like you are wanting detailed tangible things. While these can be found by reading annual reports and my very detailed recounting of the meeting minutes every year, I will go ahead and list some things that were directly changed/affected by data and comments made through this particular medium.

Anything to do with Guilds has almost entirely come from these surveys.

The charities we support are governed by rules that came from survey feedback.

The limited nature of terms for most positions came out of membership feedback.

Our on-again off-again relationship with profanity filters is in direct response to members at the time.

The recent efforts to get high level admins to events in Europe, and efforts made towards moving them towards similar administrative footing was due entirely to feedback, most of which came through this medium.

We created companies because of feedback received in a member survey. Guesting was created to meet a need that was clearly identified in surveys over a couple of years (and it has worked very well in addressing several issues that are no longer really a problem.. which is great). We created the positions of Mistress of Accepted and Captain of Soldiers in large part to survey results and comments. We changed our policy on sending people to the MoN based on feedback. The way we incorporated was based on feedback. The programs we use to host our boards and website were based on feedback. Instituting annual 360 reviews for Admins came about because of feedback (and feedback plays a big part in our review process). Adding different ways to communicate with membership comes from feedback asking for more information in different ways. Ways have been cut based on feedback that those particular methods were not being used by anyone.

The survey itself is an example of how feedback is used. The questions asked, how they were asked, the addition of currency calculators, the ability to submit annonymously and skip questions, including European higher education options, and allowing for more open comment space.. these are directly because of feedback obtained last year.

I hope that helps in understanding what the survey is, how it helps you, and how it helps us to get feedback and make major decisions.

I'm going to close with this. This survey represents a monumental effort to make sure everyone has a scheduled and dedicated time to give routine feedback and opinions. We get them throughout the year, too, but this is an annual method that requires an insane amount of work to pull together, administrate, collate, read, comment and act upon. Hundreds of hours would be conservative as an estimate. So, if you don't want to fill it out, don't. If you want to have your thoughts included in our annual review process and major decision making, then do. It's why it's here. I'm ok either way, though clearly I'd prefer everyone's participation. I think the benefit for everyone is pretty self evident.

That said, I am now off to fill one out myself.

 

[Marivea al'Corriyi]

I started one, then the page got refreshed by my spastic Internet..... Dang. Have to go fill it out again when I'm on a better computer.

 

[Jaryd Kosari]

Done. That thing was enormous. *blink*

 

[Morrighan Daghdera]

We changed our policy on sending people to the MoN based on feedback.

Then I sent in my novice application. Thank you. :curtsey

 

[Lenore Carvoe]

In response to several posts: I already filled out the survey on Sunday, and I've read carefully through the link to the survey results from last year. I also pay attention to all site announcements always, even more to those which are more than just job announcements.

The reason for my questions is, that usually one gets an analysis of such surveys once everything has been sent in. For example like after elections, where you not only get simple numbers and percentages, but a detailed analysis - and you get it fast, not months later, especially not after the first cabinet meeting (read: admin meeting). You also get a look-out of what'll be tackled first or probably not at all - that is, what I wish from such surveys like this one, too, and not having to ask for it.

I still stand to my point of view, that information policy on these boards is an issue, because we as simple members don't know, what conclusions are drawn just until things are changed (if they are changed). So, and now everybody start some Lenore bashing, I'm used to it.

 

[Morrighan Daghdera]

Y'know, one of my all-time favorite German inventors EVER was Johannes Gutenberg...efficient printing, FTW; great idea then, still working on it today, I guess?

Take the bible to the masses...

my sponsor for novicehood

 

[Kerna Shedrian]

Elections are a bit more cut and dry, Lenore. You vote yes or no or you vote for A, D, F, etc. That's why you would get more instantaneous feedback with numbers and percentages.

The way this survey is laid out is not just to provide statistics but to gather comments which in turn are a lot harder to sort through and may even be of conflicting view points. Perhaps the statistics part will be released before then (I hope so, I love stats )

The comments are then dealt with at the Admin meeting. Yes, "simple" members don't know about some changes until after the Admin meeting but the survey allows you a chance to get your views across and Admin makes changes with the whole membership in mind. I doubt you're suggesting the Admin meeting should be open to all 600 plus members (that's just counting those who have logged in in the last 2 weeks), as that would be pandemonium and noone would have a chance to get their views across coherently. Every person is represented at the Admin meeting. Each person has the oppurtunity, outside of filling in this survey, of talking to their Admin or the Director of a Department with any comments, suggestions or questions which can also be brought to the Admin meeting.

As for changes that have happened; if you feel any changes which have implimented after an Admin meeting are not working you should contact your Membership Admin (me ) and I'll pass it up the chain of command. It will be put under review.

One thing I like about you Lenore is that you are not afraid to present your viewpoint, regardless of whether it is a seemingly unpopular one. Without people like you there is no progress so don't think we are Lenore bashing.

 

[Lenore Carvoe]

I took elections only as an example for everyone to understand - just because I am used to surveys and its use and analysis doesn't mean everyone is. If I wasn't used to them, I wouldn't have asked for a proper analysis, which is of course more than simple statistics. I don't suggest that the admin meeting should be open for each member, but I suggest having an analysis and a proper open discussion with and for all members before the admin meeting takes place - simply because a lot of the questions/answers can be interpreted in very different ways.

 

[Ubahsur Kindellaer]

The opportunity to assist in creating and analyzing the survey has been open several times. We have very talented people, but remember we are all volunteers with lives beyond our jobs and TarValon.Net. Perhaps, Lenore, since you have specific ideas in timelines and how things should be done you would apply the next time we solicit help?

 

[Lenore Carvoe]

Very unlikely after my last experience with an application here.

 

[Eleyan Al'Landerin]

Lenore has walked her talk, and has been proactive in offering (and providing) both her thoughts and assistance, which I appreciate.

I took elections only as an example for everyone to understand - just because I am used to surveys and its use and analysis doesn't mean everyone is. If I wasn't used to them, I wouldn't have asked for a proper analysis, which is of course more than simple statistics. I don't suggest that the admin meeting should be open for each member, but I suggest having an analysis and a proper open discussion with and for all members before the admin meeting takes place - simply because a lot of the questions/answers can be interpreted in very different ways.

Fair enough!
We're going to simply disagree, I think, with why we have this survey and how it is specifically used to assist with decision making.

 

[Yor Terbor]

Done

 

[Winterdawn Lightheart]

Um... The first question, when it asks for Name, is that RL name or Tower name?

 

[Ariadne Davion]

Um... The first question, when it asks for Name, is that RL name or Tower name?

Tower name.

And you don't have to enter it if you wish to be anonymous.