AMA Forum Charter and "Plan" discussion

Dav

Welcome to the Boards.ie (AMA) forum.

So, what's this forum about and how will it work?

We're all very familiar with the idea of what an AMA is at this stage - someone signs up for a Q&A and they answer as many questions as they can or want to. I see no reason to break from tradition here

What I would like to do is make sure that we're only running two or three AMA's at a time to keep the forum consistently active and to make sure that people don't get snowed under with activity.

One addition we'd like to make (we the company that is) is for non-Boardsies to be able to join in. We recently had our chat with David Gray for example that could have worked very well as an AMA and we're aiming for a lot more of that sort of things for 2015. We've had opportunities to do interviews with people like Katie Taylor, Terry Gilliam, Francois Pienaar etc over the years, so this forum is the natural home I think for that sort of content. None of that stuff was paid for by the way, the usual format for these things is that the person is on a press/PR tour and we apply to get a slot to interview them and we either get a yay or nay on it from whoever is managing their event.

We have set up an application process (see below) for everyone to use and will manage it ourselves, but I like the idea of being able to take advantage of the occasional offers we get to talk with various interesting people over the years.

We would of course welcome suggestions for people to ask and invite on too - I'll have a thread running for suggestions.

We might just follow the Reddit model of allowing paid-for AMAs as promotional tools for things like film or album launches, etc. *IF* we do that, it'll be very clearly marked as paid-for content like we do with Sponsored posts and forums etc. Some people on the Forum requests threw up this idea too, so there's obviously some merit to the idea. However, we're a long way off that, but I wanted to let you all know that this is a thought we had and that if we introduce it, it won't come as a shock.

So I present this charter for general approval...

Welcome to the Boards.ie Ask Me Anything forum. As with any other forum on this site, it is bound by the site Guidelines.

This forum will have threads started for an Ask Me Anything session with one person per thread at a time. We will run up to three different AMAs at any time. Site members will not be able to start threads on this forum, but they will be able to reply to any open threads - this lets us keep the forum a little more easy to manage.

Who can start an AMA?
Anyone! Are you a rocket scientist? A full-time parent? A member of the civil service? A service industry worker? A cubicle worker at a gigantic multinational? A nerd with an interesting hobby? We've got an application form to fill out to register your interest and verify your credentials - you can do so here. All data gathered via this form will of course be treated with the strictest of confidentiality and will be deleted after your stint in the hot seat is over.

How long will an AMA last?
A typical AMA will last 3 days, but if it's busy, and you can commit more time, we'll keep it open for as long as is appropriate.

What will I have to tell people?
Only what you want. You are not obliged to answer every question (but we would consider it good practice to say "I'm not able to answer that" so people don't think they've been missed/ignored). You do not have to go into your reasons for answering or not answering anything nor should there be any expectation of that. You do not have to post your name in public unless you want to. Nor do you have to post your position in your company, what department of whatever you work in, etc - any details that might be used to break your anonymity are entirely at your discretion.

What about some asshat abusing me because of my answers or because of where I work or what I do?
They will be nuked with extreme prejudice. Again, I state that Boards.ie guidelines will always remain in play.

How will we know this is legit?
The application process is managed by Boards.ie HQ Staff and they will be responsible for verifying the details and authenticity of all participants.

How do I start?
Fill in this form!

OK, so that's the charter I propose, I'd love to hear your feedback and get a general thumbs up.

As for all other threads that have started, whilst we all get these details ironed out, lets have some fun with them

Darkglasses

Question about the anonymity side of things. Let's say hypothetically I was a long-time Boardsie, but I had a somewhat unique job that would be interesting for an AMA, but I didn't want to risk of having my real-life persona linked with my account. Is there the possibility of having temporary/throw-away accounts just for this forum? Apologies if this is already mentioned above and I've missed it

I'd also be very much in favour of having paid-for AMAs, they sound like a great idea to me.

Dav

Good question and something I should probably have included. I'd be happy to set up a new account for anyone in that hypothetical position and not link it back to any other account.

Darkglasses

Dav wrote: »

Good question and something I should probably have included. I'd be happy to set up a new account for anyone in that hypothetical position and not link it back to any other account.

Super, I think that's actually a really important step to how this forum can work. Although generally speaking I'm very much against the idea of second/throw-away accounts, I think they are crucial for a forum like this that depends wholly on someone feeling comfortable telling the world their personal experiences with an absolute minimum amount of repercussions.

Neyite

What about nominating posters?
Someone might not think that they are particularly interesting themselves but others might think there would be an interesting thread should that person agree. We could have a nomination thread.

Darkglasses

Neyite wrote: »

What about nominating posters?
Someone might not think that they are particularly interesting themselves but others might think there would be an interesting thread should that person agree. We could have a nomination thread.

Yes! I knew I was forgetting something, this would be great. Even if it required a minimum number of votes or something, I can already think of a number of Boardsies that might appreciate the nomination and would be very interesting to ask anything, while of course being able to decline.

One eyed Jack

Neyite wrote: »

What about nominating posters?
Someone might not think that they are particularly interesting themselves but others might think there would be an interesting thread should that person agree. We could have a nomination thread.

I think it could only work if people nominated themselves through the application process. If someone has a specific person in mind, then maybe what they could do is PM them and suggest that they should apply for AMA.

I just would have concerns that the person may feel peer pressured as such to take part with a nomination system (think recent social media nomination campaigns) and may be made to feel uncomfortable by saying they'd prefer not to be nominated or to take part.


With regard to protecting the identity of posters and introducing throwaway accounts, rather than that, what might be a better idea is to assign participants a numbered ID and then their AMA subject in the thread title. ID's could then be assigned on a schedule in keeping with the three AMA's per week idea and the number of applications received so that participants would know well in advance when they're due to do their AMA.

Tokyo

Neyite wrote: »

What about nominating posters?
Someone might not think that they are particularly interesting themselves but others might think there would be an interesting thread should that person agree. We could have a nomination thread.

That could be a double edged sword though, in that certain posters might feel pressured into entering into an AMA where they really don't want to.

An option might be a "Tell Me...." sticky thread at the top of the forum, where posters who have a topic or experience they are interested in hearing about can post it, and that post, backed up with thanks from other posters, gives more visibility in what people are interested in. Those browsing might see a topic or area that they are familiar with, and may think to themselves 'I didn't realise people would be interested in this - maybe I can contribute...", and sign up of their own volition.

Dav

I think a "low pressure" means of encouraging people to join in is preferred - for example, having a list of 20 people saying "I'd love to hear about what goes into being a Garda" is much more preferable to saying "get <member> from the Emergency Services forum, they're a Garda and I'll bet they'll have loads to say."

For the accounts to answer questions, I think we'll make it simple and simply call it "AMA about <topic>" if the person wishes to remain anonymous or they can use their regular Boards account for answering if they're happy to be identified. For non-Boardsies, I think we use their name if they're happy to share it.

There is another consideration and that is like the previous non-Boardsie interviews I linked to, having the Answers take the form of a video is easier for anyone who's in the middle of a press run rather than asking them to log into the site and spend some time on that, so I just wanted to make sure you all knew that as far as we're concerned, that's a perfectly valid means of answering and is open to anyone.

Spear

Dav wrote: »

Good question and something I should probably have included. I'd be happy to set up a new account for anyone in that hypothetical position and not link it back to any other account.

Is it worth having an AMA accounts group, so they could be tagged in red ala the verified reps. Might also help improve readability in the AMA threads.

Dav

Yea, I was thinking exactly that myself.

0byme75341jo28

Is there a no chat rule?

Big Nasty

This forum could go one way or the other. It needs to be light hearted but with no messing in terms of the OP. Gordons thread is actually good but the others started are just a piss take.

Once some ground rules are set and there's some sort of verification done before the OP begins it will be a great addition IMO.

Would it be an idea to create a sticky in AH / Sitewide inviting users to start a thread to kick things off?

Dav

Yea, those that got started when we had no charter etc were definitely on the less serious side of things, but that's fine, we've got a plan now

I've got 2 interesting applications now so I might roll both of them out to get things going.

Digital Society

Have you checked the legalities behind copying Reddit? Would you have to call it something else maybe?

Tokyo

Digital Society wrote: »

Have you checked the legalities behind copying Reddit?

Off the top of my head, I can already think of five popular sites that have an 'Ask Me Anything' or 'Ask/Tell' style forum. I find it hard to imagine that this is something that reddit has a monopoly on.

Dav

They can't copyright a common phrase like "Ask Me Anything" nor can they copyright the idea of questions and answers As Mike said, lots of places do this sort of thing already, in fact we've been doing it for years on this site, just on a forum by forum basis and maybe with a different name, but it's the same basic idea.

Tombi!

What I'm suggesting is a double edged sword, I think.

What about announcing certain AMAs?
It'd have to be up to the mods/admins/etc, I think.

But if you had on the front page "AMA with X, start of these famous movies" might get more interest and (hopefully) good questions. But on the other hand, if you have every Tom, Dick and Harry doing an AMA, it wouldn't work and it might seem like you're trying to shush certain posters doing AMAs.

Digital Society

Brutal Deluxe wrote: »

What I'm suggesting is a double edged sword, I think.

What about announcing certain AMAs?
It'd have to be up to the mods/admins/etc, I think.

But if you had on the front page "AMA with X, start of these famous movies" might get more interest and (hopefully) good questions. But on the other hand, if you have every Tom, Dick and Harry doing an AMA, it wouldn't work and it might seem like you're trying to shush certain posters doing AMAs.

It would have to be controlled by Admins alright with no way of Joe Soaps starting threads in the forum.

Most obvious problem i see is the upvoting to the top system. Pointless having the questions in "Time of Posting" order as you'll just get ****ty, rushed questions at the top.

Might as well literally just copy the structure from Reddit as nothing else makes sense. Posts in order of thanks.

Orim

Digital Society wrote: »

Most obvious problem i see is the upvoting to the top system. Pointless having the questions in "Time of Posting" order as you'll just get ****ty, rushed questions at the top.

As opposed to the wonderfully thought-out and indepth responses that will get the most thanks? Most thanks just makes top responses 'funny' and short.

If I wanted to be on Reddit, I'd be on Reddit.

GLaDOS

I hate the reddit layout, no thanks.

Maybe have posts set to pre-approve? At least then you can avoid people posting absolute rubbish just to get a reaction.

Starokan

Would there be a way of placing a list of what AMA's are planned you know say a week in advance or something for both sponsored and un-sponsored threads . It's a great idea with huge potential but they would be easy to miss with the demands of real life. If you know what is in the offing you can ensure you log on , participate in the ones that interest you most.

Tombi!

Boards doesn't have an upvote system, far as I know.

Still, I'm thinking if we went with pre-approved posts that it wouldn't be that difficult to do. I'm sure some mods could volunteer an hour or two for a certain day.

Dav

Thank you again to everyone for their input, I've set the charter live now and will see how it pans out - we can make changes if necessary.

Now, what we really REALLY need is for people to sign up - so spread the word and tell your friends: Sign Up Here!

endacl

How about a defined thread closing procedure, if the format is to be specifically Q&A? There are still questions coming in for Omackeral in the Prison Service thread, even though he's quite clearly and explicitly signed off. If folks want to develop a discussion around the Q&A stuff there are other forums in which to do so. I think that allowing continuing chat after the 'intervewey' bit has finished undermines the concept. Maybe I'm wrong. What am I missing?

endacl

Dav wrote: »

Sign Up Here!

Free proof reading.

*ahem*

'Barrage'

GLaDOS

Suspect more backup from a moderating point of view is needed, if Dav isn't around threads will trail off like that.

Dav

I'm just on my own this week as Niamh's on holidays, that won't be an issue all the time obviously I think we'll be ok with that as time goes on.

Holsten

Any chance to getting reddit type questions banned?

E.g Ducks/Horses?

They detract from the real questions in my view.

Orim

Holsten wrote: »

Any chance to getting reddit type questions banned?

E.g Ducks/Horses?

They detract from the real questions in my view.

As long as they don't overpower the thread, a couple of fun questions is okay.

I mean, how else will we decide Daddy or Chips?

endacl

Orim wrote: »

I mean, how else will we decide Daddy or Chips?

Ask Mr Potato Head. Lends a sinister, psychopathic angle to the question.

I only realised this moment that this forum existed. A few people have told me to do an AMA thread and I thought they meant on After Hours. I did not realise it was an actual forum.

It does look like the forum could go either way. The Prison Officer thread was massively interesting. The PUA one not so much because it seems to me the OP had the idea that going out on the pull made him a PUA - rather than what most people think PUA means which is someone who subscribes to a fixed methodology of psychological manipulation in order to "pull" women. So that thread was a bit of a waste.

But much potential here - great idea - I hope it goes well. I have subscribed. Would love to see more public service people - from politicians to teachers and the like on here - were it to happen.

I am curious how the "verification" process works. It just says on the form to give your real name and phone number. How does this verify anything? Surely if someone is misleading you then phoning them and asking "Are you being honest" and them replying "I am yea" is not really going to be effective. Is there a further stage to verification?

SureYWouldntYa

Orim wrote: »

As long as they don't overpower the thread, a couple of fun questions is okay.

I mean, how else will we decide Daddy or Chips?

which do ya prefer, spuds or potatoes ?

Omackeral

Deleted User wrote: »

I am curious how the "verification" process works. It just says on the form to give your real name and phone number. How does this verify anything? Surely if someone is misleading you then phoning them and asking "Are you being honest" and them replying "I am yea" is not really going to be effective. Is there a further stage to verification?

I gave a screen shot of my ID card for verification. Dav has deleted it since the thread closed. That's how it worked for me anyway.

Dav

Yea, I ask for contact details and come up with a means of verifying. As Omackeral said, he sent me a photo of his badge, but I'll pick something straightforward as verification. Reddit's "post a pic of yourself on Twitter confirming you're doing this thing" is a useful idea, we don't need to be as public as that for everyone (or indeed anyone when I'm happy to have it simply sent to us in the office).

Dav

Dav wrote: »

Yea, I ask for contact details

Im too scared to out my contact details given how many laws I may or may not be breaking. But I could nominate a few people on here. Dav..... ask Micheal Nugent to do a thread on here. if this forum is built for anyone, its him.

Tilly

When will the next one be live?

Big Nasty

Tilly wrote: »

When will the next one be live?

+1

Also has there been many applications?

Dav

I will have the next one live after lunch today. I've had 12 responses so far (including OMackeral).

knucklehead6

Dav wrote: »

I will have the next one live after lunch today. I've had 12 responses so far (including OMackeral).

What time is lunch in boards towers??

Macavity.

It'd be cool if you could get a convicted murderer to do one.

Buona Fortuna

knucklehead6 wrote: »

What time is lunch in boards towers??

Lunchtimes are legendary. The Brandy and Cigars often take over 2 hours, and what lunchtime is complete without a cheeky lapdance or two.

Tilly

This is like waiting for the next episode of your favourite show

Omackeral

Tilly wrote: »

This is like waiting for the next episode of your favourite show

This is like waiting for the AMA forum to get green lighted in the first place

Dav

I'm sorry folks, I've been ran off my feet, but we're actually awaiting word from our next participant. A very interesting and topically relevant opportunity presented itself over the weekend and we're just trying to get the details ironed out.

And yes, I realise what a total tease that is, I'm sorry.

Meanwhile, if I thought anyone had any kind of interest, I'd do one myself

Darkglasses

Dav wrote: »

I'm sorry folks, I've been ran off my feet, but we're actually awaiting word from our next participant. A very interesting and topically relevant opportunity presented itself over the weekend and we're just trying to get the details ironed out.

And yes, I realise what a total tease that is, I'm sorry.

Meanwhile, if I thought anyone had any kind of interest, I'd do one myself

Sure, a Dav AMA would be cool!

I don't suppose the new CEO would be interested too?

Dav

I've already told Seán that I expect he will be in the firing line for one of these sooner rather than later His schedule doesn't currently allow for it, but I'll be reminding him

Macavity.

Dav wrote: »

I'm sorry folks, I've been ran off my feet, but we're actually awaiting word from our next participant. A very interesting and topically relevant opportunity presented itself over the weekend and we're just trying to get the details ironed out.

I hope it's a convicted murderer.

Buona Fortuna

Macavity. wrote: »

It'd be cool if you could get a convicted murderer to do one.

Macavity. wrote: »

I hope it's a convicted murderer.

OK, I'll take the bait, if only to show that silence is not assent.

There are plenty of positive roles and individuals around that have something to teach us or are just plain interesting. Omackeral was a case in point.

There was a father on the radio yesterday who's son had been attacked some time ago and was seriously brain damaged as a result. Yet the father has no hate for attacker. How interesting to chat to him. How does he even get up each day.

What can a murderer possibly teach us other than just satisfy our prurient interest?

Omackeral

Can we make suggestions of who we'd like to hear from? I'd love to hear from a League of Ireland soccer player or a taxi driver who does the 3am shifts. Actually, they could possibly be the same person

Darkglasses

Omackeral wrote: »

Can we make suggestions of who we'd like to hear from? I'd love to hear from a League of Ireland soccer player or a taxi driver who does the 3am shifts. Actually, they could possibly be the same person

Good idea with the LOI player. I'm sure a few of us on the soccer know one or two we could rope in