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Post by steve on Feb 26, 2011 19:30:25 GMT
Had this message from Clare at Thompson & Morgan asking for some discussion on what people like or dislike about garden related web sites
I'm keen to understand from users the sorts of things that they would like to see on gardening websites. What they like about some gardening websites/dislike about them. Any chance that you can start up a thread about this when you get a chance please?
Feel free to post your replies for Clare here good or bad or any ideas of what you would like to see in a web site?
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Post by seaburn on Feb 26, 2011 19:45:36 GMT
a previous site had the facility to catalogue the plants we grow in our own gardens. This was a lovely way of keeping tabs on what does well etc.
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Post by Cherry on Feb 27, 2011 7:54:49 GMT
I don't know what I want from a website as this is the only one I really like. I especially like the way gardeners' questions are all given due attention, no matter how common or minor and there are enough experts on here to make sure the answers are correct. There is a competitor where questions are often ignored, or given incorrect answers but it is ideal for blogs and a catalogue of plants and gardens. I would not like that to happen here but I do like reading about individual gardens as they are set out already.
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Post by Cherry on Feb 27, 2011 12:17:56 GMT
There must be other likes and dislikes. Let's be having them as Delia would say. I hope I didn't stop this subject with my moan.
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Post by Geranium on Feb 27, 2011 12:21:25 GMT
The main reason I'm still a member of the other site is the facility for keeping a catalogue of my plants with their photos. I would love to see that on here!
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Post by steve on Feb 27, 2011 12:36:01 GMT
You could stop a bull in full charge Cherry ;D
From Clare's request after reading it again I'm not sure she means this forum but it is worded 'some gardening web sites'?
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Post by Geranium on Feb 27, 2011 12:41:01 GMT
That's difficult, then - I wouldn't want to criticise other sites; it doesn't seem fair, Steve.
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Post by steve on Feb 27, 2011 13:50:57 GMT
Maybe just do the like bit then  |
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Post by Tel on Feb 27, 2011 14:56:19 GMT
Sorry guys, i am a bit thick, what sites are we talking about. Sites like this, or sites that are selling plants and gardening equipment ?  |
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Post by steve on Feb 27, 2011 14:58:29 GMT
None of us are sure about that Tel ? I'll get them to clarify
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Post by Louise on Feb 27, 2011 15:47:33 GMT
Hmmm, this is an interesting thread because it allows the creators of sites to learn a lot from experienced forum visitors, it's only by listening to these comments can they see what we like and dislike. I would describe myself as having quite strong likes and dislikes  Here are mine ...... * I like a gardening site to have plenty of pictures of all types of plants - trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. * I like to see pictures of peoples gardens. * Something i particularly dislike in a gardening site is nonstop chat. * Adverts don't bother me because i don't take any notice of them, sorry T&M * I like to learn new things - about all aspects of gardening, be it tools, plants, designs, planting ..... * Being able to post pictures easily is important and to be able to choose their size, too. * Having a messaging facility is useful too. * Icons/smileys are another useful tool - they immediately show the mood the comment was made in. On another site i (used to) use they were missing and no-one ever really knew the context in which some comments were made - this then lead to a lot of spiteful and un-necessary remarks/replies being posted. |
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Post by Cherry on Feb 27, 2011 17:33:47 GMT
You could stop a bull in full charge Cherry ;D I don't quite know how to get you back for this, but I will. ;D |
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Post by cheerypeabrain on Feb 27, 2011 17:48:30 GMT
If it's a website selling stuff, extra attention to detail might be useful....things like: Sensible information and no extravagant claims about the potential of the seed/plant. If it's borderline hardy in the South of England it's unlikely to survive in my Midlands garden. Honesty about seed viability and good, straightforward advice about how to attempt to get them to germinate. Lots of pics, preferably with a pic of the seedling too...(for numpties who loose labels) If it's a Message Board: It really depends on the sort of person you want to attract doesn't it? As Louise mentions, some MBs allow quite a lot of off topic discussion. Whilst this can be fun, it may put some people off. Personally I don't particularly mind if people hijack a thread I've started and go off topic because I think that interaction between members can result in some interesting discussions, but a certain amount of MB etiquette should be observed and a gentle PM from a mod is sometimes better than losing a valued member who is fed up with having topics that they really want to discuss being ignored or hijacked. Having a general chat board is useful, then if people only want to post in the gardening bits they don't get disturbed. I agree with most of what's already been said really.... smileys are essential...  |
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Post by Cherry on Feb 27, 2011 17:53:30 GMT
Let me know when you find an honest plant salesman CPB. That is something we have to work out for ourselves. Seed packets seem OK for honesty.
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Post by sweetpea on Feb 28, 2011 0:08:31 GMT
I agree broadly with the foregoing. Links to specialist societies or specialist plants would be useful. Some moderating in moderation to cut out OTT stuff. An up to date weather map is also a useful tool on this kind of site to check forecasts. As is a radio/tv guide for garden related programmes updated weekly. ( I tend to miss a few ) An occasional DIY slot for garden projects. |
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