How do we promote BenefitsAdvice after TT?

First question is?

Where is TT?

I do genuinely think of him most days.

The lose was huge to us, but admin came and took it over.

IT'S not quite worked out, after though has it?
Even after all the Knowlage and files we put in.

This site needs keeping and Im not sure how to go about it???

What can we do???

(DO NOT MENTION CASH) WE HATE IT BUT ADMIN NEEDS IT.
THERE MUST BE A BETTER WAY!!!!!!!

admin dosnt need cash as this site is free

however it does come with adverts

so site will remain as long as admin uses login details

as ive noticed theres a few sites that have gone down either run there coarse or too much to handle it is a hard work job in its own right keeping up with things

the forum software cannot be like um or like wc asa different format that this site dosnt use

however I can use other formats but for the start u I just picked a simple one that didn't bug many people when using it

we have passed the 6 months period where most sites die a death due to being unknown however this is on the up as more and more sites have been pointing to us
this we thank them for this as much as the members passing out the site info to other new members

This question is most likely as old as Forums have been running; Years ago there was a huge number of Forums online; I have been involved with a Number of them, As well as Operating Blogs and a Number of Web sites.
Today Facebook and Twitter have "Killed off" a lot of former Forums; TT uses Twitter for his outreach.
Forum involvement is a Lot of Hard work;
I am a Moderator on another forum and as such, I check the Following sources on daily bases to create New Daily Content, they are;
Huffington Post; Vox Political; Morning Star; WSWS; Kilburn Unemployment Group; Welfare Rights; Welfare Weekley; Urban 75; LFC;
This is my Core Sources, I use many others on random bases, Its Time & Commitment.
The forum has 105 Members and up to 400 - 600 Guests per day.
In My view, it would make sense for Benefits Advice and Welfare Central to Merge, But I just cannot see that happening in anytime soon.

So its just down to Lots of New Daily Content, and Plugging across as many other sites as you can.
As for site Format, That's down to a Balancing act between Free & Paid Servers.

It would be lovely to have one site that brings together many friends as well as a pool of invaluable knowledge.

My strong belief in people and the inherent goodness that prevails.  

Brutus, I am not sure what the answer is, but I look forward to any ideas that you or members submit.

I guess there is no resolution to the current situation at this time.

The door remains open?

Rebel-1 wrote:
The forum has 105 Members and up to 400 - 600 Guests per day.
In My view, it would make sense for Benefits Advice and Welfare Central to Merge, But I just cannot see that happening in anytime soon.

So its just down to Lots of New Daily Content, and Plugging across as many other sites as you can.
As for site Format, That's down to a Balancing act between Free & Paid Servers.

the last part of your post is subject to a rub in however im aware you caught a load of unemployment movement people from the closer of the site

to be honest this site will remain open as long as admin or other partys keep the site open for there users to use

sorry but ive no interest in welfare central since um closed down and the subject happened

i wanted to give people the free chance to help themselves out with free information collected over the internet held upon unemployment movement that is now held here

i was appreciated of the info when i was desperate against the dwp and jobcenter

that I owe thanks to refuted and there site

Thanks for your wise words Brutus!

I second your comments in regards to Admin - thanks from me too!

Sorry to all for my ramblings, I seem to have lost the plot a little these past few days.

I second Brutus.

Thanks for all the hard work admin'.

Caker wrote:I second Brutus.

Thanks for all the work admin'.

Yes a big thanks is forwarded to Gadily, well done. What a great effort you have made for this site to work. Not sure how we would have managed without you but it's much appreciated, THANKS

Any chance we all can comeup with a bussiness card (sized) flyer I/we could print off and distribute (in the right places )?

I'm not sure of anyone on here that can do that but Im willing to help.
Perhaps we could all chip in and come up with a simple flyer (bussiness card)

Simple one line comments for the card would be a start.
What do you think?

oh i agree but its best put on a piece of paper then others can just print it out and pass it around

nice idea oneman

I agree Admin.

But what shall we put as the first line?

OPTIONS first and perhaps a vote if we get more options? (Im sure you can manage that Admin )
That must be a start.
After that we can all be involved with design/layout and what it should say. Remember its a cut out size bussiness card/flyer (the more the merrier in the job centre, for me)

What about a first line,like.

Having problens with Jobcentre + or DWP and need help?
Try us first.

oneman wrote:What about a first line,like.

Having problens with Jobcentre + or DWP and need help?
Try us first.

That looks good Oneman.

There are various sites that provide tips and advice on how to promote an on-line forum.

The key points:

1. Content and providing a fount of knowledge in your field.

Much of the information in the Jobseeker Help section will become obsolete as Universal Credit rolls out.   People claiming Universal Credit are 3 times more likely to be sanctioned than JSA clamaints.
Edit: added link.
http://benefitsaware.centralenglandlc.org.uk/universal-credit-sanctions/

I would suggest members start building an organised data base of information via FOI requests, using this information as well as successful Upper Tribunal outcomes, or other qualified information/expertise as a basis for developing templates or replies to people seeking help.

2. Active and visible participation.

3. Promotion via social media is fast and effective.

4. Developing positive relationships with other sites.

Well done to any on-line site that has been created to assist people in the harshest regime that has ever existed!

All the best!

@ Non Deficere, Great advice  

@ Admin', do we have a twitter account? I think that many sites (also businesses and DWP) communicate on that platform.  

Edit: I think we should start more discussions around UC and then start mining the existing FOIs and starting new ones to fill in any gaps in the info'. That way, we can start creating a UC 'library' of resources, and as ND says, generate the relevant templates.

I have started the ball rolling by posting up 3 new UC topics based upon FOI already started. It would be great if other forum members could post up a few. Thanks, in anticipation.

admin dosnt use twitter or facebook

as mentioned before anyone is welcome to use them and post about this site

we have direct links to other sites on the forums that have provided good information to aid others

links are checked but respected sites are welcome to post there links direct

EG: refuted, mr Frankzola and jonny void

to note a few names

I don’t’ know about most people on these site, but I see the most people to whom need help with the DWP are of the pre-internet generation to whom are not computer/IT literate. Any ideas on how to help these people? In addition to this I found on the “soft skills” course that the tutors teach these people to search for jobs, and applying for work. But there is very little teaching helping them to get the best out of researching on the internet for information.  


Also if as Non Deficere/Caker suggested about a library of FOI requests, would it be possible to have a ‘search’ option. Otherwise to could be like searching for a needle in a haystack, to find the right information.

El-dudeareno wrote:I don’t’ know about most people on these site, but I see the most people to whom need help with the DWP are of the pre-internet generation to whom are not computer/IT literate. Any ideas on how to help these people? In addition to this I found on the “soft skills” course that the tutors teach these people to search for jobs, and applying for work. But there is very little teaching helping them to get the best out of researching on the internet for information.  


Also if as Non Deficere/Caker suggested about a library of FOI requests, would it be possible to have a ‘search’ option. Otherwise to could be like searching for a needle in a haystack, to find the right information.

I agree completely!  

In some areas like my own, there is a great deal of support for people who are not Internet savvy or who are vulnerable.  

I live in a small deprived area, where there are at least 8 outreach centers run by volunteers who provide a wide range of help including:

*Voluntary job search support (no info is provided to JCP)
*IT assistance
*Benefit & debt advice
* Food and clothing etc.

There are also many support agencies people can be referred to.  

I used to work in one location until recently.

The most difficult thing is reaching the people who need the help the most.    I would say the majority of people posting here/elsewhere on similar sites are streetwise and possess the skills to protect themselves from sanctions/abuse or have learned how to do so quickly on-line.

There is no perfect solution, we can only do what we can!

I have not been able to navigate the search facility so far.

El-dudeareno wrote:I don’t’ know about most people on these site, but I see the most people to whom need help with the DWP are of the pre-internet generation to whom are not computer/IT literate. Any ideas on how to help these people? In addition to this I found on the “soft skills” course that the tutors teach these people to search for jobs, and applying for work. But there is very little teaching helping them to get the best out of researching on the internet for information.  


Also if as Non Deficere/Caker suggested about a library of FOI requests, would it be possible to have a ‘search’ option. Otherwise to could be like searching for a needle in a haystack, to find the right information.

I am trying to keep the site well organised by archiving the news / lounge items into their relevant sections after a significant time lapse. Some stories do not fit into any category that we currently have, so those ones are getting left in the media / lounge section where they were originally posted, and are 'sinking to the bottom' as new stories are added.

Like an actual library, it is best to browse the relevant section for advice on any topic of interest. As more people post, it is hoped that the body of knowledge should become more comprehensive.

On a side point, how does the "search" option work on the forum? Does it only search the words of the title, or can it search all of the comments/postings for the keywords. As I was just wondering most of the FOI are in a pdf format so might not be able to search for them as well as it should?

https://respectfulbenefits.forumotion.com/search

El-dudeareno wrote:I don’t’ know about most people on these site, but I see the most people to whom need help with the DWP are of the pre-internet generation to whom are not computer/IT literate. Any ideas on how to help these people? In addition to this I found on the “soft skills” course that the tutors teach these people to search for jobs, and applying for work. But there is very little teaching helping them to get the best out of researching on the internet for information.  

Also if as Non Deficere/Caker suggested about a library of FOI requests, would it be possible to have a ‘search’ option. Otherwise to could be like searching for a needle in a haystack, to find the right information.

the soft skills coarse is of poor quality they really teach nothing and its the same with council tax offices and other lines out there government based

no one is taught the safety aspects of the internet this includes the children taught at school as there systems is behind a government system

most computer/iT coarses are built around you will conform to what we tell you to do

most of time ive got the word out via estates when visiting friends on there they tend to know i know alot about the system and have been asked a few times about stuff advice has always been given

im also spreading info another way but its getting out more and more

oneman wrote:First question is?

Where is TT?

I do genuinely think of him most days.

The lose was huge to us, but admin came and took it over.

IT'S not quite worked out, after though has it?
Even after all the Knowlage and files we put in.

This site needs keeping and Im not sure how to go about it???

What can we do???

(DO NOT MENTION CASH)  WE HATE IT BUT ADMIN NEEDS IT.
THERE MUST BE A BETTER WAY!!!!!!!

I am not sure what we can do.  

As far as I can gather most sites close due to lack of interest/participation amongst other things, for example UM.

From personal experience, the majority of people prefer to resolve their concerns/problems privately rather than on-line.

General information/news sites are very useful and beneficial, but are difficult to maintain (ref. refuted et al).  The participants on rightsnet/benefits and work etc. are paid professionals and they struggle to keep up to date.  The respective sites are constantly posting new information, legislation and case law!

I have no desire to be negative, simply realistic with such a small number of people (circa 5-50 at best) contributing to this and other similar sites across the UK.  I also appreciate forums are more than a platform for providing help and advice, they are a special place for people in similar circumstances to exchange impartial help, information and most importantly support!

I am sure members will provide whatever assistance is required when they can.  

Very best wishes to everyone.