1. How often do you visit this site?
More than once a day 23%
Once a day 39%
Every 2 or 3 days 29%
Once a week 5%
A few times a month 4%
2. Do you like the fact we have expanded our author base, so it is not just Iain Dale or SJ Chandos posting?
Yes 96%
No 4%
Here are a few of the comments you left about the new authors and a few other things besides. My replies are in bold.
I think you have made some very good additions and look forward to Steve Bacon’s contributions. I was also very impressed with the exwhuemployee post and look forward to more from him/her as well.
I know it’s his site, but If Iain Dale never commented it would be even better.
(ID: Charmed, I’m sure).
There seems to be a few contributors on there who use the site to socialise – not always about the Hammers, and it gets a bit boring with the silly comments.
(ID: I’ve got no objection to banter, but I agree, a few people see this as a chat room, which it is not. Really intelligent comment threads can sometimes be ruined by inane chat about nothing in particular. Let’s try and keep it on topic.)
The current authors bring their own strengths to the table. The posts since the site change have been varied and have encouraged discussion- and thats what we need.
It it still far and away the best site for Irons supporters and more authors mean regular updates. Since there usually at least 50 comments per article, fewer posts would probably have 100s of responses, which would be unwieldy. Plus we all and you, Iain, especially have day jobs. Guest writers like Hannah McCaull recently add extra interest so more of them please. Finally, I think the level of moderation is spot on. The only poor time for responses is the match thread when all good supporters shoud be at the match presumably.
(ID: My aim is to have four posts a day, at 9am. 1pm, 5pm and 9pm. That won’t happen every day, but once the full line-up of authors is finalised, things can be scheduled more easily.)
It would be useful to see a biography of the authors. I know a lot about Iain and I listen to his radio show whenever I can. But who is SJ Chandos? and who are the other new authors?
(ID: If you click on each author’s name in the sidebar you can see their biographies.)
More comments are always good as long as they are in line with the current reporting on the site. I also like the addition of linking with west ham stats as I find their previews and post match very interesting
It was getting stale with just two opinions. More diversity allows more opinions and that leads to more discussion.
I was flattered to be asked to contribute and even more so at the reactions that I had from other regular readers of the site. It also creates more traffic which was becoming a bit sparse prior to the re-construction of the site. However I think it is probably necessary not to create a situation where particular topics are superceded before regular contributors have had the opportunity to express their views.
Before the change there seemed to be a couple of posts at the beginning & end of each week. Now there´s at least 1 a day, much better.
Maybe this is already possible , but maybe allow subscribers to submit articles.
(ID: I welcome guest articles. Just submit them through the Contact button at the top of the page.)
WHTID is an amazing site. I appreciate the personal time and financial sacrifice made by Iain Dale for his fellow West Ham fans. I live abroad in the USA.
I think this has developed into probably the most fan inclusive site in the PL. I know it costs Iain to keep it in service but it’s ticked all the boxes now.
An idea that an author has a day or two of the week to post a new thread.. Or just limiting 2 threads a day. I feel that there are good threads that are posted that don’t get the full credit as posters won’t give their opinion if there are another 2 threads posted on the day. They may not post on that thread because they may not get a response from a fellow poster.
(ID: It’s a question of balance, You are right that new articles need a bit of time to breathe, which is why there is generally a period of a few hours between posts).
Other views, good or bad, are always refreshing. I am always hungry for news – any news or info – because it gives a talking point with other WHU fans (Family and friends). Days with nothing new is like watching the match against Stoke. (Well, no, that is a bit of an exaggeration…) LOL