how to get Members to register?

Started by GloriaL • 80 replies • 12398 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

GloriaL (Georgia)
Posts: 195

Posted:

We recently got our HOA website up and running. We are a very small community of 27 individual homes and the free offer of a website and hosting for one year was an opportunity the BOD decided we couldn't resist, and the BOD is happy so far.

However, getting the Members to register is akin to going to the dentist to have your wisdom teeth pulled. I have sent out an initial announcement letter, two emails, a flyer from the website builder, and then individual letters to those who still had not registered. Sounds like overkill, yet we still have only 14 out of the 27 Lots registered.

When the Annual Dues bills go out at the end of this month, the President will include a blurb saying that we intend to go "paperless", so please register to keep apprised of announcements, BOD minutes, etc. I am thinking of putting a sign at the entrance to our Community with the website on it...although honestly I do not have any hope that it will motivate anyone.

Does anyone have any ideas of how to get the rest of the HOA to register. Our Annual Meeting is set for 3/2/09, and it would be great to reach everyone through the website. I know that we must still send out notices per our CCR's, but the follow up could be posted on the website.

Thanks,
Gloria

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

Gloria,

In most assn's, getting the members to do "anything" is akin to pulling teeth! Two years in a row the board of an assn in my area tried to change the CCRs to eliminate the requirement to raise the dues 10% annually and each time they failed to obtain a quorum. Just an example of the apathy that runs rampany in many assn's.

An HOA website is a great thing. My assn of 1,702 members has one, but I doubt that more than 20% have registered. Out of curiosity, exactly what info will be available on your website? Do you have a separate log-in area for "members only"? We even have a section with downloadable coupons from area merchants (in the member section, of course!).

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

If your plan was to replace snail mail with the web, forget it.

Some people are NOT even users, nor will they "register" for anything on-line, especially the elderly. Your plan to go paper-less should be an option, just as it is for credit card payments.

Besides, I doubt if your documents will consider web announcements as fulfilling the obligation to Notice Meetings or for getting important messages to everyone, even for billing.

hoatalk (California)
Posts: 599

Posted:

You can go 'paperless' for non-legal communications like your newsletter, posting minutes, quick announcements (events, lost pet, crime alerts, project updates), etc (basically for all items you don't legally have to mail).

You will be best served to think of the website as a way to allow those that want to be involved to do so easily. It's also a way to pull more people into the Association and get more volunteers for small tasks. Some people won't come to meetings but they will will respond to community emails and website posts.

Here's an example: One of our customers used their website announcements to find volunteers to decorate the community entrance for the holidays. The website is great to pull people in like this...people you would have never met or heard from before. You can get them to take baby steps to getting involved and build up over time. This builds community spirit and ownership in the Association.

Most communities shoot for 30% online registrations as a goal and you are at 50% so you are off to a very good start. Just realize that some people will never get involved in the community no matter what you offer them. Use the website to communicate with those that do want to get involved.

Best Regards,
HOATalk.com

HOATalk.com, A free service of Community123.com
Provider of Upscale Community Websites
CLICK HERE to get a FREE trial community website
*See legal notice below (end of page)

MikeF4 (Texas)
Posts: 26

Posted:

Heck, I got about 12% of my neighborhood to register (52 out of 427) and I consider it successful. If I got 50% I wouldnt know what to do. =)

We used to spend $2500 per year on a beautiful glossy, colorful quarterly newsletter. I posted on the front page of the last one to tell everyone we could not afford it anymore and they should register online or call me to arrange for hand delivery of a paper copy of neighborhood info if they dont use computers. I got no calls and only 52 registered users on the website.

The fact is 85% of my neighborhood couldnt care less what is going on so I have reached just about everyone I can. Heck, 25% of the homeowners cant even be bothered to pay dues on a regular basis.

www.silveradohoa.com

PeterB1 (Florida)
Posts: 257

Posted:

With such a small group, why don't you just register the residents yourself? If you are lacking some basic info (like email address) just call the resident and tell them you need the email address so you can send them current, useful information.

MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491

Posted:

I agree with HOATalk, and strongly recommend that you do NOT rely on the web as your sole method of communication for critical communications (mandated?) such as meeting notices and election forms or the like. U.S. Postal Service mail is still the best strategy for critical communications with members.

Even those who are "registered" may not be consistent computer users (believe it or not!) and therefore would very likely miss a lot of the communication from the board.

The internet should be considered an adjunct form of communication, or supplementary, and not the lead or primary form. It might be in your board's best interest to temper the enthusiasm regarding whether it should or would be the only tool for communication. If you all manage your expectations on what the board will get out of it, everyone will be much happier.

JohnK3 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 967

Posted:

Somebody once said: "If you build it, they will come."

10 Days Ago, we announced with Great Fanfare, our new web site to our 21 HOs, gave them the Code, urged everyone to sign up for all the goodies it contains.

10 Days Later, aside from me and one of the other two BODs, Nobody has registered nor commented (much less offered thanks) for the effort.

So there you go. Another attempt to overcome apathy and participation apparently down the drain.

DwightT (Idaho)
Posts: 664

Posted:

FWIW: we have about 1/3 of our homeowners registered on the website (116 out of 313), but for most of them, registering is about the only thing that they have done. Almost none of them will post to the homeowners forum, and about the only activity in the access logs is from web crawlers. On the other hand, we do now have the email addresses for those who have registered, so when there are Neighborhood Watch alerts or other things that need to be sent out quickly, I know that the messages are at least getting to some people.

GloriaL (Georgia)
Posts: 195

Posted:

I guess we were much too optimistic (bordering on unrealistic) in hoping that we would get nearly 100% registration on the website. From reading the other previous posts, we actually are doing well because we have exceeded 50%.

We had no intentions of using the website for required notices for Annual or Special Membership Meetings and Membership votes. Our CCR's, do not mandate that the Membership be notified of BOD Mtg dates, although we have posted a sign at the entrance as well as sent emails with BOD Mtg dates (no one turns up anyway). We intended to use the website for community announcements (safety alerts, BOD Mtg Minutes, Annual Mtg Minutes, community garage sales, stuff of that nature).

As secretary, I have email addresses for nearly everyone, although whether they are current is another story. I hesitate to register those who have not registered themselves. I have told the BOD that I feel it is inappropriate to put someone on the email listing if they have chosen not to do so themselves, and, unless the BOD votes and directs me to do, I will not take that step.

Being a very small HOA with limited funds, we are hoping that using the website will eliminate the cost of copies and postage for the other innocuous mailings. One month's hosting fee is approximately the cost of one mailing, so there could be savings for the Association.

I believe that the other posters here are correct in that those who have registered as those who would be involved anyway. Those who haven't, just don't want to be bothered.

When they receive their bill for the Annual Dues, and there is a 5% increase allowable for the BOD without Membership vote, perhaps then they will register and bellyache...although I doubt that too because they have to leave their name when using the open forum and cannot remain anonymous.

I still think the website is the way to go to as we move forward. I hope I am right.

Gloria

BruceF1 (Connecticut)
Posts: 2,535

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By PeterB1 on 12/22/2008 8:03 AM
With such a small group, why don't you just register the residents yourself? If you are lacking some basic info (like email address) just call the resident and tell them you need the email address so you can send them current, useful information.

Just because everybody is registered doesn't mean they'll use it. Old saying: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

Funniest line of the day (from John)

"Another attempt to overcome apathy and participation apparently down the drain."

EllenS1 (Florida)
Posts: 1,148

Posted:

So right. we have 101 owners and perhaps about 40 are registered but perhaps 3 or 4 have entered anything. Amazing since so many more would rather complain to their neighbors, etc. I guess that's the naure of the beast

RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164

Posted:

To all,
Well here I am again on the other side of the fence and Christmas Eve to Boot.

Have you stopped to think that you are not going to make this change in a week or a month or six months. Do what you can do and do it over and over again, hasn't anyone had children here? As far as registering, make it a requirement that the members register a valid e-mail site with the Management. Use cilds, fathers, who cares and don't forget the benefit of a web site for a way for parents to brag about thier kids. We have several family members of owners tha are aware and have posted on our site. We don't go gang busters but we work at it every time we talk to fellow owners. You require phone # and addresses, don't you. Do you all keep counters on your web site? Have you looked at that. Put out a snail mail notice and state there will be an important announcement on the Web site. Get their attention, we post financials, CC&R's, meeting schedule committee minute, board minutes and my old faithful, set up an open page to air gripes. It will take a while but not matter your individual circumstances this is what the world is going to be doing.

Too much gloom and doom about the subject. It is something that is going to have to be addressed and utilized. Now I know you all know that.

GloriaL (Georgia)
Posts: 195

Posted:

It was talked about with several Board Members. The next communication will be the Annual Dues billing which goes out at the end of December. That will include a blurb saying the Association is going "paperless" except for notifications as required in our CCR's, so in order to receive any communications, you MUST be registered on our website.
I am also going to install a sign at the front entrance with the website address and saying your MUST register.
Then in January, when the paper notices are mailed for our Annual Meeting, there will be another blurb pushing the website.
We are small Community, and our BOD has done a great job self-managing. We don't have any community facilities, nor "common areas" other than the signage at the front entrance. The CCR's have been enforced fairly and consistently. The dues have been raised just 5% this year to cover excalating costs. We don't host any Community funded events anymore since there has not been a majority of participation and there is not much money to spend...our dues are quite low and all votes to increase them above the 5% are consistently voted down. We got some volunteers to help with seasonal plantings, but the effort to get volunteers to paint the fencing failed. The majority of HomeOwners seem very content to just pay their Dues and do nothing else. That is perfectly okay and a choice the BOD must accept. We just barely make quorum at each Annual Meeting. I think that says volumes.

I still am an advocate of the website, despite the apathy which exists. If for no reason other than full disclosure by the BOD with everything it does. I believe that the website can publish information on all that the BOD is doing. If HomeOwners choose not to read it, that is the choice which they have made. At least noone can say that the BOD didn't try to be transparent and informative in its direction.

Each HomeOwner has the ability to gripe, and if they don't, that is also their choice.

Gloria

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

Gloria,

Are you certain every member has internet access? You stated your have email addressed for "nearly" everyone although you don't know if they're current. Be careful not to impose restrictions on members that can't abide by them. Nothing like making someone feel left out simply because they can't oblige your request.

GloriaL (Georgia)
Posts: 195

Posted:

Mary,
I went back and checked my records. I have email addresses to all but one HomeOwner, and have twice sent out email requests to register to all. First we sent a snail mail letter to all HomeOwners, then the two email requests, then the flyer from the website builder mailed to all HomeOwners, then a snail mail letter to those who had not registered.

I have not been contacted by anyone saying they don't have internet access and to please copy them with hard copies. I have not been contacted by anyone saying anything.

We intend to use the website for communications which our CCR's don't require us to send hard copies. Annual Dues bills or Annual/Special Meeting dates will be mailed to all.

After getting another reminder with the Annual Dues, as well as a sign at the front entrance, and further reminder with the Annual Meeting Notice, I believe that those who choose not to register have made their decision. The BOD should respect their choice not to be involved. That's my feeling.

Gloria

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

Gloria,

Well, as long as the board abides by the noticing requirements contained in your gov. docs. (and any that might be in state law) then I can foresee no legal problems. But, of course, I'm not an attorney!

JohnK3 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 967

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By SusanW1 on 12/22/2008 11:01 AM
Funniest line of the day (from John)

"Another attempt to overcome apathy and participation apparently down the drain."

Susan,

Hmmmm. Not meant to be funny, though I see your point. Maybe that was my subconscious talking? A comma after "apathy" or a "non-" before "participation" would have helped. But if it gave you a chuckle, all is well. Meanwhile...

Gloria,

If you have all but one email addy, give it a shot as a mailing list and then see if your Members sign up to actually use the web site.

GloriaL (Georgia)
Posts: 195

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JohnK3 on 12/26/2008 10:30 AM

Posted By SusanW1 on 12/22/2008 11:01 AM
Funniest line of the day (from John)

"Another attempt to overcome apathy and participation apparently down the drain."

John, I can read from your previous post that you have had some apathy also in trying to get your HomeOwners to register.
We did do two emails, two mailings and a flyer. I believe that unless the BOD goes astray and negatively impacts the HomeOwners individually, everyone is quite content with living their lives quietly and uninvolved.

I cannot fault them for making the choice they have made. It may not be the choice I would make, but they are adults and have the right to not register, not volunteer, not participate and remained uninvolved. As long as they pay their dues, and live within our CCR's, that is fine with me.

Gloria

DanaB1 (Connecticut)
Posts: 319

Posted:

This will be an interesting post to forward to my board members. We are looking into starting a website. I guess now I won't be surprised when we don't get much reaction.

It sure takes a lot to raise the pulse of owners.

Roofs leaking or special assessments are two that seem to do it.

Dana

MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491

Posted:

In our neighborhood it takes things like a steel mill moving up wind.

Sad, but true.

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

I know I've [posted this story b/4 but it applies here. So, here goes againg. . .

One of the HOAs in my area tried, unseccessfully to two years to amend the bylaws to delete the requirement for a yearly 10% raise in assessments. Each time they could not obtain a quorum! IMO, this is the epitome of apathy when members can't be bothered to vote to SAVE $$$!!!!

JohnK3 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 967

Posted:

Gloria,

You write:

>>>I cannot fault them for making the choice they have made. It may not be the choice I would make, but they are adults and have the right to not register, not volunteer, not participate and remained uninvolved. As long as they pay their dues, and live within our CCR's, that is fine with me.<<<

That's our BOD's takeaway, too.

Sidebar: Today, having made 3 requests to Membership for help, we had 1 person, aside from the 3 BODs, on hand to assist in yanking our fountain for the winter and saving the HOA $650 we'd have otherwise paid. The big job, plus clearing out our resevoir outlet of leaves, and then raking and bagging them, took all of 50 minutes. But'cha know what? We all enjoyed the tasks and were happy with the final results. Sense of accomplishment, and all that. Clearly, apparently not the cup of tea for (most of our) Membership, but tough darts to them.

I'll post a recap from our year-end Update 12 when I get around to writing it; just a little something to yank on their chains, and hopefully 'splain that volunteering is not the massive burden they fear.

RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164

Posted:

Ha!
Damn the "naye sayers", forget the torpedo's, full steam ahead Gloria.
You are doing a bang up job and your success is not to be measured by how many people you sign up. You keep the web site up and running and do your exercise in futility, mark my words, there will be a time when this web site will be gold and your owners will be the beneficiares. We, can not stop this technology and you all use it every day and yet you think it doesn't have a place in HOA's. It does, just as it has a place in our life.

We live on the Ocean, we can have hurricanes, we can have fires, we can have all sorts of trouble just as each HOA can. Now, given as we have 85% absentee owners, where do you think these folks are going to go to if they want to find out what is happening to their investment? Wait for snail mail? As far as registering, I have said before, we thing nothing of demanding a contact phone #, but in the same breath refuse to demand an e-mail address. Register my foot? If it makes a BOD member feel bad, then have the foresight to make a rule an e-mail address must be recorded with the management, then all will be registered. Owner doesn't have a e-mail address? They don't HAVE to have a phone either, require they give a e-mail address, be it neighbor, family or friend, just like a phone #.

I guess I am chicken little, but probably not.

Great job Gloria, keep it up.

GloriaL (Georgia)
Posts: 195

Posted:

WooHoo!! Thanks, Robert, for the applause. After three years as secretary, plus three other years supporting the BOD, I can admit that I get tired of banging my head against the wall, begging for volunteers, insisting on enforcing rules fairly, and all that goes with being a BOD Member...nothing that many other posters on this website have not experienced also. Sometimes a pat on the back, even if it is not from any of the people here in my Community, lifts spirits and makes you ready to fight another day.

Thanks for the support.
Gloria

RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164

Posted:

John,
We just finished a garden project and the Xmas lights thing. Our experience is identical to yours and I never heard one of the few volunteers carp about the other owners nor pitching in. They just spent several hours in total doing a good job and enjoyed the task.
Sense of accomplishment is not to be belittled. Certainly has more change to the world that the quest for money and things.

Thanks!

SamJ1 (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By RobertR1 on 12/27/2008 2:13 PM
Ha!
Damn the "naye sayers", forget the torpedo's, full steam ahead Gloria.
You are doing a bang up job and your success is not to be measured by how many people you sign up. You keep the web site up and running and do your exercise in futility, mark my words, there will be a time when this web site will be gold and your owners will be the beneficiares. We, can not stop this technology and you all use it every day and yet you think it doesn't have a place in HOA's. It does, just as it has a place in our life.

We live on the Ocean, we can have hurricanes, we can have fires, we can have all sorts of trouble just as each HOA can. Now, given as we have 85% absentee owners, where do you think these folks are going to go to if they want to find out what is happening to their investment? Wait for snail mail? As far as registering, I have said before, we thing nothing of demanding a contact phone #, but in the same breath refuse to demand an e-mail address. Register my foot? If it makes a BOD member feel bad, then have the foresight to make a rule an e-mail address must be recorded with the management, then all will be registered. Owner doesn't have a e-mail address? They don't HAVE to have a phone either, require they give a e-mail address, be it neighbor, family or friend, just like a phone #.

I guess I am chicken little, but probably not.

Great job Gloria, keep it up.

Robert! Your Line: ~Ha!
Damn the "naye sayers", forget the torpedo's, full steam ahead Gloria.~

HOW GREAT! New to HOA Talk.com - signed on just today!

This is my very first post.........and I am eager to LEARN!

I have been trying for 3-4 years now to get my Community involved in our HOA.....
Our HOA dues have increased 600% since I bought my home in 1993.....and I see no end in sight.....and the amount of money collected every year ($99,000) is not even remotely reflected in the amount of amenities nor the care of those amenities in our little community......I always scratch my head; "Just where is our money going?"

http://www.RiverLandingHenderson.com

or just type: river1234.com in any browser's address bar

Later.......Sam

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Welcome Sam!!,

Glad to have a newbee on board. We hope that you learn from us and teach us new things because association living is changing every day. Sometimes for the better and sometimes not. We will argue at times and agree at other times so don't let that scare you. That is how you hear both sides of our left and right brains. But always remember, we are not a sorce for legal opinion, but instead just personal opinion. Donna

SamJ1 (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

Donna!

Thank You!

Tennessee? WOW! A long way from here! Henderson/Las Vegas

I have learned more from 'personal opinions' than any other way!

And I have learned just how varied responses and input can be from my own website: river1234.com

And....how easily E-Mails and Message Board "Posts" can be interpreted in ways much different than the way in which the "Author" intended........

But as long as we all agree to disagree........but in a nice way........the 'internets' has truly been an amazing avenue in which we can ALL learn and help each other!

I feel fortunate to have lived long enough (62 years) that I get to personally participate in this amazing 'Medium' ........Sam the Newbee

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

Welcome, Sam. I'm a bit closer to you than Donna is. I'm in Glendale, AZ -- Phx metro area. Isn't the weather great today??

I've been on many, many internet message groups over the years and this one is by far the best! As Donna says, we sometimes have our little disagreements but they never get out of hand. You'll find many wise people here with lots of opinions. And, even though you're a newbie, I'm sure we'll all learn something from you, too.

MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MaryA1 on 01/14/2009 2:59 PM
You'll find many wise people here with lots of opinions.

. . . and then you'll find me.

But I do have lots of opinions, too!

DanaB1 (Connecticut)
Posts: 319

Posted:

Sam,

You have quite the interesting website. Seems as though you've had your share of conflict with board and management.

Dana

MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491

Posted:

Yes, Dana, I agree.

. . . am I the only one who chuckled to see the password posted for the password-protected message area?

DanaB1 (Connecticut)
Posts: 319

Posted:

Hi Michelle,

I noticed that too but didn't have time to check the message board. So what's the deal Sam, did you not like the way your association was being run and you tried to roust the dead to see change take place but you have now changed opinion of your board and manager and are trying to put your (personal) website to the good of all?

DanaB1 (Connecticut)
Posts: 319

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MicheleD on 01/14/2009 3:07 PM

Posted By MaryA1 on 01/14/2009 2:59 PM
You'll find many wise people here with lots of opinions.

. . . and then you'll find me.

But I do have lots of opinions, too!

I guess I'm the same as you Michele.

Sorry for the two l's in the previous post.

GloriaL (Georgia)
Posts: 195

Posted:

I began this thread on December 22, and due to past experience with apathy in our small community, was sure that our new website would have practically no one registering...and I was right for a while. However, now barely one month later, we have 20 out of 27 HomeOwners registered! I am thrilled!! It has taken effort though: two emails, one flyer, one individual letter to those not registered, and another attachment included in the Annual Assessment bills to those not registered, some phone calls. I did get some question about the security of the website, therefore hesitancy about registering...even though the info was provided, that HO still has chosen not to register.

At our last BOD Meeting, it was decided that sufficient notice has been given to all HO's so they know that only the written communications mandated by our CCR's, By-Laws will be sent. These HO's have CHOSEN not to register, for whatever reason, and we must accept and honor their decision. They are grown people with free will who have all the info and choose not to participate. oh, well.

No one has contacted any BOD Member asking that hard copies be mailed to them, which we would do (maybe they don't have daily access to computers, aren't comfortable using computers, the sky is green, whatever...). The BOD would accommodate that request, but none has come. Therefore, we are going ahead with using the website for all communications not mandated otherwise by our CCR's.

It certainly has made my job as Secretary easier. Now I am rethinking my decision about not running for a fourth year as secretary. Doesn't take much to make me happy. Life is good. woohoo!!

Gloria

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

Gloria,

Kudos to you -- keep up the good work! :-)

GeorgerwilliamsW (Indiana)
Posts: 975

Posted:

That is good to hear, Gloria. I think the lessons you have to teach others is (1) persistence, multiple communications, personal communication (e.g. letters and phone calls if needed to non-responders) and (2) patience.

I would think that these lessons would also be valuable in considering how to build community spirit, volunteerism, and participation. There will never be 100 percent (at least, not for long).

Perhaps the next step for some associations is to revise the covenants to mandate that all homeowners register their e-mail addresses just as they do their mailing address or face fines or other sanctions.

GloriaL (Georgia)
Posts: 195

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By GeorgerwilliamsW on 01/15/2009 6:18 AM
That is good to hear, Gloria. I think the lessons you have to teach others is (1) persistence, multiple communications, personal communication (e.g. letters and phone calls if needed to non-responders) and (2) patience.

I would think that these lessons would also be valuable in considering how to build community spirit, volunteerism, and participation. There will never be 100 percent (at least, not for long).

Perhaps the next step for some associations is to revise the covenants to mandate that all homeowners register their e-mail addresses just as they do their mailing address or face fines or other sanctions.

I am proud of what we have accomplished in this short period of time. But I also realize that this may be a fluke of luck, timing, persistence, and annoyance.

Even if the Association covenants mandated that HomeOwners register email addresses, they still need to be accurate and updated. Some people just do not want to be "bothered" with the humdrum communications of the HOA, and fail to maintain their points of contact.

Only those who wish to participate, will do so. The others can be dragged to the trough, but cannot be forced to drink. Maybe they think it is the Koolade...

Gloria

GeorgerwilliamsW (Indiana)
Posts: 975

Posted:

You got it! It is incredible how useful and accurate the Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) works in all sorts of social, economic, political and natural situations. 80 percent of the work is done by 20 percent of the people, 80 percent of the complaints come from 20 percent of people, and so on. 80 percent of the horses will drink from the trough, but 20 percent will not, regardless of whether it is koolaid or a fine 24 year old single malt scotch.

RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164

Posted:

Gloria,
Never knock yourself off the mountain top. You did a great job...............enjoy the feeling for a while, someone will come by and drag you down the hill anyway........just like life isn't it.

But it's a good thread and some interesting context, can't beat that.

SamJ1 (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MaryA1 on 01/14/2009 2:59 PM
Welcome, Sam. I'm a bit closer to you than Donna is. I'm in Glendale, AZ -- Phx metro area. Isn't the weather great today??

I've been on many, many internet message groups over the years and this one is by far the best! As Donna says, we sometimes have our little disagreements but they never get out of hand. You'll find many wise people here with lots of opinions. And, even though you're a newbie, I'm sure we'll all learn something from you, too.

Hi Mary! Thank You!...yes, not even sweater weather here in Las Vegas today.

BUT Poor Minneapolis: "Arctic air continues to prevail over the area. This cold, combined with west northwest winds of 5 to 15 mph, is a dangerous setup due to 30 to 45 below zero wind chills being generated. Ensure you and your family continue to be safe throughout this long-lived cold air event."

SamJ1 (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MicheleD on 01/14/2009 3:07 PM

Posted By MaryA1 on 01/14/2009 2:59 PM
You'll find many wise people here with lots of opinions.

. . . and then you'll find me.

But I do have lots of opinions, too!

Hi Michele!

THANK YOU! Yes.......what's that saying? What do *** ***** and "Opinions" have in Common? EVERYBODY HAS ONE!

SamJ1 (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By DanaB1 on 01/14/2009 3:37 PM
Sam,

You have quite the interesting website. Seems as though you've had your share of conflict with board and management.

Dana

Hi Dana!

Well......yes......you are right..........but try to remember my website has been "Up" and "Modified" dozens of times since I started it back in 2005 ..........and I confess it can really be confusing to a Casual Observer. I have never been able to get even any "remote interest" or "acknowledgement" in Our FREE Community Website by our HOA Mgr or our Board of Directors. And I am totally exasperated in our HOA in that they really are not even "remotely interested" in engaging our Community to actively participate? Very infrequent HOA Meetings...always scheduled at the "Dinner Hour" which results in very low attendance by Home Owners? And even then........not allowing certain HomeOwners to even "speak" at past meetings? ......it has bred a lot of discontent and total apathy among a fairly large percentage of our community?

SamJ1 (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MicheleD on 01/14/2009 3:58 PM
Yes, Dana, I agree.

. . . am I the only one who chuckled to see the password posted for the password-protected message area?

Dana.......the "PassWord" is Posted only to show the example of what An Actual "Password-Protected" Message Board would look like. I am trying very hard to instruct our Community who - for the most part - are not that "Computer Literate" - on just how our Website actually could work?

NAMELY: Letting 100% - all 330 Home Owners - have "Informational Voting Rights" - via our Community Website and our own "Home-Owners Only" - "PassWord-Protected" Message Board!

Copy & paste: http://www.websitetoolbox.com/mb/samn3s

and hopefully you will better understand? .........Sam

SamJ1 (Nevada)
Posts: 11

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By DanaB1 on 01/14/2009 4:23 PM
Hi Michelle,

I noticed that too but didn't have time to check the message board. So what's the deal Sam, did you not like the way your association was being run and you tried to roust the dead to see change take place but you have now changed opinion of your board and manager and are trying to put your (personal) website to the good of all?

Hi Dana!

At one of our Meetings last Sept........when I placed my signs at the two entrances into our Community - copy & paste: http://www.hendersonriverlanding.com/NoteFromSam.html
then scroll to bottom of page to see what I did ....

Our HOA Meeting had the largest attendance ever! They had to keep setting up more and more chairs! And yes.........there were a couple of HomeOwners who spoke up about "How Negative" my website was ........and that if I made it less negative.......maybe there would be more participation? And I did hastily remove about 90% of my negative "stuff" towards our HOA Mgr.

Well.........I have reached the point.......after 3-4 years now with my website......I am no longer very concerned with trying to get much participation from my neighbors? Most have family and friends who live under the "thumb" of an HOA who are paying $50 to $150 MONTHLY! And they think our $300 Yearly to be a bargain and cannot be bothered with a Community Website? But I made a promise to put my signs out each time our HOA Dues are raised! And I think as our Dues Increase......so will the Website Participation also Increase!.....Sam

RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164

Posted:

Dear Sam,
How polite it that? Just a reminder I am blown away from all your postings and particularly impressed with your Website. I have no doubt you are a true gentleman , have the computer skills of Bill Gates and no doubt happen to be beyond so rich you will need your own special bail-out. Your good looks are outside the Judges Score Card and your children and grandchildren will all be elected by acclamation, and will hold the Office of the President of these United States.
Now, that is settled, tell me how you do that 1234.com thing. Could I use it or add it to a website address we have and how do you do this. If you tell me it is a Yahoo thing, I tke back everything I said about you.

Also, though I looked some I was not able to discern how many units in your complex, and HOA I assume, what is your budget income and a little history of the place. Might help.

MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By GeorgerwilliamsW on 01/15/2009 6:18 AM

Perhaps the next step for some associations is to revise the covenants to mandate that all homeowners register their e-mail addresses just as they do their mailing address or face fines or other sanctions.

Outrageous.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

George,
I hardly think that would be appropriate as e-mail addresses are still PRIVATE!

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here