RTB thoughts

I know on the Facebook sites there are no post requirements. I don’t think post requirements are necessary and don’t really validate anything.

What I do think is helpful is an area for testimonials or recommendations. Then the user can further validate through those avenues.

Oh boy. You are BRAVE!!!

Thinking back to when we first started getting interested in Disney, I read just enough about DVC to be dangerous. I did not know nearly as much as I thought I did. That lack of knowledge meant I got irritated when I contacted David's and they told me early December was a busy time. Back then, that annoyed me because I knew enough to know that in 2012/2013, early December was in general a slower time for the parks. I did not know DVC well enough to know that's a very popular season for owners due to holidays + low points.

Is there a way to do some type of basic knowledge test for DVC before allowing anyone to view any version of RTB? I know back when I did HR, I sometimes included very basic questions (example: what is the name of the company posting this job ad?) to screen out spam and those who could not be bothered to read & follow simple directions.

Possible questions could include something like this:

1) What is the home resort advantage for DVC?
(a) Discount on non-DVC bookings (b) early check in privileges (c) longer reservation window (d) access to resort club

2) What is the current price of OTU points?
(a) $18 (b) $20 (c) $22 (d) $24

3) Which of the following accurately describe aspects of transferring DVC points between members?
(a) greater flexibility in scheduling vacation time
(b) trust is needed on both sides of the transaction
(c) the transfer is a one time event
(d) all of the above

Incorrect answers don't get anyone banned. But it does prevent access until the person does the research to answer correctly. Then at least all parties are operating from some kind of shared basic knowledge basis.

So to toss out. I help run a huge DVC facebook group with over 25k member. We allow rentals. We hold zero responsibility for what happens. We do approve every post in the group (rental or not). We also approve posters only if they are as best as possible verified ownership. What we had on the old site isn't necessarily needed. I don't want/need control as long as posters get it is a post at your own risk.

We can easily add a section called testimonials. In fact that's a good idea!

A quiz is okay too but I'd sooner ask for proof for those with points. I would have to likely create a Google form for that. I wonder what people are comfortable with though. What do you want/need?

I think maybe requiring folks to be registered and logged in to MagicOwners to view or post on the RTB might be beneficial.  I think there needs to be a link to the major rules for the RTB very prominently shown at the top of that board.  A key rule is Caveat Emptor making it very clear that MagicOwners or the administrators do not verify or endorse any posting (on either side of the equation).  

I understand the comments about minimum postings or passing a test to post in the RTB but I think any of these requirements are just going to add more work for you (Helena and other administrators).

I think there is nothing wrong with creating the RTB and also including that the RTB will be evaluated after 1 month (or whatever time period) to give you an off-ramp (defined ahead of time) so that if it becomes too much effort, you can close the RTB just like a limited time menu option of a fast food place. 

Also include a caveat that the RTB is a "work in progress" so you can make changes as you need without people saying that you are changing the rules.  I realize that you can do some of these already but I am thinking of ways that you can reduce the hassle you get if you do make changes.  

I definitely planned on only registered viewers able to even see the forum.

A test run is not a bad idea

IMO, approval sounds like a lot of work for you. Would it be easier for Members to tag an admin if the post seems suspicious?

I am not a regular RTB user but totally appreciate having this board. I know it takes a lot of time and effort...just trying to minimize hassles for you. But, THANK YOU!

Great! Can these be included on the main page for people to use?