What do you want from theLeaseBlog Connection Network ?

[LeaseBlog Moderator]

OK, so we now have a very international network, almost 1600 members, 30-40 or so countries represented, over 12,000 outstanding invites sent by members to their contacts, a bunch of groups, some events and a steady flow of activity within the forum, not to mention the jobs section.

This is all way beyond my initial expecations when I set up theLeaseBlog 18 months ago and I thank you all for turning theLeaseBlog into a real community.

So what next.....?

This is a community of like minded leasing professionals keen to network and exchange ideas, it is administered essentially as a spare time activity with the nominal amounts received from advertising and job posting revenues going directly to offset the development, hosting and administration of the site. As such, the site is not compelled to drive an economic return, unlike some websites and because of this we can be creative and more nimble in adopting new ideas.

But this is the thing....so far, most of what you find here at theLeaseBlog has been defined by a committee of one, i.e "me", and I would really like some help in steering a path for the next 18 months and beyond.

So please, if you are reading this and you want continued development in the network reach or functionality and you have ideas on what you would like YOUR network to deliver and how this can be achieved , add a comment and together we can develop theLeaseBlog Connection Network.

I also want to hear from people about what they don't like or what they don't want the site to evolve into....so go on add a comment and put your views across.

Happy Networking

[Steve Geller, CLP]

I thought that I responded earlier today but do not see the posting. So here I go again. For the most part this was a great idea on your part Brian. I have connected with people domestically and internationally and been able to post information and ideas freely. The great part of the blog is that the self-regulating has worked extremely well and has allowed a lot of people to get to know a lot of people rather easily, as Thomas Friedman in his book, The World is Flat" stated was happening. I have no complaints and like all that you have done. I do have a few thoughts. I would like to see the ability to access members alphabetically by last name, by key word, by company or by country. I would also like to see a discussion post, which anyone can set up, for questions or help issues on the forum. I know that the blog was set up as a labor of love and not a means to make a profit and understand if some of these issues can not be addressed. If more thoughts come to mind I will post further.

[Brian Whelan]

Steve,

Thank you for your comments...feedback is always appreciated.

In terms of members search....I agree, currently it is a bit clunky, I hadn't quite realised how many members would join ! In the search box however, you can search on surname, or keyword and you should find most people...although I agree it would be great to have an alphabetical list or an improved search function. I am reviewing some additional functionality that would enhance this feature and will keep you posted on progress.

Discussion post re help: There is already a category in the Forum that deals with System Help....although I very rarely get any questions through it. I love to see people question functionality because it generally means we are pushing the boundaries of what the system can do, which in turn means people are finding the newtork of benefit.

I hope this helps, but please let me know if there are other things you think we should be doing with the network.

By the way...I like what you have done with your profile page...it makes it stand out!

All the best

Brian

[Steve Geller, CLP]

How come of almost 1600 members I am the only one who found issues with the blog? It is great and has truly making the leasing world flat I still push friends into becoming members. - Steve