Helping Newbies

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

This week I have been going back and forth with an RCI member in Canada, helping them to be able to do an exchange online.

I have done that many times over the years, helping people who don't even understand the basics of how to use their RCI membership, people who have been relying on the information Guides give them or those who have been waiting and waiting, relying on what they have been told, but never getting any results.

I do not seek Newbies out, say by trolling the Newbies Board. They find me, normally through my SW FLorida in January thread. I don't seek them because, frankly, each one is very time-consuming. Showing them how to search for themselves, and trying to do it by email, is like trying to teach someone a new language.

But, I don't skrimp with those who find me, and take the time to help them help themselves. As someone once said, you can give a man a fish and feed them for a day or you teach them to fish and they can feed themselves forever.

It is humbling, and reminds me that I was once there myself.

In many of our discussions we are in the stratosphere of timesharing, with topics way above the Newbies.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

Jim I get about 4-5 contact us emails a week from nonmembers that do not even know how to join our site and need advice on there TS. I tell them to join but I get the I am 75 years old and can not see the letters for the ID verification. They need advice and have no way to get it so I find the time to help when I can.

[jackio Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close jackio]

Jim, you helped me when I was relatively new, and it was appreciated. I know some of the things we talk about here are advanced topics ( bulk banking, etc) and we sometimes forget people are trying to learn the basics. Even though it is time consuming, it is nice that you guys are willing to help people learn, save money, and maximize their timeshare ownership.

[Jya-Ning Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Jya-Ning]

Not newbie, but I have asked people a lot questions privately. Mostly when I try to buy a week of different system other than FF. Usually it is to someone that is active in posting. The most recently is to Spence. But I also just look at Tug's resort review and saw some owner that listed as willing to help the question and just email them. And everyone I contacted answers promptly. I also got some email asking me about FF. Hopefully I did the same in return.

I believe most people will answer the question try to help out. It sometimes really need to go to very detail level to provide any useful info.

Jya-Ning

[tim Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tim]

A big thank you goes out to people like JLB and Big Frank who help out the newbies. To me, this is one of the reasons why this board exits. Heck, even those of us who know a bit more beyond the basics can always learn more from you pros. Thanks.

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

JLB,

You are very kind to help the newbies. As I read your OP, I was thinking that if you could get the newbie to join you in the Chat room here at TS4MS to coach them. You could have a real time conversation with them, shortening the time it takes to email back and forth.

Just a thought.

[Gracey Member Find all posts View Profile Close Gracey]

JLB, what a great service you do for the newbies
I found all you folks about four years ago at TUG and now followed you over here too Never had a timeshare before and now I have two. Learned so much by reading and soaking up everyone's knowledge. Just a kudo's from me!

Laurie

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Good Job - that is the way to Show them

[M. Henley Class President Find all posts View Profile Close M. Henley]

OFs Helping?

But...
what about the OFs? Are they busy helping their neighbors?

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

But...
what about the OFs? Are they busy helping their neighbors?

[jackio Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close jackio]

Are OF's old folks? I usually e-mail or PM a person who has made an inquiry here or on TUG. I find that a personal reply opens up a dialog that may not take place with a general posting, especially if you disagree with the poster's perception. A personal message may seem helpful whereas as posting may seem intimidating.

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

Are OF's old folks? I usually e-mail or PM a person who has made an inquiry here or on TUG. I find that a personal reply opens up a dialog that may not take place with a general posting, especially if you disagree with the poster's perception. A personal message may seem helpful whereas as posting may seem intimidating.

OF = Old Farts.

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

OF=Old Folks, Old Fogeys, Old Farts, whatever is appropriate to the person.

I wish I could share more concerning the subject. The events of the last week are more amazing than everything that had been posted in the Bubba Country thread previously.
- - - - - -

Concerning the person I have been helping, they had been scared to touch that Exchange tab on RCI.com, afraid they might do something wrong and wind up owing money for something they did not want.

They got their first search done today, and were glazed and amazed that they could see 27 resorts, when RCI has been telling them nothing was available.

However, there is a learning curve to be dealt with. Before doing that search they asked what this trading power stuff is all about. I told them to do the search and then we would talk. I did the same search and saw 57 resorts, so now the real learning process begins.

I can't remember exactly when it was, about 10 years ago, but I went through the same thing. I found out there was stuff available that VCs (back then) weren't telling me about, so I was elated. Then, some time later, when TUG came along for me, I discovered that there was stuff I still couldn't see.

This person had been opening stuff like Extra Vacations, thinking that and what the Guides told them was what was available. Before I explained how to search, they asked why stuff was available on Extra Vacations that the Guides weren't telling them about. They were wondering where EVs come from.

So, some questions make sense regardless of where you're at in the learning process.

They did book two weeks in south Florida, at a couple of places that are most always available, but that was much better than anything they knew until today, so . . .

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

We Can make a difference

"I almost feel liberated in being able to make my own choices and not wait for RCI to phone me, thanks to you. Our membership has taken on a different meaning!"