The new intercambio section

[Ben]

I'm sure you have noticed by now the new intercambio section in the forum, an idea that has been brewing for a while now. It really is a real experiment, and one that I am going to do the best I can to encourage (ads for intercambios in local ex-pat papers and language schools), but all input from you guys would be gratefully received.

What is the best way for intercambios to work across the internet? The Skype cast was by no means perfect in terms of quality, but skype for two or three people would probably work very well... Well, let's see how this goes, and grows - nothing ventured nothing gained and all that!

[Marbella]

Some ideas, by no means well thought out, just what I'd be thinking if I was Mr NFS right now. Please don't take this as "you should do this, you should do that": you know exactly what you are doing without me wittering on.

1) Keep Skype intercambios, forum chats etc. well within the NFS space. You made the point about registration and I feel it's important to put the NFS brand on this. So, NFS members only, as a kind of stamp of approval (adding the at your own risk disclaimer of course).

This is important in the example of children, because I don't let Marco go on general forums or chatrooms because there are too many idiots around making sly, inappropriate innuendos or being outrightly abusive. I know that you are vigilant and there are other regulars around who I've never met but I kind of trust (just by what they say in their posts) to keep an eye out for trouble. Doesn't only apply to children (just take a look at some of the comments on 20minutos and you'll see what I mean).

2) Expand the database of member data so people can add more detail about themselves. It's not a dating agency I know (ooh, there's an idea!:) ) but allowing people to add more details about themselves (books, music, films, sports, age, gender...anything) will enable people to find the kind of folks they would like to talk to. Add level of language ability - spoken, written.

This data could be searchable via a form somewhere on the site.

3) Booking system for the intercambio (linked to point 2). Like booking a hotel online. Advertise time available, email reminders of appointment (or pick-up point on the NFS site).

4) Discussion by subject matter. Like a book-club, everyone reads the same book and gets online at a specified time to discuss it. Let's say the intercambio is a swap, i.e. 10 minutes in Spanish, 10 in English. You can pick a subject that you want to discuss and then either swot up on the vocab beforehand or send the other person(s) a list of key words in your native language they might find useful e.g. if the subject was football: goal, striker, defender, offside, Arsenal and you try and fit those in conversation.

5) Add to the NFS front page: Hot Topic...what's hot in the forum right now. Or if people don't mind, you can advertise "intercambio in Spanish on right now, subject - Almodovar's films".

6) Add a chat room to the site. They are free and provide real-time conversation for those like me who can't string a sentence together in spoken Spanish unless I've got time to work it all out in my head first.

7) Website activity leads to paying advertisers. The more people that get involved the more chance there is that a company will want to advertise on the site. All this needs paying for after all.

[Ben]

Marbella, you are a star! Please give me a while to digest all the above but I'm sure I'll have some questions shortly! So much to do, so much to think about! All very exciting, and great to have input like this from people such as yourself who are actually using the site and the forum - it really is invaluable input.

[Marbella]

Phew, I'm just relieved it was ok to say all that. Sorry if I go on a bit, it's just enthusiasm taking over.

Good luck with it. Will do all I/we can this end to bring people to the site.

[Ben]

First Marbella idea in place (http://www.notesfromspain.com/forums/showthread.php?t=382)! Thanks again!

[Marbella]

First Marbella idea in place (http://www.notesfromspain.com/forums/showthread.php?t=382)!

Goodness me, you work quickly!

[Ben]

That was the easiest one to sort out, so a good place to start!

[Brian]

Very nice work, Ben! *clapclap*