Poll for members

**Sara Noel** · 08-09-2012, 09:40 PM

Clearly the majority are here for frugal living topics. But in an effort to strengthen forum categories, I'd like to see what sections members would like to see focused on more. So here's a poll.

**imagine** · 08-10-2012, 11:46 AM

I like the make it yourself threads a bunch. Be it food or Christmas presents or things like pant hangers turned recipe/cookbook holder or into chip clips.

**Sara Noel** · 08-10-2012, 12:30 PM

Two voted other, but didn't say what other is. LOL

**Hamada** · 08-10-2012, 01:35 PM

It would help if there were gluten free and a dairy free recipe section. Seems there are a lot of people here that are eating this way.

**frugalfranny** · 08-10-2012, 01:40 PM

I would like to see a thread for groc. prices in the posters area............dedicated only to that. Always find that interesting.

Sometimes a thread will start for gas prices........and that is interesting too...........always good to compare areas.

I would REALLY like to see the favorites come back, complete with the info would be nice.

**Nana2two** · 08-10-2012, 01:59 PM

My top would be Green living, Food, Diy and Miy.

**NikoSan999** · 08-10-2012, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by frugalfranny

I would like to see a thread for groc. prices in the posters area............dedicated only to that. Always find that interesting.

Sometimes a thread will start for gas prices........and that is interesting too...........always good to compare areas.

I would REALLY like to see the favorites come back, complete with the info would be nice.

I really like this one. Good one FF. I know there's a lot of Floridians on here. We could keep each other up to date on what store has what.

**Telephus44** · 08-10-2012, 06:16 PM

I voted other, and I mean more money management stuff.

**Momto5RN** · 08-10-2012, 08:49 PM

i think a by state posting for food deals / prices or really any good deal would be a nice way to help each other to save money be aware of unadvertised specials etc in our areas

**auntie2many** · 08-10-2012, 09:11 PM

I would like to see more recipes and ways to stretch your food dollars. Also interesting would be a category where you could list what you have in your freezer, fridge and pantry and get ideas of menus from that. I also loved one thread where a gal from Australia ate for $15 a week so that she could pay off her car early and save for a down payment on her home.

A2M

**larabelle** · 08-10-2012, 09:30 PM

I like the DIY MIY as anything I can do for myself is soo much cheaper than having it done. Also I love how others take seemingly everyday things (and or junk) and transform them into something really useful.

**Contrary Housewife** · 08-11-2012, 12:31 AM

I can't think of anything the site *needs* that it doesn't already cover. It seems to me that the topics are self-regulating. If people have interests, they ask on some forum or other. I sometimes find myself struggling to find the right forum to post in, but I don't think adding new ones is an answer.

I say just go with what you have an interest in expanding, or what you have material for.

**Spirit Deer** · 08-11-2012, 10:01 AM

I think the recipe forums for the most part are pretty well organized, but if there is any way possible to replace the missing ingredients lists, it needs to be a priority IMO. That's a huge resource that was available on these boards that's now MIA. Categories might need a bit of tweaking simply because nothing is perfect, and adding the GF and DF boards would probably be a benefit to many here, as mentioned above.

I would also like to see a greater focus on MIY and DIY items. I agree, if I can make stuff myself it's usually cheaper and almost always better.

There are so many people who do not indicate where they live, I find the threads about food costs and other area-specific info more frustrating than anything, although they can be interesting. Without knowing where a particular poster is, I have no clue if something like that is relevant to me or not. I don't know if there is any way to encourage people to add that info or not. But talking about gas prices 'here' and not telling people where 'here' happens to be is just pointless.

I really want back the feature that allows me to ignore entire threads. IMO, having that back would cut down on some of the conflicts that have flared up over the summer. Some of the thread titles are intentionally inflammatory, and it's like a stick in your eye every time you have to read them as you go through the list of new posts. Being able to just hit Ignore and get rid of the entire thread would make it much easier to resist responding when someone has posted something that's obviously meant only to stir the pot and that is nothing but rude and demeaning.

I would like to see less of certain categories of posts that have nothing to do with saving money, but unfortunately they seem to be here to stay. That's another reason the 'ignore thread' feature would be very useful to have back.

Overall, the forums are very helpful, useful, and often enlightening.

**frugalfranny** · 08-11-2012, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by Momto5RN

i think a by state posting for food deals / prices or really any good deal would be a nice way to help each other to save money be aware of unadvertised specials etc in our areas

Thought of another one.............along with the above........some sort of constant type post where the posters could give a heads up when they notice the ounces, or squares, or packaging is changing on something...............don't know how you would title it but sure would help. I will sometimes miss this when shopping...........and would help me watch for it. PLUS when an item is changing packaging the stores will sometimes run sales on the 'old items' to clear them out.

Like others said...............IT HELPS TO KNOW THE AREA (even the state) WHERE THE POSTER IS AT WHEN THIS IS DONE!!!

**Sara Noel** · 08-11-2012, 02:54 PM

We can start a sticky post on shrinking packaging. If someone wants to start one. I'll sticky it.

I'm with SD on the regional posts without stating a region. It IS pointless.

I've sometimes thought some of the what's for dinner threads without details were a bit pointless, too. Not everyone knows how to make the meals people are posting about and while they could look them up, some small details or even a link to the recipe if it's on allrecipes or wherever would make those posts a better reference for members. Even something as simple as saying you're making burgers. Well how do YOU make your burgers?

I'll open a subforum for special dietary needs, so it covers more than GF/CF. However, I want veg topics to stay in green living. It's more of a lifestyle than a dietary need. At least imo anyway.

We aren't really looking to add more forum categories and expand, but I am always open to opening more if I see it would be used. My main objective is to have everyone see the topics that are of the most interest here. I ask this each year and it does change. I can help lean the focus in those areas and members are aware of what the majority is interested in, too. Perhaps this can lessen the posts that really are off-topic for this community.