Judy Marusa’s Rhode Island vacation property was falling down. The structural bearing for the house was falling and if she did not find someone to deal with issue immediately, she’d be in trouble. Stuck on the issue, Marusa began browsing ‘s Discussions page, where she’s a frequent poster of and commenter on design issues. She found a article about a beach house in Rhode Island whose homeowner, consumer alazaro, was looking for hints on how to improve curb appeal. At the exact same thread, a pole by design-builder Joseph Yencho caught Marusa’s eye.
Yencho had remarked that he’d worked and needed a house in Matunuck Beach, near Point Judith Pond, in which Marusa’s collapsing house was situated. She clicked Yencho’s profile and found he was friendly, lively in discussions and had expertise. “The closeness was very lucky,” Marusa says. “He was nearby, so I said, ‘Let me just see whether that contractor is thinking about my circumstance'” She posted a comment immediately to Yencho describing her position and asking him whether he would be interested in having a look.
Since structural carpentry is Yencho’s specialty, the chance was a fantastic fit. “She did her study. Checked me out. Called on a Sunday. I finished breakfast and drove down there,” Yencho says. He discovered that the structural bearing was, really, collapsing. He jacked up the corner and installing new framing, fixing the issue. Marusa subsequently asked if he could examine some other issues. He’s now going down there two to three days per month rebuilding a section of her residence.
When the Discussions page launched in 2010, users posted a couple hundred discussions overnight. Now, ers have created more than 500,000 discussions — and counting.
Here’s how to get the maximum out of it:
The Discussions page is a place where homeowners discuss their remodeling experience, locate professionals to hire, assist other homeowners resolve issues and brainstorm design ideas. It’s also where experts find customers, network, offer advice and hone their problem-solving abilities. And the comments could be generous and ongoing. (“I need desperate help with decorating” has well over 3,000 comments and counting.)
Whether you have a query about a project, wish to connect with other design lovers, or just need some support as you renovate, here’s how to get the maximum out of ‘s Discussions forum.
1. Post a Design Dilemma
This is the main allure of this forum. Got a problem that you can’t resolve alone? Upload a photo and let the community consider in. Users can leave comments, offer suggestions and assist you navigate options for your home remodeling project.
How to get more responses on your article: Maintain your title brief. Pose a clear question. Include at least one photograph (you may post up to four, however, you can always leave more in the comments on your own post.) Post a URL to your issue on your own Twitter and Facebook accounts for more participation.
Strategies for commenting on posts: In case you copy and paste a web link from a photograph into a comment, the photograph will automatically appear on your comment. Likewise, if you copy and paste an Ideabook link, a photograph from this Ideabook will look on your comment. It’s a terrific way to share ideas and advice along with other users.
2. Filter by Topic and Activity
Users can toggle among distinct topics and action by highlighting different keywords on the left side of the page. Highlight Design Dilemmas from the Topics pub and play the Activity options. It is possible to view the most well-known discussions or you could change to see what’s fresh and has not been commented on yet.
Before & After is where you can get inspiration or share pictures of your own projects. Using is where you can discover more about how the website works. Consider it a natural FAQ page.
The Other section is for overall off-topic forum stuff. A Pro-to-Pro forum is visible if you’re set up with an expert account. These accounts are typically for builders, architects, interior designers, landscape designers and more to talk about business plans and how to use this website to their enterprise, and to share resources with one another.
When a query has been posted on any photograph on the website — What is this room’s dimensions? Or What is the paint colour on the wall? For example — the queries look in Photo Questions.
3. Make a Poll
Among the most fun features from the Discussions section is the survey, which any user may produce. Click on the drop-down menu on top, then emphasize “Make This a Poll.” Click on the green “Attach Images” text to incorporate a main image. This will also function as the cover image. Then attach photos to go with your query choices. You can also copy and paste the URL from pictures directly into the caption bar.
Poll tip: Maintain the surveys simple and clear. Case in point: Post a picture of your living space with the question “Which couch style is ideal for my living space?” This will let the community vote which they like best for your space.
4. Find superior Topics
Utilize the search bar to locate discussion topics which interest you. Again, play the Topic and Action areas on the left, then use the search bar to search for discussions regarding “fireplace mantels” or “Rust-Oleum cupboard transformations.”
Search tip: If you’re the owner of a product or company, search here in the discussions to determine what people are saying or should they have queries you can help reply.
5. Locate Top Commenters and Featured Discussions
Look for the top commenters for recent action and to find interesting, active people to follow . Click on the person’s page and you may see each of the discussions he or she’s been active on.
Featured discussions are curated from the community managers based on quality photos and a fascinating story or issue. If your issue becomes featured by , it gets posted on ‘s Facebook page and perhaps will appear in the weekly newsletter, which may generate lots of responses.
Your flip. Have your own dilemma or project to discuss? Start your own conversation here.
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