| Hosting a Event? Things you need to Know
Posted: 7/30/2005 6:32:32 PM | ADVERTISING YOUR PARTY
You are free to make your own art, graphics, etc to advertise your plentyoffish event. So you can make a poster with fish listing your event details and having the name plentyoffish.com on there if you so desire.
No "Glitter Graphics" or any similar type graphics, from graphic generating sites - period.
It is in poor taste as well as not permitted, to go to another party/event/thank you thread to advertise your own party nor is it permissible to start a secondary event thread in another local or global forum.
Additionally, if you already have a message advertising your party, you should not post new threads on the message board forwarding people to go see your already active party topic. By adding new topics like
"hi did you see my party topic yet. go here and sign up: www.mypartytopic.com"
By doing this you are in fact spamming the message boards and/or threads and your message(s) may be deleted. To have one message - i.e.: your party topic is NOT Spam BUT when you repeatedly keep posting more and more topics just to forward people to your current topic, this is SPAM and may result in all associated party topics deleted.
Its one thing to create a new topic to help organize rides, etc for your party but there is no need to create additional topics just to forward people to your existing topic. Please keep your party thread to one thread per party (excluding ride threads, etc).
Additionally, if you go to other party topics to solicit people to go to your event your message may be deleted. This is again, in poor taste. Please, allow people to keep their party topics on topic. It just isn't fair and shows lack of respect to the hosts of the advertised party topic that you are spamming in. Additionally, it is getting the topic, off topic, and is a violation of the rules and guidelines here on POF. (see below)
If you want to create more interest in your party topic, the best thing you can do is to be active in responding to all questions and comments left in your party topic. Build excitement in your own topic. Please don't solicit people from other party topics.
The best thing I can say is treat others the way you wish to be treated.
Please respect the hard work of other organizers.
Build excitement for your own party but please don't step on other toes to do so.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I) A Moderator may delete or edit a Post to either remove Off-Topic Content
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES / COLLECTIONS BY HOSTS: ITS A NO NO!
After recent events, Bigfish (the owner & admin of Plentyoffish) has determined that events that require the host of the event to pay sums of money upfront, or collect deposits or any monies on behalf of members CANNOT be advertised on plentyoffish. Events should be the type that ANYONE can step in and host the event without incurring huge personal expenses. This rule is in place for two reasons
1) Protecting the host from incurring large losses
2) Discouraging profiteering by hosts at the expense of other users. This venue does not condone, nor will it permit such activities. Unfortunately we cannot corroborate, nor are we in a position to validate actual above board claims as there are no resources available to do so - hence the above stipulations.
What that means is as a host, you need to find free venues OR venues that charge the user a fee such as a cover charge. For example, lets say a roller rink, if the rink charge users $7 per person that is acceptable but if the host has to pay $500 and then has to try to recover the money from the users that would be unacceptable. The event should be set up so that if you can not fulfill your obligations as a host, anyone else should be able to step in without risking personal financial loss.
This rule can also be applied to food. If a place provides food, guests should order and pay for their own food individually instead of the host ordering a quantity of food and then trying to recover the expenses through extra fees charged by the host. If the venue charges a fee, lets say for a buffet, it is okay to have this as long as the guests pay on a per guest fee. Users should have the ability to opt out of ordering food.
Under these new rules and expectations, only the venue itself should be charging any fee. (because there will be no need for hosts to recover any monies). No one but the venue should be asking for any money - period. That goes for cash donations, draws, 50/50's, etc. It is unacceptable to charge any fee to try to recover fees for things such as dj's, hall rentals, etc. As stated above, events that require the host of the event to pay sums of money upfront CAN NOT be advertised on plentyoffish.
Any host that is found collecting fees will have their account suspended. | |
|
| Planning on Hosting a Party? Things you need to Know.
Posted: 6/23/2005 8:06:57 AM | Rules, Tips and Suggestions
Hi there,
Lately there's been a lot of parties being hosted here in Ontario and that's fantastic. It seems like everyone wants to host parties, which is great - it gives us all a chance to meet each other and hopefully find our big fish in the sea.
That being said, a lot of people have been asking for tips and suggestions about hosting parties. So here's a few along with the rules.
For UK Event hosting, please also see: UK Events
First Item To Keep In Mind
For first time event hosts ---> Do not post your event first before contacting one of Forum Moderators if you are unsure of your event posting being acceptable - NO EXCEPTIONS
As some locals are limited in venues and membership, pick a date unique to your event, so members don't have to choose between events and friends.
Exceptions will be made for special holiday seasons on a case by case examination under Moderator approval
For larger metropolitan areas this shouldn't apply, however be reasonable and try not to make it a competition, for if this is abused, expect one of the events to be pulled or asked to have it moved.
This rule doesn't apply if the events are dramatically different, e.g.. one is a bonfire/camping and the other is a nightclub.
IMPORTANT
Do not simply post an FYI to an external event such as; a bar that has a band playing or a night club with details of admission.
POF is not a free advertisement forum for venues that cannot pay for their own advertisements elsewhere.
You must set up the event as per the full rules in this thread, if not, it will be deleted as spam along with yourself.
Post any non event related ads and you will be banned - period. Repeat offenders will not be notfied.
What you Cannot Advertise on POF
First of all, if you wish to advertise for a party on Plentyoffish, you need to know what type of party you can and cannot advertise.
ALL EVENTS posted to POF
Ontario Hosts
Only TWO events PER month - Period
Warning:
Skirting this rule by setting up a "puppet" host will see your hosting abilities removed and possibly the venue disqualified from further events on a case per case basis
Non Ontario Hosts
Only two events per month (this excludes weekly coffee meets)
NO 50/50 Draws, raffles, or any money collecting schemes are to be conducted by any POF member or venue staff whereby a host/co-host or any POF individual stands to profit in any way shape or form.
Members of POF, who are either an employee, the owner, or connected in any way shape or form to the venue, or services provided cannot host/co-host an event at that venue. Clarification Nov-08-2007
Members of POF, who use the events to further, or promote their own personal business or a relative's/friend's/business in any way shape or form, on POF will be removed from the forums or the site completely as this is SPAM. See the Acceptable Use & Posting Rules
As an extension to the no profit by any POF member, this includes any scheme such as bracelets, necklaces, any sort of trinket that there is going to be a charge for. This includes any form of monetary gain by a POF member by virtue of a POF event having taken place.
If the venue is going to give it away for free - fine.
If it's not free - then it's not permissible. There should not be any monetary conditions imposed on any members whereby a small charge is levied in exchange for some sort of break on anything. Your patronage should be sufficient to bargain for discounts - period.
NO CHARITY EVENTS ALLOWED - Although there are many worthy causes - legalities prevent this site from being associated with such events.
you cannot advertise a party if you are a "professional" PARTY/EVENT organizer hosting the event.
"Professional" does not mean you must have some formal accreditation. If you are being paid by a venue or anyone connected to the venue to bring a group of people to that venue - this too also constitutes profiting.
Exclusion - If the venue should provide the host and or listed co-host(s) with a meal or a few drinks as gratitude, this is acceptable.
you cannot advertise a events that are "adult" in nature. Example: swinger parties, nudie bars, fetish parties, etc.
you cannot advertise for a party in which you are selling something. ex: makeup parties
you cannot advertise for a party in which you charge a fee to attend: ex: $25 single, $40 couples
you cannot advertise for an event in which there are minimum requirements by the venue (for example: 300 guests needed to be able to host the event at that venue)
you cannot advertise for a party in which you benefit by other means: ex: paint my house for me and i'll give you beer
Parties are open to ALL individuals, no targeting of any one specific group of people.
Where the above rule has some flexibility is only in age range. A suggested "Age Range" can be denoted if you wish in the appropriate provided box.
No private events are permitted - in other words, if you cannot hold it open to all without disclosing the location publicly, then don't hold it at all, or invite your friends privately via email. We don't want to continually hear of people being told the event is full and not being given the venue location simply because they were thought not to "fit in".
Parties advertised on POF must be hosted/co-hosted (and identified in your thread) by current members who are not banned from POF. If a party is advertised on behalf of, or co-hosted by someone who has a lifetime ban from POF, it will be deleted. Just to be clear what that means is, events are to have no association with person(s) banned from POF - ie: location, hosting, etc.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES
- Small cover charges to a venue are acceptable if they are charged by the venue as a normal course of operations.
- Any venue with a cover charge of $5 or more MUST BE pre-approved by administration prior to posting.
- In Ontario, no events that have cover charges set by members are allowed, nor collected by the venue in lieu of the Hosts/Cohost.
- If approved by Plentyoffish , a fee can be charged if it is charged ONLY to cover certain expenses
Contact one of your Forum Moderators for any exclusions - DO NOT post first, and then contact your Moderator
Spam: Posts that include website URLs advertising your business(or that of a friend's), fall under the definition of "Spam". This includes "shill" posts.
While these rules cover most common situations, they cannot anticipate everything. Consequently we reserve the right to take any actions we deem appropriate to ensure events are carried out in good faith and in the spirit of the intent in which they were written. They are written in the broadest possible terms with enough examples that what cannot be posted is fairly obvious and why.
Please Do Not Abuse The Privilege to Host Events.
How to Post Your Party Information on Plentyoffish
To make your event successful you want people to know right off what your event is and where its located. You want your headline to pop out and stand out from the crowd. The best way to get people to open your topic is to give the basic details in the "Subject:" line of your thread.
Subject Line Example: Toronto - July 1st 2007- 8:00pm - The Unicorn Pub
Important Thread Details
Date:
Time of Event Start:
Name of Venue:
Address of Venue:
City/Town:
Any directions that you'd like to provide, lodging or any other special considerations.
Don't forget, if your header mentions a place but not the city, most people will not know exactly where it is. Its best to be specific.
You MAY choose to write in any colour font for your event. You can make the font bold or enlarge it, etc. This applies to the body of the text ONLY and DOES NOT apply to the subject line. Altering the subject line font may result in your event being removed from the forums and your account being suspended. Additionally, using fancy fonts only applies to events being posted in the party forums. Posting in other colour of fonts elsewhere may result in your account being suspended because it is a violation of general rules of Plentyoffish and event listings are the ONLY exception.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DOSTEP 1) Create your "Event Thread" in your local forum's Singles Events sub forum, paying attention to all the above as to how to format it and what information to include. This body of the thread must include, Venue name and address, Date, Time, Hosts/CoHosts if available. The Subject line contain City, Venue, any small descrioption and DATE. If you haven't created events beforeAfter you post the event, it will simply appear in your local forum waiting approval from a moderator or admin. To obtain approval go to step 2) as this is not automaticIf you have previously created a number of events You will note that your thread will stay in the Singles Events sub forum with a sign up button ready for people to click on. You're done STEP 2) - * * Only If you need your thread moved * * Once all the above is in place and for quicker turnaround, please contact the Forum Moderator account, or one of your Forum Moderators - Click on the following Web link if you don't know who they are: Your Moderators and ask one of them to move your thread to you local Provincial or State Singles Events sub forum. A "Sign-Up" button for users to simply click on and add their intent to join the event will be available, as well as a Mass Email link and authority for co-hosts will be provided automatically once it is moved. As the host of the event you will have the capability to edit the main post in case the venue changes or other important details need to be communicated. Please provide your Moderator with the thread URL of your event when emailing them. e.g. the URL for this thread is located at the top of your browser in the Address Bar and looks like this --> http://forums.plentyoffish.com/datingPosts1156438.aspxIf you can't find your thread click on the My Forums link at the top right, or click HERE to locate your thread and copy the URL from your browser's address bar. IMPORTANT NOTES: Ensure that you enter a date and postal code in the thread's first post AFTER you have created it and posted - simply go back to your thread and enter the information in the supplied areas near the bottom of your first post. - If it's not there, the system will not know what user mail boxes to display it to. One thread per event - do not Spam your event or it will be locked down. Image threads are to be opened only after the event has occurred and not prior, and are designed only for pictures of the event - nothing else. The above links in blue are meant to be clicked on, in order for you to contact the appropriate people on this site.
THE GREEN LINKSadvertisement to your event that appears above your inbox will be taken care of by ADMIN or the Global Forum Moderator after they have been notified by you. Ensure there is a Date and Time in your thread's Subject Line
| |
|
| Planning on Hosting a Party? Things you need to Know.
Posted: 12/6/2005 10:11:06 PM | How to Make Your Party Successful
- You may use the thread survey function to poll users for event ideas or feedback - this is the only usage permitted for the thread polling/survey feature.
- Make sure your event posting contains all the necessary details like date, time, city, location (address), directions, etc.
- REMOVE your mail settings that would block potential guests from being able to email you questions about your event. Limiting things such as age, sex, location, etc can really limit the size of your event because you have restricted who can contact you
- Follow up on your topic and answer questions people might post regarding your event.
- Give detailed directions to the event.
- Consider nametags. Sure we all feel silly wearing them but at least it identifies everyone which really comes in handy if at a public event such as a live band.
- Get excited about it and create some chatter (Not CHAT).
- Be specific about what your expectations as the host are - for example - is it an age restricted party, is it a dry or wet event (liquor), etc
- Make sure you give everyone plenty of time to schedule around your event.
- Take lots of photos so you can share the success of your party with everyone on POF.
Other Things To Note
HOW YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR PICS
The host that posted the event listing can now automatically start a party photo thread by doing the following. (only the original poster of the 1st message can do this and you have to make sure your login is exactly the same - i.e.: caps versus no caps) Just to be clear, only the person who posted the party thread can now upload the party images unless this person assigns another user the uploading rights to the thread. Just to be clear, if reassignment is given, this is to be done automatically by the host within the first message of the thread and users are NOT to just start new threads.
If other members have pictures that they wish to upload, please make a special request to the moderators.
In the initial message advertising your party, below all the images of people signed up for your event, you'll see this:
"Create a new thread to upload images taken of this party."
Click it to start your new thread. You should now be able to upload images in your new thread. Just to be clear, you have to start the new thread before you can upload the pictures. Once you click post, you can find your photo thread in the main forum for your province/state.
** Tip: it is easier for users to find your photos if your subject line is:
PHOTOS: Event Title : Date
Note 1: Picture threads are to be started after an event has been completed. Pictures other than the party itself will be considered off topic and be deleted
Note 2: While being accountable for the upload of pictures, it is imperative that you also respect any member's wish to not have their picture posted. While it is sometimes difficult to obtain everyone's consent, should a member ask you to remove a picture after an event and their wish is not granted - the thread OP will have their forum rights revoked - this is an issue of privacy and should be respected - period, no arguments on this note.
ACCOUNTABILITY
As the host, you are expected to be accountable for what party images are uploaded. Obviously No nudity is permitted, however the site also draws a line at too racy, lewd, sexually suggestive, obscene or plainly in poor taste - show some discretion and common sense. Pictures are not to include any forum banned individuals. As a host you are held accountable on how hold your event and also held accountable for how you represent your event after the fact. Inappropriate behaviour may result in your account being suspended.
POSTING EVENTS
If you do not plan on hosting an event, please do not post information about events such as upcoming events happening in your city. You should only post an event if you plan on hosting the event.
AFTER YOUR EVENT: DISCUSSIONS
You'll notice that after your event has taken place, the actual party thread is locked. This is done to keep the current parties at the top of the list. People are welcome to discuss the event and post any relevant comments under the photo thread topic. Constructive comments are welcome, bashing is not - ensure you understand the difference. Please help us streamline the topics by keeping it limited to just the one thread. Thank you.
| |
|
| Planning on Hosting a Party? Things you need to Know.
Posted: 6/20/2008 4:11:40 PM | HOST FAQ
Who can be a host?
Anyone, there are no designated hosts or "teams" or committees for any Country, or any of its regions/cities/communities.
Is hosting hardwork?
It should not be unless you choose to make it hard work
Should I ask if anyone is interested in an Event on the Local Forums?
You can , but only <5% of users use the forums, so do not worry if there is lack of response it is not indicative of interest.
Do I have to use labels at an Event?
No, but it may help in identification of Fish Members & their guests. Guests can print out their own here, you do not need to supply them
(drag to folder/desktop - print)
Does the Event venue have to be exclusive?
No, and it is good advertising for the site for it to be mixing with members of the public as it encourages new members to join
What is the minimum number of people that must attend an Event?
Just 1, although 2 would be better so you have someone to talk to Events that have minimums are in fact - against the party rules
If I own/work at or have connections to a venue can I host an Event there?
No, you cannot and No, you cannot get a friend to host it either
Can a venue charge for an Event?
Only if they usually charge the general public as a rule
The mass mail how many do I get of these?
One! No Exceptions, and do not forget to make sure the longtitude/latitude is set (does not say zero) before you send it. Enter the venue postcode in the box at the bottom of the event post (Marked zipcode) with no spaces and press the update party date and zipcode button. Please note the original poster of the Event Thread must perform this action, co-hosts do not have this ability
I can only use the mass mail as a reminder to those signed up?
You can use the mass mail when you like, but Bigfish will send a reminder mail to the people that are signed up to the Event automatically
Who should take photos?
Anyone with a camera at the Event
What happens if I find I cannot host after all?
Either cancel the Event or get your co-host (that is what they are there for) to take over, you will need to advise Forum Moderator that it needs unscheduling & removing if you are cancelling the members meeting up
Should the Host be on the door to greet everyone or sign them in?
No, they are just a guest at the event like everyone else, there to socialise and meet people, there is no need to sign people in.
Do I need to find a team of hosts?
No this is totally uneccessary, all attendees should be friendly and greet each other ideally. You and one co-host in case of emergency and you not being able to attend is all that is needed.
Should I choose a Pub or Nightclub venue?
If you want to host in a pub or nightclub yes, but you can host almost anywhere doing almost anything.
What should I expect to pay out to Host an event?
Nothing, Zero, Zilch, Zip!
Event Thread FAQ
Can I use HTML coding on my Event thread?
Yes, but stick to:
HTML font tags for
- size
- colour
- scrolling
- center
HTML hot-link tags for maps, transportation links, practical links for the event.
HTML Image tags for host pics can be linked to their POF profile pics, direct links to pics on private webspace* (do not link to your webpages, only to the image file directly and ONLY if relevant to the Event)
No outside linked emoticons, gifs, etc.
This keeps the playing field level, keeps the spam down, and the event pages from taking to long to load - the idea is to allow some tags to dress up an event post, NOT to go overboard with spam gifs, or animations that hijack the site coding, or fonts that make the post impossible to read.
Simplicity and fast page loading is one of the things that made POF popular, eye noise on a web page doesn't facilitate marketing, ie: trying to promote a POF event.
Use common sense, keep it attractive, eye-catching, but simple.
- Limiting the allowed tags keeps the learning curve at a shallow slope
- Another person may have to take over the event thread
- Not all mods are UBB/HTML experts
- Continuity and consistency
See here for a basic tutorial Event Thread HTML Codes
Why are posts being deleted from my thread?
Sometimes the posts are off-topic chat, but more likely due to excessive emoticons:
-To avoid this, paste this into your OP -
Note - When Posting on ANY thread
Forum Rules - SpecificF) No irritating posting Styles, including use of all Caps and excessive Punctuation/Blank Lines/ Smilies.
This isn't a "new" rule it's a site wide posting rule, it has always been in place. = site wide.
What do I do after the Event?
Create a Comments & Pictures thread, there is a link on your event thread, click the coloured words "Upload Images" to create it. It is a good idea to post the thread URL onto the event thread and ask people to make comments there rather than the meet thread after the event has happened.
How do the green links work?
Once your meet is scheduled and approved it will appear in the green links in date order, if two meets are on the same date then the first one posted takes precedence.
What pictures can I upload?
Pictures of the event itself, and do not upload pictures of members that you know are forum barred. If you do upload unwittingly you will be advised by a moderator and the images will be removed. Do not upload lewd or racy images either.
Attendee FAQ
Can I come alone?
Yes you can
How many guests can I bring?
As many as you like
Do I have to wear a label?
Only if you want to wear one and you can print your own here (see above)
Can a venue charge for a POF Event?
Only if they usually charge the general public as a rule
Can a host stop me attending a Event?
No, but the venue can stop you entering their premises if you are barred from it
If I don’t want my picture up or I want one of me removed can I have this done?
Yes, and if the host will not comply report them by contacting the Forum Moderator or moderators
I had a forum ban and none of my pictures are up on the image thread, why?
Because pictures of forum barred members are not allowed to be shown, nor a forum barred members allowed to be discussed on the Event or comments thread
What if I attended an Event where it broke the rules?
Report this to the Forum Moderator
If I don’t sign up by a certain time does it mean I cannot attend?
No you can attend any POF event advertised, the obvious exemption to this is where you have to pay the venue in advance for an all ticketed event.
What can I expect at a POF Event?
You get out what you put in, if you attend mingle & chat then people will mingle and chat back, the same as any other party just slightly more friendly
Should the host tell me about hotels/taxis/transport etc?
They have no obligation to do this, Google is your friend (if the information is not in the thread OP) | |
|
|
Home
login 
