Love Shoes Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 I doubt that we could have made our move as smoothly as we did without the help from PIO ..... from information about DIAC, APHRA, shipping, pets, cleaning in preparation for shipping (where I think it saved us a load of $) ..... Without the forum I think we may just have played right into the hands of customs ...... i never intended to stop using for forum once we moved to OZ, because during my time researching et, I made a lot of friends, and started to really enjoy the socialising side of the forum. I find it very addictive and have tried to stay away, but I just can't :wink: sorry Kate :biglaugh: has PIO had its day? No way, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobbsy Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 It's always worth remembering that there are two distinct sides to PIO; First, there are the recent joiners...the people still in the midst of the big adventure that is moving to Australia. I think PIO is a pretty darn good source of information about anything from how to start to how much does a bed cost to will my TV work. One good thing is the number of times we see "that's complicated--you need to talk to a licenced migration agent" which is a far better/safer reply than faking it. Second, there are all the regulars who use PIO as a social gathering place. I'm only on the fringes of that but, when I find a topic to get into, have a lot of fun! So, no, PIO has NOT had its day! If I had one criticism to make, it's that some of the "social" side people can be a bit cliquey--and forget that people who've just joined for help with a life changing decision don't see some of pro and anti Aus banter as, well, banter. Regulars know that certain people's anti Aus diatribes are, at best, in jest and, at worst, predictable. A newbie may take it seriously an pass up a change that might be perfect for them. Something to watch methinks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmjg Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 a like it tae, good laugh some times, so aye al bide on an bug the sh7te oot o folk wee the y a spik:notworthy: Ive worked out that if I fill my mouth with marbles and read your posts out loud, I can get most of what you say. However, the odd word leaves me still shaking my head whilst muttering, huh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freesia Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 It's always worth remembering that there are two distinct sides to PIO; First, there are the recent joiners...the people still in the midst of the big adventure that is moving to Australia. I think PIO is a pretty darn good source of information about anything from how to start to how much does a bed cost to will my TV work. One good thing is the number of times we see "that's complicated--you need to talk to a licenced migration agent" which is a far better/safer reply than faking it. Second, there are all the regulars who use PIO as a social gathering place. I'm only on the fringes of that but, when I find a topic to get into, have a lot of fun! So, no, PIO has NOT had its day! If I had one criticism to make, it's that some of the "social" side people can be a bit cliquey--and forget that people who've just joined for help with a life changing decision don't see some of pro and anti Aus banter as, well, banter. Regulars know that certain people's anti Aus diatribes are, at best, in jest and, at worst, predictable. A newbie may take it seriously an pass up a change that might be perfect for them. Something to watch methinks. Yes I get this..PIO is an endless source of information & fun at the same time- bound to be addictive then ! I do feel for some new posters though who get the standard "refer to a RMA" after their first post...if you get that so quickly it jumps out off the page at you like a rebuff....better to let the post lie or just post words of encouragement surely & wait for someone with the knowledge to come along & help (as they always do in the end). Most people after all join for the encouragement & support as much as for the information they seek. Keep it up PIO...love this site :biggrin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Que Sera Sera Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Been here nearly 5 years now. I go but I always come back. I used to help and advise people back in the UK for a living and maybe it's because I miss that. I also have a very nice life here and if I can help anybody get through the scary bit of waiting to emigrate by showing them how great it can be then it makes me feel good anyway. No I genuinely don't think it's had it's day far from it . I've made some bloody good real life friends through this site both locally and from other parts of Australia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Yes I get this..PIO is an endless source of information & fun at the same time- bound to be addictive then ! I do feel for some new posters though who get the standard "refer to a RMA" after their first post...if you get that so quickly it jumps out off the page at you like a rebuff....better to let the post lie or just post words of encouragement surely & wait for someone with the knowledge to come along & help (as they always do in the end). Most people after all join for the encouragement & support as much as for the information they seek. Keep it up PIO...love this site :biggrin: It does rather depend on what their first post says. If it does (as some do) suggest they've no hope of a successful application on their own then pointing them towards an RMA is surely doing them a favour? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freesia Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 well it means that they've only had one person's opinion then....& there are enough people on this site with loads of knowledge to make a discussion of it first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARYROSE02 Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 I don't have access to the figures but I guess if there has been a downward trend in the number of people joining PIO and/or posting on PIO, then, yes, it has run its course. I can't be bothered to count up all the posts for 2012 and compare them to previous years. Perhaps the person who started this thread could carry out that bit of pleasant research and report back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gareth 666 Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 I don't have access to the figures but I guess if there has been a downward trend in the number of people joining PIO and/or posting on PIO, then, yes, it has run its course. I can't be bothered to count up all the posts for 2012 and compare them to previous years. Perhaps the person who started this thread could carry out that bit of pleasant research and report back. There is a post higher up by Cerberus 1 that gives last years figures as well as projected figures for this month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Lass Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 I still enjoy PIO; I don't have as much time to hop on and read the form or post as much as I used to now that I'm working full-time but still love to visit when I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobbsy Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Yes I get this..PIO is an endless source of information & fun at the same time- bound to be addictive then ! I do feel for some new posters though who get the standard "refer to a RMA" after their first post...if you get that so quickly it jumps out off the page at you like a rebuff....better to let the post lie or just post words of encouragement surely & wait for someone with the knowledge to come along & help (as they always do in the end). Most people after all join for the encouragement & support as much as for the information they seek. Keep it up PIO...love this site :biggrin: Oh, I completely agree that replies should be friendly and welcoming. However, quite a few first/early messages include queries that require highly technical answers. I'd much rather see "Welcome to PIO! That question of yours needs a detailed evaluation and you'll likely be better off contacting a registered migration agent" than somebody trying to fake it, especially considering how much can be at stake. FYI, I help run a forum to theatre technicians and a problem we have is youngsters who've done a few school shows giving dangerously bad advice--which is why I'm happy to see that PIO is generally more sensible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petals Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Yes I get this..PIO is an endless source of information & fun at the same time- bound to be addictive then ! I do feel for some new posters though who get the standard "refer to a RMA" after their first post...if you get that so quickly it jumps out off the page at you like a rebuff....better to let the post lie or just post words of encouragement surely & wait for someone with the knowledge to come along & help (as they always do in the end). Most people after all join for the encouragement & support as much as for the information they seek. Keep it up PIO...love this site :biggrin: I think I would rather get my information from a migration agent than from the forum. The forum can fill the gaps for people but its really only personal opinion and as its such a big upheaval of people's lives they need to check and cross check and check again. The new ones that come on and we know they have not even had a google just want others to do it for them, with that attitude may not succeed as migrants or they will be very unhappy, because we need to be proactive in finding things out and where to go and what to do. Also those that come on take the info and disappear without so much as a thanks are obviously going to find it hard going in a new country without their backup which they are obviously used to doing stuff for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 I don't have access to the figures but I guess if there has been a downward trend in the number of people joining PIO and/or posting on PIO, then, yes, it has run its course. I can't be bothered to count up all the posts for 2012 and compare them to previous years. Perhaps the person who started this thread could carry out that bit of pleasant research and report back. This was the stats Rob posted, although the stats for January are higher than were projected. It's been a while since I've posted any stats about the forum, so belatedly, here are last years stats and also the projected stats for January 2013 (based on month to date). 2012 Total number of 'visits' to the forum in 2012: 5,494,809 Total number of unique visitors to the forum in 2012: 2,482,217 Total number of forum posts in 2012: 397,803 New members registering in 2012: 16,702 January 2013 (projected based on month to date) Total number of 'visits' in January: 541,360 (our highest ever) Total number of unique visitors in January: 311,574 (our highest ever) Total number of forum posts in January: 41,074 (our highest ever) New members registering in January: 1,946 (our highest ever) We're immensely proud of this achievement given the challenges that forums face nowadays with the big social networking sites. So many thanks to everyone who contributes on the forum and has helped the forum to grow. It also goes without saying that special thanks goes to the moderators who give up their time for free to help ensure the smooth running of the forum and have played a massive part in the success of the forum and thanks to to the forum guides who have also played an important part over the last year. Other 2012 Facts, figures etc. Newsletter 4,234 members signed up to the Pomsinoz newsletter in 2012 The following members were winners of the monthly newsletter competitions during 2012. Prizes included cash, hampers, mp3 players, show tickets, magazine subscriptions and Lonely Planet travel guides. Feb2012 bj27 Mar2012 flossybeth Apr2012 The Monkdeys May2012 Fleabo (Kindly donated prize to charity) May2012 DavidandGill Aug2012 ozharmony Sep2012 lampong74 Nov2012 ashley Dillon Dec2012 janine the party queen Threads Most viewed Thread in 2012 was '176 lodged May 2012', closely followed by '176 Lodged June 2012' in second place. The 'hottest' thread was 'PIO Internet Dating Site', followed by '176 lodged May 2012'. Forums The most popular forums in 2012 were 'Migration Issues' and 'Chewing the fat' Here's to a bumper 2013 All the best Rob Admin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabo Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 PIO urgently needs a page 3 and a drive through bottle-O. Apart from that, its all good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 PIO urgently needs a page 3 and a drive through bottle-O. Apart from that, its all good. Are you volunteering to be the page 3 model:biggrin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skani Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 This was the stats Rob posted, although the stats for January are higher than were projected. It's been a while since I've posted any stats about the forum, so belatedly, here are last years stats and also the projected stats for January 2013 (based on month to date). What??? No stats on refractions and bans? :mad::wink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 What??? No stats on refractions and bans? :mad::wink: I don't think we have a long enough thread :wink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabo Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 I am in training. Are you volunteering to be the page 3 model:biggrin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 I am in training. Photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARYROSE02 Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 This was the stats Rob posted, although the stats for January are higher than were projected. It's been a while since I've posted any stats about the forum, so belatedly, here are last years stats and also the projected stats for January 2013 (based on month to date). 2012 Total number of 'visits' to the forum in 2012: 5,494,809 Total number of unique visitors to the forum in 2012: 2,482,217 Total number of forum posts in 2012: 329,856 New members registering in 2012: 16,702 January 2013 (projected based on month to date) Total number of 'visits' in January: 541,360 (our highest ever) Total number of unique visitors in January: 311,574 (our highest ever) Total number of forum posts in January: 41,074 (our highest ever) New members registering in January: 1,946 (our highest ever) We're immensely proud of this achievement given the challenges that forums face nowadays with the big social networking sites. So many thanks to everyone who contributes on the forum and has helped the forum to grow. It also goes without saying that special thanks goes to the moderators who give up their time for free to help ensure the smooth running of the forum and have played a massive part in the success of the forum and thanks to to the forum guides who have also played an important part over the last year. Other 2012 Facts, figures etc. Newsletter 4,234 members signed up to the Pomsinoz newsletter in 2012 The following members were winners of the monthly newsletter competitions during 2012. Prizes included cash, hampers, mp3 players, show tickets, magazine subscriptions and Lonely Planet travel guides. Feb2012 bj27 Mar2012 flossybeth Apr2012 The Monkdeys May2012 Fleabo (Kindly donated prize to charity) May2012 DavidandGill Aug2012 ozharmony Sep2012 lampong74 Nov2012 ashley Dillon Dec2012 janine the party queen Threads Most viewed Thread in 2012 was '176 lodged May 2012', closely followed by '176 Lodged June 2012' in second place. The 'hottest' thread was 'PIO Internet Dating Site', followed by '176 lodged May 2012'. Forums The most popular forums in 2012 were 'Migration Issues' and 'Chewing the fat' Here's to a bumper 2013 All the best Rob Admin I rest my case and the original poster has his/her answer/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Lass Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 PIO urgently needs a page 3 and a drive through bottle-O. Apart from that, its all good. ...and a chocolate shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harpodom Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Yeah, as one of the trolls, I have to say PIO has a lot going for it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freesia Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Oh, I completely agree that replies should be friendly and welcoming. However, quite a few first/early messages include queries that require highly technical answers. I'd much rather see "Welcome to PIO! That question of yours needs a detailed evaluation and you'll likely be better off contacting a registered migration agent" than somebody trying to fake it, especially considering how much can be at stake. FYI, I help run a forum to theatre technicians and a problem we have is youngsters who've done a few school shows giving dangerously bad advice--which is why I'm happy to see that PIO is generally more sensible. Crikey! serious stuff :laugh: I must learn to keep my opinion to myself !!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whoiam Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Oh No! It has many more 'days' in front of it -- long may PIO live and prosper:laugh:. At the end of the day its a great forum because of the great people on here and I think the owners are blest to have such a dynamic group of PIO lovers out there in the nether world and we indeed are grateful to the owners for such a wonderful portal--for offering a 'jack of all needs' kinda place! All the very best for many many morrows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 ...and a chocolate shop. Oh don't talk about chocolates on Poms in Oz. You'll raise a whole debate on Cadbury's not tasting like Cadbury's and why you can't get good chocolate in Australia, but actually you can someone will respond (and they'll say Cadbury's isn't proper chocolate like in Belgium) but it costs the earth (which will raise the whole why is everything in Australia so expense debate once again), and talking about chocolate someone will mention TimTams are Australia greatest contribution to the world of chocolate (to which someone else will reply that they're just penguins by a different name). So in short it's just safer if you don't mention chocolate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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