Help Me Pitch Ricochet

 

Join or DieMany of us are quick to tell friends about a great book, movie, or restaurant we’ve discovered. So it is with Ricochet. I want others of the center-right persuasion to experience the awesomeness of this site. So, I’ve made the sales pitch for Ricochet to five people in my area and either gave them a Ricochet business card, or followed up with an e-mail with a link to Ricochet. To the best of my knowledge, none of them have even looked at the site (to their loss).

I may have convinced a cousin to sign up for The Daily Shot. I’ve got one friend who I thought would love Ricochet, so I bought him a one-year membership. Unfortunately, this was just before the conversion to Ricochet 2.0 and Max’s hiring, so the site wasn’t working properly. I couldn’t even get him to come to the Fargo Ricochet Meetup, and he lives closer than every member (except me) who did come. I always tell people about the free content — Main Feed, The Daily Shot, the podcasts — hoping that they will check out that stuff and eventually decide to join, but I don’t think anybody even looks at the site.

I am obviously a terrible salesman for Ricochet. So I want to hear from those of you who have talked somebody into joining. How did you do it?

[Editors’ Note: Do you know someone who craves intelligent, civil conversation with fellow members of the center-right? Ricochet is the place for it. As Randy mentioned, you can give a Coolidge-Level membership as a gift to whomever you choose. And yes, Randy will get credit for the assist.]

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  1. RyanM Inactive
    RyanM
    @RyanM

    skipsul:

    RyanM: It’s much more difficult with this election,

    I dunno, I think either the SSM wars or the post 2012 circular firing squad were worse. This it nothing when compared to that.

    Yeah…  you’re probably right.  It would be nice if we were all able to put everything in perspective like that.  It is much more difficult when things are immediately on the line.  I’m still not going to vote for Trump, but I’m already starting to feel like the frog in the kettle, as I find the prospect of November even mildly (ever so mildly) amusing.  In 2017, I’m certainly not going to be angry at the hold-your-nosers, while I will likely still disagree with the yey-Trumpers, but at that point we will probably be a lot more philosophical about it.

    • #121
  2. TempTime Member
    TempTime
    @TempTime

    Vicryl Contessa: people advocating for calm placid waters, and others that welcome the storm.

    Perhaps.  Actually, I visit the Pit often.  There I expect over-the-top and enjoy most of the rude, coarse, subversive, hateful, cleverness :-).   I just don’t enjoy it so much when I am hoping to gain some insight or understanding of a topic I am conflicted about or want to learn more about a particular idea or topic.  For instance, I am a major Fan of Mr. Creighton; due to his posts, my gun and I are better acquainted.

    It is interesting you mention the meet-ups, I have dreams about going to one (actual dreams), but then I wake up and think “If I ever saw xyz in person, just the sight of  he/she would trigger my “Irish” and it would not be verbally pleasant. BTW, anyone who knows me would find it humorous that anyone would think  of me as remotely placid or calming.  <grin>

    I just think there is a time and a place for everything … there’s the Chix, the Pit, the SupportLoveLine (not sure of exact name), the MemberLine and the MainLine.  On the Main line I would like to have  more mature/respectful discussions.  On MembersOnlyPosts, they could be tagged CFA (Cock Fighting Allowed).  Posts so tagged would still be CoC compliant but non-lethal CF would be allowed.  Posts lacking the tag would indicate to  members, only thoughtful contributions are being requested, no CFing, comment accordingly.

    (EditedForSpelling)

    • #122
  3. skipsul Inactive
    skipsul
    @skipsul

    TempTime: SupportLoveLine

    Max is doing relationship advice now?

    • #123
  4. Titus Techera Contributor
    Titus Techera
    @TitusTechera

    skipsul:

    TempTime: SupportLoveLine

    Max is doing relationship advice now?

    ‘How to avoid the Coc violations & what to do when your alert system goes haywire!’

    • #124
  5. Vicryl Contessa Thatcher
    Vicryl Contessa
    @VicrylContessa

    skipsul:

    TempTime: SupportLoveLine

    Max is doing relationship advice now?

    There has been much advocation for a Ricochet matchmaking site.

    • #125
  6. Titus Techera Contributor
    Titus Techera
    @TitusTechera

    Vicryl Contessa:

    skipsul:

    TempTime: SupportLoveLine

    Max is doing relationship advice now?

    There has been much advocation for a Ricochet matchmaking site.

    Let’s not forget the derivative opportunity for a bitter breakup website-

    • #126
  7. EJHill Podcaster
    EJHill
    @EJHill

    TempTime: Posts so tagged would still be CoC compliant but not-lethal CF allowed.

    CFA

    • #127
  8. TempTime Member
    TempTime
    @TempTime

    skipsul:

    TempTime: SupportLoveLine

    Max is doing relationship advice now?

    Ok, ok, much as i am enjoying all the above good ideas; I am feeling a little sheepish for not remembering the actual name of the thread.

    Here it is: Divine Help 16.1.  It’s all about caring and support; all about Prayer … and Love; which is like saying the same thing twice, or is it thrice?

    • #128
  9. Randy Weivoda Moderator
    Randy Weivoda
    @RandyWeivoda

    TempTime: It is interesting you mention the meet-ups, I have dreams about going to one (actual dreams), but then I wake up and think “If I ever saw xyz in person, just the sight of he/she would trigger my “Irish” and it would not be verbally pleasant.

    Not necessarily.  I’ve heard of people who really did not get along online until they met each other in person.  Some people who come off as gruff and sour online turn out to be quite companionable in person.

    • #129
  10. Vicryl Contessa Thatcher
    Vicryl Contessa
    @VicrylContessa

    Randy Weivoda:

    TempTime: It is interesting you mention the meet-ups, I have dreams about going to one (actual dreams), but then I wake up and think “If I ever saw xyz in person, just the sight of he/she would trigger my “Irish” and it would not be verbally pleasant.

    Not necessarily. I’ve heard of people who really did not get along online until they met each other in person. Some people who come off as gruff and sour online turn out to be quite companionable in person.

    Happens all the time. I’m sure Randy (Mr Ricochet-meet-up-shmoozer that he is) would agree that so often times the lightbulb goes off when you meet people in real life. You suddenly hear their intended tone and get a sense for their affect/temperament.

    • #130
  11. RyanM Inactive
    RyanM
    @RyanM

    Randy Weivoda:

    TempTime: It is interesting you mention the meet-ups, I have dreams about going to one (actual dreams), but then I wake up and think “If I ever saw xyz in person, just the sight of he/she would trigger my “Irish” and it would not be verbally pleasant.

    Not necessarily. I’ve heard of people who really did not get along online until they met each other in person. Some people who come off as gruff and sour online turn out to be quite companionable in person.

    Exactly. I have never not liked a person in person. Can’t say the same phenomenon runs in reverse, but I haven’t been to many meetups.

    • #131
  12. Randy Weivoda Moderator
    Randy Weivoda
    @RandyWeivoda

    Vicryl Contessa: Happens all the time. I’m sure Randy (Mr Ricochet-meet-up-shmoozer that he is) would agree that so often times the lightbulb goes off when you meet people in real life. You suddenly hear their intended tone and get a sense for their affect/temperament.

    Or it could be that in the workaday world someone’s normal disposition is one of gloom and hopelessness, but when they are around a bunch of Ricochetti they can’t help being happy with the world.

    • #132
  13. Concretevol Thatcher
    Concretevol
    @Concretevol

    Randy Weivoda:

    TempTime: It is interesting you mention the meet-ups, I have dreams about going to one (actual dreams), but then I wake up and think “If I ever saw xyz in person, just the sight of he/she would trigger my “Irish” and it would not be verbally pleasant.

    Not necessarily. I’ve heard of people who really did not get along online until they met each other in person. Some people who come off as gruff and sour online turn out to be quite companionable in person.

    I’ve heard I have the opposite effect in person but that can’t be true can it Randy??  :)

    • #133
  14. Concretevol Thatcher
    Concretevol
    @Concretevol

    TempTime: It is interesting you mention the meet-ups, I have dreams about going to one (actual dreams), but then I wake up and think “If I ever saw xyz in person, just the sight of he/she would trigger my “Irish” and it would not be verbally pleasant. BTW, anyone who knows me would find it humorous that anyone would think of me as remotely placid or calming. <grin>

    No you should definitely go….big or small, meetups are the best.

    • #134
  15. TempTime Member
    TempTime
    @TempTime

    I am hoping above is good info because I had been thinking about penciling-in the Montana Meetup on my calendar as a perhaps maybe potential vacation location… it’s over a year away, so I have plenty of time to change my mind.  <smile>  I have never been to Montana and it looks incredibly beautiful in the posted pictures.

    • #135
  16. Basil Fawlty Member
    Basil Fawlty
    @BasilFawlty

    Vicryl Contessa:

    Randy Weivoda:

    TempTime: It is interesting you mention the meet-ups, I have dreams about going to one (actual dreams), but then I wake up and think “If I ever saw xyz in person, just the sight of he/she would trigger my “Irish” and it would not be verbally pleasant.

    Not necessarily. I’ve heard of people who really did not get along online until they met each other in person. Some people who come off as gruff and sour online turn out to be quite companionable in person.

    Happens all the time. I’m sure Randy (Mr Ricochet-meet-up-shmoozer that he is) would agree that so often times the lightbulb goes off when you meet people in real life. You suddenly hear their intended tone and get a sense for their affect/temperament.

    And hate them all the more.

    • #136
  17. Vicryl Contessa Thatcher
    Vicryl Contessa
    @VicrylContessa

    TempTime:I am hoping above is good info because I had been thinking about penciling-in the Montana Meetup on my calendar as a perhaps maybe potential vacation location… it’s over a year away, so I have plenty of time to change my mind. <smile> I have never been to Montana and it looks incredibly beautiful in the posted pictures.

    Oh, it’s stunning. You need to go. I’ll be there- reason enough!

    • #137
  18. Spin Inactive
    Spin
    @Spin

    TempTime:No new members. When I first became a member, I was so excited, I told everyone about Ricochet, for about the first two weeks … then the topic of what is a marriage began … and I stopped talking about Ricochet. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered so much open bullying, nastiness and rudeness in my life. I cannot in good faith recommend Ricochet; I would be seriously embarrassed by what passes as thoughtful, respectful discussion. The unpleasantness continues to this day. I don’t see why people who write anything close to “anyone who thinks A is a jerk; or is an idiot; or is insane” or refers to entire group of Christians as smarmy should be taken politely at their word. Where I come from, those are fighting words. And that’s what happens.

    For some people here the thought they should be holding close before posting their comments is not to pretend they are at a dinner party, rather it should be: pretend the conversation is in-person and the person you are talking to has a longer arm reach and is twice as fast. Bullies will tone it down with proper encouragement.

    Nonetheless, I admit Ricochet is a habit of mine; I don’t post much; I like conversing, not pretending to. I cannot imagine leaving; but I do take breaks. Mostly because Ricochet does not seem all that conservative to me anymore. And, too often it feels more like a cock fight than a conversation.

    Would you say that you are in the “anti-SSM” camp?  And that because of that, you were bullied by the “pro-SSM” crowd?

    For my part, I am in the “I don’t give a dang” crowd, and found my position harshly criticized, even dismissed, by the “anti-SSM” folks.

    I do think there are plenty of the libertarian types who have a smug, look down their nose, attitude.  They need to get slapped around a bit.

    • #138
  19. TempTime Member
    TempTime
    @TempTime

    Spin: Would you say that you are in the “anti-SSM” camp? And that because of that, you were bullied by the “pro-SSM” crowd?

    I want to answer these questions … but it’s complicated and I don’t want to sidetracked the OP.  My short inadequate answers, which will seem contradictory on the surface are:

    Would you say that you are in the “anti-SSM” camp?   No, and Yes

    And that because of that, you were bullied by the “pro-SSM” crowd?  No, and Yes.  I was first bullied for attempting to find common ground; by the pro-SSM gang; then rescued by Moderates.

    Before joining Ricochet I would share my political viewpoint as totally Libertarian in my personal space; but Conservative in the public square.  After Ricochet, I don’t use the word Libertarian at all; it feels soiled.

    Spin, I am not deliberately being difficult or coy.  I would be happy to explain my answers.  The Ricochet wars on these issue have completed confused/changed my viewpoint.   Prior to joining Ricochet, I was totally neutral on 99% of same sex activity issues.  I think my thoughts may have been similar to your, except maybe I was a little beyond neutral to helpful (Volunteer on the National Hotline).  Since joining Ricochet, rotate my opinion 180 degrees.

    Do you want to continue?  Should I PM you or just copy and paste your questions into a new OP and expand?  Be forewarned, although not my goal, expansion may annoy you/others.

    • #139
  20. Spin Inactive
    Spin
    @Spin

    TempTime: Do you want to continue? Should I PM you or just copy and paste your questions into a new OP and expand? Be forewarned, although not my goal, expansion may annoy you/others.

    do up a post.  we’ll ignore the jerks together.

    • #140
  21. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    I haven’t had much luck in convincing my twitter followers to join Ricochet.  I’m thinking of changing my pitch and pointing out that Ricochet is for those who are conservative on aesthetic grounds.

    I got that idea from watching those who post here who are #nevertrump on aesthetic grounds.

    • #141
  22. Matt Balzer Member
    Matt Balzer
    @MattBalzer

    Randy Weivoda:

    Vicryl Contessa: Happens all the time. I’m sure Randy (Mr Ricochet-meet-up-shmoozer that he is) would agree that so often times the lightbulb goes off when you meet people in real life. You suddenly hear their intended tone and get a sense for their affect/temperament.

    Or it could be that in the workaday world someone’s normal disposition is one of gloom and hopelessness, but when they are around a bunch of Ricochetti they can’t help being happy with the world.

    I don’t know about happy. Less disappointed perhaps. With the world, that is, not the Ricochetti.

    • #142
  23. Randy Weivoda Moderator
    Randy Weivoda
    @RandyWeivoda

    It occurred to me that I’ve got something to add to this old thread.  I did finally persuade someone to join, @katiekoppelman.  I think it was the pictures from previous Ricochet meetups and the prospect of going to the Montana Meetup that pulled her over the line.

    • #143
  24. Spin Inactive
    Spin
    @Spin

    Randy Weivoda (View Comment):
    It occurred to me that I’ve got something to add to this old thread. I did finally persuade someone to join, @katiekoppelman. I think it was the pictures from previous Ricochet meetups and the prospect of going to the Montana Meetup that pulled her over the line.

    In a weird coincidence, I got a friend request from her just yesterday, on the old FB.

    • #144
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