Modern interactions with homeowners

All,

I know that many here feel that HOA Board members should not use social media because of the fights and arguments that break out. We had one in our community. I posted a thread about a homeless person who moved in our community and told the community that I wouldn't be doing anything about it, which they found offensive and are now mad at me. They felt that it's the job of the HOA president to take care of riff raff like this, and are upset that I'm not doing my job. Nevermind that there is nothing that I can do about it.

Anyways, what is the modern way of communicating (two direction) with homeowners if not through social media? I like being engaged with homeowners and like the interaction of social media, but hard when I say something that might upset people (even if true).

We can do e-mail blasts, which are nice but are one way communication rather than two way.

Not sure how other HOAs interact with homeowners if not through social media?

Nailed it.

Michael, you did the right thing telling the truth. People are Ok with homeless, vagrants and trespassers until they are camped out
in front of their house, then they want something done abut it. Tell them to stop voting for the politicians and policies that let this stuff happen.

While I was on the board I NEVER posted on the unofficial Facebook page. NEVER. There is nothing benign enough that somebody won't start a fight over it.

I always blasted emails from a board email account that they could reply to; so if someone wanted a discussion they could do it via email. Occasionally people would knock on my front door and we would talk face to face. Sometimes they still do. A few times I went to their house so I could look at something they were complaining about. There are plenty of ways to have conversations one-on-one that are much better than social media.

As for the current situation, if you actually said "you", an individual, were not going to do anything about it then your mistake was speaking as if you were the entire association. You should have said "the board" had not yet figured out any action they could take, since the streets don't belong to the HOA; but that if anyone had a feasible suggestion you would be happy to hear it.

Agree completely with Cathy & David's most recent posts. Speaking as if you, MichaelT, are the entire assn. is really wrong, but fits your idea that you're the CEO. That approach keeps getting you into hot water.

First, I have never had a FB account and never will. It is where dumb people go to explain themselves IMO or to be heard. Very little productive things happen on this type of site these days.

I have been President of the last 2 boards I have been on for 8 years and whenever I respond to an email my opening sentences are as follows. I am responding to your request as an owner. I am on the board but cannot speak for the board because I am just 1 of our 5-member board. We have received your email and the PM will respond with further information.

Michael, I personally think you spend too much time on this site and apparently FB as well. How did you survive before social media? I have never seen anyone ask as many questions as you do. Just wondering.

Mark,
I gave my opinion based on his dozens a question asked here over the last month.

As a leader in our communities, we need to have good instincts and make decisions. IF you need this many opinions on every topic, how do you get things done?

Wondering if MichaelT21 and MarkR21 are the same people? Sorry I guess I am being sarcastic again.

Mark if you search my prior posts, I doubt you can ever find that I have asked more than 3 questions in the last 10 years on the site. I try to help others with the knowledge I have learned over my many years of doing this job.

You are probably right I mean both usernames start with M and end in 21. What more coincidence do you need?

For MichaelT. MarkM of TX does exactly what I think all directors should do. Reply: "I am on the board but cannot speak for the board because I am just 1 of our 5-member board. We have received your email and the PM will respond with further information."

MarkT of NC write something similar: "You could of[sic] said the board knows about the van person and is looking on ways to address the issue."

Pat also helps you, Michael. "Always ask them to put their concerns in writing addressed to the board. Let them know that the board can't look into anything unless it's received in writing. You will find that many times you won't receive anything."

Michael: will you respond to these good suggestions? It's just good manners and a common courtesy. Or just leap ahead to your next big problem?