Please Read -FAQ for Conductors-Please read before starting a train! Updated 8/30/08

[chitownmelli]

So, you are thinking about running a train.

Having new conductors and having conductors that regularly run trains is what makes the HCW train forum the best place to ride!!!

We do ask a few things to make it the best possible experience for all.

What is required to run a train at HCW?

You do need to be a member of the trader user group. info HERE, to ride on or run a train.

Your feedback rating needs to be at least 30 unique positives with no negatives. Also, you have ridden on at least one train here at HCW before running your own. As always it is at mod discretion to approve a conductor or train.

We also ask that you can commit to taking care of this train from the sign ups straight through to the final envelope being received. The mods (chitownmelli and dominicsmommy) are here to help, but all issues go to you first. If you cannot be an active conductor please do not start a train.

Effective 8/6/2008, new conductors must fill out this application before submitting a new train. Once you are approved, you will post your train thread in the Coupon Trains forum. You will only have to do this once unless you have been inactive in the forum for six months or more.

Why run a train vs. just riding one?

Because HCW's train forum is so busy, you can't always catch a ride when you are ready to join in. By starting your own train you can choose the style, duration, mailing date(s), riders and what to and not to include.

Trains are fun! Can I run several at once?

If you have never run a train before. Please just start with one. I know it's hard to say no to riders, but it can be overwhelming. We want each train to be the best it can be! Once you have run a few, feel free to conduct more than one. You will only be allowed to run trains of 20 passengers or less your first few times. We actually recommend starting out smaller, with a train of about 10 your first time conducting. You will see why once you conduct a few!

We also will restrict you to trains of 4 weeks or less your first few times out of the gate as a new conductor.


Are there other rules to follow when running a train?

Be sure to review all of the rules HERE . As the conductor, you are in charge of this train and will be answering questions and making sure it stays on track.

PLEASE make sure all of your riders are member of the trader user group. They will have a trader "bubble" under their name. If they are not a member of the trader user group, let them know that they need to sign up and be approved before joining a train. They also need to have an Itrader rating of 5 or more with no negatives. Traders in Training are ineligible to ride trains.

Riders are limited to 3 rides at a time. This includes conducting. Your train mod will be checking that all riders and conductors are eligible and will notify you if you have a rider that is ineligible for your train.

Please make sure to post your train specifics, rider list and any matchups / riding order in the thread. It is ok to communicate with your riders via PM or email BUT the lists and details of your train must all be posted in the event that you are offline for any quantity of time and the mod needs to step in.


What needs to be included in my train thread before accepting riders?

When you are looking for riders here's what you need.

Please post the type of train (see trains FAQ's HERE), rules for train, # of coupons to include, coupons to include and exclude in every train so your riders have this for reference and mailing dates.
How many weeks is it running, etc.

Many conductors also let riders know that leaving feedback after receiving their envie(s) is a great idea. Please keep in mind that some riders do not/will not leave feedback. Here at HCW we do not require traders or train riders to leave feedback.

Its a good idea to list what expiration dates are acceptable. If it takes 3-4 days to mail then the minimum you want to allow for exp dates is 2 weeks. That gives the receiver just over a week to use.

If you are unsure if an item is ok to include on a train, see the forum rules HERE

Consider the who, what, when and how often when you are writing up your train details.

Once I post my train thread am I all set?

New trains must be approved before going live on HCW. First your train will go into moderation to allow the mods to make sure all rules have been followed, you are eligible to conduct and your train guidelines are clear. If for any reason, the mods feel you are not ready to conduct a train, your post will not be approved. If there is any conflicting or unclear information, either Chitownmelli or Dominicsmommy will PM you. Otherwise, most trains will be approved within 24 hours though usually much less.

If all HCW train rules and guidelines are followed, you will have a train full of riders in no time!


Other Misc Tips:

Please ask your riders to post when they mail an envelope and to post when they receive an envelope. This helps you keep track of your train and also the mods should we need to help out. It is also good to have riders write the train name on the envelope. Some people are on multiple trains and need to know where their envelope full of coupons came from.

As soon as you see someone is not posting to the thread in a timely manner, PM them. If they are not responding, please PM your train mods.

Since we try to keep the forums neat and tidy, once the ride is over and everyone has received all of their envelopes, It is appreciated if you change the title of your post to "ride over, delete" and the forum mod will move your post.
What should I do if I have a question, problem rider, derailed train?

If you have a general getting started type question, you can PM the train mods, Chitownmelli and Dominicsmommy. Please copy both as we are not always on at the same time of day.

If you have an issue with a rider, PM your mods Chitownmelli and Dominicsmommy. If they do not get back to you in a timely manner, feel free to PM bugface711 who is the trades mod.

Please remember that we want trains to be a FUN experience for both the riders and the conductors. Help out your riders in any way possible, and know that the mods are here to help and support you as well.

Above all else, Thank you and have fun!!! Happy train conducting! Choo Choo!

This info has been compiled exclusively for use at HotCouponWorld. Permission to repost in any part or in its entirety is denied!

Thanks to Bugface711, Chitownmelli, Tacaton, and Dominicsmommy for working together to post all this info, and to make the train forum here at HCW a great place to ride!