Can I get some feedback please?

**trix1000** · 10-15-2011, 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by Mythos

I know I'm new but I'd open up my wallet. I've already done a lot of reading up on here. Great info.

Bumb bump it up ^^^^^ see- another new member and I'm sure there are a lot more that wouldn't mind coughing up some cheese to keep the site at it's best and to keep our members on there toes and our senior members busy with us newbs.

I personally would like to see our vets be a lil cooler to the youngsters just to keep them around so they could get the correct info cause even if they don't heed your advice which in most cases they won't. BUT they will be better informed then before they came in here. Also more Likely to stick around if the experience is what mine was like when I first got here.
Let's remember our smart phones and pc's don't make facial expressions. So they might not be quick enough for the jokes and sarcasm. Lol

**kif** · 10-16-2011, 12:04 AM

I personally don't think charging people is the best idea, if guest aren't joining for free they certainly aren't going to join for a fee. Let's look at it this way, guests come here to get information (read all the posts). I think we need to limit all the non-members to just a little bit of information, (ex: guests can go into a post, they can see the OP question and only 1 answer). If the guest wants to see the whole conversation they'll need to become a member. Kind of like give them a taste, but if they want the whole meal they must become a member.

**trix1000** · 10-16-2011, 12:16 AM

That is y I'm not in charge kif. This site is a giant pit of great info. And the people are ok I guess

( j/k )
But if they charged to slow down the youngster traffic. I'll pay as long as they don't get crazy with the fee.

***system admin*** · 10-16-2011, 12:18 AM

We wouldnt ever charge, but I am still here and listening.

**kif** · 10-16-2011, 12:22 AM

Originally Posted by trix1000

That is y I'm not in charge kif. This site is a giant pit of great info. And the people are ok I guess

( j/k )
But if they charged to slow down the youngster traffic. I'll pay as long as they don't get crazy with the fee.

Yea I have no problem with a small fee either, and I do think that would stop most of the teenagers from coming on here, however I don't think that's the solution to getting the guests to become members. Now that I'm thinking about it, the teenagers can learn a great deal here in the diet & workout forms. They just need to stay out of the AAS form. That's where they can hurt themselves.

**Mythos** · 10-16-2011, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by kif

I personally don't think charging people is the best idea, if guest aren't joining for free they certainly aren't going to join for a fee. Let's look at it this way, guests come here to get information (read all the posts). I think we need to limit all the non-members to just a little bit of information, (ex: guests can go into a post, they can see the OP question and only 1 answer). If the guest wants to see the whole conversation they'll need to become a member. Kind of like give them a taste, but if they want the whole meal they must become a member.

This is a good idea too. Only problem would be if the first reply to the thread was just a simple comment and not an actual answer. Would be too much of a hassle to have to review every thread and pick out the best answer to display to guests.

**Twist** · 10-16-2011, 12:32 AM

1. younger members are not around when school is in session, as the economy picks up more people will have different/better/busier jobs
2. Staff is assholes a lot of the time and gangs up on people - that's why people won't join and comment but read and leave instead
3. trolls and zyzz threads are rampant
4. threads used to be turned into ass and tits and now it's more ass, but of the male gender - lounge only
5.THIS IS A STEROID FORUM WHERE NOBODY TALKS ABOUT STEROID USAGE (except the 1% who is deemed fit for use - except staff and other experienced members who are 20+% bf but still using and advising others not to)
6. Stickies are outdated and don't follow current market trends
7. The board sponsor needs a new banner that doesn't look like it's from the from the 80's
Although this forum is correct a lot of the time, that's not what people want to hear, so they go somewhere else. Ex: Chinese HGH is not hgh. Well since nobody can afford pharm grade gh then they look for other opinions which are found on other boards. Members stick with boards that support their opinions (sure run a gram of test and 800mgs deca and some jintropin in pct). That's what people want to hear. There's a lot this board can improve on. There are so many technological advances that we are lacking.
There needs to be some sort of progressive membership. A section that news can't see, maybe a section where we actually discuss gear - usage, dosage, prices. That will make members want to stick around to join and this will keep members who want to hang around and talk with only more experienced guys. A byproduct of these more experienced guys hanging around is that they will visit other places (like q&a) also.

Everyone must also realize that members will come and go together, as a group. So when some guys leave, the whole group eventually fades out and new members take over.

**Twist** · 10-16-2011, 12:35 AM

Ps. Admin asked about members and attrition rates, not how to get more guests or get guests to sign up. He wants to know why old members or experienced members are leaving.
And charging is a bad idea - nobody wants steroid .com on their credit card bill (one of many reasons)

**trix1000** · 10-16-2011, 01:01 AM

Originally Posted by Twist

Ps. Admin asked about members and attrition rates, not how to get more guests or get guests to sign up. He wants to know why old members or experienced members are leaving.
And charging is a bad idea - nobody wants steroid.com on their credit card bill (one of many reasons)

Dude if my uncle can hide the escorts he charges discreetly to his credit card and manage not to have the wife find out , I'm sure we can figure something out to have them discreetly charge our cards.

**SlimmerMe** · 10-16-2011, 08:53 AM

^^^ Charging a fee could actually be a liability. Think about it.

**Times Roman** · 10-16-2011, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by Twist

1. younger members are not around when school is in session, as the economy picks up more people will have different/better/busier jobs
2. Staff is assholes a lot of the time and gangs up on people - that's why people won't join and comment but read and leave instead
3. trolls and zyzz threads are rampant4. threads used to be turned into ass and tits and now it's more ass, but of the male gender - lounge only5.THIS IS A STEROID FORUM WHERE NOBODY TALKS ABOUT STEROID USAGE (except the 1% who is deemed fit for use - except staff and other experienced members who are 20+% bf but still using and advising others not to)
6. Stickies are outdated and don't follow current market trends
7. The board sponsor needs a new banner that doesn't look like it's from the from the 80's
Although this forum is correct a lot of the time, that's not what people want to hear, so they go somewhere else. Ex: Chinese HGH is not hgh. Well since nobody can afford pharm grade gh then they look for other opinions which are found on other boards. Members stick with boards that support their opinions (sure run a gram of test and 800mgs deca and some jintropin in pct). That's what people want to hear. There's a lot this board can improve on. There are so many technological advances that we are lacking.
There needs to be some sort of progressive membership. A section that news can't see, maybe a section where we actually discuss gear - usage, dosage, prices. That will make members want to stick around to join and this will keep members who want to hang around and talk with only more experienced guys. A byproduct of these more experienced guys hanging around is that they will visit other places (like q&a) also.

Everyone must also realize that members will come and go together, as a group. So when some guys leave, the whole group eventually fades out and new members take over.

I actually agree with some of this. No disrespect, but homosexuality is actually a small minority of our socitey, yet takes up more bandwidth than I would expect. I'm sure it represents a small portion of the member population, but gets alot of attention. This may make some reluctant to join?

**marcus300** · 10-16-2011, 09:19 AM

I think charging members is not a good idea and we would lose rather than gain IMHO.

I do know alot of new members go elsewhere because we dont discuss prices or sources, not sure how we could change this but some kind of area what is private may help, not sure!!

We are newbie driven and it seems to be getting worse, once a newbie doesn't get the answers he will just leave. I also think some of the regular members may have left or dont post because every other thread is asking the same old questions by every newb who joins, it can get alittle brain draining at times.

Conflicts between members happen all the time and you will never please all the members all the time but on a whole I think Admin does a great job in sorting any conflicts out.

I think bring some forum leaders in would be a great idea, these would push and create topics of interest and drive traffic. They wouldn't have get involved in anything else just lead their sections in the right manner.

I also think staff should post more, get involved and answer questions rather than sitting on the side lines. Staff can influence threads and direct them in a more positive way.

I also think on whole we all can try and be more positive in our approach with the newbs, rather than being negative we should explain in detail our opinions and why and show them areas where they need to concentrate on.

Agree with Twist that some stickies are out dated - Takes time to update these but this area needs some attention.

I also think some kind of reward for being a contributing member might help.

**DSM4Life** · 10-16-2011, 09:22 AM

Charging for this site isn't even an option IMO.

**SlimmerMe** · 10-16-2011, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by system admin

I stop in from time to time to see how things are going, however lately I have slacked off from the board quite a bit. Several things to mention:

1. Our forum traffic is trending at an all time high.

2. Our main website is breaking records every month.

BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE A HUGE PROBLEM....

***Where the hell are all of our members????????

We have 12,000 guests online and usually we have 1600 or more members. Lately, I see that we have 250 members online.

Can anyone shed some light on this while I kick the forum back into high gear??!

What the hell happened?

Has the forum been neglected?

Is there anything strange going on?

Input would be MUCH appreciated! ***Things are about to CHANGE around here!***

Bc

From what this looks like IMO it seems that the members who are already members are not coming around.

Are we talking about members in general? or are we talking about vets aka seasoned members who have great advice to give?
and are we talking about activity in the Q&A more? or in general including the Lounge?

**SlimmerMe** · 10-16-2011, 09:37 AM

And I will add one thing which might really have an impact. I posted this post above and wanted to edit is asap yet it took me a full 8 minutes to get unlocked. Many times the site locks up on me. Maybe it is just my computer. But happens so much that I have to either shut down and start all over or go back to the general forum over and over and keep clicking to clear something evidently to be able to return to where I was. I wonder if this happens to others as well.
This has been going on for me for a long time. But again, could very well be something on my end.

**rockinred** · 10-16-2011, 09:47 AM

I agree with many of the things Marcus and Twist gave feedback on. Gbrice too... other boards do a viewing limitation and then make you sign up. I have a few other opinions on it but don't care to share opinion openly.

**SlimmerMe** · 10-16-2011, 09:51 AM

Whenever I look at a site which teases me with a limited viewing, I go away. This happened to me before coming here hence one reason I stayed here. I do not want to ever feel strong armed into joining a site. It is a bit on the bait and switch side.

Perhaps a few forums within the forum might be something to consider as private access but in general? most people are either too much into instant gratification or just darn right lazy.

**Times Roman** · 10-16-2011, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by SlimmerMe

And I will add one thing which might really have an impact. I posted this post above and wanted to edit is asap yet it took me a full 8 minutes to get unlocked. Many times the site locks up on me. Maybe it is just my computer. But happens so much that I have to either shut down and start all over or go back to the general forum over and over and keep clicking to clear something evidently to be able to return to where I was. I wonder if this happens to others as well.This has been going on for me for a long time. But again, could very well be something on my end.

I think the overall performance of the board has vastly improved recently. I remember not too many months ago we were commenting about all the system problems we experienced. But recently, with the exception of the new spam filter that seems to block me out from time to time, things seem to be running smoothly.

One other thought that may help, not sure. A thumbs up/down rating system for members. doesn't necessarily have to be published what their rating is (and I think maybe the rating should be private?), but i think that when the occassion does arrise that a member goes rogue and really starts becoming disrespectful, if that member gets too many thumbs down within a certain period of time, then the system gives them a "time out" so that things can calm down. I think this approach would be easier than for some of us to report said disrespectfulness to admin, where admin may or not be sitting at the desk at that particular moment. It allows action to be taken in real time, without admin intervention. I think this would give members better control to self police, and free up valuable time for admin to make better use of his time.

**gbrice75** · 10-16-2011, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by Times Roman

No disrespect, but homosexuality is actually a small minority of our socitey, yet takes up more bandwidth than I would expect. I'm sure it represents a small portion of the member population, but gets alot of attention. This may make some reluctant to join?

So basically, ban DSM - problem solved!!! We'll keep Shol'va around for a bit longer however.

**DSM4Life** · 10-16-2011, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Times Roman

I think the overall performance of the board has vastly improved recently. I remember not too many months ago we were commenting about all the system problems we experienced. But recently, with the exception of the new spam filter that seems to block me out from time to time, things seem to be running smoothly.

One other thought that may help, not sure. A thumbs up/down rating system for members. doesn't necessarily have to be published what their rating is (and I think maybe the rating should be private?), but i think that when the occassion does arrise that a member goes rogue and really starts becoming disrespectful, if that member gets too many thumbs down within a certain period of time, then the system gives them a "time out" so that things can calm down. I think this approach would be easier than for some of us to report said disrespectfulness to admin, where admin may or not be sitting at the desk at that particular moment. It allows action to be taken in real time, without admin intervention. I think this would give members better control to self police, and free up valuable time for admin to make better use of his time.

I can see your point. I also believe old people tend to scare new younger members away as well....

**The Bear 79** · 10-16-2011, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by Twist

1. younger members are not around when school is in session, as the economy picks up more people will have different/better/busier jobs
2. Staff is assholes a lot of the time and gangs up on people - that's why people won't join and comment but read and leave instead
3. trolls and zyzz threads are rampant
4. threads used to be turned into ass and tits and now it's more ass, but of the male gender - lounge only
5.THIS IS A STEROID FORUM WHERE NOBODY TALKS ABOUT STEROID USAGE (except the 1% who is deemed fit for use - except staff and other experienced members who are 20+% bf but still using and advising others not to)
6. Stickies are outdated and don't follow current market trends
7. The board sponsor needs a new banner that doesn't look like it's from the from the 80's
Although this forum is correct a lot of the time, that's not what people want to hear, so they go somewhere else. Ex: Chinese HGH is not hgh. Well since nobody can afford pharm grade gh then they look for other opinions which are found on other boards. Members stick with boards that support their opinions (sure run a gram of test and 800mgs deca and some jintropin in pct). That's what people want to hear. There's a lot this board can improve on. There are so many technological advances that we are lacking.
There needs to be some sort of progressive membership. A section that news can't see, maybe a section where we actually discuss gear - usage, dosage, prices. That will make members want to stick around to join and this will keep members who want to hang around and talk with only more experienced guys. A byproduct of these more experienced guys hanging around is that they will visit other places (like q&a) also.

Everyone must also realize that members will come and go together, as a group. So when some guys leave, the whole group eventually fades out and new members take over.

So the only people here that talk about usage (aside from the "1%" deemed fit) are people that are 20+% BF & still using but advising others not to.............??I dont think so. And the only way 2 get members 2 stay / return, is 2 tell every1 wut they want 2 hear, even if its detrimental 2 their health?!?! Again.......I dont think so. We already hav a section where we discuss gear, usage & dosage.

**dec11** · 10-16-2011, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by SlimmerMe

And I will add one thing which might really have an impact. I posted this post above and wanted to edit is asap yet it took me a full 8 minutes to get unlocked. Many times the site locks up on me. Maybe it is just my computer. But happens so much that I have to either shut down and start all over or go back to the general forum over and over and keep clicking to clear something evidently to be able to return to where I was. I wonder if this happens to others as well.
This has been going on for me for a long time. But again, could very well be something on my end.

nope slim, happens alot of us and its extremely annoying, sometimes i can get in for 20mins and more and just end up shutting off the site. ie, i might think ive come across aggressively on a thread and try to edit it and bingo i cant because the access freezes!

**The Bear 79** · 10-16-2011, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by dec11;57***48

nope slim, happens alot of us and its extremely annoying, sometimes i can get in for 20mins and more and just end up shutting off the site. ie, i might think ive come across aggressively on a thread and try to edit it and bingo i cant because the access freezes!

I've had the same problem on several occasions.

**charcold** · 10-16-2011, 02:36 PM

One of my browsers, i think its chrome, wont keep me logged full time. My other computer, im logged in when I come to the forum, and i dont have to go through entering my password.

**gbrice75** · 10-16-2011, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by DSM4Life;57***16

I can see your point. I also believe old people tend to scare new younger members away as well....

Ok, so DSM gone on account of the gay thing... TR gone on account of being old... I guess we have to do away with Marcus then too... what's fair is fair, right?

***Admin*** · 10-16-2011, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by Times Roman

I think the overall performance of the board has vastly improved recently. I remember not too many months ago we were commenting about all the system problems we experienced. But recently, with the exception of the new spam filter that seems to block me out from time to time, things seem to be running smoothly.

One other thought that may help, not sure. A thumbs up/down rating system for members. doesn't necessarily have to be published what their rating is (and I think maybe the rating should be private?), but i think that when the occassion does arrise that a member goes rogue and really starts becoming disrespectful, if that member gets too many thumbs down within a certain period of time, then the system gives them a "time out" so that things can calm down. I think this approach would be easier than for some of us to report said disrespectfulness to admin, where admin may or not be sitting at the desk at that particular moment. It allows action to be taken in real time, without admin intervention. I think this would give members better control to self police, and free up valuable time for admin to make better use of his time.

agreed!

**gbrice75** · 10-16-2011, 03:53 PM

Personally, I still like the idea of limited content. Like Slim said, allowing them to view 'x' number of posts then having to register IS kind of the 'bait and switch' thing... and may annoy alot of people. Limiting content however, will give them a glimpse of what this site is about, and if they find it interesting they will need to register to view the rest of the content. I don't think that would annoy anybody...

**JD250** · 10-16-2011, 10:59 PM

This is the only site I visit that is slow and locks up on a regular basis.

Don't charge people.

Limited content has some merit.

A rating system that can be used by members will most certainly be abused.

There will always be trolls and newbs to annoy us, maybe we need some sort of protocol for newbs that they have to perform a certain # of searches before they can come in a forum and ask if it's ok for an 18 year old to run tren /deca /test/d-bol/winny for 8 months as a first cycle. This is assuming that this is one of the reasons the long time members are disappearing. Regardless, it would cut back the number of repeat threads.

**BuffBuffalo** · 10-16-2011, 11:11 PM

JMO, but I could see how the problem could have had a compounding effect as well. Maybe starting out just a few key members were out for awhile, then others who enjoyed exchanging with them got bored so they've been less active as result and it just kind've dominoed from there.

**Times Roman** · 10-16-2011, 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by DSM4Life;57***16

I can see your point. I also believe old people tend to scare new younger members away as well....

I know you are probably joking, but actually you may have a point. If I ever appear to be too frail, i'll move on. But that means you'll have to beat me in arm wrestling first, fair enough? =)

**Times Roman** · 10-17-2011, 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by gbrice75;57***02

So basically, ban DSM - problem solved!!! We'll keep Shol'va around for a bit longer however.

no no no! not saying that mate. don't want to ban anyone. I think it is a good thing we have people here from all walks of life. DSM may not agree with me on some issues, but I believe he brings perspective to the board, and he's a pretty funny guy. And besides, after awhile, ya kinda get used to him! =)

**Flier** · 10-17-2011, 02:26 AM

I think charging is a bad idea. Hits will be reduced drastically, and other sites will be bigger within weeks.
If Facebook starts charging $5/month, they will loose half their members.
Personally, when out there searching for info of any kind I will skip by any pay-for-info/service sites, and move on to the free ones.
Even downloading music, I refuse to pay Spotify or Itunes when I can get it for free elsewhere.
As to Sholvas 10 post suggestion, other sites do that, and when I´ve used up my 10 posts, I move on. There is an ocean of info out there, why leave one $ or your footprint anywhere..
This site is not "broken", be careful making changes.
Nothing on this planet is constant, everything moves in cycles, this site included.
If anything, ADD new features.
How about a "Members only" section. Curiosity will make the lurkers sign up.

**Flier** · 10-17-2011, 02:37 AM

Ah...there is a second page to this thread..lol
No charge...ok

Twist brought up some good points in his post, why members leave.

**gixxerboy1** · 10-17-2011, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by gbrice75

Personally, I still like the idea of limited content. Like Slim said, allowing them to view 'x' number of posts then having to register IS kind of the 'bait and switch' thing... and may annoy alot of people. Limiting content however, will give them a glimpse of what this site is about, and if they find it interesting they will need to register to view the rest of the content. I don't think that would annoy anybody...

i agree. I signed up for other sites because i wanted to keep viewing. I wasnt annoyed at all

**SlimmerMe** · 10-17-2011, 09:06 AM

Getting people to sign up is one thing. Getting them to stay around and be a contributing member is an entirely different issue. So the real question IMO is: how to get members whether a newbie or vet to stay and post and become loyal enough to make this their home and become an active part of the community.

**Kawigirl** · 10-17-2011, 09:15 AM

I have to agree with Twist's comments....all valid!!!

I chat with many vets off this site (including myself)....and every comment/suggestion by Twist is more or less why its tough to come around on the site.

From....those I've talked to. I'm certainly not representing the masses however.

**qal92** · 10-17-2011, 09:29 AM

I know i stoped posting for about a year because of work and school then i came back and alot of the guys i talked to arent even on here anymore

**Times Roman** · 10-17-2011, 10:11 AM

I'm going to mention something that I hope maybe we can all agree on...

...I see new members with one or two posts come on here and ask a few questions. Sure, the questions have been asked a million times, and some even violate rules (source checking), or maybe it's a youngster considering AAS. But sometimes it's shameful the way some of us respond. I've witnessed alot of rudeness and disrespect from some of us that have been around for a little bit. In a word, we treat some of our newbs like shit.

...It happened to me as well. I came here with some questions, and asked an "orals only" question. Looking back, I see it was redundant, and maybe I should have researched more than I had. But the responses I received were boarderline disrespectful, and argumentative. But I pushed on, determined to become better informed, so I tolerated some of the nonsense. I can understand why for some others it might be easier to leave than to take the crap and push on.

So I would suggest that if we want a higher member retention rate, then we need to treat our newbs a little better. Sure, they ARE newbs and will ask dumb questions. It's to be expected. But let's not forget the dumb questions we all asked when WE were newbs.

Can I have an Amen?

**SlimmerMe** · 10-17-2011, 10:16 AM

Amen Brother Ben

**dec11** · 10-17-2011, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Times Roman

I think the overall performance of the board has vastly improved recently. I remember not too many months ago we were commenting about all the system problems we experienced. But recently, with the exception of the new spam filter that seems to block me out from time to time, things seem to be running smoothly.

One other thought that may help, not sure. A thumbs up/down rating system for members. doesn't necessarily have to be published what their rating is (and I think maybe the rating should be private?), but i think that when the occassion does arrise that a member goes rogue and really starts becoming disrespectful, if that member gets too many thumbs down within a certain period of time, then the system gives them a "time out" so that things can calm down. I think this approach would be easier than for some of us to report said disrespectfulness to admin, where admin may or not be sitting at the desk at that particular moment. It allows action to be taken in real time, without admin intervention. I think this would give members better control to self police, and free up valuable time for admin to make better use of his time.

what do you do about ppl with vendettas then? they'd just down rate someone for the hell of it