Can I get some feedback please?

***system admin*** · 10-15-2011, 09:30 AM

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

**Times Roman** · 10-15-2011, 09:38 AM

I've noticed this too. It might just be a cyclic thing, hard to tell. Although I'm in a much different time zone, there are times when maybe a dozen members in any particular forum.

What you could do, if you have the energy and determination, is to PM various regulars that don't seem to be around right at the moment, and ask them the same question. It should provide some insight, and maybe you might gleen a pattern?

Does your DB store member useage statistics? If so, how does the traffic now compare to this time last year? the year before? Additional statistical analysis might shed additional light.

I have one more observation I won't mention in public. If interested, you can PM me.

**Hoggage_54** · 10-15-2011, 09:40 AM

We need to encourage the guests to come out of the closet and join our team.

**DCI** · 10-15-2011, 09:46 AM

It's strange it's gotten very quiet lately

And also did you get my PM to change my name if that's ok?

**DSM4Life** · 10-15-2011, 10:08 AM

It's because i haven't been on as much.

***system admin*** · 10-15-2011, 10:10 AM

It seems VERY strange to me that we dont have many VETS, Hall of Famers, or many of the long time members online much anymore. Anyway, we are going to make some changes around here and see what we can do to improve the forum.

I dont mind the guests lurking around and just reading.... What I do mind is having MANY of our active members leaving. If anyone can shed some light on this for me... please let me know by PM or post the info here. Thanks again!

***system admin*** · 10-15-2011, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by DSM4Life

It's because i haven't been on as much.

Good to see you still hangin around D LOL! Where the hell is everyone???

Bc

**redz** · 10-15-2011, 10:12 AM

I have received a message that my post needs to be reveiewed before it can go up, when that happens I go off line. Not sure why this is happening more and more to people I am sure my post was not questionable or offensive. I was just helping a guy out.

***system admin*** · 10-15-2011, 10:28 AM

That is a VERY good bit of information to know REDZ... we added a spam filter program and it seems that it needs to be tweaked. I will look into that ASAP. Thank you for the post

**gixxerboy1** · 10-15-2011, 10:31 AM

I'll email a couple of members im friends with that arent on here much and ask why

**Shol'va** · 10-15-2011, 10:58 AM

Although I'm a new member of another board, this is home to me. Neither snow nor rain nor the heat of night shall kick me from this board.....A ban on the other hand.... But seriously I just figured it had to do with summer activites and figured they'd return come fall and winter. But now that I think about it I haven't seen KP or Nicotine around for a long time, nor Dukkit, Hazard, Mr. Rose, etc,etc Yeah there are a lot absent these days. That whore Thread used to be smoking all the time. Even DSM's thread is running slow well except for that gay dude who keeps posting male pics there.

Surely it has nothing to do with the death of the Zyzz thread. Maybe the life of the Zyzz thread but not the death..lol Hopefully it is just a lull in activites for those absent and they will return.

**dec11** · 10-15-2011, 11:04 AM

a good old flaming thread usually brings em outa the wood work

i think the longer someone is a member on here the more they tend to veer towards the lounge as the Q&A becomes seriously depressing with the same kiddie threads and trolls.

would a beginners Q&A and an experienced Q&A be the answer? with some sort of system in place enforcing beginners to have to spend a certain amount of time in that forum before progressing?

**Times Roman** · 10-15-2011, 11:12 AM

I have to remind myself to go tothe Q&A section from time to time. But you are right, it does wear you out after awhile.....

**Shol'va** · 10-15-2011, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by Times Roman

I have to remind myself to go tothe Q&A section from time to time. But you are right, it does wear you out after awhile.....

Yeah but the kids need to know the truth so hang in there.

**Times Roman** · 10-15-2011, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by Hoggage_54

We need to encourage the guests to come out of the closet and join our team.

this may be out there, but an old marketing ploy could be 10% to all new members with X number of posts within Y amount of time.

BTW.... last year we had the newb/vet workout contest which seemed to be a pretty good idea. maybe it's time for a 2nd annual newb BB showdown?

**Times Roman** · 10-15-2011, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Shol'va

Yeah but the kids need to know the truth so hang in there.

you are right. a good chunk of them are 18 "ish" and think all they need is to hook up with some aas.

i'll try to make a point of going back and being more regular.... tomorrow! =)

**DCI** · 10-15-2011, 11:31 AM

Thanks for the name change been waiting a while for that. This site is great I do a lot of reading here. But it has become very quiet. I think people get bored with listening to the same crap posted as dec elluded too. I think if you changed the site to only be able to read it by registering etc.

**gbrice75** · 10-15-2011, 11:32 AM

I've noticed this too B... I don't think long time members leave so much as they go on long hiatus'. I eventually see people return, for the most part. But yea, it always sucks to suddenly notice a very active person stop posting, and you're like wtf?

Another thing re: the guests/lurkers - I wonder if there's a better way to encourage full membership? Guests basically get access to all the info, just can't post. I wouldn't want to take that away as it would seem like a punishment, but would love to kick around some ideas to encourage them to become full fledged members.

Thoughts anybody?

**DCI** · 10-15-2011, 11:39 AM

Same thing I just said Gbrice make the site member only to read. Everything we post we do not know who is reading the posts that is not registered etc.

**gbrice75** · 10-15-2011, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by DCI

Same thing I just said Gbrice make the site member only to read. Everything we post we do not know who is reading the posts that is not registered etc.

I wouldn't go that far, but maybe a few of the 'hotter' forums should be open to members only. I certainly wouldn't lock guests out completely. That would only leave a bad taste IMO. What would be the point of even having a 'guest' status then?

**DCI** · 10-15-2011, 12:48 PM

But it is how most other sites do it over here. Makes sense, if you want to read it join and be pro active rather than just using the place as a source and not contributing to the site. Was just one Idea imo. I doubt it would leave any bad taste in anyones mouth due to having to register imo.

**dec11** · 10-15-2011, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by DCI

But it is how most other sites do it over here. Makes sense, if you want to read it join and be pro active rather than just using the place as a source and not contributing to the site. Was just one Idea imo. I doubt it would leave any bad taste in anyones mouth due to having to register imo.

i agree

**gbrice75** · 10-15-2011, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by DCI

But it is how most other sites do it over here. Makes sense, if you want to read it join and be pro active rather than just using the place as a source and not contributing to the site. Was just one Idea imo. I doubt it would leave any bad taste in anyones mouth due to having to register imo.

I do hear what you're saying though... like, why bother joining when I can get all the info I need without ever being known? Most people only seem to join when they finally have a question they either can't find an answer to, or have a specific problem pertinent to themselves.

That's why i'm looking for another way to promote membership. Instead of making it a 'register to read' site like the others (hey, we're the best, we don't want to be like the others), let's try and come up with ideas to promote registering, even though you can already read everything as a guest. Or, as I said - make a few of the higher traffic forums - AAS Q&A, Diet section (that's right bitches!!), etc., 'premium' forums meaning you need full membership to access them.

This way they can still get a taste for the site, get an idea of frequent posters and/or people's general disposition, then decide if they want to take the plunge and get into the 'good' forums.

**DCI** · 10-15-2011, 01:16 PM

Well, I personally think some private forums for the regular members that can really speak you're mind etc help a lot in these forums all of them have them so that you are not worried about things and can air things within like minded people etc. I like your ideas but I'm not sure how they will pan out but they are good

**gbrice75** · 10-15-2011, 02:50 PM

lol thx bro.

BUMP!!! C'mon guys, anybody else with opinions/ideas?

B - I hope I'm not hijacking here with my own agenda. I feel it's closely related to your topic, but feel free to give me a kick if I'm out of line!!

**Windex** · 10-15-2011, 03:57 PM

it's pretty deep in the school semester. I barely come on anymore myself.

**ghettoboyd** · 10-15-2011, 04:04 PM

the reason ive been less active is cus of summer...now thats over ill be on more...

**DSM4Life** · 10-15-2011, 04:08 PM

I think as a mod/vet we have some serious responsibilities. Now i don't know about the others but i think it would be a good idea if Haz, Gix, and Gbrice came over my place to discuss the boards future........while playing naked twister.

**Shol'va** · 10-15-2011, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by DSM4Life

I think as a mod/vet we have some serious responsibilities. Now i don't know about the others but i think it would be a good idea if Haz, Gix, and Gbrice came over my place to discuss the boards future........while playing naked twister.

I'll come and keep score...

**Shol'va** · 10-15-2011, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by gbrice75

lol thx bro.

BUMP!!! C'mon guys, anybody else with opinions/ideas?

B - I hope I'm not hijacking here with my own agenda. I feel it's closely related to your topic, but feel free to give me a kick if I'm out of line!!

Well as far as allowing guests to read the boards without signing up, one idea would be to allow a certain allotted viewing before having to register as a member. Say like they could click on ten or 12 posts before having to register to read more or 10 minutes viewing before having to register. That might encourage them to go ahead and become a member at least so they can finish reading what they started. But more than likely once registered they will stick around for a while.

**trix1000** · 10-15-2011, 06:45 PM

Can I chime in?

**gbrice75** · 10-15-2011, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by DSM4Life

I think as a mod/vet we have some serious responsibilities. Now i don't know about the others but i think it would be a good idea if Haz, Gix, and Gbrice came over my place to discuss the boards future........while playing naked twister.

I was always a bigger fan of leapfrog myself...

Originally Posted by Shol'va

Well as far as allowing guests to read the boards without signing up, one idea would be to allow a certain allotted viewing before having to register as a member. Say like they could click on ten or 12 posts before having to register to read more or 10 minutes viewing before having to register. That might encourage them to go ahead and become a member at least so they can finish reading what they started. But more than likely once registered they will stick around for a while.

Something like this... this is what i'm talking about!

**gbrice75** · 10-15-2011, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by trix1000

Can I chime in?

Absolutely! Speak freely bro.

**trix1000** · 10-15-2011, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by gbrice75

Absolutely! Speak freely bro.

From an outside View being that I'm only here a few weeks so not sure what the activity looks like from month to month but I think that what you guys have here is a great deal of Info and years of combined knowledge.

And with that being said I think it's a shame that you waste it by giving away all this info to guys that will just brush off your advice most times.

I say charge people for this service, and not some ridiculous price, but enough to keep the guys happy n keep your operations on the forum running smoothly. I'd be willing to pay. so that when myself and others need advice, its not being wasted on some adolescent that's already loaded naturally on test is trying to figure out where he can score gear. But hey free is cool too, I ain't complaining I'll take the info for free. I'm saying if you want to slow down some of the youngsters running through here, that might be a way.

I'm new here- so what do I know. its just a thought.

**trix1000** · 10-15-2011, 09:40 PM

I registered for a few forums including this one. I posted pretty much the same dumb Newb questions on each forum- and even though they where newbish I felt the most comfortable on this forum. that's got too say something about the people here.

No other forum I've been to interviews there most popular members , and members putting it all out there man. how cool is that shitt. You know what on second thought ignore previous post about charging us I think you'll do better leaving it out there for free. Lol

**Times Roman** · 10-15-2011, 09:44 PM

^ good idea, just not sure how many would be willing to pry open their dusty wallets and drop some coin?

just throwing thoughts out there, but what do some of you think of guests only having access to the lounge on the weekends? joining gives them full access?

**dec11** · 10-15-2011, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by trix1000

From an outside View being that I'm only here a few weeks so not sure what the activity looks like from month to month but I think that what you guys have here is a great deal of Info and years of combined knowledge.

And with that being said I think it's a shame that you waste it by giving away all this info to guys that will just brush off your advice most times.

I say charge people for this service, and not some ridiculous price, but enough to keep the guys happy n keep your operations on the forum running smoothly. I'd be willing to pay. so that when myself and others need advice, its not being wasted on some adolescent that's already loaded naturally on test is trying to figure out where he can score gear. But hey free is cool too, I ain't complaining I'll take the info for free. I'm saying if you want to slow down some of the youngsters running through here, that might be a way.

I'm new here- so what do I know. its just a thought.

ive said this before also, it would do away with kids and trolls for sure

**stevey_6t9** · 10-15-2011, 10:37 PM

i know alot left from conflicts with some of the staff but other then that no idea.

**trix1000** · 10-15-2011, 11:22 PM

See what I mean... What other board or forum's allow someone that's never pinned a single thing in his life and only been around a few weeks have a lil input on the matter.
I would spend the coin if it came down too it, I like it here. People are straight up with you, like it or not. They'll tell me I'm an idiot if that's what they think and still give me great advice while insulting me at the same time lol
I say charge and yea that would be a cool teaser for potentially new members. open the boards to nonmembers for the weekends let them get a taste and get them hooked. Its like peddling crack only its information. Like takin candy from a baby. :swoosh:

**Mythos** · 10-15-2011, 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by trix1000

See what I mean... What other board or forum's allow someone that's never pinned a single thing in his life and only been around a few weeks have a lil input on the matter.
I would spend the coin if it came down too it, I like it here. People are straight up with you, like it or not. They'll tell me I'm an idiot if that's what they think and still give me great advice while insulting me at the same time lol
I say charge and yea that would be a cool teaser for potentially new members. open the boards to nonmembers for the weekends let them get a taste and get them hooked. Its like peddling crack only its information. Like takin candy from a baby. :swoosh:

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.