Message Boards/Forums are DYING on the vine - Kindof

[zempey]

This is a steroid forum, you can't expect it to be all rainbows and unicorns all the time, way too much testosterone for that.

[clarky.]

Never mind this tagging pish the forum is great the way it is.

[Metalject]

I think a lot of guys feel intimidated by the larger message boards, especially those who are somewhat new to the topic or have a different opinion on the topic. I've said this a time or two, every steroid message board has sort of a set standard of beliefs and each one tends to think it's the only one that's right. So if you come to a large forum like this one with a lot of guys that are vets on the board, you end up feeling like an asswipe when you post or too intimidated to post out of fear of feeling like an asswipe, which is kind of funny since no one knows who you actually are. But some guys go ahead and dive in, that's their personality. Others go to smaller boards where they feel like they have a better chance of being part of the board community, and while those smaller boards may not have that many members compared to this one, there's a butt load of those smaller boards. And when those smaller boards fail, 2 more pop up to replace them. It's never ending. People will always go where they feel most comfortable.

And IMO, TR hit the nail on the head with his post. That's the exact reason a board/forum will stagnate with actual posters.

Oh, and funny thing - when I first started posting here, because I was "the new guy" I was mocked and told to basically know my place more than once. I was even told that I shouldn't openly disagree with a veteran board member. Are you kidding me? That kind of forum stuff has always annoyed the daylights out of me and I'm sure it drives many would be forum guys with their own unique perspectives away. What's also humorous, I've posted on this board off and on almost since it first started. I learned a lot from this board when I was in my early 20's, talked with a lot of guys that were great to talk to. Point being, when it comes to how new guys see and feel about a message board, all that really carries any weight is vet status, post count and too many times not the actual information given. Anyway, just my opinion.

[fitnesstrainer]

Oh, and funny thing - when I first started posting here, because I was "the new guy" I was mocked and told to basically know my place more than once. I was even told that I shouldn't openly disagree with a veteran board member. Are you kidding me? That kind of forum stuff has always annoyed the daylights out of me and I'm sure it drives many would be forum guys with their own unique perspectives away. What's also humorous, I've posted on this board off and on almost since it first started. I learned a lot from this board when I was in my early 20's, talked with a lot of guys that were great to talk to. Point being, when it comes to how new guys see and feel about a message board, all that really carries any weight is vet status, post count and too many times not the actual information given. Anyway, just my opinion.

I know plenty of people who won't come near forums because of this. I didn't for years because of it and if I ever get told not to disagree with someone who's a "vet" simply because they are a "vet" I'll be gone. That's ludicrous.

Little clicks seem to get bad in these things to. This one seems immune to it, at least for now.

[austinite]

I know plenty of people who won't come near forums because of this. I didn't for years because of it and if I ever get told not to disagree with someone who's a "vet" simply because they are a "vet" I'll be gone. That's ludicrous.

Little clicks seem to get bad in these things to. This one seems immune to it, at least for now.

Don't believe everything you hear -- some folks like to twist and bend the truth. You will never be told to agree with anyone simply for their status, ever. And I agree with you, that would be ludicrous.

[Venom]

Here is my 2 cents.

I do feel it is a generational issue, I am 28 years old, and feel individuals my age and younger have lost their interests in reading and researching.

I couldn't tell you the last time I saw someone younger than me reading a newspaper, book, or magazine. Now it's all about visual stimulation and petty social media interaction.

I can think back to ten years ago when I was 18 years old and I would search "steroids" "creatine" and various "supplements" on google and typically the first things that would always pop up were threads from various message boards.

I remember stumbling on this actual forum and reading many, many, threads over the years. I specifically remember reading many posts by Marcus and thinking how knowledgable this person is.

In 2013 I got my first iPhone where I downloaded the mobile app for this site and created an actual account. Over the past couple of years I have gone from 165 to now sitting at 180 all due to the great advice offered by the members and vets on this forum.

It blows my mind that ten years ago as a young adult, I was lurking on the forums reading posts by Marcus and now here I am interacting with him. I personally like the fact that there is only a small group of active members and vets. It makes the experience here feel more personal and like everyone here is family. It makes me excited to continue along here and hope that someday some young adult reads my posts and gets excited to join here and share their knowledge and experience with this great community.

[zempey]

30, I would love a do over.

[system admin]

It will be very interesting to see what we all have in store the next 10 years :-)

[derekkpapa1]

did I miss something I was on Facebook and updating my Twitter page???

[RaginCajun]

did I miss something I was on Facebook and updating my Twitter page???

Yes

30 is the new old school

[Rwy]

I come here to bullshit and laugh. I am passed my days of using steroids outside of TRT and there are much better users then me to give advice to others. Message boards are tough. I have been apart of so many that have died however new ones are created too!

[Honkey_Kong]

Rwy, I agree with you. I mostly come on here to bullshit and laugh. I do skim through the Q&A sections looking around for something new that I haven't seen before. Most of the questions are asked in new threads 10 times a day with very little variance in the setup, question or responses (even the troll questions and responses are formulaic). That doesn't mean that new questions aren't being posted of new research from members either. But it's all like oasis of knowledge in a sea of same-old. And I've seen this same thing on various metal message boards and other fitness sites too.

But I don't really think repetitiveness is necessarily the problem. I mean how many people are posting on FB or Instagram the same repetitive bullshit (and they don't seem to have any problem with more posts)? I really think it's the delivery and execution of the site (and message forums in general) that is the problem. The format is stale and needs some sort of evolution to the next wave.

Off the top of my head, I thought "what about adding chat rooms for the users to congregate and discuss steroids/nutrition/bodybuilding/lifting?" But isn't that already a dead concept too? Now you can try to copy FB and Instagram, but that's like being a dollar short and a day late too. You need some new concepts.

Now what if we had things like message trees where people could build separate nodes to initial posts and just go on tangents. Eventually, the conversation will resemble very little to the initial post?

And if you think about it. A new sort of delivery system is what's needed. In general this message board format has pretty much gone unchanged from the 1970s and 1980's BBS scene to the early 1990's internet newsgroups to the creation of websites. The medium changed, but not the format.

[tarmyg]

system_admin: Just FYI: Advanced User Tagging - DragonByte Tech | vBulletin Mods & Addons this is what I was talking about. I'll be here regardless but I think it would be easier to keep track of things that concern people using this feature.

[system admin]

system_admin: Just FYI: Advanced User Tagging - DragonByte Tech | vBulletin Mods & Addons this is what I was talking about. I'll be here regardless but I think it would be easier to keep track of things that concern people using this feature.

I am a little bit old school with NEW features. I have spent a lot of time and money making bad choices while trying to grow businesses and I have learned to sit back and let others show me how well it will do before making the jump. When many other message boards or info sites start using this, I will pay closer attention.

For now, we will keep carrying on in old fashion. However, I DO appreciate any and all input very much so thank you for that.

[< <Samson> >]

Geez Man


You all take this shit too seriously

[DOSA]

I wouldnt say they take it too serious.

some of these guys have been around here a long time. This site has had loyalty unlike any other boards over the years. I would think the reason is that the staff, vets, and members take great pride in helping and making this place the best.
and this place is the best.

some of these guys have helped thousands of people. Not to mention the old timers that arent around anymore that spent thousands of hours helping. This board is the best cause we have the best staff, vets, support, and members.

everyone gets a little crazy and acts a fool on the internet every now and again, especially with test/tren, and i stress tren flowing. That shit makes u crazy.

[< <Samson> >]

I agree, but this is all voluntary

We know what good advise is - I am not getting paid to give it & it's on you if you take it

[DOSA]

agree brother.
100%

[-Ender-]

Traffic is up, but post activity is down. Perfect. The little shits finally learned to RESEARCH before asking questions.

We can get back to discussing tissue damage and practical application of Steroids.
...and hot chicks

[lovbyts]

Traffic is up, but post activity is down. Perfect. The little shits finally learned to RESEARCH before asking questions.

We can get back to discussing tissue damage and practical application of Steroids.
...and hot chicks

No, its just the low before the storm. Just wait until about a month before spring break and then summer.

[almostgone]

No, its just the low before the storm. Just wait until about a month before spring break and then summer.

Yeah.....the winny drinkers and the "rippers".

[Hoggage_54]

More cleavage is the answer.

[< <Samson> >]

More cleavage is the answer.

It's always the answer

And so are yoga pants

[*mikro*]

It's always the answer And so are yoga pants

yes sir

[zempey]

Pics or it didn't happen.

[JAYROD]

after being gone for a few years and coming back just this week to check out the board things have changed for sure but this "community" is still great and it's because of everybody and thanks to all. I came here initially almost 10 years ago to learn and I did from some awesome bro"s and then hung out and bs'd a little and enjoyed it a lot. I do think all the social media has changed things but I'm nearing 40 and don't know anything about facebook or anything like that so I guess it's the new thing still. anyway, this is still a great place to an old f*ck like me and i'm glad it's still here!

[Score]

Let me start by saying this forum is amazing, it has changed my life for the better through trt guidance.

After being here for awhile I have noticed there is a overwhelming firm stance on many topics, and not a lot differing views allowed. IMO friendly debate makes for more of an interesting read. However If the information being given is fact, and not opinion or personal experience, then no debate is required I guess.

Community is your grass roots I sense, and therefore IMO it is the key to this boards continued success and future. I do believe though if you're not growing, you're dying. I believe you could not change a thing format wise (Admittedly I have never logged in on a computer), focus on strengthening your community and growth will occur even though this is a small demographic.

When I hear community I think of the early settlers who formed communities which started with farmers, who attracted manufacturers with their resources, attracting veterinarians, blacksmiths, saloons, brothels (my favorite), etc.. These are all people who brought something different to the table. While we are people from all walks of life and from all around the world, the information is not always from a different point of view. At times we are all farmers. This is likely because you are a pioneer and the educators were educated here, not saying this is wrong, just not always stimulating as it could be IMO. I surf mostly in the hrt forum and when LT speaks it's fantastic to listen, maybe if other sponsors with more vast outsider views participated in chats the community would strengthen? Maybe participants with a cardiac background, orthopedic background, etc..?

And THANK YOU for starting this site!

[fitnesstrainer]

I use mobile to access this site like stated above. It does have some bugs that could be worked out.

[tarmyg]

system_admin,

Could always setup http://forums2.steroid.com/ and http://forums3.steroid.com/ to test new things using the same database. Could also simply introduce skins on here. That would be simple enough.

Anyhow, I will use this site for as long as it is around as there is no other place with this good information