The online message board decline
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/remembrance-of-message-boards-past/
Do you feel it's inevitable here as well ? I have noticed how stagnant traffic has been lately and wonder if anyone has any ideas as to attract newer members. Discuss.
Promise new male members they'd get hookers, and new females members that they've found a part-time job.
That was an interesting read. Definitely what's happening here to an extent:
“My guess is that as time went on and the archives got larger and larger, many people are researching old topics rather than starting new threads,” another wrote. “Every possible topic has already been discussed.”
Well studies have shown that web users decide whether they are interested in a website in just few seconds. A new visitor to a website knows nothing, and has to be educated about it at the earliest opportunity (meaning right away).
Furthermore, since any page in the forum's archive serves as an entry point, this adds to the challenge.
New members who join and feel welcome will generate the word of mouth that will lead to increased membership. I just went to the Welcome Forum, and I see all these new users speaking broken English and getting banned within 5 posts. I understand these are spammers, but for the ones that aren't, there doesn't seem to be much of a welcome.
There arent many posters on the forum. Until new characters are introduced, or existing featless ones get feats, most of us already have a pretty good idea of who would win in fights. There are lots of characters, but there are lots of characters whose combat prowess has nothing for us to measure it by.
There is significantly more information and characters to choose from in the Comic vs forum. I mean, theres only about 150 or so books(guessing) of Star Wars? Not very many comics, fewer games(which are often a headache to debate).
All IMO of course.
My post really only applies to the Star Wars EU forums.
Since I don't frequent other meassage boards, the only input I can offer is that KMC is dead. Five years ago, this place was blowing up with traffic and all sorts of colorful characters. I truly can't say if websites like Facebook, for example, are causes for KMC's death, but I will say that so many people have moved on to greener pastures.
The only reason I even still post in here is because I have made some true friends whom I still speak to and utilize the board's forums to participate with. There's nothing left to moderate here except for countless ad bots and sad, pathetic troll socks like AJ and Whirly.
Maybe if KMC was rebooted and given an extreme makeover, then we could make this place thriving again. However, we need an administrator to do all of that.
A lot of people are attracted to bright colors and online gimmicks regardless of quality posters so they go to more commercialized sites.
Coke & Hookers would probably work.
http://www.roadkilltshirts.com/Assets/ProductImages/PS_0434_SHEEN_COKE.jpg
Originally posted by ImpedimentEven the cbr versus forum is dead compared to what it used to be and that was always the most frequented board with comic versus battles.
Since I don't frequent other meassage boards, the only input I can offer is that KMC is dead. Five years ago, this place was blowing up with traffic and all sorts of colorful characters. I truly can't say if websites like Facebook, for example, are causes for KMC's death, but I will say that so many people have moved on to greener pastures.The only reason I even still post in here is because I have made some true friends whom I still speak to and utilize the board's forums to participate with. There's nothing left to moderate here except for countless ad bots and sad, pathetic troll socks like AJ and Whirly.
Maybe if KMC was rebooted and given an extreme makeover, then we could make this place thriving again. However, we need an administrator to do all of that.
I tend to favor this board over all the others still but yeah it's reaching it's twilight years unless something is done.
One question I have is this since you're a moderator and see things differently than the normal poster. Why are permas given so often to faithful posters here. I know each poster is different and am speaking on a general level because each perma on a member with multiple years adds up and greatly decreases overall forum traffic.
I just want to undertsand the overall mentality. I always thought like say a 5 month ban would do the job if someone really screws up or something. It's almost half the year and would really teach someone to ship or or receive an even longer ban if they sock in the meantime or when they return. It also would prevent socking I think in a sense as to show them there's light at the end of the tunnel since there is a way to come back with good behavior because once you're perma'd you don't come back pretty much so there's no reason to prevent them from socking since they know there's no other way to get back.
This isn't a swipe at moderators so don't think it is if a moderator thinks I am taking a jab at you overall. I just think maybe there could be an alternative and one which could be discussed civilly in light of the stagnant traffic this board is currently going through. I'd like to discuss all the options here which have contributed in some way to the crawl this board is on freely to hopefully bring kmc back into it's golden age.
Originally posted by Impediment
Since I don't frequent other meassage boards, the only input I can offer is that KMC is dead. Five years ago, this place was blowing up with traffic and all sorts of colorful characters. I truly can't say if websites like Facebook, for example, are causes for KMC's death, but I will say that so many people have moved on to greener pastures.The only reason I even still post in here is because I have made some true friends whom I still speak to and utilize the board's forums to participate with. There's nothing left to moderate here except for countless ad bots and sad, pathetic troll socks like AJ and Whirly.
Maybe if KMC was rebooted and given an extreme makeover, then we could make this place thriving again. However, we need an administrator to do all of that.
I joined during that active period and stayed for a year and a half, then left. But then I returned couple weeks ago. So hopefully that's a sign that older posters could return.
I agree though. This forum needs a makeover. I don't know anything about our administrator, but it's always crucial to have an active one at the helm.
I just want to undertsand the overall mentality. I always thought like say a 5 month ban would do the job if someone really screws up or something. It's almost half the year and would really teach someone to ship or or receive an even longer ban if they sock in the meantime or when they return. It also would prevent socking I think in a sense as to show them there's light at the end of the tunnel since there is a way to come back with good behavior because once you're perma'd you don't come back pretty much so there's no reason to prevent them from socking since they know there's no other way to get back.
I always feel people may not understand their wrongs until they are actually punished. In which case, I always thought the banning policy was a bit harsh.
Okay, coming back and seeing this decline, here's what I would suggest. Mind you, I'm not very knowledgeable about how to market a forum, but here are my thoughts:
1. Change the name. Killermovies Community Forum isn't a name that will attract new viewers. Another reason is that this forum has moved beyond discussions of "killer movies." We have tremendous diversity here, including an active Comic Books section, Sports, Role Playing, and even a Philosophy and Religion Forum.
I mean movie franches are the foundation of KMC, but it has gone beyond that.
2. For a guest, compare the main page of Gaia Online Forums (the most popular forum online) and KMC. Perhaps we may not have
a website design luxury, but there isn't any "welcoming" message here. On Gaia, it states:
"Welcome to Gaia's forums, where millions of members gather to discuss random stuff, make new friends, complain about life, argue about nothing, laugh at dumb pictures, discuss serious issues and/or curse like sailors. Come join in already!"
We do the same things ("discuss random stuff, make new friends, complain about life, argue about nothing"😉 over here, except we don't have millions of members. Yet, I don't see any "JOIN NOW" flashing across the guest homepage.
3. Too many divisions. Years ago, it would have been appropriate. But now, with stagnant flow, many of these forums are no longer as active and need to be combined. Of course, I'm not saying combine the Star Wars forums with the Comic sections of course, but hopefully my point is understood.
4. Re-establish a sense of community. Honestly, I don't know the majority of posters in the Comic forums (which are our most active). And I feel this has to do with the organization of KMC. It seems each forum is its own bubble unconnected with the rest. Idk, maybe that's just me.
5. This relates to #2, but focus on recruitment. If a person isn't logged on and is a guest, riddle the default guest appearance with the message of "Join now!" Or even state something like "Guests have limited viewing access. Please join to have access to all the fun," even if it isn't true.
Of course, all of what I just said is probably crap, but I felt it had to be put out there.
I don't see a lack of constant posting as a terrible thing, nor a consistent stream of new users
I mean, sure, we pick some up from time to time, but most people here have good opinions and ideas. Like, look at comments sections anywhere versus the type of stuff we talk about. More people does not mean better discussion
Originally posted by inimalist
I don't see a lack of constant posting as a terrible thing, nor a consistent stream of new usersI mean, sure, we pick some up from time to time, but most people here have good opinions and ideas. Like, look at comments sections anywhere versus the type of stuff we talk about. More people does not mean better discussion
Right, I understand. However, a larger forum population usually points to a stronger, thriving message board. People want a forum in which if they leave for a day, half the threads will be full of new posts.
Besides, with proper integration, all new users will feel right at home and contribute to the quality discussions we have here.
Originally posted by Korto VosI agree but then again I don't see it from moderator's eyes. I think it should be a case by case basis personally. If someone has posted on here for multiple years I feel they warrant more chances than say someone who has been temp banned 3 times in the first two months on here. People make mistakes and can learn from them so I have always felt perma's are a bit hard in all but extreme cases of spammers/whirly, etc.
I joined during that active period and stayed for a year and a half, then left. But then I returned couple weeks ago. So hopefully that's a sign that older posters could return.I agree though. This forum needs a makeover. I don't know anything about our administrator, but it's always crucial to have an active one at the helm.
I always feel people may not understand their wrongs until they are actually punished. In which case, I always thought the banning policy was a bit harsh.
Originally posted by quanchi112
I agree but then again I don't see it from moderator's eyes. I think it should be a case by case basis personally.If someone has posted on here for multiple years I feel they warrant more chances than say someone who has been temp banned 3 times in the first two months on here.
Sometimes these two points clash.
By ultimately, mods have to make decisions on a case by case basis even about longer term posters from time to time, dependant on the poster's actions.
You kinda answered your own question, I guess..
Good thread.
I think that on the whole its the decline in Star Wars and the other truely great sagas that bought most of us pre-'05ers here.
Re: The online message board decline
Originally posted by quanchi112
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/remembrance-of-message-boards-past/Do you feel it's inevitable here as well ? I have noticed how stagnant traffic has been lately and wonder if anyone has any ideas as to attract newer members. Discuss.
I don't feel there is any decline of forums whatsoever and that social messaging on Twitter or Facebook (and others) are extremely limited and depends entirely on the interest an individual can generate. If the individual suddenly becomes boring or is no longer relevant that the page goes dead.
Forums are different, there is always something going on and new personalities/topics/posts almost everyday to keep your interest satisfied.
Originally posted by Sadako of GirthYes,I understand that and rules are rules but I always thought a really long temp ban is more effective and beneficial in the long run as opposed to a perma with no hope of ever getting your account reactivated.
Sometimes these two points clash.By ultimately, mods have to make decisions on a case by case basis even about longer term posters from time to time, dependant on the poster's actions.
You kinda answered your own question, I guess..
Good thread.
I think that on the whole its the decline in Star Wars and the other truely great sagas that bought most of us pre-'05ers here.
I came on in 07 and got back into comics mainly because of this site. I always liked arguing versus before I ever really finally decided to join a site and in that section of the board it was booming. I remember one Thanos/Darkseid thread reaching 90 some pages in a week's time. Now it's still active but probably 1/7 as active as it used to be.
Originally posted by Lord Shadow ZThere's no doubt about it that overall activity has come to a grinding halt compared to earlier years ago. People have moved on, been banned, or grown bored with it it seems.
I don't feel there is any decline of forums whatsoever and that social messaging on Twitter or Facebook (and others) are extremely limited and depends entirely on the interest an individual can generate. If the individual suddenly becomes boring or is no longer relevant that the page goes dead.Forums are different, there is always something going on and new personalities/topics/posts almost everyday to keep your interest satisfied.
Re: Re: The online message board decline
Originally posted by Lord Shadow Z
I don't feel there is any decline of forums whatsoever and that social messaging on Twitter or Facebook (and others) are extremely limited and depends entirely on the interest an individual can generate. If the individual suddenly becomes boring or is no longer relevant that the page goes dead.Forums are different, there is always something going on and new personalities/topics/posts almost everyday to keep your interest satisfied.
Right, but that's the problem. There aren't enough new personalities, and that has contributed to less daily posts and topics.
Maybe forums in general haven't declined, but KMC Forums certainly have. Perhaps the decline of the Star Wars forums was inevitable, but that was also due to many of the active posters getting banned or leaving forever.
