Glacierman
Succubus
Twilight Extroidonaire
Posts: 472
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Remodel
Mar 25, 2009 10:01:26 GMT -5
Post by Glacierman on Mar 25, 2009 10:01:26 GMT -5
Im sorry if this post offends or criticizes the site in any way. This site has been here for 2 years. Since 2006. Yet its still quite basic. I mean theres not many added codes. You can improve the sites forms, and application process. Maki ng them look as classy as a really active site. But yet you can change the fact that this sites activity has been the same for nearly the whole time. This iste has potential to be big. I mean its a site where you can be who you want, what you want. Tons of people would join to be in a place like this. We just need to grab their attention. Heres a list of what I think we can do. You dont have to do it but its my suggestion. - A forum remodel, new skins, maybe even left or right side boxs, or a different welcome table. Maybe
- Maybe even a board remodel, changing board description or looks.
- Adding codes to change the forums design
- Have contest every so often to keep member interest besides role playing
- Host an advertising contest so members can advertise Project Epsilon around for maybe a prize
- Maybe another forum sweep moving old rp threads to the bin
Again you do not have to do this. This is merely my suggestions to get this site more lively. By the way I love the phrase "Who you want, what you want" to me it seems like a phrase that catchs the forums rp quite well.
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Mar 26, 2009 7:57:28 GMT -5
Post by Morph on Mar 26, 2009 7:57:28 GMT -5
Im sorry if this post offends or criticizes the site in any way. As long as it is constructive criticism, I don't mind. A lot of those really active sites I have seen actually look just as basic as Project Epsilon, some of them even more actually. The ones with a lot of coding pumped into them are typically the ones that aren't all that big, but appear moderately (though not very) active. It mostly depends on what good the staff is at coding. Lemme let you in on a secret: I'm not very good at coding. Whilst it perhaps has the potential to be big, I don't thing it has the potential to be humongous. That's usually the way it goes with original ideas. The really big RP boards ride on a large fanbase, like Naruto, The Legend of Zelda or Harry Potter. Some of these suggestions are good (and likely already thought of before), some a little less. Whilst coding might add to the overall appeal, it might also distract one if it isn't done right--hence why we haven't done so yet, we can't do it right (yet). Board descriptions are being worked on to increase the detail we put into this fine piece of work here. New skins would be great, but currently we don't have a great and active graphics mod. Teej was fair at it, but he called it quits. An advertising contest might help, but since Project Epsilon is an original and fairly complicated story, it would require the new folks that would come in to read in on things a bit--which will undoubtedly drive off some people. (I should know, I've handed out links from time to time to people who thought the basic set-up sounded interesting; two of those people joined up, never to return after the first go.) What truly is needed rather than new folks, is the old folks getting up and active. :/ Hmmhmmm. I also really liked Newgrounds phrase "Everything for everyone", that might also be applicable. Except it wouldn't truly be everyone. (Whether it would be everything is a matter of debate.)
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Glacierman
Succubus
Twilight Extroidonaire
Posts: 472
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Remodel
Mar 26, 2009 10:40:32 GMT -5
Post by Glacierman on Mar 26, 2009 10:40:32 GMT -5
Im not so much a fan of quote replying myself so I dont do it. Luv ur suzaku avi btw.
Many sites Ive seen that were fan based were quite pumped up with codes as u say yet quite active. But still though a good skin can catch a good eye.
I believe you've told me already your not great with codes, but its morely copying and pasting into headers/footers. I can help if you'd like. I know many great codes. Theres a cool one that puts mini profiles on the right of a post, or above. You should stick to right with that enlarged avi.
But true, this forum is some what more for people who know what theyre doing AKA experianced rpers. Why not just say it? Many forums have labels saying if theyre a beginer,intermediate or advanced rpg. Just say that this one is intermediate-advanced.
But either way, whatever we plan to do. Im just glad to help.
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Remodel
Mar 26, 2009 17:59:16 GMT -5
Post by Ribitta on Mar 26, 2009 17:59:16 GMT -5
I've looked through all those codes, Glacier. All the hacks, the add-ins, the format-changers. If you want a more complicated skin look at Perfect Mistake, it uses a bit more coding but people here thought it was too dark for the main skin. I know how to use the codes, how to add them in, etc, I've used a few codes that are a little more subtle as well.
The fact of the matter is though, is that Project Epsilon will never thrive simply through advertising on forums. We'll get people that we want via invitation. The plot-line is too in-depth and the community to locked to ever hope to have some 30 or 40 active roleplayers with 1000 people registered on the website.
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Glacierman
Succubus
Twilight Extroidonaire
Posts: 472
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Remodel
Mar 26, 2009 18:09:15 GMT -5
Post by Glacierman on Mar 26, 2009 18:09:15 GMT -5
I am actuallu on that skin now. been on it for about twenty minutes before upsted that. weird coincidence. but ok.
Its a bit sad this site wont get that many members. I have hought about it. But if the site tries to act like its achieving that activity who knows? maybe th site will get around 20 members or maybe abit more.
But unless you try you never know. that what I think.
Also regardning the skin. yes it is. 333333 isnt usally used for boards, you should try 262626, i think the 262626 color code might be abit better for that particular skin.
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Mar 27, 2009 23:36:29 GMT -5
Post by Evil McBadGuy on Mar 27, 2009 23:36:29 GMT -5
...What would any of those do except make the site look complicated?
No. I'm sure it'd be too much of a hassle, not to mention it ties in with the above.
...
So promote some giddy little prize that will do nothing in order to promote not role-playing on a roleplaying site. Genius.
Again, tie in with above. But basically in this you're saying, "GO TO A FORUM AND SPAM ADS! THAT WILL RAISE OUR COUNT INDEED! COUNT IS EVERYTHING!"
How in the hell is that helpful?
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Glacierman
Succubus
Twilight Extroidonaire
Posts: 472
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Remodel
Mar 28, 2009 13:55:13 GMT -5
Post by Glacierman on Mar 28, 2009 13:55:13 GMT -5
...What would any of those do except make the site look complicated? No. I'm sure it'd be too much of a hassle, not to mention it ties in with the above. ... So promote some giddy little prize that will do nothing in order to promote not role-playing on a roleplaying site. Genius. Again, tie in with above. But basically in this you're saying, "GO TO A FORUM AND SPAM ADS! THAT WILL RAISE OUR COUNT INDEED! COUNT IS EVERYTHING!" How in the hell is that helpful? Please bear with me. Im not the best at quoting. But everything is in order if that helps. Evil McBadGuy I disagree on your points of thought. skinFirst of all skins are only complicate to the lazy site admins. Theyre quite simple. There was a proven marketing study. Certian colors discouraged people from buying certian products. The right color for the right profuct. You cant have a tacky baby barf green color box selling cookies. The cooler or more improved merchandise images make many. Which is why companies upgrade their looks. The more flashy or improved products show many different qualities. But in short the more impressive the more people will consider it. Image is as important as the product itself. In this case the product is the forum the image the skin. If colors clash, or look bad people wont be interested. Ive asked tons of people. Many have said they dont care what type of forum it is no matter how interesting the rp. The would rather be in a cool site with graphic sense than a bland ot ugly one. It might not seem like much. But a skin helps grab curiousity to look around. BoardsBoard remodel codes are existant to make them look different. Ive seen many cool looking places wth a board code. Plus it help if the board has better descriptive instead of being vague. ContestsContest could be anything. They can be graphic contests,poetry contests, even rp contests like who gets the most posts in a certian time. They may not all be rp related. But its fresh material. Its a proven fact people lose interest if they only do the same thing over and over repeatidly. Contest such as these a nice refreshing break from the cycle known as role playing AdvertisingAdvertising as in going to other forums and posting a thread with the forums plot. Its legal, its allowed and this forum even encourages other plaes to advertise here. Its not spame its a professional way to spread the word. Many forums with over 500 members and around 40 active members still advetise their forum and recieve other advertisements. forum sweepForums who dont every now and then put super old topics away makes them look bad. Think of it as buying a housea house. Would you rather live in the nice clean organized house or go to the house with stained walls, trash every where and mold. I mean for crying out loud you have 2007 threads still out in the open. People will resent this fact discouraging conclusionBut in final regard. Im glad this topic is being discussed. Wheither you agree or not. Ribitta and Evil McBadGuy did do the right thing by looking at the flaws. When making descisions like these both good and part points must be looked at. But I believe if the good out weighs the bad an initiative must take place. This thread is proof enough to know that I believe the good of any possible results are better then the bad. I do apologize for all typos. My typing skills seem to have taken a turn for the worst lately.
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Mar 28, 2009 14:16:09 GMT -5
Post by Evil McBadGuy on Mar 28, 2009 14:16:09 GMT -5
But I'm not the admin.
Prove it.
Yes, if they're idiots.
What the heck's a profuct?
Except the girl scouts do that all the time, yet still make sales.
No, smart people go for how good it works, not how good it looks.
No it isn't.
I didn't realise it was for sale.
Unless they're smart, then they'll atleast look around first.
I doubt so many people would speak with you.
Good. Idiots like that don't need to be around here anyway.
Not really.
A-duh.
Codes =/= Better description
So spam contests, what a nice idea.
Except the key is to keep having interesting things WITHIN the roleplaying.
Obviously you didn't understand what I said too well.
No they don't.
Except it isn't. But okay, I'll play along.
The latter, so that I can clean it up, know the history, bend the place the way I see fit, and it gives me something to do. Just because something looks clean on the outside doesn't mean it is on the inside.
No they won't. Old threads show the history of the place, as well as show the style of the roleplayers, and show that yes, this site has had activity, sort of like your house deal! Just because you're a dumbass doesn't mean everyone else is.
Suck up.
Except what you determine as "good" is different than what others do.
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Glacierman
Succubus
Twilight Extroidonaire
Posts: 472
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Remodel
Mar 28, 2009 15:25:24 GMT -5
Post by Glacierman on Mar 28, 2009 15:25:24 GMT -5
Why must you turn this into a fight and make me look bad. Im doing this as politely and helpful as I can. I also apologized for my typing, its quite nice to insult others who are being nice.
First of all. I do realize if people merely buy on looks its not smart. However I never said it was the best thing to do to get people to lok around. I merely made an example. Besides, I said the more impressive a product the more they consider buying it. I never said that the looks alone would do the job. Which is why I suggested other things as well. Looks will help thats all im saying.
Furthermore I believe you have had absolutely zero administrative experiance. Based upon the comments youve made. Either that or you lack the proper skills Evil McBadGuy. Ive been gone for quite some time and have learned many things. But mind you, Im merely trying to help using what I know. Not trying to act like a hotshot. If I was trying to act the best and entirely different would have been taken upon this matter.
Im not fighting in a matter such as this. Even if I was I wouldnt fight with a person I believe is wrongly suited to deal with these kind of matters. This is morely addressed to staff. Of course your free to put your opinions. I cant stop you nor do I wish to.
But please do not continue this any more. Im simply wanting to help a site that basically started my life ole playing. Every site ive been a member/mod/admin at. Its thanks to this site that helped me mature more than I first realized. Im only wanting to return the favor.
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Mar 28, 2009 15:35:16 GMT -5
Post by Evil McBadGuy on Mar 28, 2009 15:35:16 GMT -5
Yeah you did, basically.
Except you pretty much did.
Yet another place where you're wrong.
Apparently that's not much then.
Except you just did.
Too late.
Please don't put that shame on us.
Prove it.
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Glacierman
Succubus
Twilight Extroidonaire
Posts: 472
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Remodel
Mar 28, 2009 15:46:02 GMT -5
Post by Glacierman on Mar 28, 2009 15:46:02 GMT -5
Ive nothing to say more to you Evil McBadGuy on this matter. You cant force somebody to change theyre opinions.Unless by mass torture or hypnotism of some kind. Both immorally wrong btw.
I believe in what I believe and thats what matters to me.
But in pressing matters Morph, Ribitta other members. Although Evil McBadGuy has shown to me that I stated my points in the wrong way. Does anybody else believe the same as me? Or agree on what I've been saying.
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Remodel
Mar 28, 2009 15:50:48 GMT -5
Post by Evil McBadGuy on Mar 28, 2009 15:50:48 GMT -5
But you just did.
Because I was totally trying to.
Really? Never noticed.
Except people volunteer for hypnotism. As for torture, depends on the kind...
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Remodel
Mar 28, 2009 18:50:19 GMT -5
Post by Great Saiyaman on Mar 28, 2009 18:50:19 GMT -5
I have a strong urge to put all of this in the Quotes thread. I'm laughing too hard.
Honestly though? We're fine. The skin is kick ass as it is and old topics show the history, as DS said. Sure, to some people, a new looking place is what they prefer but we're such a small community that feeling could still be there.
And spamming other places as advertisements? Honestly, its a good idea in theory, but a prize shouldn't be given out. That's like saying to ring on as many door bells you can and you get a hug. Then followed by being chewed out by the sites who maybe were a bit pissed you bothered 'em. Not many will, but the concept is still there.
If we want to get so many people so bad we should be able to to it on our own will with no strings attached. Besides, what if people start coming just for the prizes? Just to look good? In the end that'll make us look even worse.
Also, coding. While in theory its a good idea, and maybe it won't hurt, but its not as great as you seem to claim. Like I said, we're fine. Not every site has a bunch of codes, in fact some have even less then us. No chat box for example. They do fine without and so can we.
But, BUT, but...At the risk of seeming like a hypocrite, I am willing to say that a remodel wouldn't hurt, but I doubt the results will be that substantial. It may end up being more work than its worth.
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Remodel
Mar 28, 2009 22:39:49 GMT -5
Post by BD on Mar 28, 2009 22:39:49 GMT -5
DS, Knock it off.
Now, with as much prejudice as i've had towards Glacier before; this is the first time i've actually been able to take him seriously. Do I think the suggestion has problems? Yes, it does, but you don't need to pick a fight with him on this. You made your points and criticisms; let him make his; you don't need to treat this like he's insulting you intelligence when he's just trying to help. Hell, that's like me kicking my 5-year old sister in the teeth just because I don't want her help with something like raking leaves. If you want to explain why you think someone's ideas are wrong, them do it maturely and respect that you can't change their opinion, but state your own without imposing it on them. That's etiquette 101 on and off-line. Personally, I do agree with your thinking on this. The problem here is that you took a page out of my old book and went for the throat when it was completely unnecessary. If you think you're doing us a favor; you're not; it's a suggestion board; he's not telling us what to do; he's giving an opinion.
That said, Glacier, here's my opinions on this.
Remodeling appearances and descriptions- Honestly, I don't think anyone is going to register here just on visual appeal. To be blunt, anyone who requires some strange coding to keep their interest on a site doesn't have the mental capacity to understand the depth of roleplay that goes on here. While the site could be a little prettier, it's in order now; and with the level of immersion we have in the roleplay here, re-organizing the boards is practically suicide with all that we have here. The base way works best for now. Until someone can show me a coherent way to remodel this that could improve the clarity of the board, my vote to this would be against.
Advertising- i've done this for the site myself multiple times; we haven't gained anyone from it. While the idea that it could bring people here, the odds of most of them staying aren't as high as with a site that requires very little backstory to become involved. Here you really have to understand the entire history of Ymaggion to comprehend anything that goes one. Compared to 6 months ago, we've gained steam anyways, and things are looking up for now. However, I would like to note that contests are a flawed idea; what the hell do we raffle, clip art? This gets a no too.
Forum Sweep- Can't happen; we need those topics; they're backstory. Again, people need to understand what's happened in the past. No one is going to want to wade through the bin to find the few highly important topics among a sea of SPAM and not as important topics. This would get a no vote too.
Now just so i'm clear; i'm not trying to discourage you. I appreciate the maturity and the helpfulness, and I do commend you for making an effort, but Epsilon is a whole different breed of animal than an average RP. Normal ideas don't function here.
Now that i've said that, i'm going to make one thing clear. No more fights. Everyone chill out. I'm going to lock this, and this had better be a one-time deal. Now everyone take a deep breath; the fight's over; move along.
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Mar 29, 2009 0:32:05 GMT -5
Post by Ribitta on Mar 29, 2009 0:32:05 GMT -5
Well said, Dranzer. This has obviously been read by all the staff and discussed inwarldy and outwardly, so I'm going to lock this.
I think we've all said our piece.
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