Creating a better, closer knit, community
Suggestions?
Saturday, November 19, 2005 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
One thing that I think would be good for our community would be to encourage people to interact more together.
Right now, roughly 3,000 people visit this site more than 20 times a day. I would say that's the hub of our "hard-core" community.
I'm not looking to increase that #. What I want to do is find ways to encourage more of those 3,000 to interact on the site. To make comments on skins, forum posts, articles, and news items and interact on things like the map community we set up.
What do you think can be done to encourage that?
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CaptainWin
Reply #62 Sunday, November 20, 2005 6:25 PM
Reply #62 Sunday, November 20, 2005 6:25 PM
I am an Object Desktop and Wincustomise subscriber. Have been for quite awhile. I am not one of those who visit 20 plus times a day as I do not have the time. I do visit several times a day to peruse the forums, read the news, check to see what new skins there are, and on occasion, when I have a problem, post to one of the forums. I never make comments concerning skins, either pro or con, as I feel that in either case it is my own personal tastes and bias that would be reflected. I download those I like, and skip the ones I do not. I feel that this is a comment in and of itself. I would like to see some changes made and agree with some of the comments previously proferred, such as, sending an email to newbies with information on the site, and a better search engine. I would also suggest a new forum category in which people can post suggestions or requests to, such as a specific theme or skin. I see so many request/suggestions through out the forums that are posted and go
unanswered. Maybe, with a specific spot to post to, there would be a better chance of someone posting an answer. Finally, and this applies only to myself, but maybe others, I do feel somewhat intimidated in replying to someone elses posts as it does seem, true or not, that it is a bit "clicky" here as Citizen starkers stated. I hope no one takes offense to that. One thing that keeps me coming back to the forums is the good advice on solving problems and I love the fact that Stardock has one of its own, Milksama, who constantly reads and replies to what is posted. I can not think of another forum site for programs that I have bought that does that!
unanswered. Maybe, with a specific spot to post to, there would be a better chance of someone posting an answer. Finally, and this applies only to myself, but maybe others, I do feel somewhat intimidated in replying to someone elses posts as it does seem, true or not, that it is a bit "clicky" here as Citizen starkers stated. I hope no one takes offense to that. One thing that keeps me coming back to the forums is the good advice on solving problems and I love the fact that Stardock has one of its own, Milksama, who constantly reads and replies to what is posted. I can not think of another forum site for programs that I have bought that does that!
Cyberworld
Reply #63 Sunday, November 20, 2005 7:23 PM
I think General Forum is just fine on this. Over the years i've seen many requests and suggestions being answered...
Reply #63 Sunday, November 20, 2005 7:23 PM
| I would also suggest a new forum category in which people can post suggestions or requests to, such as a specific theme or skin. I see so many request/suggestions through out the forums that are posted and go unanswered. |
I think General Forum is just fine on this. Over the years i've seen many requests and suggestions being answered...
Lantec
Reply #64 Sunday, November 20, 2005 7:34 PM
I didn't take offense.......
I had the same feeling for a long time. Back when the site had no subscription, I lurked through the boards for quite a while trying to see if or where I was comfortable posting. The hard part was seeing that so many seemed to have so much history together that I felt like a real outsider. What I found out after only a few tries was that with a few exceptions everyone here was helpful and open to my opinions.
What will happen (over time) is you'll see names of people who your comfortable posting after or replying to and the more you interact at that level the more people will be added to your "list" unitl the comfort level is so that you don't mind responding to people you don't "know". I've noticed some people prefer posting skin comments while others (like myself) feel comfortable on the forums, and still others do the IRC thing. To put it in nautical terms whatever floats your boat.
Having said all that...what does sometimes happen is attacks on the community/skinning/products can result in torches being lit amongst those that frequent here.
Reply #64 Sunday, November 20, 2005 7:34 PM
| I do feel somewhat intimidated in replying to someone elses posts as it does seem, true or not, that it is a bit "clicky" |
I didn't take offense.......
I had the same feeling for a long time. Back when the site had no subscription, I lurked through the boards for quite a while trying to see if or where I was comfortable posting. The hard part was seeing that so many seemed to have so much history together that I felt like a real outsider. What I found out after only a few tries was that with a few exceptions everyone here was helpful and open to my opinions.
What will happen (over time) is you'll see names of people who your comfortable posting after or replying to and the more you interact at that level the more people will be added to your "list" unitl the comfort level is so that you don't mind responding to people you don't "know". I've noticed some people prefer posting skin comments while others (like myself) feel comfortable on the forums, and still others do the IRC thing. To put it in nautical terms whatever floats your boat.
Having said all that...what does sometimes happen is attacks on the community/skinning/products can result in torches being lit amongst those that frequent here.
Jafo
Reply #65 Sunday, November 20, 2005 7:45 PM
Reply #65 Sunday, November 20, 2005 7:45 PM
| The hard part was seeing that so many seemed to have so much history together that I felt like a real outsider. |
I can still remember that....back on skinz.org, before Wincusto was started....and the 'so much history' was probably little more than a few months, whereas now there's 'history' that can go back 6 or 7 years...so the feeling of being an 'outsider' may now be even more profound.
That's something that each and every one of the 'old-timers' needs to be consciously aware of...and to make a point of welcoming the new 'names'...
NightTrainthedark
Reply #66 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 6:21 AM
Reply #66 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 6:21 AM
It was about a year before I started using the forums. There was definately a group feeling and I didn't want to be an intruder. After awhile I started to feel like I knew what was going on and could add to a conversation. I am sure there are many newbies that feel the same way.
What happens is...they want to get involved so they start threads to be involved. Then people sort of flame them for rehashing an old topic. Flaming is a strong word but it sort of fits. Someone always comments about how the topic was discussed previously. Well sorry to say that, that person wasn't around for that thread. If they revive an old thread then they get flamed for reviving it.
It is kind of a damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Only Administrators and Moderators should be policing the forums. Otherwise it is anarchy and that is the 100% opposite of community.
What happens is...they want to get involved so they start threads to be involved. Then people sort of flame them for rehashing an old topic. Flaming is a strong word but it sort of fits. Someone always comments about how the topic was discussed previously. Well sorry to say that, that person wasn't around for that thread. If they revive an old thread then they get flamed for reviving it.
It is kind of a damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Only Administrators and Moderators should be policing the forums. Otherwise it is anarchy and that is the 100% opposite of community.
WOM
Reply #67 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 7:34 AM
Reply #67 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 7:34 AM
We used to have a closer knit community years ago. From looking at this thread, and not counting some of the Wizops, I only see one old timer commenting on this thread. Its mostly the newer members that comment and of those, they usually are bitching most of the time. I for one am tired of commenting on those threads that do nothing but bitch, and I generally don't even open threads that are started by those that do most of the pointless bitching. Why bother, nothing is going to help them see the light.
I've said this a couple years ago......Post like you was talking to your parents..........and if thats not good enough.......Post like you were talking face to face with someone that was 100 pds heavier than you.......
If you can't understand that, Oh well.
Be nice, have fun.
I've said this a couple years ago......Post like you was talking to your parents..........and if thats not good enough.......Post like you were talking face to face with someone that was 100 pds heavier than you.......
If you can't understand that, Oh well.
Be nice, have fun.
jebro
Reply #68 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 8:43 AM
Reply #68 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 8:43 AM
Technology developes, and so does the bitches.
I will just be nice, I hope.
I will just be nice, I hope.
Cynder-Elluh
Reply #69 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 8:48 AM
very well said!!!!!
Reply #69 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 8:48 AM
| I for one am tired of commenting on those threads that do nothing but bitch, and I generally don't even open threads that are started by those that do most of the pointless bitching. Why bother, nothing is going to help them see the light. |
very well said!!!!!
Sleeping Dragon
Reply #70 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 10:03 AM
Some of them may just need a comment or two in order to understand the way things are done. Most dissension comes from misunderstandings
Reply #70 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 10:03 AM
| Why bother, nothing is going to help them see the light |
Some of them may just need a comment or two in order to understand the way things are done. Most dissension comes from misunderstandings
aimzzz
Reply #71 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 10:43 AM
Reply #71 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 10:43 AM
#70
It's true in alot of cases. People tend to get defensive if they feel criticized (whether true or not)-- especially if several peeps pile on.
Often a kind word and some understanding can turn things around. Some can't be reached, but many can...
It's true in alot of cases. People tend to get defensive if they feel criticized (whether true or not)-- especially if several peeps pile on.
Often a kind word and some understanding can turn things around. Some can't be reached, but many can...
Cyberworld
Reply #72 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 1:42 PM
Sad,but true. Automatic defence flame-thrower is the usual favourite weapon against all in attach!
Reply #72 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 1:42 PM
| It's true in alot of cases. People tend to get defensive if they feel criticized |
Sad,but true. Automatic defence flame-thrower is the usual favourite weapon against all in attach!
scorpio-logic
Reply #73 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 2:24 PM
...and a Master at Jeet Kun Do...
Isn't there a way to move these threads to where the old thread was? I have posted in REALLY old threads, just to see if anyone is reading...
On WOM's comments: I see where you come from. I was going through DX themes earlier today and ran across comments posted that were rather derogatory. "This is sh!t" was one of them. How is it that this comment remains after 2 or three years? Shouldn't it be removed, and an edit note placed in its stead by an admin? If people know that they can and will be censored for inappropriate commenting, might that not make peeps think twice of what they say?
I have posted comments to WB skins in which the skin was well build, I thought, but some other aspect was not to my liking (such as a bright orange theme color which hurts my eyes.)
I like the idea of mods checking out comments, but still seems like a lot of work.
Reply #73 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 2:24 PM
| Post like you were talking face to face with someone that was 100 pds heavier than you....... |
...and a Master at Jeet Kun Do...
| ...they want to get involved so they start threads to be involved. Then people sort of flame them for rehashing an old thread |
Isn't there a way to move these threads to where the old thread was? I have posted in REALLY old threads, just to see if anyone is reading...
On WOM's comments: I see where you come from. I was going through DX themes earlier today and ran across comments posted that were rather derogatory. "This is sh!t" was one of them. How is it that this comment remains after 2 or three years? Shouldn't it be removed, and an edit note placed in its stead by an admin? If people know that they can and will be censored for inappropriate commenting, might that not make peeps think twice of what they say?
I have posted comments to WB skins in which the skin was well build, I thought, but some other aspect was not to my liking (such as a bright orange theme color which hurts my eyes.)
I like the idea of mods checking out comments, but still seems like a lot of work.
Chef Garry
Reply #74 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 2:29 PM
Reply #74 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 2:29 PM
I can't say for a lot of others but for myself, I only post when I think I have something worthwhile to contribute. That means not too often. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy the community nor do I feel I'm not part of it.
As others have stated, points for comments can easily lead to posting drivel just to get the count up. I'd rather not see that.
That doesn't mean I don't enjoy the community nor do I feel I'm not part of it.As others have stated, points for comments can easily lead to posting drivel just to get the count up. I'd rather not see that.
scorpio-logic
Reply #75 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 2:39 PM
Reply #75 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 2:39 PM
I post a comment because I think that if I download a skin, I try it, the author deserves my input whether or not it is positive or negative. 
jebro
Reply #76 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 3:01 PM
Reply #76 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 3:01 PM
My comment looks kind of weird.
I was refering to WOM and "bichie comments."
Sorry, for my bad english and how it comes out in a strange way, sometimes.
Technology developes and so does the bitchie comments.
Correctly?
I was refering to WOM and "bichie comments."
Sorry, for my bad english and how it comes out in a strange way, sometimes.
Technology developes and so does the bitchie comments.
Correctly?
Old_Crab
Reply #79 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 4:47 PM
Reply #79 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 4:47 PM
Old Crab used to tell tales from his small farming community. However, someone said that they were a waste of bandwidth. 
scorpio-logic
Reply #80 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 5:07 PM
Reply #80 Tuesday, November 22, 2005 5:07 PM
Old Crab: Ignore those posts. They obviously have something else they are upset about, sometimes just living is enough is enough to give them a wedgie to complain about. Some people just wear their butts on their foreheads, and like to show others right where it is. These folks have issues they need to discuss with a good therapist. Ranting seems to be the norm in today's world, thanks to Dennis Miller, Bill Mauer, Bill O'Reilly and others. Ranting is what it is. Add to it, or just float around it. Don't feed these poeple's fire by showing that you are affected. They won't afford you respect to use the bandwidth provided, don't serve them any respect by commenting on what they say or by taking anything said as personal. Joke em if they can't take a f***! My granddad died at 96, he said a good sense of humor is how he survived. If they want to rant, they should get a blog and then rant all they want.
Old Crab, if you got stories and you can TELL a good story, I'll read...
My 2 cents, thanks for reading. Happy Skinning!!!
Old Crab, if you got stories and you can TELL a good story, I'll read...
My 2 cents, thanks for reading. Happy Skinning!!!
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Reply #61 Sunday, November 20, 2005 5:35 PM
I think making it a different color would definitely be a good thing to draw attention to it, but personally I find flashing objects too often like ads on a site -- they get my attention all right, but after a little while they tend to get annoying, at least to me.