Johnny Rockets wrote:I see your point.
My position is is that you need to identify if the problem lies within the site, or not.
Problems within require adjustment while problems without require development.
The data required is serious feedback from the membership ( ..and not the minority that post)via an emailed questionnaire with an incentive provided to participate. This of course needs to implemented by the site admin, but we as members could contribute to the framework of the questionnaire/survey to ensure the proper questions are being asked.
I don't believe there is any withheld data that would be useful other than premium membership purchases and renewals, but considering that pegs down an accurate picture of site revenue I doubt that would be released. This is unfortunate, as it would point out IF there is a true problem here. I have heard of complaints that the forum is getting pretty stale, but for those of us that come for the game play this is not a huge concern. I'm not having any issues with filling or finding games, so in truth the overall question is: Is this decline in numbers impacting the enjoyment of the site.
A larger community does not always translate into a better community. If we had more numbers before the demise of flame wars for example, the absence of a few scores of juvenile vulgarity posters might improve the overall image of the site. This may draw more of the Christian crowd which seems to have a significant population here, or ease parents minds when they have their 12 and 13 year old's playing along side them. This could be beneficial depending on which group has a higher % history of premium purchases. Just an example.
In short, it's data that you need to confirm that a problem even exists. Due to the "Lack" of concern from the top, it is a solid position to debate that there may not be a crisis of decline.
You need to ponder this: Who would the owner/developer has put in 100's of hours programming in a dozen new features and upgrades over the last 2 years, ( one every 60 days...) but has not bothered to invest any time or resources into any marketing, advertisement, cross promotions, or increased referral incentives?
Answer: He is either very poor at managing his business priorities, or the perceived problem is not as large as you may think, if it's a problem at all.
I had a feeling we could see eye to eye with a little softening from both sides. I completely agree that some method of data collection would be immensely useful. The enactment of such a thing would be an affirmation of your theory and I would respectfully retract my suspicions/distrust of the owner if this came to pass. I did, believe it or not, consider the prospect of surveys that would pop up from time to time to paying(and non-paying) members to gain feedback. I would gladly fill one of these out once a month and I don't think most serious members would object. It's a good cause and it has the dual purpose of suggesting that someone cares what we all think and is minding the ship. Just good business, right?
I agree that lack of freshness on the forums is not necessarily a cause for decline but I'm suggesting it could be a symptom that warrants investigation in other areas. I am the last person to support flame wars and I don't even count them as forum activity, much less boosting overall membership/site enjoyment.
Johnny Rockets wrote:
The Big Frustration:
I think Lack falls short in addressing the memberships concerns on issues like this. Getting some notion of reassurance and direction would help dispel the negativity that abounds when it's perceived we are on a rudderless ship.
This is all I am really addressing. If the site is going to be fine and issues are being dealt with accordingly to ensure, within reason, that CC's future is secure then a simple memo from time to time would be nice.
Cheers,
-FT