Frogboy Frogboy

Creating a better, closer knit, community

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Creating a better, closer knit, community

Suggestions?

from WinCustomize Forums

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?

24,502 views 99 replies
Reply #26 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I know he is here, why not let him off his leash?
Reply #27 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Can certain people view their ratings and know who gave them what? I have been a member for about two months and have not left comments or rated any skins. The reason I have been hesitant to do so is because the very first thread that I participated in took a turn for the worse. There was a lot of animosity over ratings that were given and then what appeared to be a low rating given in return as retaliation. It didn't look like something I wanted to get involved in, especially since I plan to submit some work of my own in the future.
Ashes of the Singularity II
Reply #28 from WinCustomize Forums Top
canmandeco, I suggest that you rate only after you download and try out the item. Then be sure to leave a comment to let the skinner know he did a good job or why you think it could have been better. Some don't take criticism well others do.

There have been and still are those who rate something based soley on the screenshot and not on actual use. This may work for wallpapers but it's hardly fair for something as complicated as a Windowblind.
Reply #29 from WinCustomize Forums Top

canmandeco, I suggest that you rate only after you download and try out the item. Then be sure to leave a comment to let the skinner know he did a good job or why you think it could have been better.


This is so key. Well said, Lantec.
Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Double Zero:

As for the "Point system" I really dont know if I like this idea..It does seem as if it will just open the door to mostly nonsense just to get points, or "Spam" if you will... It will end up to be an all out "Popularity Contest"


I agree. People do not need to be rewarded with "points " for commenting...I comment because I want to, not because I get "points"
I read most of the Forums pages but try to not say too much. A big percentage of the Forum posters rarely venture out of the forum.

Jafo: Example....one unobscured screenshot wall?....3 uploads and a grand total of 8 emails to and fro. Total time expenditure? 'Lots'. Value in the real world pertaining to this site? 'Insignificant'


Do you really believe that is insignificant ?
Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I am having display problems so I apologize if someone commented on this before (it's really hard to read much here right now).

I have often wondered if most people know that these forums are available for a lot of things and a lot of levels of user, from novice to geek.  Perhaps you could find a way to let people know more about the forum when they register.  Perhaps you could find a way to link people to interesting or technical or fun posts on the forums, maybe even in the magazines.  I have found that it is easy for people not to go to a forum the first time, either because the don't know that the forum exists or that it is more than just a technical support type of thing.

Another thing that I have found that draws people in is if there is a section that they can deposit a link of their own, in case they have a blog or a site.  That is a way to link people to the forum by advertising its availability, to get their interest to click the link to come on in and check it out, and to come back and maybe even show their friends.  Once they are in and have posted once or twice they usually look around.

We had a link thread on the old site, but if there was another message board (and I know we maybe have too many boards already) where people could have one whole thread to themselves, that might really make them motivated to check in and to return for maintenance.  It could be the beginning of getting involved.

Reply #32 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As far as skin comments, I think that if authors were to give more information on the 'description' box about their design people will respond more. I found that I get more comments when I type a bit more on the skin's description than when I just type 'Enjoy it' or 'I hope you all like it'
Also, when authors follow up on the comments given to their work more people seem to comment as oppose to those that never/hardly reply to comments given to them.

I might be wrong but I think there is a comment point system in practice and If I recall there was an issue a while ago about some users that went crazy filling every skin on the galleries with one word comments (Nice, Cool, Great, Awesome, etc) in search of higher comment points. This might be a good method to get more people to comment, but try to be a bit more articulate when commenting.

The message boards are pretty much active but if there were more posts with interesting topics the present numbers will definitely increase.
More advertising about the IRC channel will help too. People seem to interact better in chat rooms and this can be a way to direct users back to the forums and posted work.

Just my 0.2¢
Reply #33 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The reason I have been hesitant to do so is because the very first thread that I participated in took a turn for the worse. There was a lot of animosity over ratings that were given and then what appeared to be a low rating given in return as retaliation. It didn't look like something I wanted to get involved in, especially since I plan to submit some work of my own in the future.


You werent the only one that found that disturbing. I read it all. I did not comment.

I recently saw a new skin recieve the old " nice but not a skin i'd use" So how do you know its nice of you never downloaded it to begin with. I download , try it out and then comment. If its not something I'll use, I might delete it or save it on a disk. Guess you can't force people to download something before commenting, but would be the proper way.
Reply #34 from WinCustomize Forums Top
if there were more posts with interesting topics

The problem here is that it's hard to know what's interesting. Timely news is a given but what else qualifies? I can think of 2 posts in the last month or so that were so completely ordinary but ended up being very active for strage reasons. The first was the post where someone was asking what people thought of his photo, which was missing from the post. That was a great "community" thread (shame much of it was lost in the crash) another is the Shutdown post still showing currently. Due to an odd choice of words, it has gotten a lot of attention. It's not that I disagree, it's just not something you can easily point to and say more of that would help.
Reply #35 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I am glad someone else found that disturbing. Unfortunately that was my first impression. Since then I have seen some really good things being said and done. I will start commenting going forward. And I will make sure I have been using the skin and that it is a comment worth reading and not just one word.
Reply #36 from WinCustomize Forums Top
canmandeco, if haven't already, there's a thread in this section for new subscriber intro's It's probably about 24 hours old right now. I'd usually give it a bump being it's Saturday but, if you don't mind introducing yourself you'll save me the bump.
Reply #37 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Do you really believe that is insignificant ?

fairyy ....it's insignificant when considered within a site of this magnitude...and the numbers of works/screenies submitted daily.....it is, however 'significant' when considered on an individual basis...the fact an admin and a site contributor spent so much of each other's time on just one thing...but the result was/is that another member's wall image was not compromised.

A site moderator's role is primarily to nurture general goodwill and quell the odd flame of insurrection, and whilst doing, also protect the skinners'/artists' property rights....and treat everyone equally/fairly.  Usually that results in the odd nose or two being put out of joint...but ultimately things work themselves out.

canmandeco's mention of that thread was/is noteworthy...as it was less than a stellar example of good behaviour...but not everything is controllable....it's a fine line between diplomacy and autocracy...

As for the 'New Subscriber Intro' thread....there's a cure to bouncing....

Reply #38 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks Jafo
Reply #39 from WinCustomize Forums Top
In my view, Members abilities should be used more effectively. We have a good number of talented members. They could have been used for betterment of community. A few suggestions (Please Don't beat me on them):

1. Why not build moderator ring for forum and/or skin approval. One senior mod along with two Junior mods, one from "Masters" group and One from "JourneyMen" group. For example, MikeB (Milksama) would be given two assitants who will help him. In the same other senior mods would be given assistants.

2. Almost 80% of the skin comments are like: Welldone, I like it, good work etc etc. For such comments, there should be THANK YOU button and a bot user can be associated with it, saying That much users have said Thank You.

3. A PM / Personal Note System would be blessing.

4. Like JAFO said; "Access Level Listing" should be there containing who are Mods, how many "Masters" are there, Who is a "JourneyMan", What "Master Apprentices" we have.

5. In forums, a new column "The last post by ...." would be nice addition.

And last but not least, this our home ... if don't care of it no-one would ever do. Have fun and keep skinning
Reply #40 from WinCustomize Forums Top

THE LURKERS are the ones you want to draw in. They come here often read the posts and maybe occasionally post a reply and even more rarely start a thread. I hate to look down the list and see a thread with 0 replies. That's gonna keep someone from posting again if their not used to it.


This is so true! I'm sure there are quite a few who would comment and post threads if there were a greater participation and acknowledgement....acceptance, if you will, from the wider community. During my time here, I've seen many 0 reply (minimal reply) threads with names/nicks I didn't recognise, so I presume relative newcomers, only to never see these people post or reply again.

Generally speaking, there's a couple of dozen or so people who participate regularly in a wide variety of threads and topics, but not all, due to varying interests, etc, so some threads receive little or no attention whatsoever, leaving some authors feeling like, "why did I bother?"

The forums are here to give us all a voice and to be heard, to learn from and respond to, but it's not a tool we all use too well at times. So if you have a fair comment, make it...if you have a news item, post it...and if you're interested in something, respond, reply, acknowledge it.

Also, IMHO, some threads die prematurely, coming to an abrupt end when it seems more could or should be said to more satisfactorily conclude them.
Reply #41 from WinCustomize Forums Top
One thing I have noticed, and this mostly from "Regulars" on these boards, but im sure it isnt confined to just those specific "posters"

Many different ideas and/or opinions from people either begin or end with "Please dont flame me" or "Go easy on me" etc, etc..

If people feel like they are going to get "Flamed, bashed, ridiculed" for having a different opinion, or not agreeing with something they will be less inclined to say a word at all.

Try being a little less sensitive to someone elses opposite point of view, just because they dont agree does not mean they are flaming you, and it does not make your own opinion/idea/point of view any less important either.. Sometimes it can develop into interesting conversation instead of a "Flame-Fest"

Granted, there are a few bad apples out there that just dont have any "tact" what-so-ever.. They cannot seem to accept that perhaps someone disagrees with them, and yes, "flaming" begins..

Jafo and the others do a pretty decent job at interviening when it gets to that point, and unfortunately with the multitude of personalities on this site these things are going to happen, if for no other reason that simple "misunderstanding"

A little patience, understanding and a little less on the "Defense" may loosen up the community a bit and bring people a little closer...

Just a few of my own observations...
Reply #42 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Create a section or page that is dedicated to outlining the how's and why's of commenting and participating in the community

https://www.wincustomize.com/Forums.aspx?ForumID=167&AID=91543&cmd=myposts#713424

I posted this after my first few days reading posts and comments. I thought that it might start something, but it seems no one really read it...

I have trouble 'critiquing'


Po: all ya gotta do is give an honest opinion. If you don't like it, then why? If you like it, then why? There should be no need to be fearful of what you say, as long as it is not vulgar or attacking...right?
No, there would be special comment mods.

Yepper, need more mods....

one unobscured screenshot wall


Hey! I only emailed back once, and thank you for even emailing me with a reason!
Personal profiles/pages could have much more 'info' opportunities for people to find out about others' likings, interests, etc....


Absolutely! And a set of instructions as to how to fill all those nice pages WC gave us!!!

And if you go back now, and read this whole thread you'll see that not that many names actually posted anything...interesting and revealing I think. I am interested in community. This one is the one I've chosen to become a member. I have felt very useful so far, even though my contributions are as yet slim and only in the informational department. Today was my birthday, and I spent it browsing the way back of WC and WB...I downloaded some of the oldies from 2001, 2002. Just to see what the skins were like back then. Wow, the first Aero...now that was prehistoric! But still very good.

I completely agree with Jafo in #8 and Bx has good points also. I would like to help in any way I can. Thanks for reading my 2 cents. Happy Skinning!
Reply #43 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The link I posted in #42 has a link in it, the point of the link was the link, if you get my meaning...I mean, well, it's all relative.
Reply #44 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I would prefer to see more involvement from the moderators on the forums. There seems to be only the same few interacting with the "rest of the community". The fact that after more than three years I still don't know how many (and who!) there are, seems to point to a communication problem. Even after such a long time it is unclear for me who is responsible for what, and who I should contact if I should run into a problem.

For example; it was only due to Corky's response to NT's comment in this very thread, that I found out that he was promoted to moderator. There might have been a thread about it, but if you don't keep up with reading every single thread on the forum, then you just don't know.

I would love to have one of those little boxes on the side of the page that tells you who is on-line. I am aware that this might not be possible for everyone with such a huge site, but why not have one that tells you which moderator is on-line and where (IRC, forums, galleries...) he/she is?

A 'Shout-box' could help to improve community spirit as well, but again, this site might be just to large to setup such a thing.

The way this site is designed at the moment, it feels a bit like one of those huge suburbs surrounding any capital city. People interact less with each other and are less close knit, than people in the small mountain village. With my desktop set to 1024x768, if I open the WC-homepage, I can't even read the latest News-article without scrolling down. All I see is the Popular and Featured skin-section plus a bit of the "Featured article" and that add-thing. I loved the old 3 column design, which gives you much more information on first sight without having to actively scrolling and searching for it.

I would recommend to remove the "Top advocates" and "Community" (which could be on a 'links'-page) sections from the front-page and fill it up with something that actually allows people to interact with each other without having first to click through 20 pages, or thinking of re-designing the front page to a less scroll intensive 3 column layout, which could see a shout-box (and maybe some sort of direct link to a 'live' chat room) on the left side. ....Comming to think of it, the ability to have private messaging and the capability of participating in a live chat might also be used as an incentive to recruit new subscribers.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #45 from WinCustomize Forums Top
interact


mmmmmmmmmhhhhhhh...,well..., i´m going to tell you a little secret..., KkoNne, Darkma(Darkfussion team) and me..., TYCUS, are working in a little proyect..., DON´T GET SCARE, WE ARE MAKING A SUITE... a pure Mexican suite...
Reply #46 from WinCustomize Forums Top

mmmmmmmmmhhhhhhh...,well..., i´m going to tell you a little secret...


But now it's not a secret anymore

The suite sounds good tho.....looking forwards to seeing it
Reply #47 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The 'About' section needs a major overhaul, most of the info is the same as when I joined the site More information needs to be added as to how the site, forums, libraries etc work.

I don't know what happens to new members - I haven't been one for a while   But what about a new user info/welcome pack sent be e-mail detailing how everything works etc and inviting them to take part.

PM is something everyone wants. Another thing highly useful would be a list of which moderators are online. The current list of moderators needs an e-mail link adding for each 

I'd like to see the 'Recommended' page re-named 'Favourites' and 'Recommend this item' on skins changed to 'Add to Favourites'. This is something most people would recognise better. Then maybe add awards for favourites (given and received).

The Home page needs to be that - a home page, with information aimed at the new user. At the moment it's just a news page. News needs to be given a new page of its own, with the home page dedicated to showing people what's happening on the site, where they can find information, what everything means and who is whom.

Reply #48 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well some personal suggestions for the community and ways to increase interaction:

a. Points for prizes system for skin commenters: For each comment made one point awarded. Obligatory rule for a comment to be a comment: 6 or 7 word minimum limit to be used (That is how many words are in a normal sentence). There should be milestones, like say 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 comments which when bridged will give the commenter an award, not a shield, but an actual prize, like a Premium Suite or a small program (CursorXP,Icon Packager,etc). You can put an increased milestone, say 3000, 5000 for bigger program (WB,DX Pro) and an ultra milestone of 10000 comments for the award of Object Desktop. That should boost up commenting. Alas no Popular List of commenters is needed, this is no popularity contest as stated earlier.

b. Make the Forum Tab button on the upper part of the page red and flashing abit. Silly as it sounds this is a way to draw attention to it. Someone that sees something flashing will want to check it out. Curiosity has always been a main characteristic of human race.

c. Implement a Shoutbox for the community. It is a way to communicate.

d. Give a specially built WC RSS Reader Gadget (that will provide news for new Uploads, News and New Threads) with each WC Browser for each subscriber. That should keep you up-to-date with WC News and Recent Uploads.

Well i hope these make sense. At least some of them.

Have a good day everyone.
Reply #49 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Supplementary ideas:

When someone becomes a member WC send him an e-mail with a copy of Skin Primer by Brad and some other basic tutorials on how to go around the site. Also urge new members to be active in the community.
Reply #50 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Damn, Fuzzy was faster.