Post by Ava Lynn on Mar 9, 2010 6:48:31 GMT -5
Honestly, I don't think it's the plot that's the big factor here. As much as transforming the site entirely into one that's adult-oriented, if only the "old members" come back then there's no point at all. The old members may have matured, but if they're the only ones coming back to the site, doesn't that also mean they're the ones who aren't posting in the first place? Having a new plotline won't make Trio's what it used to be.
Trio's will never be there.
I know, because I was back there, only a year or so after it started, I believe. I've been on this website for years.
I'm an old member. I'm not posting.
The problem began with me not having enough time. It literally takes me hours to make one post, because I believe in a post actually making sense and being worthwhile to be read. Nobody seems to realize that. Lack of time led to lack of motivation. I just didn't want to. What's the point in roleplaying with one person, if they're just going to up and leave, too?
So I haven't posted in over a month.
The biggest issue, I think, is the lack of advertisement and the lack of staff. Britt, I could tell you that you've done a great job with the site, that it isn't your fault at all that the site's inactive. But honestly, I'd be lying. I fully realize you're busy. I fully realize you have a job and a life, which is more than what most of us can boast.
But if you can't interact with the members (old and new) outside of this thread, it's not going to work out. No matter how many facelifts or plot changes you give Trio's it will not work. At all. I've been a member here for about four years, maybe even five. I've never been approached about a moderation position, I've never been asked to help out with the site, because that's all been given to the first three or four members who joined, the "old members".
Staff interaction is a must. Britt, if you're honestly too busy on your own to manage the site how you liked it 6 years ago, then please, appoint actual staff. You can't do it alone, as much as you might like. New members get turned off when they don't get recognized, when their profiles aren't approved, when their questions go unanswered. If you can't log on frequently and regularly, it's best to give some ability to those who can, and do.
You've been told this hundreds of times, I know, but if you honestly don't think that you on your own can do it, then don't. I'm personally not asking for a staff position. You don't have to give total control to anyone. But it would be so much more helpful if you actually appointed someone to approve bios like you said you would months ago. Maybe you could appoint a "Welcomer" to help the newer members find their way around. Whatever it is, don't think you have to go at this entirely alone. It seemed to have worked before for you, but now it isn't working, and it never will again.
The second thing that everyone absolutely needs to do is advertise. Even if the old members start posting again, they'll just lose interest eventually anyways. We all need new members to bring fresh ideas into the roleplay. So just posting a link on Proboards Support and forgetting about it for months and years isn't going to cut it.
And though Britt is the admin of the site, it doesn't mean us regular members can't go and advertise. Advertise to the other boards you're on. Once you advertise there, follow through. Go to Proboards Support, and in the Advertisements board actually go to other people's boards and advertise there. If you want more detail, here and here both provide really good summaries about how I feel. In fact, if you're still confused, then read the entire thread. There are a lot of really great points brought up.
I would type more but I feel like I'm ranting, and I've been at it for almost an hour.