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Post by Admin on May 15, 2009 7:36:59 GMT
I've been thinking a lot about SSD's past, and future tonight. I think that it's abundantly clear that SSD isn't what it use to be. I'm sick of hearing about Ash and Oliver's glory days, as that legacy died when they left. I respect them tremendously for shaping SSD into what it once was. But it's time for real change, with major loosening up, and turn arounds.
But first, I want some well thought out opinions. Some constructive criticism, and some valid suggestions. Anything outlandish will be ignored, or turned down. I will, however, take into consideration everything that is plausible, and that wouldn't cause too much of an uproar. I already have some plans of my own in the works, and in my head. I just need to sit down with the higher staff and work out some kinks, and details.
So now here's your turn. Pump out suggestions on how to make SSD spark again. Don't go into it about the Herald, or the Art Group, or the old coding boards/battle boards/graphic requests. Because they've all been attempted over and over again, and nothing ever changes. Besides, for the Herald, I have an idea that might just work better than what we've currently been doing. It'll be different, but the Herald will still be around. I'll give more details when I work them out.
So come on, give them to me. Just remember, try not to let this turn into a flaming wars. I get that everyone has their own opinions, and I respect that. But I'd like to see some cooperation and team work. Something to show that we still have some unity in SSD.
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Post by ><Lamaenic>< on May 15, 2009 13:25:14 GMT
I'm glad you posted one of these up And I strongly suggest none of us start to be insulting either. Here's my opinion: Kay, you are an excellent administrator. Everyone likes to bash you and compare you to past admins, but like you said, those days are gone. HOWEVER: I have to say I've seen alot of immaturity on your part too. Looking through the suggestions board, you've turned down ideas without even arguing them, or not done a couple suggestions to improve v7 because it was "too small". Here comes the hard part. I honestly think you are the best to come along to SSD because you have made the most dramatic change. SSD was dying when you got it, but you were stamped with the blame. And for that I'm sorry. But I'll say this to any mod or staff member because it's just the truth and getting angry at me for voicing it is not the way to go: I understand if something in life comes up that causes you to deal with it rather than SSD, that's bound to happen. But you seem to be perpetually busy. And here's the thing. If ANY moderator and up is too busy to do their position, they shouldn't have that position. Plain and simple. Once again, I'm not being rude, I'm being truthful. If you want my personal opinion I think this is the best SSD will get. It's just not as popular anymore. That's not to say it shouldn't be ran, because I could be wrong, I've been wrong before. But stop using the same old excuse "every forum has its ups and downs". Kay, you have brought some great changes to SSD. I'm quite proud to know you and have you as my administrator. Open your mind a little more and take critique better. Don't let anyone attack you, but don't get angry if they voice their opinions. The members make the board, and at the moment, every member counts. ♥
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Post by Josh on May 15, 2009 14:19:29 GMT
My major complaint is something that I told you on MSN this past week - You don't let something that is going on in your life seem as it is happening to SSD. An attack on you is not an attack on SSD. I still don't think that thread you posted should be in the Intercom board. In Chillout, sure. But not Intercom. I think we need to ease up on the banning. I agreed with it at the time but I don't anymore. Banning everyone who trashed you on Talkpark was wrong. They did nothing on here so they did not deserve to be banned. Perm ban list people like Ryan, Spek, Quacker, Flash, etc. should be banned, no doubt. But these other people... no. As Lam (I have no idea how to spell you name. Sorry. ) said... we need to start taking suggestions into account. I see nothing with shooting them down but we need to provide great reason for doing so. I think we should hold a community chat more often. I hate to say it but I think SoTW needs to be turned into SoTM or maybe even shut down for a month or two. It's doing no good right now. I'll think of more. Just give me some time. lol
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Post by Mitchell on May 15, 2009 15:59:49 GMT
One of the MAIN things that I feel needs to be rethought is the creation of new boards. For example, the Filmmaking board. I will admit, I was a little skeptical when they first created the Photography board years ago. I felt the same about the Literature board. But those turned out to be a hit. The Film board...not so much. 3 months and only 13 threads and 59 posts. I know it's always been the motto of the staff and higher members that it's "quality, not quantity" (particularly in regards to post count), but this is stretching it. Having inactive boards like the Film board adds to the overall "dead" look of the forum. Not that look dead, but to a passerby, an inactive board may look unbecoming. And, whether we agree with it or not, looks do matter.
It's one thing if our plans here ARE to create a broader, more art-related community, but it's another if we are wanting to stick to our roots of design and coding.
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Post by Admin on May 15, 2009 16:50:28 GMT
Jamie; I hear you. I do. I was talking to Car last night, and she's made me realize a few things that I needed to be reminded of. Making this thread was a step forward towrds me being more open minded with SSD, and what the members are thinking and wanting. I've been busy, sure. But I've also let Gray and Saknika know so that way they could step up and basically fill my missing shoes for the couple of weeks I was tied up. Now i'm back, so it doesn't really matter. Josh; the TalkPark fiasco was still a bit of an attack on SSD. As their only reasons for trashing me was because of SSD. And the fact that Spek was on the perma ban. I'm sorry, but those who were contributing to that thread are people I didn't want a part of a community that I'm trying to restore, and turn into something great again. I understand your thoughts and reasoning behind what you're saying, I do. But at the time those few would have just started flaming wars, and kept the drama alive. Maybe in a few weeks I'll unban them. Currently, I'm not ready to let them into the community again. I just need some time. As for suggestions, if you bothered to read my first post in here, that's why I made this thread. Like I said anything plausible would be considered. As for the v7 fixes, it wasn't because I didn't want them fixed. it's because Dreggy hasn't been able to do any fixes since we released because he's been busy. Mitch; nice to see you. <3 The Film board was something we were trying. We had members promising to be active in it, but of course that fell through. It'll be one board that I do something with. Right now I'm not sure I want to create a broader art community. Like I said, I have some ideas for it. And you'll see them soon.
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Post by comicIDIOT on May 15, 2009 18:51:10 GMT
Here's something I posted in an earlier, similar topic. My post was lost in all the commotion. One thing that I realize is that things escalate because it's being fed by members. It falls along the lines of "If you don't have anything constructive to say, don't say it." What if this happens? Ignore it. It will go away and things will remain on subject. So to start off with a better forum, we need tighter guidelines for moderation. If things get off-hand, instead of locking the forum or banning users the posts get deleted - and that's only if it gets out of hand.
The contests that I mentioned in my quoted post above. It's seems to me we don't have any here at all (aside from SOTW). Even offering Member titles is a great incentive; There doesn't have to be money involved. Make them short, fun and constant. Every two months perhaps and the winners get a spot in the Herald. Yes?
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Post by Admin on May 15, 2009 21:22:33 GMT
Those are some good ideas, comic. I'll see what I can do. (:
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Post by ><Lamaenic>< on May 15, 2009 21:55:15 GMT
You're a dear Kay We all have problems, don't worry if someone points yours out
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Post by Xeron on May 16, 2009 21:25:45 GMT
SSD is just in a slump as of now. Nothing that can't be fixed. Staff AND members just need to come together to conquer this problem. It takes both groups to achieve the success though, not just one. No weight should be pressed toward one member group. If this can't be done I don't think much will change. Staff does have a responsibility to keep things interesting though. I suggest more interesting topics in all boards. Staff should create threads that members can have a in depth conversation in. These "Two replies threads" fail and aren't helpful to gaining the success SSD once had. Members could step it up as well too. The hard part is finding those who will do so.
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Post by Mitchell on May 17, 2009 4:42:15 GMT
Sometimes, though, you can't force a board to keep it's activity. If it dies, it dies.
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Post by now uc it on May 17, 2009 4:51:54 GMT
Yaygoodthread. (Glad to be of service.) The only suggestion I would have is to have some restraint with the ban and lock buttons. I can wholeheartedly relate to how frustrating it can get when people are acting in a way that you want to control-- when you physically want to restrain someone, even punch them, for not listening to you. But I can also say that at the end of the day, you and the innocent bystanders who find their forum full of locked threads are the only ones who suffer. Sometimes, it's better to just let people go at it and say what they want to say. They get something out of it, from a developmental standpoint. You will never actually reach a middle ground until someone has fully explained their side- and if you lock something before they do, your point, no matter how true and fair, will never hit home. Not to mention the fact that most things will fizzle down. If you look in real life, people have their arguments. Then they settle down and let it go. Having someone restrain them is not going to resolve anything and then it just adds anger towards the person who restrained them (you). Worst comes to worst, accept that people come to read drama. People read forums primarily to either see if their name was mentioned, or to watch gossip/fights unfold. That's the selling point-- don't let "reality" TV and Jerry Springer come to that realization before you do. Aside from that, you're awesome, Kay, and you'll just have to remember the advice I forgot too often: step back, take a deep breath, and remember this is all just an internet forum. If you're not having fun, it's not worth it.
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Post by artos on May 17, 2009 4:59:25 GMT
I can wholeheartedly relate to how frustrating it can get when people are acting in a way that you want to control Excise the filth and be done with it. They will not be missed.
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Post by Ovi on May 17, 2009 16:34:49 GMT
Turn it into a General Forum...
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Post by ŋєт™ on May 17, 2009 19:06:27 GMT
Turn it into a General Forum... I hope you're kidding lol SSD has its roots in design and graphics. I think we need to focus onto the art aspect more than anything. Even though we are on PB I'd argue that we have the most advanced skin of ANY other PB site on the internet. People should be flocking here to see the people who are behind it and learning how to become better at design, but for some reason they are not. Activity is a huge problem. As stated above staff and members need to band together and start posting like we all used to. There's nothing better than getting up from the forum, going to work, and coming back and seeing hundreds of new posts to check out...that's what will keep people coming back. The conversations, the antics, and the content. I do have to say the film board was a flop and I will admit I was the one pushing it. I thought it may spawn some more creativity and activity to SSD, but I guess not. All I have to say to the long time followers and our new friends have faith. We will come through.
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Post by Ovi on May 17, 2009 19:25:58 GMT
Turn it into a General Forum... I hope you're kidding lol SSD has its roots in design and graphics. I think we need to focus onto the art aspect more than anything. Even though we are on PB I'd argue that we have the most advanced skin of ANY other PB site on the internet Unfortunately, it almost has turned into a General Board. I disagree with the skin thing. It's been proven many times that the look of forum doesn't amount up to much. SSD is so old that more or less everyone knows about it. It's my firm belief that many of them don't bother to return because they expect the same old thing. What SSD needs at the moment is a total image overhaul. How you want to do that is up to you. I'm not very good with suggestions #halo.gif#
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Post by Josh on May 17, 2009 19:32:56 GMT
I would full support a switch to a general board. Keep some art aspects but go more general than anything. I've actually been suggesting this since the days of Oliver back when I was a Gmod.
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Post by jongos on May 17, 2009 20:29:57 GMT
if ssd becomes a general form it will die that much more quickly, there are better general forums out there. i say try to rebuild the art aspect... get people from deviantart, that will attract mroe people because people still think of ssd as an art community.
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Post by Ovi on May 17, 2009 20:32:32 GMT
if ssd becomes a general form it will die that much more quickly, there are better general forums out there. i say try to rebuild the art aspect... get people from deviantart, that will attract mroe people because people still think of ssd as an art community. And how exactly will you get people from deviant art? Back in 2006 it would've been possible since the design side of the forum was much more active than other sides, but at the current state, your idea is futile.
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Post by Xeron on May 17, 2009 21:24:06 GMT
Yeah I agree. Solidsnake transforming into a general forum would not help toward resurrecting activity. SSD has always focused around art. The current members joined mostly because of that fact. I believe it would hurt activity more than help.
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Post by jongos on May 18, 2009 0:08:57 GMT
if ssd becomes a general form it will die that much more quickly, there are better general forums out there. i say try to rebuild the art aspect... get people from deviantart, that will attract mroe people because people still think of ssd as an art community. And how exactly will you get people from deviant art? Back in 2006 it would've been possible since the design side of the forum was much more active than other sides, but at the current state, your idea is futile. offer a staff position for something like graphic discussion. somebody will accept. if you have even one great designer it will help activity. right now, no active member is good at art. (that i can think of)
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