Need Your Help - Fitness.com redesign
- Thread starter allcdnboy1
- Start date
sweet!:animal:
Maybe having newbies accounts set to a moderated mode for the first few posts. The mods need to approve them before they show on the forum….something like yahoo groups does. Once they have a few legit posts they get taken off moderated posting.
Hell you mods read almost all the content anyway, why not just be the first to read the newbies and make the call on them? Newbies can cool their heels until they get the okay.
Make FF and BB mods! that would be fun!
love you guys
Hell you mods read almost all the content anyway, why not just be the first to read the newbies and make the call on them? Newbies can cool their heels until they get the okay.
Make FF and BB mods! that would be fun!
love you guys
The site is perfect as far as I'm concerned.
As for ideas for the fourm. Clean house. WAY too many subforums and cross posting because of it.
Are you meaning the web page design, or content in the current design, Sean?
No, Sean, I do not use the main site.
For some time, I have felt that the site needed improvement, Sean.
However, this discussion can be one where opinions can vary dependent on the subject, but coming to a common understanding while brain storming ideas that lead to a mutual ground will lead to potential improvement and site progression.
I am in the hopes that we can come to terms of agreement for the common good of the forum.
At the end of the day, what brings people back to a forum isn't just the level of banter or the desire to learn more about the topic of discussion. The major factor that will keep a member coming back on a regular basis (IMO) is the feeling that he/she belongs to the community here, and the site offerings. You therefore have to get members to feel as "integrated into the community as possible", offer quality material, and have a well constructed web site.
While your sign-up/registration may be large, the pool of forum members that regularly post to the forum, are extremely small; a larger and more consistent body of contributors are needed.
While its unknown if these are bots, spider variants, or real persons viewing the forum, the amount of "guests" displayed on the online list can be quite large at times, and this is an important area to provide some focus; their needs to be a way to suck these "guests" into the forum, and make the forum attractive enough that if they do sign-up and get their questions answered, they will post to make contributions to the forum, even if they do not have questions and can cause attractants that connect these guests/current members to your main business model.
The reasons people leave a forum can vary as much as our lifestyles are different. We must think differently, and give them a reason to stay, contribute, and--assist your bottom line.
If you compare some quality fitness sites that have a large contributor base, they have several informational themes in common (here are some examples):
• The information "stickies" contained in "each applicable section" are of high quality. They are not overly complicated, and suites the varied audience sector. And, in some cases these stickies of information were written from well-known individuals within diet and fitness--and from regular forum members.
Additionally, there are links given to the source of the material, and the owner (you) of the forum would/can get paid a nominal amount for the referral click (etc, that is unknown to the forum member) and/or if the person and/or person makes a purchase.
"Some" of our information stickies need improvement. I will highlight one (of a few) that needs improvement: The HIIT sticky. This is nothing against the writer (Mr. Lewis), it just needs more quality information and a more detailed "but simple" explanation on what it is, how to implement it (with the equipment available), and the variance types, etc. This is not the only one. I can make some suggestions on moving some to a different area, make a segment suggestion, and assist the ones (that view because of interest), but are not all that browser savvy (so-to-speak). This will assist apparent assessability of the forum, and assist the new members in locating the sticky they desire (such as what you should know before asking questions, etc).
I have several ideas here. On a different segment, here is an example: From time to time there are comments made to new persons that have signed up and made a thread with a series of questions, to read the stickies. These stickies represent the forum's reputation and quality. Sometimes, new forum members our like customers in a business. You can place a sign at eye-level right at the main walk-in, and they will claim not to have seen it (anyone with experience in customer service, knows what I mean). We currently don't even have this concept. Improving the placement segments and the quality of the stickies are needed. I can pose some ideas.
• A Guest Contributor that is well known and respected in the fitness community that not only contributes to the quality of the forum by contributing material (or writing new material on a subject matter), but would also contribute to your business model: He/she would be scratching your back while he/she is scratching their own. Have many ideas to provide you here.
Another example: A forum member (or owner, mod, admin of forum, long-term member, etc) interview a well known person in the fitness industry. You communicate (by e-mail, or what have you) to one another on how this is going to move forward. An advertisement on the interviewee's website is made about the upcoming interview (on their web site, with a link to YOUR web site), and visa-versa. You both obtain advertisement. In addition, (dependent on the topic and whether there is an option for discussion) will lead to new bloggers, new registrations, new regular contributing members, stimulate activity/discussion, and people on other forums linking to you when they talk about that interview. We could have the topic of the week, topic of the month, and so on, and so forth.
Remember: Content is King. Getting a reputation as a site that features lots of interviews (or "other examples of attention" from big names in the industry, or other quality informational source) will boost your authority in the industry, and assist in driving your forum contribution.
• Team of Members (a "small group" of regular members, or another suggestion) who spend some time in collect interesting articles , trying to get personal interviews (as briefly mentioned above) and post these to the forum; a special private forum area to discuss strategies and new sources such as these; you could make the peoples names that are on the news team a different color, and this could make a psychological/emotional connection to the forum. In addition, this team (or teams) could brain-storm ideas to improve the forum......on a on-going continued basis, instead of letting it run itself without any "proper" guidance--in THIS direction.
You have several options of consideration if you "want" to "recognize/thank the person (s)" making these contributions (I have several ideas here).
Some of the applicable information/interviews can be turned into stickies or other forum usage, have their own segment space on the forum front-end, that has a link to the web site, and it has been discussed you benefit from the referral--where applicable.
This can be something like: A Community News System.
• Premium Member Content: I can throw in some ideas here for you.
• A Donation Page. That is specific in its intent, purpose, and direction. I can throw in some ideas on its use, and how to assist members with it who contribute in various forms and earn it. Additionally, it can assist you, and (when verified, and where applicable) a new member in earning certain credentials. .50c contribution doesn't sound like much, until you multiply it by 5,000 ($2,500). The potential here can be quite awesome.
Miscellaneous thoughts:
In general, people like their "gadgets". They generally like them small but efficient. Its nice to mess around with from time to time. But, like a lot of things, people tend to misinterpret, abuse, and stretch the rules. So these need to be clearly defined and controlled (where applicable):
• A "Mood Option" under Rep Bar, with the rep system being revised. TM (IMO) ruined the system, and it wasn't all that great to begin with.
• A "Thank You System" for "specific" posts, that the "Thread Starter" can give. People like to be "recognized" (by a thank you) when making a well thought out post. The rep system doesn't nail it. I can show specific examples (outside the rep system) how this can be implemented, and its not that difficult with a plug-in in your current code. Besides, I'm sure we can find a way to recognize and encourage thoughtful, interesting, and enthusiastic posters.
• Being able to embed videos in posts (like on the WLF); if there are concerns with spam, then limit it to certain member with a certain amount of posts, etc, etc.
•Being able to post (embed) personal pics in the signature (below post), (like the WLF)
Another idea:
A monthly/weekly (or what have you) "Forum Award Ceremony": 'Best Joke' 'Best Debater', best post contributor, etc, etc, with the options. I can expand on this idea as well.
One thing that can assist is to examine what successful and growing forums have done. You can pick and choose certain things according to your needs, and learn a great deal from it. Figure out what makes them successful and learn from it, and implement it. Hitting your bottom line and contribution.
Why? Because it can bring a larger and more consistent body of contributors. If you come to a forum for help and the forum is small, has few threads, no helpful FAQs (etc, etc), very few contributors, and your questions go unanswered are you going to stick around? THIS is our MAIN problem at the moment, and this can be fixed, with proper team work.
Best wishes,
Chillen
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Anything to get your name in lights
And why the pop at Tony? He doesn't even post here much anymore so it just makes you look petty to continue your vendetta
As for site suggests, purely from a user point of view, IMO the main issue with the site is that it covers a very broad spectrum of fitness and therefore seems to spread itself a bit thin. You have dieters, runners, cyclists and weight lifters all in one place.
I know we have the seperate sections but I think people interested in running, for example, are more likely to join a runners forum where everything relates to them rather than a small section.
I think that results in the forum having a bit of an identity crisis, that mixed with the bland logo and site skin makes the place quite forgettable
I admitt, the fitness forum does seem very bland. I hate the light blue colour as well. It needs a full on visual make over.
I like Chillens idea's of a 'mood icon' as i've seen on other forums. Also i'm all for the 'awards' idea, although first i think we need more regular posters....or do we?
Yea Rich, i get what you mean by we have a broad variety of different athletes, but i'm not sure if its a bad thing.
I like Chillens idea's of a 'mood icon' as i've seen on other forums. Also i'm all for the 'awards' idea, although first i think we need more regular posters....or do we?
Yea Rich, i get what you mean by we have a broad variety of different athletes, but i'm not sure if its a bad thing.
I think it's quite good for the social side as we get many different personalities but a lot of people look for sites that have 'like-minded' individuals.
I'm not keen on the pics in sigs idea, an avatar is enough IMO.
What i think we need to do is list all the possible changes and then vote on all of them for whether we want to do them or not.
I'm not really all that for democracy. IMO, AllCdnBoy should listen to what we have to say, then decide. It's his site after all and democracy doesn't work when the majority of people are idiots
+rep
Haha, like they say, a camel is just a horse designed by a committee. If too many people have a say we could end up with a big mess
It's good to be asked though
Haha. All I did was change the category increment levels. Opinion noted.
Post # 2 on suggestions, Sean
The other day while Browsing another web site, I saw this at the front end that carried over when an unregistered/registered person was browsing the forum.
Of course, you could change this design to what ever you like. But, its a way to get "more SERIOUS" input from unregistered guests or registered members who may not see this thread or the carry over you presently have in place.
You could run a modified version of this for a time, and see what some of your viewers/lurkers think. If you can get them to express there self, it can possibly give you "an idea" on how some of them are feeling.
=========================================================
The following builds upon some of the other ideas/suggestions in Post #1:
1. Host contests in various forms and design. For example:
• A Site "Referral Contest"--I have thoughts and ideas on this.
• An "appropriate" Posting Contest--I have thoughts and ideas on this.
• Be more consistent with your Body Transformation Contests (or contests like these in general, though it may be different, which could also utilize the donations when this runs long enough).
After its closing, you were getting comments (from time to time) to the Body Transformation thread (and other comments in other threads, that were extremely positive), from first time posters, and from persons that do not post that much--which should strike a cord of interest and thought in you.
• Persons (in general) respond very heavily to positive motivational content, Sean. I have many ideas on how to favorably add some mods/plug-ins to the forum design to most reflect this nerve.
• Review the "Team Journal" Concept---->originally the idea was my mine.
There was a VERY HEAVY turn out (any where from 20 to 50 members signed up and activity at the time was VERY STRONG).
With people registering on the forum "new" just to sign up, forum members that hardly ever posted (lurkers, and what not).
However, it turned badly very quickly, and turned many people off. Why? The threads speak for themselves: It was plainly the attitude of the regular members--a few in particular.
I can post you links if you are interested.
There are many lessons to be learned here.
I made a comment about this in Biggy-T's Thread called: "Dying"
http://training.fitness.com/site-praise-issues-feedback/dying-3-39052.html
My purpose and intent is clear. This is not directed to anyone in particular. My point is about attitude, quality of content participation (etc), and this is all. Its nothing personal.
One of my responsibilities at work, is brain storming ideas and develop programs (within Human Resources) for employees to improve the business and the quality of work and morale of employees. I just finished up (well, a couple of months back, now) a series of programs and restructuring content that improved productivity and prevented employees from losing their jobs. So this isn't nothing new to me.
You could also have" automated remarks to registered forum users" such as:
Notices--in general, and to the user (I can explain this further):
UserName, you haven't posted for a while, why not ask a question, say hi, or post a comment and make one feel great today!
Or
Username: If you have any comments or suggestions on how we can improve our forum, please make a comment here: forum Link.
More to come...........have to get to work.
Best wishes,
Chillen
The other day while Browsing another web site, I saw this at the front end that carried over when an unregistered/registered person was browsing the forum.
Of course, you could change this design to what ever you like. But, its a way to get "more SERIOUS" input from unregistered guests or registered members who may not see this thread or the carry over you presently have in place.
You could run a modified version of this for a time, and see what some of your viewers/lurkers think. If you can get them to express there self, it can possibly give you "an idea" on how some of them are feeling.
=========================================================
The following builds upon some of the other ideas/suggestions in Post #1:
1. Host contests in various forms and design. For example:
• A Site "Referral Contest"--I have thoughts and ideas on this.
• An "appropriate" Posting Contest--I have thoughts and ideas on this.
• Be more consistent with your Body Transformation Contests (or contests like these in general, though it may be different, which could also utilize the donations when this runs long enough).
After its closing, you were getting comments (from time to time) to the Body Transformation thread (and other comments in other threads, that were extremely positive), from first time posters, and from persons that do not post that much--which should strike a cord of interest and thought in you.
• Persons (in general) respond very heavily to positive motivational content, Sean. I have many ideas on how to favorably add some mods/plug-ins to the forum design to most reflect this nerve.
• Review the "Team Journal" Concept---->originally the idea was my mine.
There was a VERY HEAVY turn out (any where from 20 to 50 members signed up and activity at the time was VERY STRONG).
With people registering on the forum "new" just to sign up, forum members that hardly ever posted (lurkers, and what not).
However, it turned badly very quickly, and turned many people off. Why? The threads speak for themselves: It was plainly the attitude of the regular members--a few in particular.
I can post you links if you are interested.
There are many lessons to be learned here.
I made a comment about this in Biggy-T's Thread called: "Dying"
http://training.fitness.com/site-praise-issues-feedback/dying-3-39052.html
My purpose and intent is clear. This is not directed to anyone in particular. My point is about attitude, quality of content participation (etc), and this is all. Its nothing personal.
One of my responsibilities at work, is brain storming ideas and develop programs (within Human Resources) for employees to improve the business and the quality of work and morale of employees. I just finished up (well, a couple of months back, now) a series of programs and restructuring content that improved productivity and prevented employees from losing their jobs. So this isn't nothing new to me.
You could also have" automated remarks to registered forum users" such as:
Notices--in general, and to the user (I can explain this further):
UserName, you haven't posted for a while, why not ask a question, say hi, or post a comment and make one feel great today!
Or
Username: If you have any comments or suggestions on how we can improve our forum, please make a comment here: forum Link.
More to come...........have to get to work.
Best wishes,
Chillen
Seriously dude, stop being so petty with all the finger pointing, like 'Tony stole my idea, boohoohoo'.
Why not just make your suggestions without the childish attidude and leave it at that
Anyway, that'll be my last post on the matter as I don't want this thread to be reduced to a squabble but it'd be good if you could do the same Chillen and stop trying to take your personal beefs up with allcdnboy
Why not just make your suggestions without the childish attidude and leave it at that
Anyway, that'll be my last post on the matter as I don't want this thread to be reduced to a squabble but it'd be good if you could do the same Chillen and stop trying to take your personal beefs up with allcdnboy
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Post # 2 on suggestions, Sean
You could also have" automated remarks to registered forum users" such as:
Notices--in general, and to the user (I can explain this further):
UserName, you haven't posted for a while, why not ask a question, say hi, or post a comment and make one feel great today!
Or
Username: If you have any comments or suggestions on how we can improve our forum, please make a comment here: forum Link.
More to come...........have to get to work.
Best wishes,
Chillen
When you say notices, do you mean like the site emails people?
I know I am a member of another forum for similar needs to this group of forums and every so often I get an email from one of the moderators "checking in." I am fully aware that it is probably a canned letter they they bcc to all members, but it makes me feel like they are caring about how i am doing on my goals and accomplishments before I make a post about it.
If that is your suggestion, I am all for it, if that wasn't your suggestion, then I am claiming ownership of it