TBT is getting worse. I checked the total posts just a second ago. Counting this one, 12 posts. That's right, TBT has gained 12 posts in the past 24 hours. This is really bad.
Now, as many of you know (for a lot of you go there), I run TNZ. In the past, our activity was extremely unstable, like what TBT's is now. We had many "dedicated" members, but they just viewed the board and never posted. And there were many things about the forum that needed work. I followed a few steps that brought TNZ back to really good activity where it is now (we're currently gaining hundreds of posts a day). So, I'm going to post my suggestions based on my experience. Kids, don't flame me and accuse me of trying to make TBT "like my own forum". The only reason I talked about TNZ just now was to let you know that I've been through this before, so I know what I'm talking about.
1. New Staff
Let's take a look at TBT's staff. Storm is the only admin, with Odd, Darth, and Sporge as mods. Storm is extremely busy with life, Odd is only a mod yet he's doing almost everything, Darth doesn't come here, and Sporge I see post occasionally, nothing more. Bulerias retired, yet he's more active than the rest of the staff. Not a good staff condition, huh? A strong set of staff is key to keeping a forum active. So what should be done? First, Storm being the lone admin is not a good idea. He's not on that much, so if a situation comes up where Admin CP access is needed, chances are TBT is pretty much screwed. One more admin at least is needed here. Odd should be that IMO, but it is ultimately Storm's decision, of course. Second, we need to change the mods. Let's say Odd becomes admin, and that leaves Darth and Sporge. Why is Darth a mod when he almost never comes here? And maybe Sporge should be demoted too, because, from what I see at least (I have no clue what goes on behind the scenes), he doesn't do much as a mod. These people should be replaced with really active TBT'ers, who show that they're really dedicated to the forum. I'm not going to give suggestions, although I hope Storm makes smart choices if he decides on them (people who would be bad choices, you know who you are).
2. Layout Edit
One of the greatest things to give a forum a "fresh start" is to completely revamp the layout every now and then, change the names of things, make new boards, get rid of old boards, etc. I see Odd is already trying to do that, by asking for suggestions of new names for boards, and that's really good. Maybe you should take it a little farther though. Specific suggestions, I don't have, but I bet it would help.
3. New Topics
This one isn't just directed at the staff. It's directed at every loyal member of TBT. You guys need to start a lot of topics, that's the key to getting a lot of posts a day. Sure, responding in topics helps too, but making topics is a lot better. I try to do this, but junior year is crashing on my head and I don't have much time for this place. So please, everyone, try to start new topics, and reply to topics other people make.
4. Website Update
I was checking through the website the other day. Half the links don't work, and a lot of the others are "under construction" pages and stuff. I think it could use an update. And like with the board, maybe a revamp/new layout.
5. Newsletter
Why not create a monthly newsletter that is sent to members via bulk e-mail? Writing newsletters is one of the best ways to get old members to come back. Start a team of people who will write articles for the newsletter. I volunteer to join.
6. Advertising
Increasing the traffic that comes through TBT will largely contribute to making TBT active again. You can do this by publicly posting a sig add and telling the active members to put it on their sigs at other forums (although I already think it's been done here). Also try to get members to post advertisements on other forums. It would greatly help if you gave members incentive to advertise!
7. Loosen The Rules
This one is a little controversial, and I won't be surprised if I get "NO NO NO"'s as a response, but...maybe the rules should be loosened up? They're a little unreasonable for forum standards anyway IMO. Take off some (or all) of the swear filters (with the understanding that just because you can doesn't mean you swear every other word), and allow a "broader" discussion if you know what I mean. TBT has kind of, for lack of a less harsh word, kiddy rules. If you make the forum more mature, more people will take it seriously. It definitely wouldn't unreasonable if you at least get rid of the really stupid rules (ex. "if cross country was easy, it'd be called your mom" OMG SEXUAL!!!! GET IT OFF!!!11!)
...and that's all I can think of. But if I have more I will post it. I hope this helps tons.
Now, as many of you know (for a lot of you go there), I run TNZ. In the past, our activity was extremely unstable, like what TBT's is now. We had many "dedicated" members, but they just viewed the board and never posted. And there were many things about the forum that needed work. I followed a few steps that brought TNZ back to really good activity where it is now (we're currently gaining hundreds of posts a day). So, I'm going to post my suggestions based on my experience. Kids, don't flame me and accuse me of trying to make TBT "like my own forum". The only reason I talked about TNZ just now was to let you know that I've been through this before, so I know what I'm talking about.
1. New Staff
Let's take a look at TBT's staff. Storm is the only admin, with Odd, Darth, and Sporge as mods. Storm is extremely busy with life, Odd is only a mod yet he's doing almost everything, Darth doesn't come here, and Sporge I see post occasionally, nothing more. Bulerias retired, yet he's more active than the rest of the staff. Not a good staff condition, huh? A strong set of staff is key to keeping a forum active. So what should be done? First, Storm being the lone admin is not a good idea. He's not on that much, so if a situation comes up where Admin CP access is needed, chances are TBT is pretty much screwed. One more admin at least is needed here. Odd should be that IMO, but it is ultimately Storm's decision, of course. Second, we need to change the mods. Let's say Odd becomes admin, and that leaves Darth and Sporge. Why is Darth a mod when he almost never comes here? And maybe Sporge should be demoted too, because, from what I see at least (I have no clue what goes on behind the scenes), he doesn't do much as a mod. These people should be replaced with really active TBT'ers, who show that they're really dedicated to the forum. I'm not going to give suggestions, although I hope Storm makes smart choices if he decides on them (people who would be bad choices, you know who you are).
2. Layout Edit
One of the greatest things to give a forum a "fresh start" is to completely revamp the layout every now and then, change the names of things, make new boards, get rid of old boards, etc. I see Odd is already trying to do that, by asking for suggestions of new names for boards, and that's really good. Maybe you should take it a little farther though. Specific suggestions, I don't have, but I bet it would help.
3. New Topics
This one isn't just directed at the staff. It's directed at every loyal member of TBT. You guys need to start a lot of topics, that's the key to getting a lot of posts a day. Sure, responding in topics helps too, but making topics is a lot better. I try to do this, but junior year is crashing on my head and I don't have much time for this place. So please, everyone, try to start new topics, and reply to topics other people make.
4. Website Update
I was checking through the website the other day. Half the links don't work, and a lot of the others are "under construction" pages and stuff. I think it could use an update. And like with the board, maybe a revamp/new layout.
5. Newsletter
Why not create a monthly newsletter that is sent to members via bulk e-mail? Writing newsletters is one of the best ways to get old members to come back. Start a team of people who will write articles for the newsletter. I volunteer to join.
6. Advertising
Increasing the traffic that comes through TBT will largely contribute to making TBT active again. You can do this by publicly posting a sig add and telling the active members to put it on their sigs at other forums (although I already think it's been done here). Also try to get members to post advertisements on other forums. It would greatly help if you gave members incentive to advertise!
7. Loosen The Rules
This one is a little controversial, and I won't be surprised if I get "NO NO NO"'s as a response, but...maybe the rules should be loosened up? They're a little unreasonable for forum standards anyway IMO. Take off some (or all) of the swear filters (with the understanding that just because you can doesn't mean you swear every other word), and allow a "broader" discussion if you know what I mean. TBT has kind of, for lack of a less harsh word, kiddy rules. If you make the forum more mature, more people will take it seriously. It definitely wouldn't unreasonable if you at least get rid of the really stupid rules (ex. "if cross country was easy, it'd be called your mom" OMG SEXUAL!!!! GET IT OFF!!!11!)
...and that's all I can think of. But if I have more I will post it. I hope this helps tons.
