How to expand the current poster base?

[Guest fountainhall]

Since there might be several new members from Facebook I thought I would start some Post about the different venues in Pattaya. To make it easier for people to search, I will make each post about each venue separate. I hope other people than will make comments about these venues.

Excellent idea! But there's a slight problem because Scooby has added a new section at the bottom of the forum list that includes details of gay establishments in various cities, including Pattaya. Maybe it is more appropriate that these various posts are shifted to the new Pattaya thread.

[Guest beachlover]

Using FB is a terrific idea.

 

Social media might be a good way to attract some Thai users too. I remember reading an article that said either Dell or Acer (I forget which one) was spending a large portion of their marketing budget in THAILAND on social media and had decided to increase that even further... just have to find, which social networking sites are popular for Thais.

 

Surely it depends what the inaccuracies are? Are they libelous? Or in this case, are they really that important?

 

Every forum is full of generalisations and petty inaccuracies - a bit like wikipedia and random google searches:P It's the downside of the information highway. I don't think the majority of users expect encyclopaedic accuracy on each and every post.

 

Totally agree.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

If you expand your poster base, and allow these new posters to "drive off" your long term posters, then I don't think you will see many improvements here. I hope that doesn't happen, but it seems to be starting!!

[Gaybutton]

My preference is to delete both posts, although board policy requires clarification.

Unless something has changed, the moderators here have always had the authority to unilaterally set posts to invisible. As a moderator, when you see posts that are causing problems for the board, you not only should have the authority to set offending posts to invisible, but you have the duty to do so. If your hands are being tied in that respect, then I fail to see the point of being a moderator.

[Guest]

Unless something has changed, the moderators here have always had the authority to unilaterally set posts to invisible. As a moderator, when you see posts that are causing problems for the board, you not only should have the authority to set offending posts to invisible, but you have the duty to do so. If your hands are being tied in that respect, then I fail to see the point of being a moderator.

 

You definition of problems for a board may well be different from mine or Scooby or others. Thus, I think that is where clarification is needed by the new owners. My hands were tied with many of the decisions you made and that was something I was willing to deal with as you were a valuable asset to the board and did a fantastic job at keeping the trolls at bay. I hope that did not mean that I had no point in being a moderator just because I let you take the lead for many things.

 

A community should be inclusive of all and not dominated by one or two posters or moderators or admins. It has never really taken off with GT but I hope that they are able to move the site to the next level where everyone feels a part of the site and feels welcome to post. IMHO that is the best direction for the board.

[Guest BeginnersMind]

I was discouraged when my first post failed to appear (another nick, some time ago). That's a good way to deter first time contributors. But I'm persistent! I'll write more if I see my posts starting to appear.

[Guest]

I was discouraged when my first post failed to appear (another nick, some time ago). That's a good way to deter first time contributors. But I'm persistent! I'll write more if I see my posts starting to appear.

 

It was instant. Welcome! Can't wait to read your other posts.

[PattayaMale]

Excellent idea! But there's a slight problem because Scooby has added a new section at the bottom of the forum list that includes details of gay establishments in various cities, including Pattaya. Maybe it is more appropriate that these various posts are shifted to the new Pattaya thread.

Yes, I agree. I really did not notice that as I usually only post on this section. I will follow your suggestion as it makes very good sense.

[Guest BeginnersMind]

I agree. I only joined a few weeks ago. It took me a while to find where to register and it was confusing because I didn't know whether I was registering for the forum or other parts of the site. It was too cluttered. If you look at other forums they have very few buttons up there and the "Register" button is very clear to spot.

 

Let's start with the less contentious stuff. This is a basic usability problem. I've registered twice on the site, and had problems finding the "Register" link both times. Maybe because it is called "Join" and is at the bottom of the page. Sometimes the bottom of the pages doesn't appear! There should be a link at the top of the page too, it should be easy to find and it should be linked with the word "Register". It should be easy to find on the homepage of the website.

 

I didn't know that my first few posts were moderated and would've given up if GT hadn't PM'd to tell me that was the case (I PM'd him to ask).

 

Again, good advice here from Beachlover. I've seen lots of whinging about his posts, but this is golden.

This moderation of the first few posts is a barrier - it doesn't allow new users to get right into the discussion, and you won't see a second post until you approve the first post, slowing the user down. A new user will repeatedly check back with the site to see if anyone has responded to his post - it's addictive in nature. He won't do that if the post doesn't appear! He'll lose interest and go somewhere else.

[Guest BeginnersMind]

I see a feud as when poster X and poster Y regularly argue with each other just for the sake of it, rather than debating some particular issue. My preference is to delete both posts, although board policy requires clarification.

 

He's right. All this 'inside baseball' crap is worse than spam and will eventually suffocate any forum.

 

Delete the bickering posts.

 

Delete the discussion of why you deleted the bickering posts.

 

Delete the discussion of why you deleted the discussion about the bickering posts.

 

Have simple rules - 'Be Courteous. Don't say anything libellous. Use your best judgement.'

 

Then delete anything you don't like and don't allow any discussion of the rules or moderation. Don't allow any discussion of why you won't allow any discussion of the rules or moderation. It's boring. Delete them all, including this post.

[Guest]

He's right. All this 'inside baseball' crap is worse than spam and will eventually suffocate any forum.

 

Delete the bickering posts.

 

Delete the discussion of why you deleted the bickering posts.

 

Delete the discussion of why you deleted the discussion about the bickering posts.

 

Have simple rules - 'Be Courteous. Don't say anything libellous. Use your best judgement.'

 

Then delete anything you don't like and don't allow any discussion of the rules or moderation. Don't allow any discussion of why you won't allow any discussion of the rules or moderation. It's boring. Delete them all, including this post.

 

Are you a reincarnated Gaybutton?

[Guest BeginnersMind]

1. Thinking this site was closing down, a considerable number have moved over to GB's new site. That is obvious looking at GB's posts. Now quite a number of posters do post on both. But, I think I am right in saying that some have migrated and have not returned. If true, that issue needs to be addressed.

 

From a usability perspective - GB's site is superior. It doesn't have all the cruft and complication that surrounds this forum. What do all those links do? I don't know. I don't care, I just want to read the forum.

 

I hope you don't mind my direct style and to the point comments. I'm trying to help.

[Guest BeginnersMind]

Are you a reincarnated Gaybutton?

 

Inside Baseball. I don't know what you're talking about.

[Guest]

BeginnersMind, I see that you are very knowledgeable about all the forums. And, you just joined here? And you found the Join link hard to find? I am sorry so much trouble. But, welcome. And, please be direct. We would want nothing less from you.

[Guest]

Inside Baseball. I don't know what you're talking about.

 

Really? You just referenced GB's site. Is that really inside baseball?

[Guest BeginnersMind]

It's easy: just have more info about Thailand, give to search engines to index it and be visible with this info in SE To check which keywords about Thailand are popular in SE and write some info about. After that submit posts to SE...

 

With readers will also come people who will ask questions and another people who will share their info with other members of forum...

 

This is a good suggestion too. Content is King, as they say.

 

If I were running a site like this, I'd stay focussed on a niche - Pattaya seems to be it. Gay Thailand/Gay SE Asia are subjects too big to tackle.

 

Some of the most interesting and useful info for visitors and residents is info about the bars, clubs and restaurants. I'd look 'Nick's Gay Pattaya' and either buy it, or replicate it, and keep it up to date.

 

http://www.nickysgaypattaya.com/

 

A site like this, attached to user forum, with up-to-date user generated content about where everything is, what's good and what's worth doing would be tough to beat. It would also be worth advertising on.

[kokopelli]

BeginnersMind is off to a good start with the bickering and arguing.

[kokopelli]

Are you a reincarnated Gaybutton?

 

That is exactly what he sounds like, DELETE, DELETE,DELETE. Just what this forum should avoid.

[Guest BeginnersMind]

Let's start with the less contentious stuff. This is a basic usability problem. I've registered twice on the site, and had problems finding the "Register" link both times. Maybe because it is called "Join" and is at the bottom of the page. Sometimes the bottom of the pages doesn't appear! There should be a link at the top of the page too, it should be easy to find and it should be linked with the word "Register". It should be easy to find on the homepage of the website.

 

But that's crazy talk! Registration itself is a barrier to posting.

 

I've saved the best for last -

 

If I were running a forum like this, I'd allow immediate, anonymous, single-click posting, with maybe a captcha, and delete the spam. Registration is a pain in the ass - it'll drive away 80% of potential posters. This is how I'd increase poster numbers - some of those posters will go on to become members.

 

Hard work on the moderators, but no-one ever said it was easy to grow a forum!

[Guest]

A site like this, attached to user forum, with up-to-date user generated content about where everything is, what's good and what's worth doing would be tough to beat. It would also be worth advertising on.

 

Thanks. Can you check with them to see how much they make in advertising? I am sure Scooby would be interested in this. Numbers Please!

[Guest BeginnersMind]

That is exactly what he sounds like, DELETE, DELETE,DELETE. Just what this forum should avoid.

 

Hehe. I've been posting on his new forum - it's nice but a little too much inside baseball there too. He doesn't go far enough.

[Guest]

But that's crazy talk! Registration itself is a barrier to posting.

 

I've saved the best for last -

 

If I were running a forum like this, I'd allow immediate, anonymous, single-click posting, with maybe a captcha, and delete the spam. Registration is a pain in the ass - it'll drive away 80% of potential posters. This is how I'd increase poster numbers - some of those posters will go on to become members.

 

Hard work on the moderators, but no-one ever said it was easy to grow a forum!

 

You have amazing ideas. I can tell you are going to be a true asset here. Thank you for joining and going through the process to post. I can't wait to see your new posts. Welcome!

[Guest fountainhall]

http://www.nickysgaypattaya.com/

 

A site like this, attached to user forum, with up-to-date user generated content about where everything is, what's good and what's worth doing would be tough to beat. It would also be worth advertising on.

Isn't there a problem, though? SInce Nicky's site exists, how do you compete?

 

Personally, and selfishly, I don't like the idea of concentrating on any one city. I live in Bangkok, but that's not the reason. I travel around the country and i want to know what's going on in different cities, where the bars and other establishments are, what they're like etc. This Board has always had a degree of socio-political content. I also think that's important - in moderation! But for that, you need input and views from around the country.

 

I also reckon more new posters will appear because of the listings that Scooby is introducing, as well as the information from around the region. Many visitors come to Thailand and link it with a trip elsewhere, even if it's just a couple of days at Angkor Wat.

 

I agree, though, with your earlier post about layout and navigation being difficult for new posters. As you may know, the Board has new owners who are gradually introducing changes. That inevitably takes time. But your point is a good one.

 

And yes, I feel a nice breath of fresh air entering the Board!

[Guest BeginnersMind]

Thanks. Can you check with them to see how much they make in advertising? I am sure Scooby would be interested in this. Numbers Please!

 

I don't know, I doubt it is much if the site has fallen into a state of disrepair. But I'll bet they have good visitor numbers - especially new arrivals to Pattaya. Very targeted. You've got be creative to make money in internet advertising - just sticking up a banner doesn't work.

[Guest BeginnersMind]

Isn't there a problem, though? SInce Nicky's site exists, how do you compete?

 

You do it better. And you link to it from your existing forum, which already has some 'Google Juice'.