Title: Message Board Revival.
Kai-V - June 25, 2008 12:43 AM (GMT)
So, I really wish to get these forums started again.
Besides advertising (where?), I do not know what to do. Contests ?
Kei - June 25, 2008 11:40 PM (GMT)
A contest, similar to what Beywiki did might garner some interest. Especially if it was a MFB giveaway since there will most likely be a lot of people who will be looking for them once they are released.
As for advertising, the best place would be Youtube. Accounts such as keybladers have been successful, so making a BBS Youtube account would not be a bad idea.
Honestly though, all of the serious Beybladers left are all on Beywiki. Unless you don't really care about that, I don't see the point of doing this. It would only further separate the already small and scattered Beyblade fanbase.
Kai-V - June 26, 2008 01:38 PM (GMT)
The problem is that, knowing the circumstances in which I live, it will be difficult for me to even order any beyblade for myself, and there is almost no chance I would be able to give away what I bought.
I could perhaps try something to get the new beyblades and film them, but chances are slim.
It is not that I want to scatter the community. I just think people should not be only at one place. Plus, I believe people can visit at least two forums regularly ...
Kei - June 27, 2008 02:15 AM (GMT)
If you're not able to do contests like that, making videos of the new Beyblades would be the next best thing. Even if people can't win any, they still might want to come to BBS so they can talk about them.
If you want to make these forums active in any way ever again, gaining members from the surge of interest MFB is sure to bring is essential. Right now, Beyblade Spirit and Beywiki are primarily the only English websites reporting on Metal Fight Beyblade (well, there it BBB).
Thats true, BBS is probably better than a lot of the other forums out there right now (and that will be made in the future). OtC and BD coexisted alongside each other in the past, so I suppose BBS and BW could have a similar relationship. However, one thing BBS has that BW doesn't is anime/manga coverage, that alone will bring more members your way.
Tamer Brad - July 2, 2008 05:08 PM (GMT)
If there's anything Beywiki can do to help out, just let me know. We'd be happy to take you under our wing. :)
One of the biggest issues is not being able to view topics unless you're registered. You need to set it so anyone can see any topic.
Kai-V - July 2, 2008 09:43 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Tamer Brad @ Jul 2 2008, 05:08 PM) |
If there's anything Beywiki can do to help out, just let me know. We'd be happy to take you under our wing. :)
One of the biggest issues is not being able to view topics unless you're registered. You need to set it so anyone can see any topic. |
I do not know what Beywiki could do right now, but sure.
I thought it was already enabled ...
Kuznetsov - July 6, 2008 11:41 AM (GMT)
tl;dr warning...
| QUOTE (Kai-V @ Jun 26 2008, 02:38 PM) |
| It is not that I want to scatter the community. I just think people should not be only at one place. Plus, I believe people can visit at least two forums regularly ... |
I've always strongly agreed with this which goes for websites too. If one goes down or the webmaster loses interest/has problems updating then where else is there to go for information? I agree having multiple forums and information sites that copy the same information back and fourth is ridiculous but not when each site has a more specific purpose and original information.
---
I was going to suggest a total migration to that other Beyblade Spirit board but it seems this one's already had too much time invested in it already to improve it.
Anyway I have some strong suggestions for this board:
1. Make a new forum for Metal Fight on top of the 'Beyblades' forum.
That will allow for fresh expansion of discussion with an introduction thread, individual Beyblade threads, videos people have made etc. Plus it could eventually have its own customization sub forum.
Maybe eventually it could get its own section, Customisation could be separated and a discussion section for the anime added. If it makes the board too long, the previous discussion areas could collapse into sub forums. Customization could go as sub forum in the Beyblades forum.
2. Free up the rules a little more here.
One thing I honesty associate this board with is 'the one where you can't post any random thoughts/what's your mood type threads because of the rule that states it would limit discussion on the Beyblade forums'. Now I like those type of threads or even the idea that they can be posted. Most people like them. I honestly don't think at this stage, when Beyblade is coming back it would do any harm to the Beyblade discussion.
What happened a year ago when that rule was still in place any everybody knew Beyblade was dying? It happened anyway, people only posted in Chit Chat for a while in the threads that were available.
People like the idea of being free to post what they want. That doesn't mean you should allow people to post links to bomb making sites like that one loser we had a few summers ago, but if people know you can't be free to be off topic in an off topic area they're just going to post elsewhere if they don't have any loyalty here.
3. Use timing to your advantage.
We can expect a boom of people looking for information and/or discussion nearer to the Metal Fight series release and also much later on when the series starts to air. These key dates could be used wisely to draw new members into the community. This would be a good time to consider contests and organised events.
4. Improve the presentation of this board.
I really think it matters to most people if a board is aesthetically pleasing. It just looks like someone needs to switch on the light in here. It's dark, the icons don't contrast very well against the one shade that makes up the whole forum skin and it makes it hard to see things that have changed. I think it's time for a new skin. Something lighter. No need for polls, they take too long and the weeks will drift by again. Chose something you like and stick to it. There are a million to chose from over at the Skinzone forum.
Actually another good reason for getting is lighter skin is the fact when you spent a while here posting then click to another lighter board it can be too much change for the eyes. This skin causes a little eye strain, for me at least. It would hurt my eyes less to be on a black with white text forum because there is more contrast.
Add a few scripts like news marquees, scrolling affiliation bars. Change the colours of links if possible. Add anything to add a little more to the fact it's just a static set of boards.
A brighter top banner with a Metal Fight theme would look more welcoming. Remake the post count icons, new post indicators, as much as possible,
You don't have to go wild and I appreciate how long it can take to refresh every little visual detail on the board but I really feel it's needed.
I'm not saying this just because it doesn't look fresh for me anymore, I believe the whole board needs a 'brighter' look to look like somewhere you want to post if you're looking for new Beyblade boards.
Also I'm seeing red X's on the emotions list. Install a nice new set, people like those especially if there's a few different ones in there.
5. Advertise as best you can.
Get yourself out there. Join more boards, get involved with more discussions anywhere you see people talking about Beyblade. If you're going to post a graphic banner, make sure it actually links to the place its advertising. Assume people don't read your text links because most of the time that's probably true.
---
This is just what I personally believe could help this board. You can make of it whatever you wish.
Ah yes, a quick suggestion for the site... you've linked back to this board on your latest update within the frame. It should be opened in another window.
Edit: Would it be possible to get rid of that edit line, it makes some people reluctant to post more than previously thought...
Also, why are my underline codes turning into this...?
| CODE |
| 2. <you>Free up the rules a little more here</you>. |
Hmm... I have seen this board have issues with code before, missing threads, missing posts, RPG codes disappearing and now the standard BBCode is messing up.
Maybe this could be a good consideration point for moving to the other Beyblade spirit board if this code is still faulty while not too much has changed here... Unless you can replace the default code and add any scripts/skins later... But I have a bad feeling the whole code has corrupted.
Kai-V - July 6, 2008 12:40 PM (GMT)
The other Beyblade Spirit message board is not usable at this point.
1. Really ? I do not think we should have so many forums. Each thread title could begin with [MFB!] or something ... If at least I saw people passionately discussing HMS and plastic beyblades, then perhaps I could consider creating even a new subforum. However, right now, I just think newer topics will take the place of the older ones on the first page ...
2. I was planning on rewriting the rules.
3. I need ideas.
4. I know, I have been getting bored of this layout too.
5. OK.
The edit line is fine in my opinion. If it bothers more members, I could possibly remove it ...
[EDIT:] You should be able to choose whether to add the edit line or not now.
Fixed the 'you/you' thing.
I do not know what made the topics or posts disappear. If I remember well, the board was down for some hours, and that happened afterwards. This could be InvisionFree's problem. Has it happened recently ?
What do you mean by RPG codes ?
The default code can be replaced anytime as far as I know ...
Kuznetsov - July 6, 2008 12:58 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Kai-V @ Jul 6 2008, 01:40 PM) |
| 1. Really ? I do not think we should have so many forums. Each thread title could begin with [MFB!] or something ... If at least I saw people passionately discussing HMS and plastic beyblades, then perhaps I could consider creating even a new subforum. However, right now, I just think newer topics will take the place of the older ones on the first page ... |
Actually that makes more sense now that you put it like that. I like the idea of using the [MFB!] prefix. It can always expand if interest does too.
| QUOTE (Kai-V @ Jul 6 2008, 01:40 PM) |
| 3. I need ideas. |
If I think of anything I'll let you know. A competition with Beyblade prizes would have been my first suggestion.
| QUOTE (Kai-V @ Jul 6 2008, 01:40 PM) |
| I do not know what made the topics or posts disappear. If I remember well, the board was down for some hours, and that happened afterwards. This could be InvisionFree's problem. Has it happened recently ? |
Not recently so it could have just been the effects of the downtime. I'm sure they would have completed z1 server maintenance by now though, technically, issues like that shouldn't remain on individual boards on the same server.
| QUOTE (Kai-V @ Jul 6 2008, 01:40 PM) |
| What do you mean by RPG codes ? |
The bar people had in their signatures a while ago for RPG stats. It used to just turn into code and stretch the page sometimes.
However, that was just an example of another instance of code problems since it's not used anymore. Maybe it could be if more RPG users join here.
| QUOTE (Kai-V @ Jul 6 2008, 01:40 PM) |
| The default code can be replaced anytime as far as I know ... |
That might be a good idea to do generally. I suggest backing up what you have first though in Notepad files.
Kai-V - July 6, 2008 01:23 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Kuznetsov) |
| Actually that makes more sense now that you put it like that. I like the idea of using the [MFB!] prefix. It can always expand if interest does too. |
There would be no way to make these topics a different colour or give them a special icon without stickying them ?
| QUOTE (Kuznetsov) |
| If I think of anything I'll let you know. A competition with Beyblade prizes would have been my first suggestion. |
I have mentioned in a previous post though that it is very impossible for me to give away anything. I will have difficulty even getting the new beyblades for myself.
| QUOTE (Kuznetsov) |
| However, that was just an example of another instance of code problems since it's not used anymore. Maybe it could be if more RPG users join here. |
This is what I think Beyblade Spirit could also be used for. It used to be known as the RPG forum as well.
I do not roleplay though.
| QUOTE (Kuznetsov) |
| That might be a good idea to do generally. I suggest backing up what you have first though in Notepad files. |
I already have a Word file.
Kuznetsov - July 9, 2008 09:26 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Kai-V @ Jul 6 2008, 02:23 PM) |
| There would be no way to make these topics a different colour or give them a special icon without stickying them ? |
There are a lot of scripts in the Skinzone Script Database forum
here that could allow for something like that. You have to be a member to view it but if you are thinking of making a good amount of changes to the board's code it's worth the membership. (They made the Skins forum member-view only also).
| QUOTE (Kai-V @ Jul 6 2008, 02:23 PM) |
| I have mentioned in a previous post though that it is very impossible for me to give away anything. I will have difficulty even getting the new beyblades for myself. |
That would be why it would have been my first suggestion having not read your post yet. Could you not make some sort of prize from your graphical ability?
Twilight-Blade - July 10, 2008 09:36 PM (GMT)
This is just an idea but do you think if someone made wallpapers and other things that advertised the site that it may get more members? If so then I could definitely help!
Kai Hiwatari - July 10, 2008 10:30 PM (GMT)
Promoting RPG here sounds great. I used to love rping here!
Kai-V - July 11, 2008 12:07 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Kuznetsov) |
| There are a lot of scripts in the Skinzone Script Database forum here that could allow for something like that. You have to be a member to view it but if you are thinking of making a good amount of changes to the board's code it's worth the membership. (They made the Skins forum member-view only also). |
I did not find any script for what I had in mind.
| QUOTE (Kuznetsov) |
| That would be why it would have been my first suggestion having not read your post yet. Could you not make some sort of prize from your graphical ability? |
Yes. But who would seriously come to this board only because of the promise that they will get some of my arranged pixels if they win a contest ?
Besides custom stickers for beyblades, I do not see what could really interest people.
| QUOTE (Twilight-Blade) |
| This is just an idea but do you think if someone made wallpapers and other things that advertised the site that it may get more members? If so then I could definitely help! |
I could always add them to the site, and perhaps they could be submitted to wallpaper websites ...
Anything you want to do will be accepted.
I will be getting the new beyblades also.
Twilight-Blade - July 11, 2008 12:33 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Kai-V @ Jul 10 2008, 07:07 PM) |
| QUOTE (Twilight-Blade) | | This is just an idea but do you think if someone made wallpapers and other things that advertised the site that it may get more members? If so then I could definitely help! |
I could always add them to the site, and perhaps they could be submitted to wallpaper websites ...
Anything you want to do will be accepted.
I will be getting the new beyblades also.
|
Cool! I will post them in the fan work section when I have time! Would you want them to say something like "Keep the Spirit Alive! Beyblade Spirit"?
Kai-V - July 11, 2008 03:00 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Twilight-Blade @ Jul 11 2008, 12:33 AM) |
| Cool! I will post them in the fan work section when I have time! Would you want them to say something like "Keep the Spirit Alive! Beyblade Spirit"? |
For example. If these are meant to advertise though, the URL should be written on them as well.