Hello? Hello?

[Captainkirk]

Still part of the problem is , new people can't find the activity on here .
I have talked to members that I've recruted and they say " nothing is going on to participate in "
Then I tell them about ( view active posts ) and the response is " didn't know about that .
Without that the site looks dead and they give up .
There's just not enough user friendly instructions to be easily found .
I've pointed this out several times and it has never been fixed . So it's just going to stay this way .

Larry, got yer ears on?
Graps has a suggestion....
Another problem (as I see it) is ALL the posting (well, 90% of it) is in the Campfire section. If you're looking for answers on the new Bear you just bought, you're not gonna look in the Campfire section. Just sayin'.
I agree with graps that it needs to be made clear to all members to check unread posts since last visit. That will call out and target any new activity anywhere on the forum.

[Captainkirk]

Graps, Larry, I just added a new section (New Member Check In) that should fill this criteria. Feel free to forward on any other suggestions to add to it. I posted up the View Unread Posts info in this thread:

http://www.tradhunter.com/tradhunter/fo ... =65&t=1829

Larry; how do I sticky this?

[Captainkirk]

Well, DON'T EVERYONE TALK AT ONCE!!!!!

[Graps]

Waaa Waaa Waaa !

[Margly]

I`ve been looking at the logged in and guests many times the past weeks and we are very alike other sites, with a lot of visitors that not log in or are members.
My thought is that if we could get a gameplan in order for getting more members on board, that would be fun.

Do you think marketing is the answer?


BTW: I`m not trying to push Larry in any directions, just trying to help out for the sites possibilities And more discussions/sharing of expertise = activity

[Captainkirk]

Not as much marketing as activity, Ronny.
I think a lot of people log on, look for new activity and see none, say "meh..." and log off. Many times it's easier to join in on a conversation than start one.
We are competing with the Big Box forums, for sure. I happen to think we are better by way of the membership here, but our activity is sadly lacking.
Best way to amp things up is to invite a friend, someone you know either in person or online, that has good moral character and loves trad archery (not necessarily just hunting).
A few select here do most of the talking and topic starting, it would be nice to have everyone crank it up a notch or two.
I'm not an expert, for sure. In fact, I'm pretty green to not only trad archery, but trad hunting as well. This year was my first bowhunting with all trad gear and I came back empty handed. I love to hear from the more experienced guys here. In fact a lot of them probably wish guys like me would stick a cork in it and let the experts talk instead.
Well, here's your chance, guys!

[Captainkirk]

One of the things I have done in the past is taken several 'flatlined' black powder forums and made them more successful and "happening" than they ever were.
The secret?
The personal touch. By this I mean I personally invited as many members as I could from other like-minded forums and provided them with the link as well. If any of you are members of the Big Box forums, you certainly have friends and acquaintances there. Give them an invite via a PM (personal message) so as not to piss off the admins and mods who frown on "member-stealing". They are much more likely to respond to a personal invitation than just a cold search. Remember; they already belong to a trad forum, they don't NEED to come here. You have to make them WANT to. How?
a) Be genuine, sincere and friendly when you invite. Tell them how much their expertise could bring towards the forum
b) When they do check in, make them feel welcome and one of the crowd. A little easy teasing is great and breaks the ice
c) Urge them to share stories, photos, tales of hunts past and family things. This IS a family-friendly forum. If they have kids that shoot, by all means get them on here too. Kids are techno-wonders today with social media.
d) The biggest issues I've encountered with other trad forums is that there are a lot of egotistic gurus (aka Keyboard Commandos) that enjoy flexing their muscle behind imaginary screen names and internet anonymity, and Hitler-esque moderators with their shorts pulled much too tight. Most of the members here enjoy the camaraderie and light-hearted, relaxed atmosphere here. Be sure you relay that to prospective members who might have had a belly-full elsewhere.

[Margly]

Not as much marketing as activity, Ronny.
I think a lot of people log on, look for new activity and see none, say "meh..." and log off. Many times it's easier to join in on a conversation than start one.
We are competing with the Big Box forums, for sure. I happen to think we are better by way of the membership here, but our activity is sadly lacking.
Best way to amp things up is to invite a friend, someone you know either in person or online, that has good moral character and loves trad archery (not necessarily just hunting).
A few select here do most of the talking and topic starting, it would be nice to have everyone crank it up a notch or two.
I'm not an expert, for sure. In fact, I'm pretty green to not only trad archery, but trad hunting as well. This year was my first bowhunting with all trad gear and I came back empty handed. I love to hear from the more experienced guys here. In fact a lot of them probably wish guys like me would stick a cork in it and let the experts talk instead.
Well, here's your chance, guys!

Well written

[Margly]

One of the things I have done in the past is taken several 'flatlined' black powder forums and made them more successful and "happening" than they ever were.
The secret?
The personal touch. By this I mean I personally invited as many members as I could from other like-minded forums and provided them with the link as well. If any of you are members of the Big Box forums, you certainly have friends and acquaintances there. Give them an invite via a PM (personal message) so as not to piss off the admins and mods who frown on "member-stealing". They are much more likely to respond to a personal invitation than just a cold search. Remember; they already belong to a trad forum, they don't NEED to come here. You have to make them WANT to. How?
a) Be genuine, sincere and friendly when you invite. Tell them how much their expertise could bring towards the forum
b) When they do check in, make them feel welcome and one of the crowd. A little easy teasing is great and breaks the ice
c) Urge them to share stories, photos, tales of hunts past and family things. This IS a family-friendly forum. If they have kids that shoot, by all means get them on here too. Kids are techno-wonders today with social media.
d) The biggest issues I've encountered with other trad forums is that there are a lot of egotistic gurus (aka Keyboard Commandos) that enjoy flexing their muscle behind imaginary screen names and internet anonymity, and Hitler-esque moderators with their shorts pulled much too tight. Most of the members here enjoy the camaraderie and light-hearted, relaxed atmosphere here. Be sure you relay that to prospective members who might have had a belly-full elsewhere.

Agree

[Gamestalker]

Well.... it is kind of discouraging to try to participate in a discussion & get no response to your post! I've had that happen here a few times.

Kirk, what black powder forums do you go to?
The two main forums I am on are "The Muzzleloading Forum" and The "Traditional Muzzleloading Association" I am a charter member of The Traditional Muzzleloading Association. I tend to go in streaks as far as activity on those forums though.