Where is everybody?

Hi Guys, I have left this for a while, but it seems like no one is posting on the site. Are we losing interest or what? How can we make the site more appealing? Where are we going wrong with it?

Please help by giving us your honest opinion, otherwise, I fear we may just cease to exist.

Well I post on the building of the shrimper on a fairly regular basis, but I have noticed it's the same few people that comment on it, so maybe there is not much interest in build logs.

But saying that, it is often the same on forums this time of year, as the nights draw in there are gardens to tidy for winter and the decorating to do, that her indoors says, must be done for Christmas.

Just my thoughts.

Alan

My excuse... Just busy, loads going on everywhere except with my boats.
Would not like to see this forum disappearing so if there is anything i can do to help out just shout

AlanP wrote:

so maybe there is not much interest in build logs.

On the contrary, alan..........I for one am very interested in build logs, but there just aren't enough people posting or logging on as members.

I spoke to 3 people today, one who is a trader, and all who were members on the old site..........they have a fear that the site will go the same way as the old did, and that they thought the old site was developing well and becoming a very nice little niche site, but are reluctant to join and post for fear of all work, such as the build logs, like the Clyde blog will just disappear.....

I think it's a case of showing that we are here to stay, and would welcome all to join in and make the site a good one to be part of......sell ourselves on other sites and hope that the membership starts to grow. perhaps the monthly news letter could be emailed to every member with an invitation at least once in a while to post their build progresses.



neil.

I'm here several times a day while my northern hemisphere mates sleep, no building happening here, a whole string of medical appt's leaving me too stuffed to get in the shed put paid to that.
Money wise things are improving we've almost paid off the shift in march I'm starting to get back some of the $750 the budget owes me. I'm having fun on ebay buying plans, 2.4g rc gear & 3 x 2.4g receivers. I hope to start sailing and building now the weather is getting better the local lake is full and almost weed free. I'll take some pic's tomorrow of the trailer for my scooter while it still has 3 models on it. I took the to our local community house yard sale/BBQ to try and get some interest going.
Lots of very nice model and gee lots of hours put into them but no interest in having a go.
Model yachts we seen on the lake last Wednesday so I'd better unpack my yachts lol.

Well i've not built anything for a while but i shall continue with my Pilot boat in the winter months. I've been doing some work on my other Pilot boat that's 50 years old. I've stripped the upper decks off it, and dismantled them, sanded em down for painting, and messing about with the electrics (I'm not happy with them). Installed a new steering mechanism, Cog, and Chain. The first decent day we get in the winter months i'm going to sail it, that along with my PT 109 is my pride and joy.

having worked hard on the old site i for one worry about the plug being pulled just like the old site, i do have a look at the site every day to see whats going on and who's building what and how they go about there builds , build blogs like Alans and Neils are of great interest to me and i'm sure to others aswell , i think the admin team and the mods are doing a fantastic job and all i can say is keep up the good work and long may the site prosper

I'm in no-mans land at the moment. I work away during the week and have no internet access where I'm staying except at work which I can only use during my lunch break (when I'm in the office) - and come home on the weekends.

I have just recently sold my flat so I'm in the process of beginning to start with the preparation of the packing for removal and will be relocating up to Leicestershire sometime between the end of December / early January.

Although I do not frequent the site as much as I like to, I am still keen, and when things get back to normal I'll be a more regular contributor.

I think one or two of you have hit the nail directly on the head with your comments about the fate of the last forum we had, and it's swift demise at the hands of a certain person. I don't know if himself is a member here or not, neither do I care much after what he did, but either way this forum needs a swift kick up the ass in order to survive.

It looks like a temporary forum when you first land on it...adverts flashing before your eyes, and not even a decent header. I do notice that the forum founder rarely pays a visit, which doesn't exactly fill a prospective member/poster with confidence.

You do have the advantage of a good admin/moderation team which is good, and it looks as they do really try to keep the forum above water(pardon the pun...completely unintentional).

So...what to do? I would suggest firstly buying a proper forum domain name, these are cheap enough(I've just renewed the domain titles on the AMS forum and the website for just a few dollars)that way you can lose the adverts at the top of the page, and that makes the forum look a lot more professional, plus it helps the Bots and those modellers searching the net for information to find the forum a lot easier.

Get rid of the silly titles above the member's names(scrubber?village idiot?)and generally have a good tidy up of the way the forum is laid out. Send a general message to the members telling them what's going on, and add a subtle hint or two for some more posts, build logs...that sort of thing. Assure the members that the forum WILL NOT die on it's feet with their help, whip up some enthusiasm and keep it going.

I'm pretty sure that the old forum members are still nervous of getting stuck in with the memories of what happened to all their hard work still fresh in their minds. A lot of forum members spent a lot of time posting build logs, photographs, etc, only to see the whole lot disappear in seconds, but with a little assurance from the forum admin team, I really think that things could be reversed in a short time, and you would very soon see an rise in post numbers.

I do realise that people have other things to do, people can't sit on a forum 24/7, but there are those who are retired who could offer assistance and get the forum back to where it should be.

Get the forum's name put about in modelling circles, let people know you're here and that a warm and friendly welcome awaits them, and you'll soon see a rise in member numbers and post counts.

And you always consider a Facebook page as well, it works well for the AMS and could work well here as well. Plus...it's free to set up, and very easy to do.

I and several others worked hard on the old forum, and I worked even harder on the AMS forum to get people's attention and to get the forum's name known in the model boat world...it paid off well for the old RCMB forum, and now it's paying off for the AMS as well.

I'm sorry if my criticisms seem harsh, and I apologise if I have offended anybody, but you really do need to get something sorted...and soon.

Best wishes,



Rich

I don't think he is, Rich, but if I could tell...he'd be the first person I've ever banned from a site, lol.


As for harsh critisism, Rich...no I don't think so...they have been very CONSTRUCTIVE, and you speak from experience, knowing first hand that you kept the old site afloat and built it up.

It's whether the site owner wants to splash out on a domain name, but I hope others will join in in this discussion and offer their thoughts as well.

after all it is YOUR forum as much as anyones, and it would be helpful to see what you all want.


neil.

Rich,

thanks for your comments. This is why I started this topic, so we can not only survive, but move forward.

Barry

If needed I'd be happy to make a donation towards the domain name, as I'm sure others would too many model railway and 1:1 car forums have non compulsory subscription set-up with acknowledgement in the members status's perhaps this may be an option.
We may not have a huge membership base but every little bit helps.

I'm not sure about the host to this forum, but the AMS forum AND the website cost just shy of £40 for the domain titles...for two years. That's a good deal in anyone's book, I reckon.

Is it still the Roadrunner who owns the forum? Might be worth an email to him with the suggestion...?


Rich

First up i've not vanished.

Second the forums will only grow if EVERYONE promotes it and Contributes in some form to post builds etc.

Sorry Rich this is a harsh comment but so far Rich i haven't seen you make a single constructive post and yet and the one post you do make on is you having a moan about the forum being quite, dead or what not, so really what are you complaining about? (revert to reason 2 above!)

Third I have a life outside of the forum which at present time requires my full attention not the forum, hence my decision to make Phil an Admin as he is able to do what i so badly want to do right now AND he does a VERY good job at it! the only thing i can do is THANK Phil for this hard work and be APPRECIATIVE that some people (inc the moderators) work hard to keep this forum up and running, happy and with out the drama. ..

Funny that the autumns started so have the problems, must be bordom again huh?

Hey if you don't believe me ask Keblan, he will tell you first hand i have not touched a model in the best part of 6 months, i have barly been down the lake in 4!, in 6th months the most i have done is taken photos of the SWAMC fast electrics racing, and visited Looe for there open sail!

I might actually get the the Saltash Ferry Festival this weekend with any luck!

Forth when it comes to comments about 'temporary forums' and that maybe i need to put my hand in my pocket...

1st give me one good reason why i should spend money on a forum when its current member count is 89 and yet i only ever see maybe 10 at the most making regular posts? Do you think that is justifiable to spend money on a domain name for 10 active people?
sorry but i don't right now.

2nd The reason that i have not purchased the 'domain name' is due to the last owner... and until he dose not renew the RCMB.co.uk domain name then i cannot buy it for the forum! Believe me i have look at other variations of the domain and none of them are easy to remember, or are taken with the OLD forum owner, who was such a douch who caused nothing but issues afterwards ..

REMEMBER I PUT THIS FORUM UP AS A REPLACEMENT FOR THE ONE YOU GUYS SO BADLY WANTED TO KEEP!

No one is forced to post on the forum, many just like to sit and read others work, and as long as everyone is happy who cares really if the forum runs on a free basis or has no domain?

If you want to go on a forum that had a purchased domain there are many to pick from so.. up to you, just remember reason 2

''the forums will only grow if EVERYONE promotes it and Contributes in some form to post builds etc. ''

I was half intent to lock the post after my comment but i won't imma let you guys have your say, bitch, whine, moan or what ever.

But i would like to Say thanks to those who do post, because its THEM that keep the forum running no matter how quite it is!

HERE HERE, ARON, i FOR ONE ARE WHOLE HEARTEDLY AGREE WITH YOUR COMMENTS.......IT'S UP TO us, AS MEMBERS TO PROMOTE THIS SITE....AND THE MORE PEOPLE WHO GET INVOLVED AND START POSTING BIULD LOGS THE MORE WE CAN PROMOTE BY CROSS REFERENCING FROM OTHER FORUMS..



hOW ABOUT RICH DOING A BLOG ON HIS SUBMARINE BUILDS.



NEIL.

I look on here everyday, but I don't post much because I am not building anything. I have started a new job in the last few months since I shut down my business, and I am now working around 55hrs a week trying to make up for lack of income over the last 2 years as my business declined.

I am fascinated by the builds people put on here, and fully intend to do something myself which will go up on here as soon as time and money allow. I don't like putting little posts that say "well done, that looks great" on a build log as I think it is frustrating when you keep checking to see a new post on a build and it is just a comment like that, although I realise the intent behind it is a good one!

I don't think anyone is expecting one person to fork out for hosting, I for one would be more that happy to help pay for it. Ref. the comment about it being for 10 people, well, that's £4 each. I don't think that's unreasonable?

Best wishes

Matt

ps Phil, I would still like to do a 'Scamp' at some point! I haven't forgotten about it!

Sorry guys, I have been laid up with lung trouble for just over 12 months and have only just got back to doing a little building

[about 3 or 4 hours a week]. I will try and put some sort of build on here in the near future.

good to see you on here dicky.



neil.

Thanks Neil, about time for bed methinks.

G'day Richard, hope your health improves and get some building done.
All I seem to do lately is dream of models I'd like to do, It's a mongrel having lousy health, but we do what we can thoughts are with you mate.
Damien.

Yes welcome back Richard, now don't go wandering off till we have seen some more of your builds..

I try to regularly post my progress on my HMS Yarmouth build blog as often as I spend time on her. Well I did manage to get in an hour or so yesterday on her but nothing much to note in terms of progress, but I will be putting an update up in a week or so when I get a few hours at the weeked doing her. As to the other parts of the forum and posts well lets be honest it is a young site and it takes time to build up a regular contribution as a matter of routine. I do visit the site everyday and check in and I have no doubt it will grow bigger. RR who set it up has as he says many other things to do so I dont think any of us can complain about any lack of involvement from him. However I think from my perspective I will be making any contributions that I want to make on this site now as opposed to other sites as frankly the cosy set up there of you can say what you like if your part of the in crowd but if your not part of the in crowd you cant make comment at risk of being banned is getting all so tedious. .

This this thread is showing a shared issue, that no one is having a lot of time to do the hobby, so ya the forum is quite slack of late but that ok, as normal it picks up during the winter months as less outdoor activity's go on and we all retreat to our sheds and workshops.

As i said before no one is forced to post if they don't want to, but i would like to think that any posts that written by you even if you contribute very little are all welcome, i would hate to think that you feel you cannot post a comment for fear of being slanted for it like other places.
We do run a zero Torrance for that, so be assured that anything you posts will be treated with the respect it deservers, even if you are wrong! Just remember no one knows everything, we all are still learning it just comes down to how open minded and prepared you are to listen to advice, but as i always say take it all with a pinch of salt, do your research, look for answers that don't contradict and you should not come unstuck!

The problem with lack of posts can be expected with a relatively small member base of 89 the workers with families having limited time to build and post the older members have issues with their health or the health of their partners or simply slowing down.
This forum is a friendly site with members with lots of experience and different ways of building models.
I ask questions sort answers and go with a bit of each and have a new way of doing it, innovation is half the fun of modelling.

Hi folks

I joined this forum because I saw that people were trying to save the old one disappearing. I posted a build log very early to get something on the boards - so far my log is about preparation and research. I could have chosen Mayhem with more chance of hits and thereby more help but I didn't - so people talking about build logs just disappearing is a little disconcerting though I don't believe Roadrunner would do that.

I think that Mayhem will retain the bulk of interest if for no other reason than it's massive historical posts. However that in itself provides a lot of confusion for the newbie - who eventually becomes you lads. So attracting newbies has advantages beyond getting them here.

What I would love (maybe because I am very inexperienced) is that the forum provide a series of quality idiot guides for beginers with maybe the odd Youtube video. 3 mins on this is what you do / don't do with Cyno, this is dope and why you use it, how to put a rudder servo on. Very basic stuff that confuses me as yet. Now that's all very well but a little boring for you chaps - so why should you do it? Well if the titles to all those video lessons all begin RCMB Idiots Guide To ........very clear subject......... You will get hits and as that happens your other vids titles will appear alongside on Youtube. I'm not very web savvy and I'm sure someone can add better keywords but you see the point - Youtube traffic brings hits and some will join here, and not all will be newbies either.

I only post (on any forum) when I have something to ask or to support/welcome someone. However after surfing the web I did once enjoy posting on here with (I think it was) Two Princesses Get Into Trouble. Maybe I (and those not building) could put a few of those up? .......... I have one in mind and I'll probably post it tonight.

Anyway that's my tuppence.

Regards Norseman

Hi

Just to harp on about attracting members by the quality of information - People dropping in here will see that there are eight groups in The Technical pages, only three of which show any topics (there are nine topics in all). I realise I haven't contributed there either but if I had more experience and something to offer others I would post there. Anyone want two thousand words on the influence of the railways on nineteenth century literature? No? Didn't think you would

Regards Norseman

Er actually that might be quite interesting Norseman.

I'm always willing to broaden my knowledge and horizons, norseman..........start writing matey.

neil.

Dontstart it then run out of steam though!!!

Hi

Intrepid - run out of steam indeed - I've been told I'm full of it - I suppose they meant steam?

I work on the railways and have just finished my BA Literature with the OU. There actually is a link between the railways and 19c literature. If I can come up with something both literary and nautical I might just post that.

Just posting to say I have posted as promised - see Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay

Regards Norseman

Keep it up guys.....delighted I am....

will read with interest

Thought I would bump this thread to wake a few people up



Alan

plodding on matey....just plodding on, lol

I know your awake Neil, well most of the time it was some of the others I was giving a nudge too



Alan

I'm still popping in a few times a day but not there's not a lot going on at the moment. Maybe everyones gone X'mass shopping Just thought I'd be annoying while I am here . I'm working tonight so you lot have a nice while I make my bit of the railway safe to travel on.

Dave

Oer.......just waking up after a good nights kip......Now where was I yesterday....Oh yes, we had lunch out on top of a volcano, followed by an evening of jollity and red wine with friends....

Well its 8am here - I've been back from work for an hour - wrecked - just having some red before bed

Dave

7.04pm here Just finished dinner, recovering after day in bigsmoke for a hospital visit.

11.35pm ready to hit the sack, up and at em boys enjoy your day

Damien, I've tried visiting many hospitals - they're not a patch on visiting boat museums - but at least they're better than visiting the Mother in Law

Regards Dave

Modelling and posting on the site has taken a back seat for a little while. My 93yo father in law is having health problems but the problem is he lives 300 miles away and the missus is his only relative so the last few weekends, including this one, involve driving, doctors, social worker and so forth.

Suggestion please? Many sites that have registered users have a list of latest posts that are listed in chronological order. Two of the RN old comrades associtations that I am registered with have them and not just another very active model boat website. Personally I find it easier to use this list for replying and reading new posts rather than looking down the side to see any posts that have been posted and the date and try to figure out if I have read it. I do think this generates more responses and debate. It may of course be just me that finds this easier but has the web site administrator thought of this to increase the traffic? Just a suggestion thats all not a criticism, as personally I like the ambience of this site and would like to see it grow.

I think this is one for Phil and Roadrunner to answer as to logistics.

neil.

I do not know how difficult it would be to do, but I do like the idea..

Perhaps Im missing something (often do ) but the Portal with the latest posts seems to nearly meet your requirements:D



Alan

It sort of does, and no your not missing anything it may well be me and my particular vagaries, but I always go to the home page first rather than the portal. If the listiing on the portal could be on the home page where the chat box is and the chat box on the portal if that makes sense it would maybe induce more immediate replies to posts. Or not.

yes I go via home page and look at posts showing - have missd a few that way. I just like the Mayhem way. I can see new replies to anything I have posted on and/or new posts since my last visit.

Re ambience Intrepid - Beaujolias and Fondue just sprung to mind there for no reason. LOL, no this is a nice little site with never a harsh word - but it is small so responses are limited by that. I have to say that I like this site and the people here. We are a bit like the Adams Family - Now who would uncle Fester be? or Cousin It?

Well I'm off to bed in a few minutes anyway - I'm just waiting for Morticia to get up

Regards Pugsley

Uncle Fester........well me thinks that would be Neil, if he shaved his head....lol