~ ~ Everyone please read ~ ~

[Fishooked]

Hi everyone,

Well as anyone who has been here long enough, I have a tendency to wear my emotions on my sleeve, to a fault.

I'm passionate about fishing and these lures, I probably don't know a lot about both, but you can't say that I am not passionate.

So sometimes its pretty evident when I have my highs and when I have my lows, since in some ways this place itself feels like my own personal blog of sorts.


And it shouldn't have to be that way. It should be your personal blog, and you folks should be starting the majority of the post topics, not me. Not that I shy away from it at all.

I think you may see what Im driving at; I've tried to implement some perks and programs to get people to post more, and with the exception of about 20 or 30 of you, it hasn't really worked.

I've started monthly giveaways, the RapCash thing, and some other stuff, but I really don't know what else to try. The RapCash promo is just flat-out bribery, and although I know the free stuff that is there isn't the greatest (yet), I'm working on it, and that hasn't worked.


Maybe it's just the time of the year, or just my own impatience & frustration of seeing things I've worked hard on get ignored, or maybe this site just needs 'more' than just a forum.

Maybe there's other options out there for us that would include a forum, but also more interactive things such as real member photo albums, videos, blog posts, and more. Maybe something of that nature might attract more people to get involved more.

I figured I wanted to get this out there before I went away, so maybe when I get back I can get a good temperature reading on what I may need to do next.

I'm sure the folks who will reply to this are not the members I am concerned about, I guess I just don't know what else to say to our 400+ members that are not active.

Even half of those members getting active would really get this place going, but i honestly don't see it happening.

I'm going to throw a poll out here and see what happens.
Tell me what you guys think, honestly.

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read this.

[fishfingers007]

yah i know how you feel, but the problem is not the site its the nature of people, you need 1000 members to get 60-70 more active,
all the fishing clubs im in are the same 500 members and the same 5 do all the work on the river,
i like the site as it is, but im cool if it makes it better for you, slow i know but you are getting there, you gained 40 members in the last couple of months, im sure you will see more traffic soon,
i think sometimes if you dont get an answer to some thing it may put some off, or get to feel left out , maybe we should give an answer even if its a 'cant help you on that' after all its nice to feel welcome and part of it when your new some where, all of us ,not just ted should chip in on that, not that im saying you dont or that i felt unwelcome, it was just nice to get a hi, when you first post, well ive bored you all with my view

[Fishooked]

Aug 4, 2009 4:31:54 GMT -4 fishfingers007 said:

well ive bored you all with my view

No you haven't...thank you for the input.

Actually I think I may have found a way to keep the board, but use the new format for everything else...I'll keep you all posted.

I have a lot of work to do on the other site to get it 'ready' before I introduce you all to it. Just to see if 'seeing it' might help....of course that will probably take at least a month, if not more...

[wallcat]

The evolution of the site from the beginning and Steve's board has been staggering. I think you might be a little hard on yourself with the amount of growth you expect. Give it time and as the membership doubles again, I'm sure the number of posters will double as well. Many prefer to lurk and read the info. which is fine as well. I can remember months on the old board where I couldn't find a single person posting. There are many threads posted on this board each and every day.

Cheers Mate

[casey10]

I belong to a fishing site with 1328 members in NB. There is still no more than 40 members who do 90% of the posting. The rest just read and use info they are looking for or try to find out all the good fishing spots. Although I am not a rapala collector, I have more of them than any other type of lure, and prefer to use them and read about them here!!

[muskiehunter]

Hey Ted,
I think the site is great the way it is,but if you want to change it go ahead.

.I don't know why others won't post

If FREE RAPALA'S don't work

Anyway you have created a great and very enjoyable site to be a part of and your hard work is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!!!!!!!!

[zeroroaster]

Ted,

I certainly agree with and share your frustration. The world has become a very complacent place. For many, many reasons which could be easily discussed by a campfire with a couple of pints, as we deal with major companies that put us on hold and tell us our call is important to them, a lot of people have developed a sort of 'firewall'. A thick layer of sludge built with apathy and false promise...nobody knows how to express themselves anymore!

For years you've been told to become a part of the machine, a cog, and sit in a small cubicle where you're not paid to think, or express yourself, just shut up and push that paper pile. So, after years of that, you can forget about someone still being able to form an opinion.

My second job I have is teaching music to adults. People that have wanted to their whole lives and now that they've hit the middle, have decided to try something before they actually crater from the stress of their life that totally didn't go where they wanted it to. Man, sometimes it's really, really sad. I'm AMAZED how many people in this world are off course...completely! ..and we're not even in a human epicenter of activity out here!

That said, I seriously applaud your efforts. Although it can be frustrating as all h***, it's the few that persist, and don't lie down and take it that keep the rest wondering if really they could. I get asked all the time how I got to be such a damned fine musician..well, it's easy...I stuck to my guns, told the world to go pound sand, and did it anyways. There, simple enough?

Fishing is no different, or anything for that matter. Nurturing creativity and freedom of speech in a world that's so obviously controlled is absolute madness!! Unfortunately, the promo thing also scares people to some extent...not me!! I love free stuff!! hee!hee!

But for many people it's regarded as a ploy...oh sure, this is free, in exchange for what? Kindness can often be mistaken for treachery. Sad, but true...

Anyhew, I could ramble forever on this topic, but I won't. I think the site is awesome. I'm a complete fishing junkie and it's nice to have a place to go...'Hi, My name is Bob'...*group answers* 'Hi, Bob'...you know the drill. I also appreciate that we're at opposite ends of this great continent, yet, it's kind of all the same. We're all in this together. So, I strongly applaud your efforts, and more so, the desire to not be complacent and to make it better....carry on my good man!

[cdj711]

Hi Ted.

i know, you didnt want to see me here ...
you wanted to see posts of non-posters.

i think Shane is right, it will take time.
you have put a lot of time and energy in here,
but you cant expect it coming back as fast as you put in here.

if sign-up goes on like that, we will hit the 1000-member before the end of this year.

well, i could go on trying to calm you down, but i am afraid that wont help much; you will go on and haul this board over 3 times from scratch in less than 2 weeks - oh, i forgot, you are on vacation until 8/16, so it might well be it takes you one week longer ... LOL

just wait a little ...

wolfgang

[Fishooked]

Thanks all. I can sit in a canoe for 9 hours and not catch a damn thing, now that is patience.

But when it comes to other things I guess Im not.

Wolfgang is right about one thing, there won't be any board changes next week, thats for sure...

[Fishooked]

And sincere thanks to all for the kind words, guess I needed that shot in the arm.

I wish I had more cash to layout for a more professional site and layout, I really do, but if this 'hobby' of mine spends any more money I'll be divorced in no time.

I have no doubt we'll hit 500 members by years end, and hopefully it will grow exponentially from there.

And I will say we've had a great infusion of new faces here since this year, and you all know who you are.

Thanks for putting up with the endless site changes, I guess I see something on another site that I like, and I try to implement the same thing here, with mixed results.

Anyway, as just an 'experiment' (since its free, lmao ) I'm going to spruce up 'the other place' to see if i can get the same look and feel of this place, and then see what you folks think.

Thanks again all...

[10tacle]

Its all the same and i know these problems too with no active zero posters, lamers & leechers.

I'm also moderator in a regional fishing board with app. 250 members actual. It costs a lot of time for me too fill and moderate.
The amount of active users? Not more than 40-50 and the half of these guys were there from the start on. For me to say with close to 4400 postings since 12 '06 and 7% of all postings (seen in then statistics) it really needs a lot of time to kick ass some guys to post an start new things.

One thing we've started with 2 years before is to pm these guys with 5 postings or less and with no response within 4 weeks kick'em. There is no need to deal with these crap. That helps enormously to focusing on the active core. With this tactic we sifted app. 200 zeros, and that was good. Ok, we are supported by a local dealer and for sure not that good to kick em all, but slightly is no problem for us. They often said they just want too look one time to all the full stuff after registering. Some "Zeros" came three times back over the years before they started to post more often.

So Ted you see its all the same around the world.

[Fishooked]

Aug 5, 2009 4:01:09 GMT -4 10tacle said:

Its all the same and i know these problems too with no active zero posters, lamers & leechers.

I'm also moderator in a regional fishing board with app. 250 members actual. It costs a lot of time for me too fill and moderate.
The amount of active users? Not more than 40-50 and the half of these guys were there from the start on. For me to say with close to 4400 postings since 12 '06 and 7% of all postings (seen in then statistics) it really needs a lot of time to kick ass some guys to post an start new things.

One thing we've started with 2 years before is to pm these guys with 5 postings or less and with no response within 4 weeks kick'em. There is no need to deal with these crap. That helps enormously to focusing on the active core. With this tactic we sifted app. 200 zeros, and that was good. Ok, we are supported by a local dealer and for sure not that good to kick em all, but slightly is no problem for us. They often said they just want too look one time to all the full stuff after registering. Some "Zeros" came three times back over the years before they started to post more often.

So Ted you see its all the same around the world.

Yeah, this is true, although there is no real need for me to delete anyone.

There's isn't an easy way for me to query the last login date, so it's not harming anything having them on here. We should hit 500 by the end of the year, who knows. maybe 1000 the end of next year.

We can only hope

[Fishooked]

I noticed there were a few people that suggested more content...well, if you folks want to see certain things on here, just let me know.

Sadly my work schedule prevents me from scouring the net for some good content, so if you have ideas throw them out here.

If you want more forum categories, just let me know...

Im hoping to come back from vacation to some good ideas!

[John Neves]

Hey fellas!

Sorry, I've been away for some time... Computer problems, new job, etc. New computer - no excuses now!

But I'm back! The site looks great by the way!

Best regards,

John

PS.: I think the gallery thing is a good idea. The photo posts get a bit long sometimes and it's just easier to see pics in albums.

[bacon]

hey john, glad to see you back in here, you will notice alot of changes. ted just cant leave stuff alone. lol.
looking forward to seeing your posts again.
bacon

[tommi]

Hi Ted,

the site is great, but a album wil be fine.

In other boards the album will be used more and more.

It is simple to show pictures to other users.

Thomas

[walleye270]

The site looks and is great. I enjoy logging on and looking through everything at least once a week. Before I started working out of town all week, I was visiting at least five times a day. It is probably the most enjoyable site to be a part of, at least for me.

I know we don't tell you enough, but we appreciate ALL of the work and effort you put into this place to make it what it is. Just take some time to relax, wet a line, and see what happens.

[bigben]

I just found this site and it is so cool. I love the rapala and I love to fish. Keep up the good work.

[fishfingers007]

Aug 14, 2009 12:20:12 GMT -4 bigben said:

I just found this site and it is so cool. I love the rapala and I love to fish. Keep up the good work.

your just like the rest of us then , welcome aboard

[muskiehunter]

Aug 14, 2009 12:20:12 GMT -4 bigben said:

I just found this site and it is so cool. I love the rapala and I love to fish. Keep up the good work.

Welcome aboard

If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask.The guys and gals here have a wealth of knowledge about Rapala's.

Steve

[casey10]

Welcome to the site, hope you enjoy it!!

[Fishooked]

Aug 14, 2009 12:20:12 GMT -4 bigben said:

I just found this site and it is so cool. I love the rapala and I love to fish. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for the kind words, and welcome aboard!

[Fishooked]

Aug 8, 2009 19:37:53 GMT -4 John Neves said:

Hey fellas!

Sorry, I've been away for some time... Computer problems, new job, etc. New computer - no excuses now!

But I'm back! The site looks great by the way!

Best regards,

John

PS.: I think the gallery thing is a good idea. The photo posts get a bit long sometimes and it's just easier to see pics in albums.

I agree, the boards are good for images here and there, but if a thread has a load of them, it takes awhile to load sometimes.

I see some folks suggested adding more info to increase member participation - does anyone have any ideas?

Maybe some of the board categories are too specific, or maybe not nearly specific enough.

Maybe I should merge 'Fish Stories' with the 'All Fishing...' board, because I guess it just makes sense.

General Conversation should be changed to to include everything but fishing/lure topics, etc.

The Site Promos/News I will probably leave, so all of the board changes / contests / etc will stay in there.

I can't force members to participate, but I do not want anyone to feel shy about starting a topic or thread, that's what its all about...

[friendlyninja]

hey Ted, i have to agree with with wallcat, let the site evolve.You're doing a great job with it. but just like your fishing, you can be too quick to change lures. relax a little all is well

[fompopr]

I think this is a great looking site, you did a good job, I posted a link on my web site also.

[karpfenkommissar]

Hi Ted,

first I have to say, that you are making a good job !
You created a great site.
But I think that the problem with the most inactive members is, that they are looking for things they are interested in and if they`ve found the answers to their questions by reading threads, they finish.
I understand these people a little bit. A lot of them are surely fishermen you could find most of the time fishing than in front of their computer. Because of family and work, most of them have surely only a little time to practise fishing. In my case it`s the same. Truely I prefer go fishing than gazing into the monitor of my computer.
On the other hand, most of people collecting only some special kind of Rapalas (me the SSR-14 and CDSR-14 only). For me I can say that I don`t know much about other modells and so I can`t say something seriously to threads about Huskys, DT, FR ..... .

So the other problem to foreign members could bee the
language. Look at my bad english !!! Most of the time I`ve got very huge problems to understand, what other members are writing. Often I don`t answer in threads, because I can`t express myself. I think some other foreign members have the same problem. So it is my problem to learn english, but there are so many things to do and so less time.

I`m glad that I´ve found some people trough this site and I`m still in contact with them from month to month, not every day. But these coversations works over PM.

So this is my opinion of the things.

Cheers
Carsten

[Fishooked]

Thanks for the kind words.

Actually, a lot of people who say their english is no good - it is actually very good. You'd be surprised how many people born here in the USA don't know how to type a legible sentence!

I don't think anyone here has ever had trouble trying to understand anyone's translation - and if i ever see anyone give someone a problem over it, it won't be tolerated

So everyone please do not be shy and self-conscous!
I value everyone's input here on the site.

[CaptainMo]

I would suspect it picks up during the late Fall and Winter months? The people like me from the Northern geographies don't have that many free hours during the summer months. We're stuck trying to get as much time as possible on the water, as well as all the house and yard duties that can only be done during the warm weather periods.
I signed up a couple months back and must confess I haven't posted much at all. I have X number of hrs available during the week during these warm weather periods and find it hard to visit all the different forums that I frequent even for reading purposes, let alone the extra time required to type posts.
I do believe you have a nice site going here though, and will certainly try to do a better job to get to know the site and provide some input and feedback.
I toss Rapalas more than any other hard baits in my boat, so hopefully I can provide some entertaining and informative posts.
One thing that would be nice (being as I'm rambling now), would be tha ability to post pics with individual posts. Maybe you can and I haven't figured it out yet?

CaptainMo

[Fishooked]

Sept 12, 2009 15:07:56 GMT -4 CaptainMo said:

I would suspect it picks up during the late Fall and Winter months? The people like me from the Northern geographies don't have that many free hours during the summer months. We're stuck trying to get as much time as possible on the water, as well as all the house and yard duties that can only be done during the warm weather periods.
I signed up a couple months back and must confess I haven't posted much at all. I have X number of hrs available during the week during these warm weather periods and find it hard to visit all the different forums that I frequent even for reading purposes, let alone the extra time required to type posts.
I do believe you have a nice site going here though, and will certainly try to do a better job to get to know the site and provide some input and feedback.
I toss Rapalas more than any other hard baits in my boat, so hopefully I can provide some entertaining and informative posts.
One thing that would be nice (being as I'm rambling now), would be tha ability to post pics with individual posts. Maybe you can and I haven't figured it out yet?

CaptainMo

Hey, thanks for coming by!

I beleive this place will pick up somewhat too, once we're all holed up for the winter, and there isn't much else to do.


I think our new Facebook page can really help with drawing more people in, as well as the extra options the page has (adding video, albums, etc)

Hoping to run a lot of activities on here to keep us all busy!

On that note, Im going to close this thread because I feel its not really need, it was just a thread for me to rant in, lol.