Feedback from a newby (<1 week).

This is a great site, has some excellent tutorials, formatting features, wonderfull galleries, and REALLY nice people...

but...

I have to say I am finding the boards kind of dead - usually only half a dozen people including moderators lurking.

Does anybody have any suggestions for boosting the hit rate on the forums? I know from hanging out at dpreview that there are plenty of forum posters with an interest in Retouching out there.

How do we pull them over here? I have mentioned this site in apost there, as have Danny and Clausiam.

Any other good ideas?

Respectfully
Toad

hmmm...I never really thought of these boards as dead. :( It has been a little slow the past few weeks...people busy, etc... It will pick back up eventually.

Thanks for the info - just my luck to start on a slow week.

:nod:

I hope nobody is offended by my comment.

Toad, try jumping in on the discussion already going on in some threads. A lot of the posting goes on in threads that have been going for months. I'm sure you have some interesting opinions and experience to add to ongoing discussions! :)

I've just assumed (silly me...) that it's that last lull of the summer when everyone is trying to take advantage of whatever good weather is left.

I know my posting has slowed down this summer from what it was over the winter, but that's just because I've been able to get out and do things instead of being forced inside by winter weather. (I actually managed to go to dinner a football game last night and barely had time to just check my mail before going to bed).

Well, that plus I had to go back to (ugh!) work instead of spending much time here on my computer.

Another thing is that there's soooooo much info on the boards already that maybe there are a lot of questions that people are finding answers to without having to ask at this point... :)

Plus, the holiday season is zooming right up there (don't forget the RetouchPRO holiday donation drive coming up... :) ) and I've noticed a lot more people out shopping and such lately.

For the amount of members we have, it is slow. But I think there is only a small percentage of members who post routinely. It won't be long until we start getting more posts per day, due to the weather conditions. In the meantime, follow CJ's advice. Check out the older threads. There are a lot of oldies that are ripe for renewed discussions.

Ed

We ARE approaching 1000 members, but like any site, only about 10-15% really participate on a consistent basis. I have not been too active this week due to a massive web design project I was doing for my brother's e-zine...and will continue to be doing for some time! (for some reason I always volunteer for these things...and they balloon into large scale monstrosities! :D )

Hmm.

That's good - generated 5+ more mesages - so I will say something even more contraversial to generate more messages:

I tend to think of myself as kind of a pathetic loser - in that I look to the forums as a "social" experience and peripherally am "artistic" experience.

Realistically, don't most of us want to have 5+ meseages to respond to rather than maybe 2?

Seriously - am I way off base? I would like to have this exceptional forum get 2 million+ hits per day...

No discussion?

Flame suit on...
Toad

Toad:

As one who skips back and forth among a couple forums, and who clicks "LAST 24 HOURS" at this site pretty often, I would agree there's are not many lively threads happening compared to other places. Sure, one could post to a thread that's been inactive a time and stir the ashes a bit, but (yawn...)

Why is it slow? I can't say. Sure can't be for lack quality content or because mean and unsupportive folks hang out here.

The weather? The holidays are coming up? End of summer? Hmmm... it's Sunday a.m. I'da thunk there would have been a decent amount of activity the past 24 hrs. Let's see: Does 14 posts (past 24 hrs) seem like a lot? Doesn't to me. Not with a membership in the neighborhood of 1K. Of those 14, 5 are for threads in the Salon. But over 1/3 of the activity for the site on a Saturday is in the Salon? (No offense to those active in the Salon.)

Maybe it's the nature of this segment of the industry / hobby. It's not as though there are daily technical breakthroughs in how to clone. The site doesn't focus much on "current industry events" or new hardware reviews, which are probably better left to sites that specialize in that sort of thing. Given the specialized nature of this niche, perhaps there should not be a high traffic expecation.

It would be interesting to crunch the behind-the-scenes numbers regardng membership, posting frequency, forum participation, affects of seasons, the Superbowl and all that kind of stuff.
Don't get me wrong: I enjoy engaging DJ, Jak, Greg, Ed, Jeanie and all the regulars. Like Toad, I would also like to see more activity in the non-social forums.

Ya wanna know what I REALLY think? (Well, I'm gonna tell you anyway.) I think I'm going to bed. Falling asleep in church is embarrassing!

eya all later.

Danny

Weekends are always slow...and remember that school just started back in many places. People who once had the time to indulge in an online forum are now packing lunch boxes and going to PTA meetings...(thankfully I don't have to worry about these things...yet!).

I think most sites go through a lull once the "newness" wears off. RetouchPro has only been around for a year...and already is approaching 1000 members. It takes time to build a site up. Posting links in other forums is a great way to get new people here...because as far as I know, Doug is not advertising on cable TV yet! I found Retouch from a link in a newsgroup for instance.

Another thing to do is to try and always post a few comments whenever you get one in one of your threads. I have noticed a few times where someone will post 5-10 images in the gallery, get a few responses. but then never respond...or if they do respond, they do not take the time to post comments about any images other than their own. This does not happen very often but has a few times...

Also...as Doug has pointed out many times, try to create new threads for new topics within existing threads. This gets new discussions going...don't be afraid of that "New Thread" button! actually...we are all guilty of that one... :)

Although it is a little too slow lately, I actually enjoy the smaller group. People can get lost in the crowd on bigger sites. Plus they get mobbed with spam and one word replies and threads that get way off base. It gets old searching through millions of messages to find one piece of relevant information.

Don't forget that a number of posts per day that used to appear here are now appearing over in the new Challenge area of the Gallery and don't show up as 'new posts'.

Flame suit on...

Ummmm..... No one here at RetouchPRO owns a flame thrower....

:D

Jak:
You are correct, and I personally feel that's one of the reasons we haven't 'caught on' like other sites. And, if that is the case, I couldn't be happier about it.

99% of the internet is built around profit, controversy, and conflict, and we're a good-sized portion of the remaining 1%.

Toad:
One of the things people overlook is that, besides the nearly 1000 registered users and the 100 or so that post regularly, is that we get over 16,000 unique visitors per month. They come, get what they need (or don't), and leave, without registering or actively participating.

I get lots of email with questions and comments from people that simply won't participate in forums, for their own reasons. While for many the forums are what this site is about, it's actually only one of many areas.

Plus we do have a limited niche, and some might feel we've already covered. I don't, but I can see how some might.

Bottom line is that it's up to each individual to form what they want. The vast majority are reactive, not proactive, at least in this context, so step up and start a thread about what you want to discuss.

Hi all!

Large forums can be nice but a person can also get bogged down with to many posts. Try missing a few days at Adobe and you will be buried with post that you probably wont have time to read. I really like the friendly people and the great threads here. Bigger is not always better.

Bob

I personally feel that's one of the reasons we haven't 'caught on' like other sites

I had the same thought yesterday when this thread first popped up. I subscribe to some newsgroups, and I think that many (not all) of the people that frequent the groups really get off on the conflict there. Nasty little jabs, flame wars, lots of arguements and name calling...

Maybe people are displaying the agressive unpleasant side of themselves that they just can't put out there in polite real time society. Or, maybe they're just really like that in real life (scary thought).

The conflict seems to attract a lot of attention and have more than its share of participants, though. I tend not to get into too awfully many "conversations" in those places. Mostly, in as few words as possible, I just suggest that people come here if they want to know or learn something. I never feel safe saying much or fully participating in those other places.

One thing I've learned in my life is that it's not the quantity of the friends that you have that counts, it's the quality. I'd much rather be here with the few existing nice people than anywhere else on the net.

In real life, I can quickly get agressive or catty if I don't watch myself. I've always been that way, and it's a part of myself I don't particularly like. I feel much better about myself when I'm being a nice person. I think being nice is good for the soul somehow. This place (hopefully) brings my best side forward and reminds me every day to watch how I act, and that reminder spills over into real life, which (for me) is one of the best incidental benefits of being here...

As far as being reactive and not proactive - that's me! :)

When I'm logged on here, unless someone is asking me a question or there's a thread going that I'm participating in, I'm usually doing other things. Working on jobs, doing challenges, searching the web for info, etc. Sometimes, I'm not even at my computer at all even though I'm logged in. I leave it on when I'm at home and always have at least one RetouchPRO browser window open. I'm not much of a thread starter myself, but I'll jump into a conversation if it looks interesting or if there's a difficult image someone needs help with (my very favorite kind of thread!).

somtimes I still feel a little intimidated when I post but that's just me.

I agree with you Jakaleena. Many people on those sites act like they are the experts and how dare you ask such a simple question. It's impossible for them to answer without a snide superior answer. I feel we all have our areas of expertise. If I need an answer to a ? or can provide an answer, it is up to me to ask or answer with understanding and niceness(is that a real word?) or else just butt out.

Bob

Sanda, dont feel intimidated. I enjoy your posts. By the way, how is the fruitcake coming? Will you be able to make enough for all the members? The holidays are just around the corner.

Bob

I wonder if you went to one of those more "popular" (?) forums or the newsgroups and eliminated everything mean, nasty and unpleasant how many legitimate posts would be left?

I think we're doing ok here... :)

Well, seeing how I started this thread - I guess that it is time to weigh in again...

What I am hearing is that:

(a) Quality of posting is more important than quantity

(b) People (most but not all) seem to be generally satisfied with the number of posts that occur here on a daily basis.

(c) If an increase in the number of posts means potentially attracting nasty people, that would be a bad thing.

(d) There are lots of people using the site resources - but not posting regularly.

These statements are all totally legitimate.

My concern is two-fold.

The primary reason that I visit forums - rather than merely reading photoshop tutorials on-line is for the free flow of ideas and images - the difference between a conversation and an explanation. I think that a large number of regular posts is the best way to get that free flow jump-started.

My second concern is perhaps less important, but still real. I have examined the galleries here in detail over the last few days, and I have found some amazing images that have, in some cases, been posted for 4-6 months without a single comment. When a person posts their work in a public forum, they are stepping way out on a limb - exposing their personal "art" and talent to an audience that can choose to laud it or flame it. It is a big risk for a person, and it must be terribly demoralizing to post an image that you have labored over, and have it pass totally without comment.

In order to develop a sense of community, I think that we owe it to ourselves to post regularly, and encourage forum growth. But that is just my opinion.

Bob
I usually start soaking the fruit in brandy late November, it soaks for about 2 weeks, depending on my available time, before I make the cake.
:)

Hi Toad and all
I think that since this site is somewhat specific in it's purpose, it's posts tend to be scattered. Some threads are responded to on a dialy basis, while others may lay dormant for a few weeks. When I discovered the salon forum, I enjoyed the many different topics I found and did respond to a few. One I actually revived from the dead!! Most of us respond to the artistic sections more often that the social, after all this is a photo site. But when we have time the salon is jumping...well, maybe hopping:D . An interesting point can be found at the bottom of the main forum page. Highest number of members on at once was Aug. 30, before that, was a date earlier the same month. Says a bit about our free time.
I joined in July and am nearing 100 posts myself. Looking over my threads, when I was off, they were scattered throughout the day. Now that I'm back to work, I only have a little time at night, and it shows. However, in the last 2 weeks, I have received over 25 replies to a post requesting help. That's when we really see the members jump:rambo:
So hang in there Toad, as stated, start a post about your interests and maybe others will join in. If not start another one. This place is full of interesting good people and I'm glad here.
Read and respond, I've learned more about Zimbabwe than you could shake a stick at...
You're right about the images though. Seems the same people respond to the work submitted. I am one of the guilty ones..but I try to comment as often as I can. I think some people don't feel qualified to comment, but soon they'll realize that everybody's comments are appreciated.
Stick around and have fun.
Debbie

Toad,
To address the Gallery issue, it looks like it's part of the forum and main pages but unfortunately it's a totally different program with different limitations. One of which is not being e-mailed regularly if members answer your post so you can respond as you would this forum. I don't know that that can be changed. Also being that it's seperate you have to go specifically to it and alot of members don't always frequent it like they do the main forum. I try to check them and the new challenge entries on a regular basis because I feel the same as you. It's a shame to see some of the work go unnoticed. It would greatly help if you would go there and encourage other like you're doing to visit there regularly also. I did see where you uploaded some cool images.

Also, I might point out that you're doing pretty good here. You made it to 2 pages of comments. :D
DJ

If you see an image with no comment, make a comment, even if it's just to say "yes, I saw this one" :)

Another benefit of posting a lot of messages...

I notice that I am now a "Member" instead of a "Junior Member".

Congratulations on your "promotion" :lol:

Post lots - post often.

It is it's own reward.

Check it out - a member less than a month - and a "Senior" Member already.

:D :D :D

this place is really aging you ,:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Hey Jak,
I like the new avitar. :)

Thanks Sanda :)

It's just my Halloween costume (from the Graveyard game of Art Tag...)

Hello All,

I have noticed that quite a few people have blamed the weather for the lack of posts that have been made - a solution is to move to Britian where we have a possibility of 2 weeks of summer a year - and that is only every other year!!

It is a shame that the gallery does not produce more feed back and I do feel that the email would be a good way of knowing someone has responded to your images. I do try and go there and comment - It is a place to grow

I love these forums - and the feed back that I personally recieve is always appreciated. I have gained more quality information in this site and the interaction with people about my art than I have had for years. It has taken me a time to feel confident enough to post my work or jump into some of the threads.

Sometimes I think it is not the easiest thing to do to start a thread - especially if you have not been around for that long as you don't want to repeat something which is already here! It takes a long time to read what has already been posted - and in some cases I find that I am just never going to catch up.

The only thing I have remaining to say (finally I hear you say!) is thank you for making the time I spend here so enjoyable
Clare
------------------------
Sorry if I went off the rails a bit :D

Almost another thread, but answers a point made earlier. Since the 'new' transition to the challenege area (ie taking it out of the forum) I have not really ventured into it, I find it unintuitive and clunky to use - however the site and the forums inparticuliar are still fantastic as ever:)

As always now that I have admitted my transgressions I will pop over to the challenge area and promise to go more regularly:D

Oh and 1 our father and 3 hail Dougs:tongue:

I am going to make the challenge area my November resolution - (why wait till the new year) - to go more and make more creative comments on a regular basis.

I am a strong believer in the more you put in the more you get out.


quote
Oh and 1 our father and 3 hail Dougs


We all need to do a few of those, Doug does a fantastic job :D

Clare

Maybe We alt to do a poll on just how oftern you visit the gallery and give creative advice as well as congratulations to those who have bared there souls and posted images there!

(I hate starting threads, so I'll leave that part to someone else!!!)

Clare

I will start a new thread on how often.
I am curious as well.

Well there are no constraints on content within 'Salon' (apart from one or two codicil's !!!)

Okay so I've stuck my head out and created a poll :!: :dead: :!:

Thanks platscha@cs.com for starting the thread on peoples comments on how oftern they visit the forums - between the two threads hopefully we will get some good responces :nod:

Clare