|
Post by jliessa44 on Jul 12, 2016 17:41:54 GMT
Well, they've kinda backed off on the forum and even started others. So idk.
|
|
|
Post by NightBlade on Jul 12, 2016 18:58:49 GMT
Yeah, and now that's mentioned, they basically did abandon the place. And we started this particular forum as members. So, with all respect to them, I'd say we high-posting members own the place.
|
|
|
Post by jliessa44 on Jul 12, 2016 20:52:54 GMT
Heh. That's kinda what I was getting at, but I was feeling the atmosphere before I mentioned it.
|
|
|
Post by NightBlade on Jul 12, 2016 21:15:02 GMT
Heh. That's kinda what I was getting at, but I was feeling the atmosphere before I mentioned it. Oh you know my usual atmosphere heheh. Slightly overcast with a 90% chance of not even caring x)
|
|
|
Post by jliessa44 on Jul 12, 2016 21:27:34 GMT
Lol. No one can be more ambivalent than me, unless I care. And then I care more than anyone else. All or nothing. Heheh.
|
|
|
Post by NightBlade on Jul 12, 2016 21:31:29 GMT
Sometimes I care a lot... but usually Im less than ambivalent, like the literal opposite of caring. As in, "I would definitely care less if I could, but I can't, so I won't" x)
BUT I DO care about this forum, so we all need to get off our collective shebs and save it.
|
|
|
Post by Starsinger on Jul 27, 2016 23:41:55 GMT
Just as a random point: I know y'all want the keep the UG alive and all that, but there is no denying that it's not even close to what it originally was really.
And I feel like for a christian forum, there is a great lack of anything to do with christianity, expect the prayer request thread which I'm not really counting.
I feel like much of the main reasons for people to move here was because of the people they already knew. And I honestly don't think we have much draw now for newcomers, or that special character that we used to have, and I know that if I came along now (pretending to be the same age as when I joined) I probably wouldn't join.
I think if you wanna (and I'm not including myself, because I won't stay here for ever, so I don't particularly care either way) save this place, then it needs to be built up as something special again, though I have no idea how to do that.
Like after the earthquakes and we couldn't worship in our building (which we are still out of but only for another month or two) before we decided to rebuild, we had to have serious discussions as to whether we were viable to carry on, and whether or not it would be stewardly to invest our money into rebuilding if the church was likely to die out anyway ('cause at that point we were probably more than fifty percent elderly people, we had fifteen people in our youth group if we were lucky (which was over like three families and one or two others), and whether or not it would be a good idea just to break up and move into the other churches of our denomination in the city. And I almost think that that's something that needs to happen with here. Is it better to try and resurrect this place, or try and start over maybe on the authors' new forums, seeing as that is where this place started.
But. Just my thoughts.
|
|
|
Post by NightBlade on Jul 28, 2016 0:23:36 GMT
Them some valid thoughts.
My belief that the reason there would be little draw (assuming anyone was even aware of this place) is because it is dying from the complacency of its members. We lack commitment to the threads we were once dedicated to, and now every part of the forum has lost its excitement and luster. Yes, this is an accusation that I level against each and every member. I'd say it to each person's face without hesitation. But I accuse myself as well, and I openly admit that I am wholly guilty of this sin.
|
|
|
Post by Ellron Silvertree on Jul 28, 2016 0:56:18 GMT
I honestly don't think that anyone should feel guilty for not being "committed" enough to threads. I understand for battle threads, but even then the only point of them is for enjoyment, and no one should feel an obligation to this forum in any way. I know that I don't spend a whole lot of time on here, I check it multiple times a day but i only follow a few threads, module the chat and randomness and video games and other, similar threads. But I don't feel guilty about that. It's just a forum. Yes, it's a wonderful forum and you're all fantastic people, but it's still just a forum, and it will exist as long as even two people want to use it. But Star is right in that it feels very different from the original UG, and even from when I joined it. It's a great forum, but no longer are we brought together by our shared love of TBP, rather we are brought together by the relationships we already have. When I came on there were tons of people all over different threads, but it was clear that there was a particular influence from both Christianity and the books. Now the community is just a group of online friends who stuck together, rather than what used to be. Is that a bad thing? I don't think so. But like Star said, it doesn't have that same "special draw" it had 3-6 years ago.
|
|
|
Post by NightBlade on Jul 28, 2016 1:27:45 GMT
I guess I have ti respectfully disagree...iny opinion, we coukd rally people under any number of flags...RPs, Christian fiction, etc. The deterrent, as I see it, is simply the lack of enthusiasm. If people were to view the forum they'd see maybe five threads active throughout the day with five members online, and dozens of threads and members laying latent like dusty bones that might give a groan every now and then.
|
|
|
Post by Elytra on Jul 28, 2016 1:37:44 GMT
So we should have branched out when people were doing that, like a year or two ago.
|
|
|
Post by Kirenyth Fireblade on Jul 28, 2016 2:35:23 GMT
*cracks knuckles* well, I just revived a few threads...
*sigh* Yeah, I know that doesn't do much. But maybe some of them just need a kickstart.
Pretty much the only thread that's active throughout the day is Character Conversations and Complaints 3.0...
And yeah, I'm still missing how the old UG was when I joined. Now, everyone knows everyone, and we no longer all have one rally point--which in the past was TBP (which I still go on nerd-rants about)--aside from our faith. Most of the long-standing members tend to gravitate towards the writing/battle threads, and although those are cool (and if Disney hadn't wiped the EU clean I would suggest turning CaC2 into a book series), but the rest of us kind of drift to the outside, with the games and the randomness threads and such. But like I said, we all know each other. Newcomers won't understand the inside jokes and things like that, and the battles and RPs are intimidating for people who aren't avid writers, not to mention some of them like CaC2 have been going for years, and the story has progressed so far it would take quite a while just to read a summary! I remember I almost joined CaC2, but I got lost from the beginning because I didn't know where to start! I think that would have a significant issue with newcomers: people who are just checking things out and not really sure about "all this writing stuff". That and, as I mentioned earlier, how most of the activity is centered around the RPs.
Okay, rant over.
|
|
|
Post by Eruanna on Jul 28, 2016 12:41:21 GMT
I, as an Austrlian, classically don't have much of a strong opinion on the basis that I rarely care about anything. As much as I do care about this thread, I've always only used it really for the CC&C thread, my writing thread, and bugging the few people who dared to ignore my time zone difference. I never much used the fun game threads or randomness a heap, especially now being so busy.
I feel like it's a little dramatic to say that we aren't committed enough, personally. My commitment goes to the jobs I have, my family, my responsibilities. It's important for fellowship, fellowship concerning God and concerning writing. I am committed to writing, but somehow I can't bring myself to care enough to avidly post on other threads and stuff here.
I'm also a lazy Australian who likes small groups of friends whom I shall never let go of, hence the reason when advertising the UG(which I shall forever call it) intimidates me and I don't much fancy the idea.
BUT that being said, I don't care enough to protest outside everyone's doors at 3am in the morning against advertising. So instead I just make little comments like this. You're welcome. XD
|
|
|
Post by Ellron Silvertree on Jul 28, 2016 14:05:56 GMT
It's also worth noting, I think, that for ask intents and purposes this is a fledgeling forum. It's only a couple of years old, and most forums start out small. It's also essentially invisible. Unlike the OG UG (hehehe) and other, larger forums, you really will only find this place if you know where to look. Kind of like the old CaC2 blog, you'll never accidentally stumble across it, and it's literally advertised nowhere.
I also think that one of the problems we have when it comes to it not really being a TBP forum anymore that we've all basically talked TBP death, so we don't have a whole lot to say anymore. So anyone who comes in looking to talk about that doesn't really see any activity in that area. We could start a thread to open discussion about the books, maybe we will have new things to say after being so long not taking about them?
That being said, I think that word of mouth suggestion is a great idea for increasing traffic. If you have friends, online or IRL, who you think would enjoy it here, then you ought to let them know about it. That's what I did to Cedric, that is, CNG, and it worked out rather nicely.
As a side note, I think it's kind of funny that even now I still think of CNG as Cedric before any other name xP
|
|
|
Post by Warrior of Aror on Aug 1, 2016 14:59:15 GMT
So yeah. I've been lazy about the ad. Please accept my apologies. I have had a silent storyboard done for a while, but I've been procrastinating on the voiceover (I've done voiceovers before, it's just that I have been that lazy). I've decided to the ad in a direction which is closer to my original vision for it (I got lost somewhere along the way :/) which I think will satisfy more of you. I'm going to show you unfinished storyboard now, but the final one will be a bit different. This one is more of an ad for the Underground. The new one I want to be sort of an invitation. It will be a tool which we can send to other people to introduce them to the Underground and get them interested and introduced to what the UG is about. It was never meant to be a mass-marketing ad, but this way it will be even better. It'll be more of a person to person kind of thing, if you know what I mean. As has been said before, we can limit the influx of new people. What we really want to do is introduce a few at a time, assimilate them to who we are, and then continue until we have a Second Underground Golden Age. I truly hope that no one is offended or will feel inclined to leave now. The main thing is that this is still a safe, comfortable, and fun forum. Enough said. Here's the video: youtu.be/e_MSsFk2Pnw(It's unlisted, so nobody can see it but those of you who have this link right here ^ )
|
|
|
Post by NightBlade on Aug 2, 2016 2:12:17 GMT
Warrior of ArorIt's Ok man. I for one, as an active member, support you fully and am glad you are taking on this task. I like the idea of the storyboard (though I must mention that we can't forget Sir Hopper!) What age target audience are you shooting for? Basically the books' target? Also, is it going to mention book discussion, RPs, and such in specific? If there's anything I can do to help, let me know!
|
|
|
Post by Warrior of Aror on Aug 2, 2016 2:48:33 GMT
Thanks, NightBlade ! Yeah, I realized I hadn't put Sir Hopper in just as I posted the video. Age range ... basically YA. What the books are, but it might lean slightly older all the same. Ach, geez, I just realized I did not post the script for the voice over. That storyboard makes very little sense without it. *Colossal headdesk* This was the concept: Have you ever wondered if there was a forum for Christian teenagers who discuss fantasy books with other like-minded people? How about a place where young Christians can talk about their faith or ask questions about the Bible? And what about a forum where members can post their own writings and get feedback? Or just join in the role-playing games for fun? (have a clip art/possible animation for each of these) Such a forum was created for a group of fans of Wayne Thomas Batson's books. Never heard of them? Doesn't matter. We'd love to have you join anyway. If you want to sign up for the forum, go to heedtheprophecies.proboards.com and make a proboards account for free. Check out the guidelines and then say "Hello!" and introduce yourself on the Chat Thread. Seeya there!
|
|
|
Post by Eruanna on Aug 2, 2016 5:15:19 GMT
My one request regarding the ads is that we establish a set time to release any ads so I have time to delete my writing thread and all of my posts if the CC&C thread isn't taken down.
|
|
|
Post by Warrior of Aror on Oct 4, 2016 22:33:20 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Dmitri Pendragon on Oct 5, 2016 1:13:06 GMT
A few things I noticed: 0:05 - You talk about books and movies, but there are only book icons around the question mark. Maybe have movie icons on the right. 0:09 - The transition from one slide to the next feels offbeat because you're talking about books and movies in the first slide and then, when you go to the next, you're talking about sharing writing—but then the first note that comes up is about books and movies. I think you could remove the "Discuss books and movies" line altogether from the slide (not from the voiceover). 0:10 - Related to the prior comment: I feel as though "feedback" and "critiques" are too hard to mentally associate with one another—because they're not simultaneous. 0:11 - Should probably have the 'a' in 'all' capitalised. 0:15 - You say, "If you think that sounds cool, go to heedtheprophecies.proboards.com." I feel as though you need to say the name of the Underground. Maybe, "If you think that sounds cool, check out the Underground at heedtheprophecies.proboards.com." 0:40 - Is that Kian?! 0:43 - You say, "So, if you want to, go to…" I think you could use a stronger call to action rather than "if you want to". Maybe "Are you interested? Go to…" Good enunciation throughout. Every word was clear.
|
|
|
Post by NightBlade on Oct 5, 2016 1:55:12 GMT
Love it!
|
|
|
Post by Warrior of Aror on Oct 5, 2016 22:34:39 GMT
Good thoughts, Dmitri Pendragon. I agree with all of them and I'll see what I can change to make it better. Yeah, that's Kian. Thanks, NightBlade!
|
|
|
Post by Lylyss on Oct 8, 2016 4:00:29 GMT
Love it! :D Great animation--feels like an accurate, professional representation of what we do here.
|
|
|
Post by Warrior of Aror on Oct 9, 2016 0:27:21 GMT
Thanks, Ly! That's what I was shooting for!
|
|
|
Post by Warrior of Aror on Oct 19, 2016 21:11:31 GMT
youtu.be/9vyMiLn5NOkUpdated video; essentially the same as the one before. If everyone thinks that the presentation is accurate and professional and all, then we can start talking about how we use it in a way that everybody is comfortable with.
|
|
|
Post by Elytra on Nov 30, 2016 17:21:55 GMT
So. If you take the link to the Underground out of the ad, and give a contact detail to one of us instead, you can know who is going to come to the Underground. It you want to advertise on Facebook, fine! Just don't put a link to the Underground on it. Make them PM you for more details.
|
|
|
Post by NightBlade on Nov 30, 2016 20:47:37 GMT
I'm worried that will dissuade a lot of our already small group of target audience
|
|
|
Post by Elytra on Dec 1, 2016 3:33:19 GMT
True, maybe.
|
|
|
Post by Warrior of Aror on Jan 2, 2017 15:54:34 GMT
A lot of you are still cautious about using an ad. I understand that the word advertising and its connotations are kind of scary. I don't regret making the video. I learned a lot doing it. But some of you don't want to put it out there because of the unfortunate possibilities. I'm okay with that.
But look at the decline in activity on the forum. This forum is almost two years old now. If we don't do something within the next year or two, no one's going to be posting anymore. I'm not trying to blame anyone. You all are busy with jobs, college, everything else. I'm not trying to accuse you of being bad people because you don't have time. Responsibility is a virtue.
But it will be our fault if we could do something about it, but let the Underground die because we're too protective.
So let's use commonsense measures to ensure that we have a lot of security, but also a degree of exposure. If I posted a couple of Christian fantasy book reviews publicly onto YouTube, at the end of which I link here, we might see a slight increase in traffic to the UG. However, only those interested in those books would click on the video, watch till the end, and then check out the forum.
In the olden days when we had a lot of newcomers we had much less security than we will if we did this. This entirely eliminates the baddies who scanned websites for links to spam on. There won't be a link anyone can find except for the people who are generally interested in the Underground.
At the same time this unites us once again as a forum. If the book reviews are mainly about Batson's boooks (or similar teenager-focused Christian fantasy) then it once more gives us a central theme. Then, of course, the writing threads, roleplays, and games threads branch off into building a community which is bonded not just over the books we like. That makes it a much stronger community. But the starting basis is what we are lacking for new people. Using book reviews as an invitation to a target audience will solve that.
As it does effect everyone on the UG (the intention being positively, of course) I hope everyone will read this and consider it and then post your opinion. We can find a way to satisfy everyone.
|
|
|
Post by Elethia Arvell on Jan 2, 2017 17:14:29 GMT
That was a very nice video! Well done. I've invited a friend of mine to come and join (particularly for the battle threads, as he'd like to stretch his writing-legs in a safe, fun environment). I've also invited my youngest sister and a brother to join once they've read the books, and they seem intrigued. So if all goes well there's three new members... The truth is, we will never achieve the same feel the original Undergound had. That was a very special, one time thing, I think. But there's no need to be sad, really. Most of us know each other through blogger anyway, and we continue to come here to visit even now that most of us are adults with jobs and college and such. I personally will always come back to visit this site, probably even when I'm married and have children- assuming the world hasn't collapsed and the internet's still up, haha! Some new members would be good for the place, but don't despair too much about what the forum has become. Be thankful for what we have now, and what we have had in the past. The beauty of the original forum was that it progressed naturally and developed from there. Nowadays we still progress naturally, and if we try to hard to revive what once was, we will lose that. I'm at peace with the way things are now, and we seem to be holding pretty steady. People come and go, and the forum has its high moments and its low. But we're still here, and as long as God sees fit to bless our little community, we will stay.
|
|