Harold can be a fun sponge - 26 November 2018 07:02 PM
Master of the Horse - 20 November 2018 03:36 PM
village: I wrote on the other thread but if people are serious then someone or someones need to define who is wanted as a user and anyone is not a good or viable answer. What are the characteristics or traits that this community wants to add to the current user base. And from that a requirements document that fits that user profile. But jumping to configuration based on feedback from current users is not going to help build the new user base. I am trying to help because this is some of what I do but if folks want to politely tell me to #### off I get it, no problem. Good luck.
I agree with this sentiment, but would actually generalize it further: we need to understand what the goals of the site and community are first, and then figure out what changes will get us towards those goals. I question whether attracting new users is actually the most important goal.
And I agree with that too. Let me take a shot at it:
The primary goal of the site is to provide a place where a community of baseball fans engages in intelligent discourse about the game. Specifically, it distinguishes itself from other sports fan sites because it’s a go-to place for information and ideas, rather than just being a fan bloviation site.
The tools the site provides to create that community involve some original content, and a newsblog which allows users to chime in about current events in the game. Game chatters too. The community aspect is realized where people become friends and interact IRL and get to know one another—the site provides spaces for that to happen.
Finally, a healthy community is one where people feel safe about being present and contributing, and can engage in a discussion without someone veering it off the rails. Content that threatens that state is managed via moderation. This has been an issue on the internet for decades, and it isn’t going away, but sites manage this by segregating off personal and off-topic discussions, and by correcting bad behavior.
Really I think this site has actually done a decent job of achieving this, but it wasn’t organized to be what it is. The site was designed for a vision from twelve years ago and it hasn’t been adjusted since. This is very limiting. I’m not worried about the site being bigger, or more of a money maker (I’m not against it). I would just like it to be better.
Jim: it’s up to you. You have members volunteering their time, expertise, and money. I’m going to pony up a little myself ($) after I finish typing this. I totally understand where you are with regard to the site and your personal time and priorities. I think everyone here gets this. I think the solution is clear: take advantage of these offers. We’ve had these discussion before and it’s time for a succession plan. I am thankful for what you set up here and always will be.