How to revive this place

[Robert]

Hey guys, it's sad that this place is not more active. It used to be!

Tell me your thoughts.

Suggestions for making it more fun and interesting?

How to draw in more members, and how to make current members more active?

I'd love to hear some input.

 

[helliott]

Guess it's a personal preference thing, plus people being busy and having limited time. For me it was more interesting and sticky when more people posted their music, either their personal recordings with backers or recordings of their performances or just noodling. I have all the gear I need and don't do my own mods, so that part of it doesn't move me much. It's more about musical interaction. The days when one person would start something on a backer and others would add their interpretation were good times. But granted, that requires some time and energy.

Good that you're asking these questions. Hopefully others will chime in.

 

[Eric]

Honestly Robert, I think a lot of it has to do with your personal involvement. Since you have gotten more invested with your pro lessons, this forum has died. IMO, it's not a coincidence. People have found other forums to frequent that feed the dog in whatever their specific leaning was, but I think they would wander back if the brain trust was there. Hopefully you find some more time to be involved here -- it's a good forum and I miss the activity.

 

[Robert]

I sure hope that's not the case, Eric. When I did post a lot of lessons the last year or so, I rarely got any responses, so I didn't feel I should keep that going. Also, I don't buy much gear anymore, so I don't have so much gear talk to contribute with.

I was thinking people are more interested in gear talk than lessons, but there aren't many posts about anything anymore.

The 2 things that may be key are, 1) gear purchases - as long as we keep buying stuff and talking about it, people participate. And 2), if there are enough people posting backing tracks and their playing and perhaps also some lesson tips to go along with that, people might get active.

The problem is for me, that I don't have much time for either. Running a forum by participating in most threads every day takes time that I no longer have.

Perhaps there is a critical mass issue - if we get enough ongoing posts, perhaps things will change. As it is now, there aren't many new threads per week, and that just ain't gonna cut it!

I am just the admin guy...

Are there any other things I should try on this forum?

 

[Eric]

I sure hope that's not the case, Eric. When I did post a lot of lessons the last year or so, I rarely got any responses, so I didn't feel I should keep that going. Also, I don't buy much gear anymore, so I don't have so much gear talk to contribute with.

I was thinking people are more interested in gear talk than lessons, but there aren't many posts about anything anymore.

The 2 things that may be key are, 1) gear purchases - as long as we keep buying stuff and talking about it, people participate. And 2), if there are enough people posting backing tracks and their playing and perhaps also some lesson tips to go along with that, people might get active.

The problem is for me, that I don't have much time for either. Running a forum by participating in most threads every day takes time that I no longer have.

Perhaps there is a critical mass issue - if we get enough ongoing posts, perhaps things will change. As it is now, there aren't many new threads per week, and that just ain't gonna cut it!

I am just the admin guy...

Are there any other things I should try on this forum?

Well, I think that's the key right there. Just because you don't have the time doesn't mean it isn't an important element of the community, you know? I agree that gear purchases and what not are part of it, but as each person goes their own way and has less of a personal stake in this particular message board, others will do likewise. I guess that's just the ebb and flow of things at times.

 

[Tig]

Forums can be real money and time eaters that bring in very little business while costing plenty. I see why you need to apply your energy towards what pays the bills.

Forums might help bring in a few customers for lessons, but your Dolphinstreet/MasterGuitarAcademy emails and websites likely work much better. Your past youtube lessons may have helped as well.

I've seen the ebb and flow of various forums and The Fret is no different in that aspect. People's lives and interests also ebb and flow. We haven't seen quite a few past "regulars" post in a long time. What makes or breaks a place is the interaction, frequency and content of member postings. The continued growth of social media like facebook probably impacts forums the hardest.

 

[tjcurtin1]

Very clearly and concisely put, Tig. I think you put your finger pretty squarely on the situation.

 

[Brian Krashpad]

I need to post more often in the Weekend thread, and otherwise.

I got my first new job in like 29 years, about a year and a half ago, and in addition to that I kept a couple additional clients that I do occasional side work for. As a result I haven't had as much time for forums, or for that matter, even for my band Crash Pad. Additionally, after hitting the 30 mark on guitars/basses, I'm not really buying gear either.

 

[Tony Trout]

Forums can be real money and time eaters that bring in very little business while costing plenty. I see why you need to apply your energy towards what pays the bills.

Forums might help bring in a few customers for lessons, but your Dolphinstreet/MasterGuitarAcademy emails and websites likely work much better. Your past youtube lessons may have helped as well.

I've seen the ebb and flow of various forums and The Fret is no different in that aspect. People's lives and interests also ebb and flow. We haven't seen quite a few past "regulars" post in a long time. What makes or breaks a place is the interaction, frequency and content of member postings. The continued growth of social media like facebook probably impacts forums the hardest.

I believe you have found the answer, Tig. Social media, for all it's good and bad, have begun to eat away at forums like these & the TDPRI because there are people creating groups on FB to talk about certain guitar brands or certain singers or bands - and I hate to see that, to be honest. I enjoy posting and belonging to a forum. It's like a "family" to me in that sense. On FB, something like this would have a lot less feeling of being part of a "family." Just my opinion.....

 

[sunvalleylaw]

What drew me to this place as a newb was two fold: 1) Robert and his expertise and unitimidating demeanor toward those of us starting out in midlife; and 2) the community of guitarists here that ranged from pros to other mid-life hobbyists that felt very comfortable. Our recorded "jams" over backing tracks were fun too and a part of the great encouragement.

The place also had a nice "water cooler" aspect to it. For me, as I became set up with plenty of gear, and as some of the old guard faded away and my own life became busier, my participation wained as well.


Other than re-committing to some things like a recorded jam or some other communal event that draws some folks that still check in back through the door, I don't know what the answer is. Unfortunately, I have too much on my plate to spearhead such an effort, though I would try to participate.

That's all I got. If there is another way i can help I will try.

 

[helliott]

I'm in the same position with limited time and energy. But I am willing to help if there's consensus, perhaps by doing some BTs with room for other folks to offer their playing and interpretation. Not sure how much update there would be but I'm willing to try at any rate. Wonder if there are enough people into home recording etc to make it worthwhile?

 

[Robert]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I'm still around to be helpful, just ask and I'll try to help. I'm sure there are many other members who could contribute with lesson expertise etc, if we got the momentum going.

 

[Duffy]

A couple people dropping lightly veiled insults has the effect of encouraging you not to come back to the forum. It has happened, believe me. Those negative people that can't contain their personal communication and other social problems, or whatever problems that motivate their attitude, should stay off the forum - and I hope they do.

This place did have a very friendly and family like vibe going on. It just takes a couple negative, insulting responses to your post to destroy that vibe. So if you are a negative person or get off on insulting others, or questioning the value of their motives, stay off the forum and maybe people will feel more at home and comfortable without you.

So, having a plan to stay on top of how people are interacting and reigning in those that might drive away people, could be effective in drawing people back in. I think having a sense of mutual respect in a small forum like this is important. On the other hand, most forums have a couple insolent participants that seem to like to turn people off.

Let's try to make it a positive place where people want to come to and participate.

 

[Robert]

Hopefully we have mostly positive people left!

I agree - let's stay positive and make this place fun.

 

[Eric]

A couple people dropping lightly veiled insults has the effect of encouraging you not to come back to the forum. It has happened, believe me. Those negative people that can't contain their personal communication and other social problems, or whatever problems that motivate their attitude, should stay off the forum - and I hope they do.

This place did have a very friendly and family like vibe going on. It just takes a couple negative, insulting responses to your post to destroy that vibe. So if you are a negative person or get off on insulting others, or questioning the value of their motives, stay off the forum and maybe people will feel more at home and comfortable without you.

So, having a plan to stay on top of how people are interacting and reigning in those that might drive away people, could be effective in drawing people back in. I think having a sense of mutual respect in a small forum like this is important. On the other hand, most forums have a couple insolent participants that seem to like to turn people off.

Let's try to make it a positive place where people want to come to and participate.

You know, that's a really good point -- it was definitely a reason why I took a big big break from here. Some people who became bigger presences had very negative and judgmental attitudes. I hadn't actually thought of that until you mentioned it, but it's very relevant.

 

[Robert]

Nobody wants a crabby, pissy attitude on a forum, so let's not do that! (There's always Facebook, or therapy, for that stuff).

Speak to and of others how you would like to be spoken to.

"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." (Napoleon Hill)

 

[Duffy]

Nobody wants a crabby, pissy attitude on a forum, so let's not do that! (There's always Facebook, or therapy, for that stuff).

Speak to and of others how you would like to be spoken to.

"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." (Napoleon Hill)

True.

 

[tjcurtin1]

I must have missed the crabby, pissy posts..... I've always enjoyed the friendly atmosphere here.

Napoleon Hill? Is that Benny's brother? oke

 

[Eric]

I must have missed the crabby, pissy posts..... I've always enjoyed the friendly atmosphere here.

Napoleon Hill? Is that Benny's brother? oke

For me it was more discrediting, judgmental posts than whiny and negative ones. Kind of like if you didn't agree with the person, you were automatically stupid; it's like they were made for the internet!

 

[Tig]

For me it was more discrediting, judgmental posts than whiny and negative ones. Kind of like if you didn't agree with the person, you were automatically stupid; it's like they were made for the internet!

Wow, some people! :messedup:

 

[Robert]

I would view discrediting and judgemental attitudes/posts as something negative and unwanted, but in any case, there are rules for the forum. If anyone is braking them, they get one warning and then they are banned if they continue.

In reality, what one views as negative and judgemental may seem like regular talk to someone else. For example, someone posts a picture of a guitar and another guys says "that pickguard doesn't look right". Some people may get offended by that comment, but it's fine to say, according to the rules. Another may say "the pickguard is ugly", same there. But if someone says "what a stupid choice you made choosing that pickguard", then I view that as a personal attack, and I would give a warning. If these things happen, just let me know.

I think the people were doing most of this stuff that we don't want are no longer active.

Also, I think/hope we can be adults and get along and enjoy the topics discussed.

I for one try to not respond to a thread if I think I can't contribute with something positive or constructive for the group as a whole. For example, I don't like smooth jazz, but if that topic was posted frequently and people enjoy discussing it, I wouldn't keep jumping in and telling everyone how much I hate smooth jazz.

 

[Eric]

I for one try to not respond to a thread if I think I can't contribute with something positive or constructive for the group as a whole. For example, I don't like smooth jazz, but if that topic was posted frequently and people enjoy discussing it, I wouldn't keep jumping in and telling everyone how much I hate smooth jazz.

That's a good attitude.

 

[ronbo]

Gotta admit I haven't posted or visited lately, been busy and focused on other things. I will post some new stuff, just bought a new bass and amp, am building a slide-o-caster, got a new Gretsch, bought and sold a couple of Reverends, so I guess some NGD's and pics are in order. I came here initially to research Hell guitars and liked reading Syo's posts...still have my Hell No 2 and love it! I always felt welcomed and never got the insults and snarkiness you get on some of the more popular forums, but like the more neighborly feel around here better. Anyway, glad to see many of you are still around, I'll stop in more often...

Now where did I put that camera...

 

[Katastrophe]

Yep, I'm definitely guilty of not posting around here for quite a while as well.

For me, it was a matter of just putting in a ton of hours at work... For most work days over the last year and a half, I've been getting home really late. I just haven't had time to pick up the ol' Strat, much less catch up with what was happening here. Haven't touched my guitar once in that time, and that truly sucks.

I've missed this place, and the friendly atmosphere. The itch to play is stronger than ever, so I'm gonna have to figure out a way to play at night, after everyone goes to bed. That way, I won't feel like a dork who doesn't have anything to contribute.

 

[Jipes]

Hello dear members and Robert, my two cents are that forums are deserted everywhere I participate quite actively to three of them (other than the Fret) and everywhere it's the same story Facebook and Twitter have eaten up most of the participants. To bounce back on Eric first comment yes indeed the presence of teh Forum administrator an creator play a big role on the dynamic of a discussion forum. As for posting stuff like sound files or videos I realize that most of them (at least the one that I posted) receives generally one or two answers or comments so after a while I guess no ones feel like their stuff would interest the others and stop posting.

In the blues Forum where I am admin we have a virtual studio and try to record together collaborative projects it's not very easy and time eaters but certainly very fun

 

[Robert]

Thanks for the comments, I hope we get some new and old members more active, it's really a group effort. I understand if I spent more time posting cool stuff, it might pick up faster. It's just hard for me to find the time.

 

[deeaa]

I think it's mostly that people tend to only have the time for a few forums to frequent, or only one.

For me, Facebook and social media don't affect my forum use much if any- I do follow a few fb groups and post there too, but it's completely different. I see FB mostly as a communication tool, not a place to chat and mingle.

For me, it's simply that another very lively forum has eaten up my time. It's a difficult thing to strike a great balance for what works and what doesn't.

I think the initial reasons I was looking for other forums than this were mostly that there was some issue about not being allowed to post a blog if you hadn't contributed or something - that was changed though I think, but the damage was done. I think I contributed even, but it just felt bad to pay to post stuff, especially when there weren't that many commentators on it.

Seems petty now, and I suppose it was a very minor thing back then too, but still enough to spark interest in checking out if there are other places.

Then another thing was, I think, a bit too strict rules to my taste. The other forum allowed more leeway in talking about subjects such as politics or religion and even allowed a little head-butting among members as long as it didn't get out of hand. I guess I just feel like if you can't talk about everything on your mind even if it's just a little, it feels like you're faking it, not being yourself and feels kinda like I felt when I was staying in the states - everything seems policed and watched and forbidden so there is no feeling of freedom, and that's an important feeling for me coming from a free country where I can walk on anybody's lands and not worry about being' trespassing' and hitch-hike and walk the highways without being looked at like a criminal and stopped by every policeman with questions and such.

Well later on the other forum also closed up the religion/politics threads but still overall they don't instantly jump on people having a little heated discussion or such.

I dunno, I sometimes even felt you can't be real friends with somebody before you've bloodied each other's noses at once at least, maybe that is exaggerating but nevertheless. There has to be a certain air of freedom in the air.

Not saying there isn't at the moment, I don't really know not frequently being here, but the other forum is really active and I've met many people there with whom I've recorded songs with, even currently finalizing an EP release with somebody I met there and we will continue making music, not just jams but proper releases even.

I would love to come here more often too though, but we'll see...got lots on my hands. I have one full album to make vocals and lyrics for this summer, another full album to mix and produce and sing, and b three EP's I'm getting ready to release as well. Plus collaboration videos. I should be working on them even while I write this...

Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk

 

[FrankenFretter]

Maybe more of our members need to enhance their local economies by buying new gear, and then posting lots of luscious pictures here on The Fret. That sounds like a win/win situation!

 

[Brian Krashpad]

Maybe more of our members need to enhance their local economies by buying new gear, and then posting lots of luscious pictures here on The Fret. That sounds like a win/win situation!

You said it! Just wish I hadn't dropped $5K I didn't entirely have on surgery to save our dog's eye.

 

[Robert]

Sorry to hear that Brian, hope your dog is doing great!

Good to hear your feedback, everyone. Keep it coming.