Reduce the number of boards?

[blueandwhitehalves]

Hi mods. What it says on the tin this really. With the unfortunately declining activity, would it be more beneficial to reduce the number of boards to 3? Basically the higher level of categories that already exist: Football, Off Topic and then combine General Notices and Admin?

This would keep at least 2 of the boards constantly active, and actually make them slightly more active. Making the first impressions of any new visitors (and to be honest long-standing members) that the site is more active and worth posting on.

It feels slightly clunky at the moment checking all 8 boards to see if there's anything new going on.

 

[Wilpshire Blue]

Hi mods. What it says on the tin this really. With the unfortunately declining activity, would it be more beneficial to reduce the number of boards to 3? Basically the higher level of categories that already exist: Football, Off Topic and then combine General Notices and Admin?

This would keep at least 2 of the boards constantly active, and actually make them slightly more active. Making the first impressions of any new visitors (and to be honest long-standing members) that the site is more active and worth posting on.

It feels slightly clunky at the moment checking all 8 boards to see if there's anything new going on.

Good suggestion blueandwhitehalves.

Your wish is my command

 

[Barmitzvah Boy]

We also need to get some new bods joining this illustrious MB.

 

[blueandwhitehalves]

Good suggestion blueandwhitehalves.

Your wish is my command

Ha wow, not really used to anyone listening to me (rightfully so in most cases!) Dunno it you've done it yet WB but it still looks the same on mine.

 

[blueandwhitehalves]

We also need to get some new bods joining this illustrious MB.

Google search seems key these days and it's disappointing we still rank below RoversTalk despite slightly better activity. Their site's age I suppose.

I think it's a tough era for football message boards. YouTube has introduced non-video posts to encourage comments now, FB had football groups etc. Even brfcs seems to be limping along.

My only suggestion is regarding registration. Is it as easy as possible? These days there's a fast-reward mentality on the internet. People likely won't go through an even moderate registration process to post 1 comment. But if they can get on quickly, that 1 can turn into 2, 3, 4 etc.

 

[Wilpshire Blue]

Ha wow, not really used to anyone listening to me (rightfully so in most cases!) Dunno it you've done it yet WB but it still looks the same on mine.

I did it on Friday.
There should now be the football sections at the top and then a new General / Admin section at the bottom.

 

[Barmitzvah Boy]

It looks better

 

[Wilpshire Blue]

Google search seems key these days and it's disappointing we still rank below RoversTalk despite slightly better activity. Their site's age I suppose.

I think it's a tough era for football message boards. YouTube has introduced non-video posts to encourage comments now, FB had football groups etc. Even brfcs seems to be limping along.

My only suggestion is regarding registration. Is it as easy as possible? These days there's a fast-reward mentality on the internet. People likely won't go through an even moderate registration process to post 1 comment. But if they can get on quickly, that 1 can turn into 2, 3, 4 etc.

It's a difficult one BWH, we have a registration process whereby you register and then someone in admin will approve you.
This is to stop the countless email addresses that are linked to spam.
We get quite a few of those each week and having the approval stage gives us the opportunity to reject them.
If we didn't do that these spammers would fill the boards with nonsense, adverts etc. and make it a heck of a job to administer the site.
I do take your point on our struggle against the many alternatives though.
Wish I had the answer but happy to consider suggestions.