View Full Version : What do you expect from a Publisher/Developer's community?
I'm not going to lead with questions as yet, please brainstorm - tone, technology, content, anything. If you can qualify with level of importance (fundamental to would be nice but not so important) even better :)
thezombiemessia
13-06-10, 20:53
Feedback and communcation is the most important factor. If time can't be spent speaking directly to the users, then regular updates and information need to be available to users.
Whether this be just general information & news, or complaints and problems, they need to be dealt with as efficiently as possible.
Tone has to have a good balance between formal/informative/structured/authoritative and informal/entertaining/fun/measured. It's a hard balance to strike, but this way you keep the authority of being the developer/speaker for the developer, but you can be friendly for the most part...building a structured community as it were.
Content? Most integral parts are an actual community area, a news area, a support area, and a product information area. Extra bits could be a shop of somekind, a blog, and ways of entertaining the community (Games, Videos, Music, Freebies, etc). There should deffinitely be an area for FAQs for the games that are available, fan made and "official."
Technology...Not entirely sure, but you can't make the website/community too flashy, otherwise it can make it hard to navigate the site, and it can cause massive lagging, etc. Nothing worse than a jumbled up mess that takes ages to load, just because the developer is trying to be flashy. Utilitarian layouts and technology are the best IMO.
That's about all I can think of for now...
Tone. Seriously, I never go near a site where I know half the community are arseholes (CoD, Final Fantasy, Square Enix, beatdj.net). Also if you use community mods, don't let them act like god. That's pretty much it.
Tone. Seriously, I never go near a site where I know half the community are arseholes (CoD, Final Fantasy, Square Enix, beatdj.net). Also if you use community mods, don't let them act like god. That's pretty much it.
GideonB, can I ask you to go into details? How does Capcom Europe scores from a 0-10 pain scale? (0 being cool and 10 being horrible)?
RagingAvatar
13-06-10, 21:09
One of the things I love about this site, is that somehow it manages to maintain a level of grammar, quality, tone and maturity that makes it seem like it's not full of kids.
I imagine a lot of the forum I might well put into the 'kids' bracket - but I'm impressed that everyone here tends to be pretty mature and this is a community that conducts itself with maturity.
I'll be honest Ten, one of the things I want from a community is a sense of ownership, a sense of reward - a sense that I'm part of something. Without a doubt I get that here too - you guys remembered my name after meeting me once, reply when I pm, tweet or email - and remembered to include me for the Christmas party, despite me being pretty new to the community.
It seems to me, that digital communities rely on the same thing all real communities do - excellent communication, mutual respect, love and a sense of belonging.
(I get all those things here - part of why I think 2010 has been the best year for Capcom (in a global sense) for the last 20 years! I've been a fan that long!)
Feedback and communcation is the most important factor. If time can't be spent speaking directly to the users, then regular updates and information need to be available to users.
Whether this be just general information & news, or complaints and problems, they need to be dealt with as efficiently as possible.
Tone has to have a good balance between formal/informative/structured/authoritative and informal/entertaining/fun/measured. It's a hard balance to strike, but this way you keep the authority of being the developer/speaker for the developer, but you can be friendly for the most part...building a structured community as it were.
Content? Most integral parts are an actual community area, a news area, a support area, and a product information area. Extra bits could be a shop of somekind, a blog, and ways of entertaining the community (Games, Videos, Music, Freebies, etc). There should deffinitely be an area for FAQs for the games that are available, fan made and "official."
Technology...Not entirely sure, but you can't make the website/community too flashy, otherwise it can make it hard to navigate the site, and it can cause massive lagging, etc. Nothing worse than a jumbled up mess that takes ages to load, just because the developer is trying to be flashy. Utilitarian layouts and technology are the best IMO.
That's about all I can think of for now...
I agree with all above.
Replies from mods and admins are one of the key factors for me. I like when they speak with users as they are equals.
Since i came to capcom-europe forums, i expect free stuff :D.
Nah, just kidding but its really neat :). But i expect contests, it keeps the community alive and it attracts more members - well, it attracts at least me.
I would also agree that close communication with the gamers is the best thing a developer can offer in their online community. its great to see a person representing the developers available to answer questions that the community may have about the games they develop.
CaptainCortez
13-06-10, 23:26
One of the things I love about this site, is that somehow it manages to maintain a level of grammar, quality, tone and maturity that makes it seem like it's not full of kids.
I imagine a lot of the forum I might well put into the 'kids' bracket - but I'm impressed that everyone here tends to be pretty mature and this is a community that conducts itself with maturity.
I'll be honest Ten, one of the things I want from a community is a sense of ownership, a sense of reward - a sense that I'm part of something. Without a doubt I get that here too - you guys remembered my name after meeting me once, reply when I pm, tweet or email - and remembered to include me for the Christmas party, despite me being pretty new to the community.
It seems to me, that digital communities rely on the same thing all real communities do - excellent communication, mutual respect, love and a sense of belonging.
(I get all those things here - part of why I think 2010 has been the best year for Capcom (in a global sense) for the last 20 years! I've been a fan that long!)
Hey, I remembered your name and your birthday, after only meeting you once! ;)
I agree, though. Most people on here can talk about subjects and even have debates without slinging around profanities or showing all sorts of malicious behaviour.
It's something that I really like about the Capcom forums. I mean, for a start, I see everyone who I've met on here as my friend. I have a load of friends where I live, but it's nice to know that wherever I go, I can make friends with people. Plus, I don't feel like I need to prove myself on here. Everyone just get's on with one another, and it's really nice that all of the Capcom employed mods (and Super Admin, Ten!) actually spare the time to talk to us, and get to know us.
I feel that's a really good strategy, as having friendly members and site staff is always an attraction to something like an online message board.
With the exception of some, most people on here do try to type in proper English (and not text talk), so it's pretty easy to know what someone is going on about. Though, it's just nice to have members with good literacy, as I've been on some forums before which have members only typing abbreviated words, and generally having bad behaviour.
The Playstation forums had this problem for a while, and lots of people would always gang up on others, starting flame wars and all sorts. That is why I came to Capcom, and it wasn't until Ten came along that I really got posting and became more involved with the community.
I'd say the tone with pretty much everyone is good, and I'm really happy to say that I'm a part of this. It makes me proud to be part of such a nice and friendly community, and I've met some truly great people.
Another thing I like is the way topics are typed up. They always maintain a good and lighthearted, fun natured message, as well as doing a good job of making the thread's point known!
I don't personally think I expect anything more from you.
I mean, we have a video section, a news section, now a blog, a website with poll's, and obviously the forum. I'd say that's pretty much enough, and you're obviously doing a good job at attracting the public via networking.
It would be nice to see the forum grow a little bit more, but at the minute, you have major fans here, and everyone gets on well together, so I'd say you've done a good job!
I hope that helps in some way, but really don't think it will, as I'm pretty sure you know all of this already. ;)
It's pretty much perfect as it is. I agree with the sentiments about the Moderators being like peers.
I think the one thing I would change would be a shop to buy cool Capcom stuff, and more Tenebra.
Its already been mentioned but for me since I joined this site the members and staff have been nothing but polite in welcoming me here and have allways been very helpful. :)
In complete contrast to this about a year ago I used to find one of the mods on Capcom Unity very agressive if someone said something that he didn't agree with and every post really was him expressing his personal views and that nobody else could be correct about a subject (and so made it so nobody else could have an opinion) - although his powers of being a moderator are no longer there so I guess he either quit or was stripped of the title anyway? Obviously mods are there for a reason but it was the aggresive nature and snide remarks that really used to wind me (and others) up. Thankfully on Capcom Europe everybody just feels the love with each other. :D
I think you've got a fantastic community on here - but as CaptainCortez said it would be great for it to expand further and to somehow get more people on here posting regularly.
Just keep us updated with all the latest juicy Capcom info. :)
I think the one thing I would change would be a shop to buy cool Capcom stuff, and more Tenebra.
I agree with this statement! A Capcom merchandise shop is something we could really do with over here (like whats already in place on unity). :)
Baboon, I think I know what you mean. I used to go there a bit, but the person in question basically just went out to get me. I had a word with the admin (who is actually quite nice) but basically I don't go there anymore because it would just antagonize matters. If it is who I think it is though, I think it's a girl.
I'd rather not name check the person on a public forum... and anyway - it doens't really matter now.
Lifes to short to make enemies... even in cyber space! lol
draconacticus
14-06-10, 09:13
I agree, shop is definately needed. I see all the awesome monster hunter things available on the japanese capcom shop and i go green with envy!
It'd be nice to have maybe a facility available where you could do webinars/live chats with developers, Q&A sessions for games or even community feedback on games to help improve them? I wouldn't want to see anything like a chatroom though, they always end up making cliques within communities.
I really like the tone here too. I like the fact that the mods are peers, but none of them have turned into meglomaniacs or suffer from ego problems. I think it works really well. The posts are readable, the atmosphere friendly, there are no cliques and I've found it really welcoming. Infact, I hardly bother with gamefaqs anymore because of this place. It's a cosy little sanctuary.
Oh, needs moar Tenebra, ferrets & parties.
Moderator / Spokesperson involvement: if there is no-one in an official capacity taking part, answering questions and dealing with issues, then there is no point in visiting the place - too many publishers seem to use a "community" presence to simply publish information every 3-6 months, rather than engaging with users.
Sensible moderation: Moderators who know how to moderate in an adult and sensible way, rather than forming cliques with on-line friends.
Regular information updates: Even if there is nothing new to add, having an official "we're still working on that" for releases etc. is far better than silence. If your users come to you for information, you need to make sure there is always something new to read.
Personality: Both from the corporate point of view - you want to know you are part of the official community, but also from the point of view of the community manager - how the community is run on a day-to-day basis is really what will make the difference between success and failure.
A (slight) sense of anarchy: Personally, I have always found there needs to be a slight sense of anarchy and fun - the feeling that interesting things might happen at any time, for any reason. If everything feels too controlled and everything needs corporate approval, then it is difficult for users to feel some ownership and buy-in.
It's all about the C's, Communication, Co-ordination and Capacity. A Community needs to have a range of people who follow the publisher/developer but also have a variety of different views and feelings towards the games and just life in general, otherwise you just have fanboys constantly being positive and not discussing anything that possible needs fixing/changing, luckily this community isnt like that at all.
Admins need to regularly talk and reply back to questions they get asked fairly quickly, within 48 hours its normally a good time range otherwise the person asking the questions doesn't think they are being listened to (And Ten you've done that to me when ive sent a reply via twitter recently, but you were very busy so ill let you off :p). When I was part of Xleague as a mod and then an admin, the mods have to be mature enough and imho need to be either just finishing school or a full-time college/university student because having someone too young means theyre rarely mature and rarely know how to answer questions properly, having someone in full employment can be difficult as well as they will only be able to mod certain times, but least they have the maturity.
The community need to be kept inform regularly, in some cases even weekly, it works so effectively for Bungie releasing their weekly updates on a game, even if its only tiny bits of information, it increases anticipation and the game rarely falls off the radar.
A community forum has to be spread out but also made sure that there isn't too many sections and sub-sections where it can be hard to find where to post threads and new topics. Having one section and then a sub-section for that game and then another sub-section is organised but its highly likely that most people won't see any new topics in there meaning it will be rarely used.
More people need to be making new topics, I honestly do find it annoying in any sort of forum where the same group of people post new threads again and again, obviously you need people to post but the community looks quite small if its only a few people making these new topics, of course having admins/mods doing that is different.
Not to mention that the site has to have regular updates, maybe RSS Feeds/ email alerts when new videos are placed on the site, being linked to social networking sites etc. But with capcom europe there isn't that much of an issue tbh, the only suggestion I would put is having the general discussion section at the very top of the forum instead of a bit of the way down, it should be the priority of the forums imo.
Ryu Kazama
14-06-10, 11:55
Pretty much what everyone else said (life's easy when others say things for you).
The involvement of the admins is pretty good given that obviously they have other duties to tend to. Not to mention they also get involved outside of work hours which for me is a positive thing.
Naturally, a community is only as strong as the people themselves. If everyone is dead then a dead community is what you'll get.
I'm not sure if I'm over thinking but I think people should realise the general section of the forum really is general. It doesn't HAVE to be Capcom or games related. I've seen many threads totally unrelated but they seem to be far and in between. However, I do also see these threads bomb. That's normal, doesn't mean one should stop posting anything that may gain a discussion of some sort. Can range from academic issues, decisions on buying a car or anything, really (tasteful, of course). If you even get a couple responses at least it's getting somewhere and not giving a sense of a dead, one track community. What I'm saying is keep making those random threads!
But going back to more Capcom related community, generally things are running quite smoothly, I find. I see a lot of mention of a shop but depending on demand that could effectively require a new side business venture, new employment (good thing, really) and whatever else business related such as budget etc. It's definitely possible and perhaps worthwhile. Most of you know I love my merchandise so I wouldn't say no to a shop. I still want that Miles Edgeworth teacup, ugggh!!
As I've said before and I'll say again, this is one of the best community websites on the net, because of the people, both staff and community members. Theres not much to be improved upon here, I'd rate the community as 9.87 outta 10 overall, maybe a few small improvements like maybe auctions or loyalty rewards although the site gives plenty away and the site is tolerant of honest opinions whether they are god or bad.:rolleyes:
But I couldn't add much more to what has already been said in this thread :D
Mokkori Man
14-06-10, 16:30
Since everybody wrote more or less what I expect from a Publisher/Developer's community, I just can say: I wish every community was like this! The way fans are treated here and how they respect each other is wonderful (and almost unique). That's the way CRM should be :nod:!
If there is something I would like to see in the future it would be a Capcom Europe specific shop where you could buy cool stuff from your favourite games that you couldn't buy in a normal shop :D!
Feedback and communcation is the most important factor. If time can't be spent speaking directly to the users, then regular updates and information need to be available to users.
Tone has to have a good balance between formal/informative/structured/authoritative and informal/entertaining/fun/measured. It's a hard balance to strike, but this way you keep the authority of being the developer/speaker for the developer, but you can be friendly for the most part...building a structured community as it were.
Content? Most integral parts are an actual community area, a news area, a support area, and a product information area. Extra bits could be a shop of somekind, a blog, and ways of entertaining the community (Games, Videos, Music, Freebies, etc). There should deffinitely be an area for FAQs for the games that are available, fan made and "official."
Technology...Not entirely sure, but you can't make the website/community too flashy, otherwise it can make it hard to navigate the site, and it can cause massive lagging, etc. Nothing worse than a jumbled up mess that takes ages to load, just because the developer is trying to be flashy. Utilitarian layouts and technology are the best IMO.
That's about all I can think of for now...
I agree with the above.
First of all, from my experience in communities (not that much at all, but I'm part of games communities since 2001) one key factor is communication between the members and the staff. If the staff is absent members will tend to vanish, because for them this will be a community just like other 100s that exist on the web. Having news in first hand helps a lot in catching members, and replying to them too! :D
The content for CE is great, but CU has free blog, picture and videos spaces for the users, probably this is only used by 10% of the users, but it is also something fun to have.
Regarding technology, fact is that I my old computer I would rather open the forums directly than the home page, because the video player is very heavy :(. New computer solved it, but not everyone can afford to have recent computer. So, a compromise between the look and speed/functionality must be done :)
I think the one thing I would change would be a shop to buy cool Capcom stuff, and more Tenebra.
A shop would be great, but if a game is more costly if ordered from CE than from let us say game.co.uk, it will not have success. and living just of merchandising...:tomatoes:
And more Tenebra would be great...
This is something that I think would be nice:
A little chatbox where everyone can talk instantly, kind of like MSN, but built into the website somewhere. I've got an example of a forum with this functionality, but I don't really want to advertise it, so highlight the line below to see what I mean:
www.finalfantasyforums.net
Ryu Kazama
14-06-10, 19:49
This is something that I think would be nice:
A little chatbox where everyone can talk instantly, kind of like MSN, but built into the website somewhere. I've got an example of a forum with this functionality, but I don't really want to advertise it, so highlight the line below to see what I mean:
www.finalfantasyforums.net
I don't think it's advertising really but I think a lot of forums these days have a live chat feature embedded in them. If CE were to implement that the best thing would be to just do what Capcom US already do. I haven't used it myself (I rarely go to US forum these days) but it looks pretty much like Facebook's chat. I know it's not to everyone's cup of tea but really, it's a forum first. If you want better real time chat than the embedded stuff then add each other on MSN.
While this is easily one of the best video game-related communities I've ever seen, I do feel that regular/loyal members deserve more thanks. Not in terms of physical objects and events, we have plenty of them already. What I was thinking is that it seems that contributing members are theoretically 'equal' to those that dip in and out for competitions, etc.
I don't think it's advertising really but I think a lot of forums these days have a live chat feature embedded in them. If CE were to implement that the best thing would be to just do what Capcom US already do. I haven't used it myself (I rarely go to US forum these days) but it looks pretty much like Facebook's chat. I know it's not to everyone's cup of tea but really, it's a forum first. If you want better real time chat than the embedded stuff then add each other on MSN.
That's fair enough. Oi guys! Gimme your msn addresses! :D
Sky_Dragon
15-06-10, 14:45
While this is easily one of the best video game-related communities I've ever seen, I do feel that regular/loyal members deserve more thanks. Not in terms of physical objects and events, we have plenty of them already. What I was thinking is that it seems that contributing members are theoretically 'equal' to those that dip in and out for competitions, etc.
This.
Not that I want or think that anyone should be favoured in competitions, but if it is a forum specific one maybe you should be required to have unlocked specific achievements. Just to you know prevent 'Congratulations to I_have_never_posted_before for winning.'
Also gives more incentive to hang around.
While this is easily one of the best video game-related communities I've ever seen, I do feel that regular/loyal members deserve more thanks. Not in terms of physical objects and events, we have plenty of them already. What I was thinking is that it seems that contributing members are theoretically 'equal' to those that dip in and out for competitions, etc.
I agree
thezombiemessia
18-06-10, 21:38
I've noticed that there hasn't been a single E3 related update in the News section of the site.
In all honesty, this is the first place that should have that news up and running, with as many official details as are allowed to be revealed.
I know Capcom Europe is the smaller of the offices, but it does have a humble community. It'd be nice for the news section to become my number 1 stop for Capcom news over Kotaku.
Carbonox_Ratchet
18-06-10, 21:50
E3 news has been kept on the blog. What bugs me is that we have a blog AND news segment. With the effort going in to the blog, it won't take long at all for it to take precedent over the news section, which means having both is totally pointless and moot. Blogs function as go-to points for the latest news more often than not so there really has to be a decision on which is more important.
By keeping both, you're confusing users, pure and simple. Use the news module for something else, like the latest posts module that was originally on the home page. To me, it just looks like someone's got their legs crossed and aren't sure which way to walk.
thezombiemessia
18-06-10, 22:03
Gah, I feel like a fool now. I keep forgetting there's a blog for the site now.
It takes a while for me to adapt to small changes. >.<
The news section and the blog have different functions - the news are pretty much announcements, pretty close to the press releases, whilst the blogs are random, personal, sometimes unofficial commentaries by Capcom staff, hence the co-existance.
Gearofchaos
19-06-10, 08:14
Well, I haven't be here so long to say that my opinion it's right, but I guess that this site has the best forum I've ever seen.
I agree with the ones who had the idea of the shop, I'm still wandering why we cannot have the same things Japanese have...(It's so frustrating...)
Troubles with copyright and distribution maybe?:confused:
I don't support the idea for "regulars/loyal" members getting first dibs. We were all new here guys at one time and we were all fairly allowed to enter even if we were new members, if "newguy2345" wins it then good on him, hopefully it's an incentive for him and other new members to stick around rather than think forget it I don't want to be forced to keep coming back to stand a chance.
A couple of points I'd like to make:
-I'd think we need some official Capcom Europe Community icons, banners and signature banners made so users can use them on other websites and other interested users can just click on someone's signature or banner and be linked to the forum. Capcom gets free publicity and we get cool stuff, everybody wins.
-The General forum needs to be split like other game forums. A general gaming forum and an off-topic/general discussion, so gaming news and standard news are kept separately.
-Not sure if this is already an option or not, I haven't come across it but I'd like to be able to display a lot of topics on a forum page even if they are old without fiddling with the options at the bottom of the page to select older topics, they should be displayed by default.
-Capcom Europe staff gaming nights with the fans which includes live stream and a live chat box. I think if this was added it would draw a lot more people to the website and get a lot more publicity.
I tried to think of why I like the forums I frequent and really the most important thing to me is a massive community. I love it when you can look at a forum board and see loads of topics that quickly change and update.
Of course this isn't something you can just make happen overnight but I think a bit more publicity of the forum and website would be nice. Maybe stamp it on game discs?
Anwyay I'm pretty happy with the forum at the moment but those are a few comments I'd make on the community.
I don't support the idea for "regulars/loyal" members getting first dibs. We were all new here guys at one time and we were all fairly allowed to enter even if we were new members, if "newguy2345" wins it then good on him, hopefully it's an incentive for him and other new members to stick around rather than think forget it I don't want to be forced to keep coming back to stand a chance.
I understand what you're sayin there and a pushed a bit for auctions that used loyaty points for bidding but in the name of fairness I suggested only one member cud bid on one auction at a time and give new members a chance to win something. But they don't really want to go for auctions but still reward loyalty in sum way, I wasn't told how, maybe they are still thinking about what can be done.
But than again maybe its something that should be earned. not just given freely to new members, theres plenty of comps and giveaways which new members can partake in, maybe if new members think its worth it you'll stick around, maybe thats the point? I'm up for including everyone but perhaps loyalty shud be rewarded I bitched enuff about it over at bethsoft regarding exclusive info release for the loyal fans of Fallout 3 rather than money grabbing exclusives sold to magazines etc. Well you know what I'm like lol.
So reward loyalty or include everyone? Theirs lots here already for everyone so perhaps we should reward it, loyalty that is :shhh:
I still think auctions are a good idea everyone can enjoy but it doesn't look like its happening so Loyalty for the Loyal :horray:
Sky_Dragon
24-06-10, 22:57
I kinda agree with what is stated above, I mean, I don't not want new members to join in on competition's and give away's, but why should someone be able to sign up, post once and get a prize in one of Tenebra's giveaway session and never post again?
I would like to see the forum achievement's put to use, so that their are competitions and giveaways that only more active member's are able to participate in. So for example there could be a big prize competition, for something awesome, where only member's who have the 'Regular' achievement can enter. Then other smaller competition's could require, simpler or no achievements.
I kinda agree with what is stated above, I mean, I don't not want new members to join in on competition's and give away's, but why should someone be able to sign up, post once and get a prize in one of Tenebra's giveaway session and never post again?
I would like to see the forum achievement's put to use, so that their are competitions and giveaways that only more active member's are able to participate in. So for example there could be a big prize competition, for something awesome, where only member's who have the 'Regular' achievement can enter. Then other smaller competition's could require, simpler or no achievements.
That's the point of the competitions to reward current members and bring in and entice new members. If someone wants to enter a competition and post once then that's their choice but by winning a prize they are more than likely to stay. You may not like it but it's fair.
It may just be me but I detest any form of forum elitism and veteranism, all members should be treated equally regardless of join date.
Sky_Dragon
24-06-10, 23:18
I will just, agree to disagree with you on this, as we have hijacked the topic.
For me content has to be the most important thing, if their isn't anything worth looking at on the site/forum's why would you visit?
Ryu Kazama
25-06-10, 09:23
Hm, I think it's a grey area. For give aways it shouldn't matter when they join. For bigger, more organized things such as events or whatever, then it should be different. Think of it like loyalty schemes or priority tickets for O2. It's a common practice but it really depends how and what they use it for. If they had a store for example, priority orders for certain, limited press items. It all depends....
Gearofchaos
25-06-10, 15:54
I kinda agree with what is stated above, I mean, I don't not want new members to join in on competition's and give away's, but why should someone be able to sign up, post once and get a prize in one of Tenebra's giveaway session and never post again?
I would like to see the forum achievement's put to use, so that their are competitions and giveaways that only more active member's are able to participate in. So for example there could be a big prize competition, for something awesome, where only member's who have the 'Regular' achievement can enter. Then other smaller competition's could require, simpler or no achievements.
I agree with what you think, but I guess that Capcom's loyalty itself would be impaired if new members will be excluded to competitions.
Prizes cannot be given only according to loyalty points, it would only be unfair.
However it's not fair to take the prize and disappear too...
I agree with what you think, but I guess that Capcom's loyalty itself would be impaired if new members will be excluded to competitions.
Prizes cannot be given only according to loyalty points, it would only be unfair.
However it's not fair to take the prize and disappear too...
It's entirely fair for them to take the prize and disappear that's what makes it a fair competition, saying only certain members can join or stipulating they have to have a certain number of posts or a certain rank doesn't make it a proper competition as well.
Magazines don't only allow entry to competitions for just subscribers, a guy who just randomly picked up a magazine could win it and he may never purchase another one, but does it make it fair to exclude him because he hasn't been buying the magazine continuously? I don't think that's fair at all.
Gearofchaos
26-06-10, 07:57
It's entirely fair for them to take the prize and disappear that's what makes it a fair competition, saying only certain members can join or stipulating they have to have a certain number of posts or a certain rank doesn't make it a proper competition as well.
Magazines don't only allow entry to competitions for just subscribers, a guy who just randomly picked up a magazine could win it and he may never purchase another one, but does it make it fair to exclude him because he hasn't been buying the magazine continuously? I don't think that's fair at all.
Well, actually there isn't any restriction to competitions, so I guess you could be right too Kid...
What a complex situation...
I expect assistance. I don't expect that if I post in the "Support" board, someone comes and tells me to write an e-mail...
After, probabily, I've just sign-in.
It's entirely fair for them to take the prize and disappear that's what makes it a fair competition, saying only certain members can join or stipulating they have to have a certain number of posts or a certain rank doesn't make it a proper competition as well.
Magazines don't only allow entry to competitions for just subscribers, a guy who just randomly picked up a magazine could win it and he may never purchase another one, but does it make it fair to exclude him because he hasn't been buying the magazine continuously? I don't think that's fair at all.
Capcom-europe is not a magazine, so dont compare it. Magazines dont have achievements nor a database of regular buyers, they dont count each letter they recieve from their reader. But magazines do have websites and maybe forums, and there they may have only for regulars stuff.
Anyway, i dont agree with you at all. Its not fair. It could be fair only if the regulars had something more in comparison with the im-only-here-for-giveaway-members. I dont say take away giveaways for new members, im saying bring something only for regulars. Each group would be happy - new members and those who are here only for giveaways will still have their giveaways and regulars will have something extra.
Be honest guys, who was upset after mashing the f5 button for 2 hours and every time a totaly random person who never goes on the forum won the prize? The only thing that could fix it is if we regulars could say: Ok, maybe a person who doesnt care for anything but giveaways took what i wanted to win, but still, there will be a giveaway/shop/something that we can enter but he cant.
Bottom line, giveaways for everyone, something extra for regulars. Its fair for everyone.
I did not come here for any giveaways.
I cam here as I am a fan of Capcom and wanted to be part of a great community.
We get that and heck of a lot more since Ten came in.
The giveaways are a bonus for any one who wins them.
If people only sign up for them good luck to them. But the giveaways being open to all members is fair. But they do need to be members as it is a reward for being a member. It is not hard to sign up.
We are here to be a community and to segregate members is not fair.
These fair weather fans need to be encouraged to post more not given a reason not to return.
For what I want I have to agree to TZM and others who have said similar things.
I also came here as a capcom fan, i didnt know about giveaways and prizes when i came here. If i wanted only free stuff, i wouldnt be writing this, nor hundrets of posts before. Im just saying regular members should have more advantages, whats the point of the regular achievement(the house logo) for example? Or the capcom letters under your name?
And how can we encourage new members to post?
how can we encourage new members to post?
Achievements for 300 posts written, 500 posts written, 1000 posts written, or small giveaways, badges etc sent out when admin are automatically notified when the achievement is reached????
I also came here as a capcom fan, i didnt know about giveaways and prizes when i came here. If i wanted only free stuff, i wouldnt be writing this, nor hundrets of posts before. Im just saying regular members should have more advantages, whats the point of the regular achievement(the house logo) for example? Or the capcom letters under your name?
And how can we encourage new members to post?
FUN.
open to suggestions.
open to suggestions.
Look up :)
Look up :)
yeah i just noticed:cool:
open to suggestions.
A seperate Capcom Off-topic board!!!
A seperate Capcom Off-topic board!!!
General section but someone mentioned about a messenger type discussion thingy earlier in the thread
General section but someone mentioned about a messenger type discussion thingy earlier in the thread
I have no idea what you just said...
I have no idea what you just said...
A little box that acts like messenger :rolleyes: for talking online to other people, facebook also has something similar
Carbonox_Ratchet
26-06-10, 13:37
I also came here as a capcom fan, i didnt know about giveaways and prizes when i came here. If i wanted only free stuff, i wouldnt be writing this, nor hundrets of posts before. Im just saying regular members should have more advantages, whats the point of the regular achievement(the house logo) for example? Or the capcom letters under your name?
And how can we encourage new members to post?
"What's the point"? Recognition for those who achieved specific things. As Spike said, they're basically for fun and are achievements in the community. They do not make you better than a new member however and should not be viewed as such.
A publisher community should lack elitism and the singling out of newcomers. If they come here to bag freebies and don't come back, that's their decision and not something we can counter unless we alienate newcomers altogether from such events. I'm sure even you can see how that is the worst thing you can do with a community of ANY kind. One aspect every professional community follows is ways to attract and entice new members via various forms. This can include - but isn't limited to - competitions.
However, you also cannot prove or disprove that these users do not return. I'm sure many who chime in every now and then here may have originated as competition entrants.
A little box that acts like messenger :rolleyes: for talking online to other people, facebook also has something similar
A while ago a few members and I tried to put together a Capcom chat box and it didn't take off, maybe it was because it wasn't right there on the page but I think a lot of the problem comes from people not being online at the same time.
The benefit of an Off-Topic forum is that you can post and leave it for someone to respond to and other users are more likely to see it since it's not one continuous conversation.
"What's the point"? Recognition for those who achieved specific things. As Spike said, they're basically for fun and are achievements in the community. They do not make you better than a new member however and should not be viewed as such.
Thats a fair point but people may still feel a little intimidated by the title of "advanced member" or how many achievements you have anyway regardless of the Fun aspect. They are still fairly elitist by their very nature.
Carbonox_Ratchet
26-06-10, 13:44
A little box that acts like messenger :rolleyes: for talking online to other people, facebook also has something similar
Use Facebook or MSN if you want to instant message people.
This forum is here for multiple reasons; peer-to-peer support, customer feedback, technical support and brand loyalty. It's primary purpose is not for idle chit-chat about how your day has been. That can be done through a single thread on this board for general discussion, or it can be done via PM.
Having an instant-messaging application will only serve to direct users away from the forum itself, which is the complete opposite direction where community growth is concerned. I don't know if Tenebra closely keeps an eye on trends and community metrics but I know for a fact that having a chat box will prove detrimental to a community's health and performance. But hey, this is just me.
Use Facebook or MSN if you want to instant message people.
This forum is here for multiple reasons; peer-to-peer support, customer feedback, technical support and brand loyalty. It's primary purpose is not for idle chit-chat about how your day has been. That can be done through a single thread on this board for general discussion, or it can be done via PM.
Having an instant-messaging application will only serve to direct users away from the forum itself, which is the complete opposite direction where community growth is concerned. I don't know if Tenebra closely keeps an eye on trends and community metrics but I know for a fact that having a chat box will prove detrimental to a community's health and performance. But hey, this is just me.
Personally I don't want a messenger, I never really use it, but I'm thinking of other people who might, but you've highlighted a good point about drawing attention away from the forums.
Thats a fair point but people may still feel a little intimidated by the title of "advanced member" or how many achievements you have anyway regardless of the Fun aspect. They are still fairly elitist by their very nature.
This.
I know Kid that elitism could be bad but i also know that many regulars here want something for their royalty, something that they will earn by posting and being active. If its an entry to a VIP section, or free stuff, or bonus smilies, i dont care, just something, so we regulars can be satisfied, and you know many of us are not(i know i didnt start this regular topic).
Its like in playstation plus or xbox live gold, if you pay, you get additional content. Why cant it be: if you stay, you get additional content? Maybe its not fair that newcomers wouldnt get access to some content, but that could motivate them to visit forums more often. I dont think only free giveaways or open to all competitions are a good motivation to stay, expecially when Ten notices them via twitter, the dont visit forums till they dont get a tweet.
Theres an unnamed site i follow on twitter. You can win prizes by retweeting. But you can also win prizes on the site, but only if you have at least 10 posts in different threads. Everybody wins, those who only follow on twitter and regulars who visit the site.
It doesn't encourage users to come back at all, as Spike said it only serves to alienate new members.
When you came to this forum you were allowed to enter all competitions regardless of your post count or join date, what you're proposing is burning bridges that we all have already crossed, why shouldn't a new member now have the same advantages you had back then?
Sorry but I don't think it's fair at all to restrict any competitions.
Carbonox_Ratchet
26-06-10, 16:09
This.
I know Kid that elitism could be bad but i also know that many regulars here want something for their royalty, something that they will earn by posting and being active. If its an entry to a VIP section, or free stuff, or bonus smilies, i dont care, just something, so we regulars can be satisfied, and you know many of us are not(i know i didnt start this regular topic).
Its like in playstation plus or xbox live gold, if you pay, you get additional content. Why cant it be: if you stay, you get additional content? Maybe its not fair that newcomers wouldnt get access to some content, but that could motivate them to visit forums more often. I dont think only free giveaways or open to all competitions are a good motivation to stay, expecially when Ten notices them via twitter, the dont visit forums till they dont get a tweet.
Theres an unnamed site i follow on twitter. You can win prizes by retweeting. But you can also win prizes on the site, but only if you have at least 10 posts in different threads. Everybody wins, those who only follow on twitter and regulars who visit the site.
I don't want anything for my loyalty. Just good discussion with fellow like-minded Capcom and gaming fans. Isn't that why we're here? If competitions or perks pop up then it's merely a bonus, not a necessity. I'm satisfied by the tight-knit community we have and great response and contribution from the Capcom staff. This is what should be expected in a publisher/developer community.
Having newcomers having access to competitions and even events is also beneficial in terms of publicising and promotion, something every community needs to be able to reach out to new people. For example:
Newcomer goes to an event > they enjoy it and tell a few of their friends about the opportunity they had, whilst sharing their experiences here > their friends take an interest in the community > their friends' friends catch wind, go to events and pass on their experiences > more and more and more people come over.
You will have your cases where they may get a prize or get to go to an event and then not come back but that's something that will occur everywhere you go. It's impossible to have a 100% capture rate. However, it's likely that you will have a majority than a minority in returns. You make a profit in terms of member numbers and work on from that.
As Death the Kid was implying, it's highly hypocritical to get what you got as a newcomer but then say that from now, newcomers deserve bugger all until they prove their worth to the community. They've already proven their worth by showing an interest, getting involved regardless of the manner and potentially expanding interest through word-of-mouth. This forum isn't the be-all, end-all of gaining interest in your company, products or whatever.
I don't want anything for my loyalty. Just good discussion with fellow like-minded Capcom and gaming fans. Isn't that why we're here? If competitions or perks pop up then it's merely a bonus, not a necessity. I'm satisfied by the tight-knit community we have and great response and contribution from the Capcom staff. This is what should be expected in a publisher/developer community.
Nuff said :thumb:
I don't want anything for my loyalty. Just good discussion with fellow like-minded Capcom and gaming fans. Isn't that why we're here? If competitions or perks pop up then it's merely a bonus, not a necessity. I'm satisfied by the tight-knit community we have and great response and contribution from the Capcom staff. This is what should be expected in a publisher/developer community.
Having newcomers having access to competitions and even events is also beneficial in terms of publicising and promotion, something every community needs to be able to reach out to new people. For example:
Newcomer goes to an event > they enjoy it and tell a few of their friends about the opportunity they had, whilst sharing their experiences here > their friends take an interest in the community > their friends' friends catch wind, go to events and pass on their experiences > more and more and more people come over.
You will have your cases where they may get a prize or get to go to an event and then not come back but that's something that will occur everywhere you go. It's impossible to have a 100% capture rate. However, it's likely that you will have a majority than a minority in returns. You make a profit in terms of member numbers and work on from that.
As Death the Kid was implying, it's highly hypocritical to get what you got as a newcomer but then say that from now, newcomers deserve bugger all until they prove their worth to the community. They've already proven their worth by showing an interest, getting involved regardless of the manner and potentially expanding interest through word-of-mouth. This forum isn't the be-all, end-all of gaining interest in your company, products or whatever.
This 100%
We want to attract more members and if we did it the way some suggests then it put's of new members.
Times I have won a prize and many many times I have not. I do not feel begrudged just because some one has just signed up an won and I have not.
Share the love is all I can say.
We all were new at one point and I am sure if you were left out back then would you really want to come back?
Every=Fair 100%
Forum,People Community, friends, chat, share, fun ect ect is what it is about and Prize=Bonus.
I think to many have been spoilt on this forum with all the freebies ect:pit:
Should we ask to have the Loyalty Points completely removed, its not like they do anything anyway. :eek:
Should we ask to have the Loyalty Points completely removed, its not like they do anything anyway. :eek:
I think they were intended for anther reason but has not been implemented.
I think they were intended for anther reason but has not been implemented.
Never implemented, not needed then. I'd say Capcom staff do enuff for us anyway, why should we be greedy and dump more work on them to satisfy our own avarice
Never implemented, not needed then. I'd say Capcom staff do enuff for us anyway, why should we be greedy and dump more work on them to satisfy our own avarice
But that does not mean it will not happen in the future.
But that does not mean it will not happen in the future.
I think it should be left alone, Carbon_R put it best and in the most unselfish way, I was gonna type what Ten said about it, I mentioned it earlier in the thread but it'll ignite the whole debate again and Carbo effectively finished the discussion :)