[nitivearchit]

1) New benchmarks not as good as the old ones

2) Lots of the hardcore overclockers and ppl with knowledge left

3) As said above, lots of fanboys remain, and are allowed to get away with swearing \ insults on the forums, yet lots of members before them got banned for just 1 little mishap

4) There aren't as many good pc games as in years gone by, and those that do come out are rushed \ buggy

5) People are moving on. I haven't upgraded my pc in nearly 2 years (approx) apart from adding more ram as it was dirt cheap

[Qynvtlur]

so what about it admins? why not streamline some of the sections to give the forums a jump? Most in this thread has been constructive criticism, it would be nice if FM retooled the forum topics a bit.

also, a good way to get new traffic and new users interested in FM and FM products is to run a few contests and giveaways, where all you have to do is register and post 5 posts in the forums. (old FMr's would be eligable too by posting in contest threads) FM/yougamers has enough contacts where they could get a graphics card or two donated in exchange for free advertising. Benchmark contests with prizes could also help. I'm looking at a banner ad right now where Gigabyte is a bench contest with 3dmark06.

anyways, I think condensing some of the forums (like the examples desolater gave) would give the place an immediate boost.


I think FM was wise to create Yougamers, I don't think that has anything to do with FM's slowing down. I also think they see the righting on the wall as far as non-gaming benchmarks. I think they're wise to branch out to game development as well. I'm looking foward to seeing what they come up with, and will definately support it with my $$

[Rwujnezq]

so what about it admins? why not streamline some of the sections to give the forums a jump? Most in this thread has been constructive criticism, it would be nice if FM retooled the forum topics a bit.

Because, as I already explained, the Suggestions board has been full of people asking for separate forums for this and that and now people want fewer forums! FM can't win!

lso, a good way to get new traffic and new users interested in FM and FM products is to run a few contests and giveaways, where all you have to do is register and post 5 posts in the forums. (old FMr's would be eligable too by posting in contest threads) FM/yougamers has enough contacts where they could get a graphics card or two donated in exchange for free advertising. Benchmark contests with prizes could also help. I'm looking at a banner ad right now where Gigabyte is a bench contest with 3dmark06. Sounds like a recipe for spam to me. And what's to stop people coming along, posting their five posts and then clearing off never to be seen again?

[dserbokim]

I think the best way to get things moving would be a new and amazing "blow your socks off" benchmark.

[Qynvtlur]

bungle, you're a miserable #$^@ [rofl]

nobody is attacking FM. It's not a matter of "can't win" These are just helpful suggestions to get the forum more active. FM admin's don't need obnoxious sycophants to protect them.

Sounds like a recipe for spam to me. And what's to stop people coming along, posting their five posts and then clearing off never to be seen again? there's nothing to stop them. other sites run contests similar to generate interest, and obviously some people just post once, but here is the part that may be hard to grasp................others join the forum and find it interesting and start to post and gain interest in FM and participate and buy products. Why do other sites do promos like that? To generate spam? It's not that difficult of a concept so long as you aren't the most negative, argumentive person on the planet.[rofl]

[roundman]

I think the best way to get things moving would be a new and amazing "blow your socks off" benchmark.

so what would happen if lets say for example FM had produced that AVATAR film but as a bench mark ?

people have been shitting all over that,but if it was a benchmark ?

[Rwujnezq]

bungle, you're a miserable #$^@ [rofl]

nobody is attacking FM. It's not a matter of "can't win" These are just helpful suggestions to get the forum more active. FM admin's don't need obnoxious sycophants to protect them.

You really are a prize prat aren't you?

Let me explain it for you in VERY SIMPLE LANGUAGE so you'll understand! People said they want one thing and now they're saying they want the opposite! What is FM supposed to do? Get it now?

[Qynvtlur]

it's a fallacy.

just because some users out of thousands asked for an additional forum doesn't mean FM admin's shouldn't streamline the site.

if there is such thing as a "can't win" attitude it's one where instead of being open to suggestion and change, you shut down and get pissy because some people asked for more forums and others are asking for less. and then you say things like "can't win" and get bitchy and high and mighty.

anyways, not sure why I'm bothering explaining "can't win" attitude and negativity. I'm probably speaking to the world's leading expert on the matter.[rolleyes]

[dserbokim]

Wow! [rofl]

Is it even possible to post a cat food recipe on this board without a fight erupting? Its on my list as one possible reason newbies keep their visits brief.

[Rwujnezq]

it's a fallacy.

just because some users out of thousands asked for an additional forum doesn't mean FM admin's shouldn't streamline the site.

if there is such thing as a "can't win" attitude it's one where instead of being open to suggestion and change, you shut down and get pissy because some people asked for more forums and others are asking for less. and then you say things like "can't win" and get bitchy and high and mighty.

anyways, not sure why I'm bothering explaining "can't win" attitude and negativity. I'm probably speaking to the world's leading expert on the matter.[rolleyes]

The only person "shutting down and getting pissy" is you, because someone dared to point out flaws in your suggestions.

I'm not surprised no one from FM has posted in this thread yet given the reaction of certain people when their demands aren't met.

[Qynvtlur]

Wow! [rofl]

Is it even possible to post a cat food recipe on this board without a fight erupting? Its on my list as one possible reason newbies keep their visits brief.

cats suck. everyone who owns a cat is an idiot.

[dserbokim]

cats suck. everyone who owns a cat is an idiot.

Uh, huh. Well while the resulting war over that statement heats up, I'm gonna go feed my two hungry kids, who are pacing the floor not unlike cats.

[Qynvtlur]

Uh, huh. Well while the resulting war over that statement heats up, I'm gonna go feed my two hungry kids, who are pacing the floor not unlike cats.

just to be clear, it was a joke. I have nothing against cats


also, in regards to bungle's "reason" and pointing out a "flaw"

Because, as I already explained, the Suggestions board has been full of people asking for separate forums for this and that and now people want fewer forums! FM can't win! this is not a reason. it's an attitude. and an overly negative "can't win" one at that. you could apply that attitude to virtually any issue and see it's short fall.

ie: medical reform in the US.

some people want this type of reform, some wan't another, others want nothing done. therefore, it's a "can't win" situation and I'm going to do nothing. It's an attitude motivated by negativity and defensiveness. What's worse, reason and critically evaluating the best solution is thrown out the window because of attitude.

(note: I'm not commenting on medical reform. I'm simply pointing out the ridiculous notion that simply because there are different opinions, nothing should be done)

[mr.calisto]

it's a fallacy.

just because some users out of thousands asked for an additional forum doesn't mean FM admin's shouldn't streamline the site.

if there is such thing as a "can't win" attitude it's one where instead of being open to suggestion and change, you shut down and get pissy because some people asked for more forums and others are asking for less. and then you say things like "can't win" and get bitchy and high and mighty.

anyways, not sure why I'm bothering explaining "can't win" attitude and negativity. I'm probably speaking to the world's leading expert on the matter.[rolleyes]

The only person "shutting down and getting pissy" is you, because someone dared to point out flaws in your suggestions.

I'm not surprised no one from FM has posted in this thread yet given the reaction of certain people when their demands aren't met.

Wow! [rofl]

Is it even possible to post a cat food recipe on this board without a fight erupting? Its on my list as one possible reason newbies keep their visits brief.

NO YOU! [cursing]

[mr.calisto]

Also, cats are awesome.

I have spoken.

[parishilton]

I still visit here most days a week just to see if there is anything interesting to read but a few years ago I would be posting 10-15 times a day about different stuff, these days it seems no one is interested in anything anyone posts.

[HBPujWBe]

I've heard the calls for Mod/Admin responses...so here I am!

the mods likely could care less, if anything, it makes their lives easier...less threads/posts = less for them to have to worry about...FM staff... it is hard to chime in when you have very little rebuttle.

Its "couldn't care less" the sooner people get the idea of that, the better . Of course we do care though.

Of course, this same thread or something close to it comes into existence pretty much every summer. That doesn't mean that there has not been a real decline, simply that, like the many "Computer gaming is dead" threads, planning the funeral might turn out to be slightly premature, even if the patient seems ominously quiet.

Quite true. Every summer people find out theres life out there and a bright thing called the Sun! I know its scary, but it happens!

Depends, lots of users have been banned when there was no need for it,

As always stated, users NEVER know both sides of the story. When a user is banned, it is done for a very good reason, and discussed with all the moderation/admin team - especially if someone picks up that maybe that wasnt the right choice of action.

so what about it admins? why not streamline some of the sections to give the forums a jump? Most in this thread has been constructive criticism, it would be nice if FM retooled the forum topics a bit.

also, a good way to get new traffic and new users interested in FM and FM products is to run a few contests and giveaways, where all you have to do is register and post 5 posts in the forums. (old FMr's would be eligable too by posting in contest threads) FM/yougamers has enough contacts where they could get a graphics card or two donated in exchange for free advertising. Benchmark contests with prizes could also help. I'm looking at a banner ad right now where Gigabyte is a bench contest with 3dmark06.

anyways, I think condensing some of the forums (like the examples desolater gave) would give the place an immediate boost.


I think FM was wise to create Yougamers, I don't think that has anything to do with FM's slowing down. I also think they see the righting on the wall as far as non-gaming benchmarks. I think they're wise to branch out to game development as well. I'm looking foward to seeing what they come up with, and will definately support it with my $$

Posts like this are excellent for me, I'd prefer to see more in feedback section though because at the end of the day, without you guys there would be no forum. With your feedback or suggestions on how to improve things, we can both make this place better for all. Obviously not everything is a good idea and we will decline it and yes we do get negative remarks from it where "FM can't do right or wrong", but you learn to live with that and we can't keep everyone happy.

Because, as I already explained, the Suggestions board has been full of people asking for separate forums for this and that and now people want fewer forums! FM can't win!

We do receive that quite often yes. "We need an Anime board" "We need a car board" are just a few I remember, and yes we were knocked down for saying "....er....no!"

bungle, you're a miserable #$^@ [rofl]

nobody is attacking FM. It's not a matter of "can't win" These are just helpful suggestions to get the forum more active. FM admin's don't need obnoxious sycophants to protect them.



there's nothing to stop them. other sites run contests similar to generate interest, and obviously some people just post once, but here is the part that may be hard to grasp................others join the forum and find it interesting and start to post and gain interest in FM and participate and buy products. Why do other sites do promos like that? To generate spam? It's not that difficult of a concept so long as you aren't the most negative, argumentive person on the planet.[rofl]

Bungle does have a point, as I've pointed out above, and I also agree with you. Keep the ideas coming! [thumbup]

it's a fallacy.

just because some users out of thousands asked for an additional forum doesn't mean FM admin's shouldn't streamline the site.

if there is such thing as a "can't win" attitude it's one where instead of being open to suggestion and change, you shut down and get pissy because some people asked for more forums and others are asking for less. and then you say things like "can't win" and get bitchy and high and mighty.

anyways, not sure why I'm bothering explaining "can't win" attitude and negativity. I'm probably speaking to the world's leading expert on the matter.[rolleyes]

As above I think I've covered what we've seen from our side.



On a lighter note, there has been changes in the background to make FM and the forums better for you.
First thing, stealth_wing and I are now FULL admins, meaning we can do pretty much anything to the boards. This is both better for us and you as we no longer have to wait for people with the proper power to implement what we and you ask for.
Stealth_wing and I do stress that your views are valued and we will take every view into consideration, just dont expect that they'll all be implemented though!

Secondly, spam we have pretty much killed. We have implemented technology in the background recently that has pretty much put spam visible to users to zero. I know it annoyed a lot of you receiving spam, and its certainly made our life a lot easier too!



In the background there are loads of discussions and ideas to get things moving faster again. Obviously Shattered Horizon is brining a lot of attention back to the forum, but I have been speaking with Demi regarding moving the forums back to the Futuremark domains. I know your bosses will hate us, but it'll be like before and hopefully not blocked by any bluecoat type software.

I'll stress once again that stealth_wing and I (and the rest of the moderation team too, but don't have the power to implement as much) are here for YOU! Great ideas will be implemented, and do post all your ideas in the forum feedbacks. The merging of forums and reducing the sub-forums is certainly an interesing one, which we will be discussing internally on what we can do.


BTW, some intriguing information some of you may be interested to hear:
we've received 3,040 notify moderator reports, and every one has been actioned. Yes we are busy in the background too keeping things as clean as possible!

[Blelidupgerie]

I always said merging the Politics and Religion boards would be the death of this place.

[Srewxardsasv]

As many have mentoned the problem with the layout of the boards, as well as how the forums are even found are 2 big issues. Look at some other major sites with heavy activity, and you will see that reaching their forums is not the task it is here.

The 2nd major problem is the benchmarks. Many major review sites don't even include FM's products in their reviews of PC hardware.

[Qynvtlur]

Quite true. Every summer people find out theres life out there and a bright thing called the Sun! I know its scary, but it happens! I agree, summer has something to do with it, but imo, there are larger forces at work than just summer slowdown.

The merging of forums and reducing the sub-forums is certainly an interesing one, which we will be discussing internally on what we can do. I appreciate that. That's all myself and others were asking for: thoughtful consideration. I don't deny that on one hand having users ask for more subforums while others are asking for streamlining would be frustrating. My point was more along the lines of simply because it's frustrating or seems like it's a "can't win" doesn't mean the suggestions shouldn't be considered and arrived at by reason (what's best for FM forums) not by defensiveness and can't win frustration. From your post and past history of admins and mods on FM, obviously that isn't an issue.

I'll look foward to any changes that may or may not come out of you guys re-evaluating things. Thanks for the consideration, and more importantly, all the hard work you guys have done over the years so we can enjoy FM.[thumbup]

also, to be clear, I don't think the forums are "dead" or "dying" they are mostly alive and well, but I do think some things should be looked at and hopefully implemented to reinvigorate the FM community. If there is any way we forum goers can contribute to this, we'll be more than happy to participate.