Whats happened?

[-:Undertaker:-]

I suggested a while ago that the forum has good potential (in terms of user numbers) to start moving away from Habbo and becoming a more teen-based forum. I know there would be a lot of big changes (although we could still keep a big Habbo element in the medium term) but I think we ought to think outside the box (as a user above put it) and try and grow the forum as opposed to a policy of managed decline.

I simply worry what will happen to Habbox when the likes of my generation of Habbo users (currently management) start to drop off.

[xxMATTGxx]

I suggested a while ago that the forum has good potential (in terms of user numbers) to start moving away from Habbo and becoming a more teen-based forum. I know there would be a lot of big changes (although we could still keep a big Habbo element in the medium term) but I think we ought to think outside the box (as a user above put it) and try and grow the forum as opposed to a policy of managed decline.

I simply worry what will happen to Habbox when the likes of my generation of Habbo users (currently management) start to drop off.

In terms of your suggestion about a more teen-based forums, two fansites that were quite popular have tried that and failed. I don't see how Habbox could be much different apart from trying better and different things but that isn't really an approach Habbox should take unless Habbo is no longer here.

[Barkseh]

I agree with moving away from Habbo tbh. I for one would probably visit more. I only ever come on here now to see what's going on every now and then. I feel a little bit childish coming on here now.

I suggested a while ago that the forum has good potential (in terms of user numbers) to start moving away from Habbo and becoming a more teen-based forum. I know there would be a lot of big changes (although we could still keep a big Habbo element in the medium term) but I think we ought to think outside the box (as a user above put it) and try and grow the forum as opposed to a policy of managed decline.

I simply worry what will happen to Habbox when the likes of my generation of Habbo users (currently management) start to drop off.

[Inseriousity.]

Is that the idea you were talking about here: http://www.habboxforum.com/showthread.php?t=748982, if so I don't think that'd work in terms of getting something that is unique for Habbox.

Yep that's the one. It is fairly unique and not something you see fansites doing nowadays although I agree that it also could fall flat on its face although this isn't really the thread to discuss it cos it's unfair on those who don't have a clue what we're on about

Another reason for your problem could also be that the forums you frequent aren't as popular anymore because I think the Habbo forums in particular do very well whereas other forums tend to be really quiet and if you weren't interested in Habbo anymore then it'd make the forum look more dead than it actually is.

[-:Undertaker:-]

In terms of your suggestion about a more teen-based forums, two fansites that were quite popular have tried that and failed. I don't see how Habbox could be much different apart from trying better and different things but that isn't really an approach Habbox should take unless Habbo is no longer here.

Hmm, how far away and how fast did they make these changes though? I would think a slow, longer term shift taking place over a number of years would work as opposed to a sudden one (which would alienate Habbo users)? I mean, we could still keep the forum based around Habbo but attempt to branch out a tad? .... It all seems very tricky, although I think it would be interesting to see the results and worth considering if the site is currently on a slow, downward spiral in terms of membership numbers.

The problem is, how to retain older members whilst managing to still attract people from the hotel itself.

[GoldenMerc]

Its not as popular as before, heck i struggle to find useful topics to discuss nowdays. Its still the most popular site, just HxL isn't the most popular radio anymore i guess

[xxMATTGxx]

Hmm, how far away and how fast did they make these changes though? I would think a slow, longer term shift taking place over a number of years would work as opposed to a sudden one (which would alienate Habbo users)? I mean, we could still keep the forum based around Habbo but attempt to branch out a tad? .... It all seems very tricky, although I think it would be interesting to see the results and worth considering if the site is currently on a slow, downward spiral in terms of membership numbers.

The problem is, how to retain older members whilst managing to still attract people from the hotel itself.

I don't know the facts but HFFM did a full re-brand where they changed the site name, bought a new domain and pput a fresh look on it. I believe they removed the Habbo forums as well or maybe kept one of them. Few months after (I'm not sure how many) they decided enough is enough and they opened back up as Habbo forum. I believe they are bringing the main site back as well.

While ClubHabbo didn't do the same changes they also went to a more relaxed teen-based forum and reduced the Habbo forums quite a bit and the activity on there is very low.

[Inseriousity.]

I have been on a Habbo fansite that turned into a 'teen-based forum' (HabboNation into UrSpeech if anyone remembers that) and once you do that you just turn into every other teen based forum on the internet. There's nothing to pull new people in and when the people who are "too old for Habbo" who tend to advocate these things also become too old for forums in general, the site is left behind to pick up the pieces with no new people to continue the site. I would be very against turning it into another teen-based forum.

[Yonder]

Nice.

Yes Habbox is still the most popular .com fansite, what does that say for other fansites! As everybody else has said, Habbo has killed fansites. The forum is quiet. I remember when the tech section was booming with dev and questions. Now it barely gets a few threads a week. It is a sad situation.

I think a unique feature or two has to keep new Habbos here. Any fansite can post news and have a forum, Habbox needs some new features to make itself stand out again like it did with RV. The events etc on Habbox is great and new habbos come visit but they need a reason to stay.

Also a side note the forum isn't as friendly as it used to be as a whole. Sometimes i feel like i am on ClubHabboforum with the members jumping down each others throats. This can also put new members off.

[-:Undertaker:-]

I don't know the facts but HFFM did a full re-brand where they changed the site name, bought a new domain and pput a fresh look on it. I believe they removed the Habbo forums as well or maybe kept one of them. Few months after (I'm not sure how many) they decided enough is enough and they opened back up as Habbo forum. I believe they are bringing the main site back as well.

Ah I see, well it sounds like HFFM made the move too suddenly and alienated existing users.

While ClubHabbo didn't do the same changes they also went to a more relaxed teen-based forum and reduced the Habbo forums quite a bit and the activity on there is very low.

Hmm, see I don't see the need to remove the Habbo forums at all. I just think maybe some slight rebranding would do the trick, as well as maybe more teen-issue based forums being created over time. Habbox might differ in that it has a grown up non-Habbo user base whereas I don't really think the other sites offered this (from my experience, anyway).

It would be risky, but if we didn't make any rash decisions like the sites you mentioned did.. at least we could always hit the breaks?

I have been on a Habbo fansite that turned into a 'teen-based forum' (HabboNation into UrSpeech if anyone remembers that) and once you do that you just turn into every other teen based forum on the internet. There's nothing to pull new people in and when the people who are "too old for Habbo" who tend to advocate these things also become too old for forums in general, the site is left behind to pick up the pieces with no new people to continue the site. I would be very against turning it into another teen-based forum.

Oohh I see, another example which doesn't look too good then for this idea. I suppose the pattern shows it just hasn't worked, in which case if the site is to remain based around Habbo - the biggest effort must be to attract a new generation of Habbo users onto the forum who will ensure it's survival.

And that's what I meant earlier when I said that when our generation leaves, I worry who will take over the reigns.