Ideas - *controversial*

[hah]

Way too much like other forums, we aren't changing the style and we can't it was something set by Jin and I think it's quite an insult to those who made the current ones (which I think are very nice so long as the image within them is nice) to suggest a complete overhaul.

We will change the images though

but that what people like...... so what if its like other forums......... its better having something nice that people like rather than some 20x20 butt ugly userbar with imaged crammed into them

[Richie]

I'm just going to be straight up with you

Avatars
Sure OK, they're progressive and it could be argued it's an incentive to post and be active to try and get a bigger avatar. In reality, I don't think that's the case. Small avatars look awful, I can't have an avatar that looks good which is annoying but I can't because the size makes them look ridiculous. I don't see why all users can't have the simple 150x150. People aren't going to stop buying donator or become less active because of an avatar.

No.

Arcade
Again, why can't this just be open to all users... I feel it would benefit the forum more. If new users, came on, enjoyed the arcade and were given full access maybe they'd come back again just to use the arcade and even if they make 5 or so posts each time they come on it's still a help. I also think the arcade scores should be wiped, make it more active.

Yes

Reputation
It's really hard to move up the reputation ladder. It's unlikely any other 'new' user would get that much. I think this should either be scrapped entirely. Reputation doesn't make people stay, or at least it shouldn't but it defo puts people off.

No

Join Date
Thinking behind this is maybe if there wasn't proof they were a new user, they wouldn't feel so new. It's not important at all and I don't think this should be displayed when you post. Or at least have the option, if possible for it not to be displayed on the forum.

No

Post count
Seeing as the forum has been open so long some people have mammoth post counts. Again, I think if possible people should be allowed to make it so it doesn't display. Maybe even some of the more active users would do it to not look as addicted.

No

User Rank
The bronze stars are disgusting. Can't these just be replaced with userbars "new user" "loyal member" "legendary". Whatever. I just hate the star system and I think having a horrid star under your name would put you off the forum.
A lot of these are related to the fact the forum is so old. People who are new feel intimidated by the older members, even if they aren't threatening. If people were able to hide there own which are insignificant in comparison then maybe they'd be more inclined to post.

Yes.

[AgnesIO]

Way too much like other forums, we aren't changing the style and we can't it was something set by Jin and I think it's quite an insult to those who made the current ones (which I think are very nice so long as the image within them is nice) to suggest a complete overhaul.

We will change the images though

If peope an take good feedback for their work they can take bad. The current userbars are not good lol

[Gibs960]

I hardly ever have a signature because they all look terribly small, they should be bigger, but with a limit

[Tintinnabulate]

I hardly ever have a signature because they all look terribly small, they should be bigger, but with a limit

Signature is good enough. 700x300 for Donor is very big.

[Blinger$]

*** replying to everything, but i like to display my join date. I feel proud to say that i have been here for a while tbh.

[Barmi]

If peope an take good feedback for their work they can take bad. The current userbars are not good lol

The ugly text doesn't help!

*** replying to everything, but i like to display my join date. I feel proud to say that i have been here for a while tbh.

My join date > your join date. lol.

[Blinger$]

My join date > your join date. lol.

I KNOW! bloody hell... oh well, still... 5 years is a bloody long time!

[Agnostic Bear]

Avatars
Sure OK, they're progressive and it could be argued it's an incentive to post and be active to try and get a bigger avatar. In reality, I don't think that's the case. Small avatars look awful, I can't have an avatar that looks good which is annoying but I can't because the size makes them look ridiculous. I don't see why all users can't have the simple 150x150. People aren't going to stop buying donator or become less active because of an avatar.

Exactly, 1 size for everyone is a good idea here.

Arcade
Again, why can't this just be open to all users... I feel it would benefit the forum more. If new users, came on, enjoyed the arcade and were given full access maybe they'd come back again just to use the arcade and even if they make 5 or so posts each time they come on it's still a help. I also think the arcade scores should be wiped, make it more active.

There could be bandwidth issues here. However if not this is a good idea.

Reputation
It's really hard to move up the reputation ladder. It's unlikely any other 'new' user would get that much. I think this should either be scrapped entirely. Reputation doesn't make people stay, or at least it shouldn't but it defo puts people off.

Exactly, reputation is a stupid system and should go. It frightens off new users and only makes the top users and the people who don't care stay.

Join Date
Thinking behind this is maybe if there wasn't proof they were a new user, they wouldn't feel so new. It's not important at all and I don't think this should be displayed when you post. Or at least have the option, if possible for it not to be displayed on the forum.

Join date should be forcibly hidden in spam, optional everywhere else.

User Rank
The bronze stars are disgusting. Can't these just be replaced with userbars "new user" "loyal member" "legendary". Whatever. I just hate the star system and I think having a horrid star under your name would put you off the forum.
A lot of these are related to the fact the forum is so old. People who are new feel intimidated by the older members, even if they aren't threatening. If people were able to hide there own which are insignificant in comparison then maybe they'd be more inclined to post.

Also agreed here. Force it in spam and possibly the 3 most active forums, make it optional everywhere else.

Anyway, I know these are controversial and I'd be surprised if anyone actually agreed but I think the systems we have at the moment although they work fine they put new members off the forum. If these were changed, I genuinely believe we could attract new people and make them stay. With the merge coming more people will be visiting and if we can make them stay, you'll be laughing!

Your points are all valid and I agree with all of them.

[HotelUser]

Can someone please add a transparent 1px to the right of each of the images then?

This would probably be a good idea.