Ideas - *controversial*

[lorren]

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Before you read I know some of these are controversial. They're welcome to adjustments. Just saying yes/no isn't really useful. If you don't think we need them then explain why. It's a fact that HxF is no longer the most active Habbo Forum but I think it so easily could be as Habbox is easily the biggest and most influential fansite across Habbo. Even foreign hotels don't have a fansite like this.

It's mainly based around a problem that has been highlighted a good eight or so months ago now and has never really been directly combated effectively, membership retention. We have so many people signing up and then not posting or staying active for long. It has been put down to attitudes of older members, I don't buy this whatsoever. In no way is this forum more exclusive than others that do well.

Put the blab in spoiler, just why I made this thread etc

Keeping members at HxF
I think the only reason they don't stay is because it's so hard to become established on here. I look at the members who have posted recently who don't have really high post counts or a join date from years ago and they're mostly users who have come back from a ban.

Everything on this forum is putting new people off:

- Avatars
- Arcade
- Reputation
- Join Date
- Post count
- User rank

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

[dogboy123]

Show Hide

Before you read I know some of these are controversial. They're welcome to adjustments. Just saying yes/no isn't really useful. If you don't think we need them then explain why. It's a fact that HxF is no longer the most active Habbo Forum but I think it so easily could be as Habbox is easily the biggest and most influential fansite across Habbo. Even foreign hotels don't have a fansite like this.

It's mainly based around a problem that has been highlighted a good eight or so months ago now and has never really been directly combated effectively, membership retention. We have so many people signing up and then not posting or staying active for long. It has been put down to attitudes of older members, I don't buy this whatsoever. In no way is this forum more exclusive than others that do well.

Put the blab in spoiler, just why I made this thread etc

Keeping members at HxF
I think the only reason they don't stay is because it's so hard to become established on here. I look at the members who have posted recently who don't have really high post counts or a join date from years ago and they're mostly users who have come back from a ban.

Everything on this forum is putting new people off:

- Avatars
- Arcade
- Reputation
- Join Date
- Post count
- User rank

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.

Agreed, small avs look terrible, 150x150 looks nice. everyone should be able to have this

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.

Agreed, people like to play in the arcade, and if advertised more for newer members, could easily keep some entertained

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.

I think reputation should stay, and be visible. But I think it should be easier to move up in early stages

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.

Disagree with this, its good to see whos been loyal and stayed active, no problem to me.

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.

People need to be recognised for the contribution they make on the forum, so I disagree.

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.

Agreed with this

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!

Quotes in there, glad you brought this up lozz ove3:

[Tintinnabulate]

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.

I think avatars for new members should be bigger but it should be progressive. 90x100 is too small. When I joined on a new account, I didn't bother having a avatar as 90x100 is useless. Giving everyone 150x150 like Ben said is a bad idea. The 150x150 avatar size is one of the main reasons I buy donor. Give it to everyone and less people will buy donor.

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.

When I joined on my new account, I posted more to get rid of the arcade limitations. Maybe that was just me. However scores should not be wiped. It was recently wiped after the forum software upgrade. It will be unfair to those who spent ages trying to get a high score. I know I will be annoyed if mine was wiped.

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.

Scrapping it isn't a good idea as people like getting reputation for positive posts - especially new members. Maybe make it even easier to get higher reputation power like on CHF? I know it was recently edited but to get a rep power of 18, it took me 5 years which is a bit OTT.
Remember, many people have such high reputation points as you could buy it in the old days.

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.

As I told you on MSN, option to remove it is pointless as people can still check userid and therefore work out the date the person joined.

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.

I think people like showing off their high post count. It gives people something to work towards. i.e. Jake posted lots to try and get to 1,000.

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.

Again back to the MSN conversation. It was introduced due to the promotion system. I have suggested before that these should be replaced by user bars and if they really want, they can put the stars inside a user bar. The stars on their own look horrid.
I don't think I ever got a reply to this suggestion last time.

[Nixt]

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.

The reason progressive avatar sizes exist are for two reasons. First, to encourage members to post more and get the higher user rank in order to get the bigger avatar. Second, to encourage people to buy donator so they are able to. I do think it's unlikely people will post more on the basis of the fact they will be in with the chance of getting a bigger avatar, but I do think it's an extra incentive to buy donator which, to be frank, we can't afford to lose. It will be interesting to see what people think of this though and if they do say the bigger avatar sizes don't really affect their decision to buy donator it's something that could certainly be looked into. Equally though, I'm not totally convinced members are put off from joining the forum on the basis of their avatar not being able to be a certain size. I think what is more off putting is when a member signs up, uses an avatar that is too big and very quickly gets a PM saying "Sorry, your avatar is too big - please remove it". Unifying avatar sizes would end this, which is potentially beneficial.

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.

I agree. In fairness I don't think it would affect us that much either way, but I don't see any real issues with making it so anyone can use it and therefore see no reason why this shouldn't be the case.

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.

Removing reputation altogether would undoubtedly annoy the older members, who are just as important as the newer members we wish to retain. Indeed, it would annoy me because I have tried my best to help members across my four years at Habbox and have built up my reputation largely on that basis. Additionally I find reputation a good way to reward users if they help me and is a good incentive to get people doing things. Perhaps reforms in regard to the reputation system could be looked at - although this is something that's happened quite a lot before and it hasn't had that much of an impact. There are certain aspects of the reputation system that could well be reformed though, and we can look into this.

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.

I'm in two minds here. Some members are very proud of the time they joined and like to display it, which is fair enough. Equally I don't think it's *that* big a deal, although I do see how some newer members might be intimidated by members who have a join date from a long time ago, and the ability to remove it may help us decrease this intimidation and thus the overall intimidation members seem to experience when they join.

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.

I personally don't think this has a massive impact. It's something we could consider implementing though, depending on the overall views of members.

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.

To an extent, I agree. Perhaps a considerable overhaul of the rank system is in order, as it is somewhat outdated (particularly when you look at them on the new skins). This isn't just limited to the graphics but the way the user rank system works. Specific suggestions in regard to how it could change are welcome and it is definitely something we will look into.

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!

Whilst I feel some of your suggestions aren't the real reason people aren't staying, perhaps a mass reform of some, if not all, of these suggestions could be implemented to coincide with the merge. I think this would create a surge in activity that would appeal to members and as such mean some will remain. Equally if we display it in a way that shows we intend to make sure the forum appeals to newer members, they may feel more welcomed as they see we are making an effort for them.

It will be interesting to see member responses to this thread because I feel that's key in establishing whether it would be safe to implement some of them. Whilst they sound easy to suggest, many factors must be considered in making such changes and it is important to see what our current members say before we go ahead and implement them.

Thanks for your suggestions though, and +rep .

[xxMATTGxx]

Show Hide

Before you read I know some of these are controversial. They're welcome to adjustments. Just saying yes/no isn't really useful. If you don't think we need them then explain why. It's a fact that HxF is no longer the most active Habbo Forum but I think it so easily could be as Habbox is easily the biggest and most influential fansite across Habbo. Even foreign hotels don't have a fansite like this.

It's mainly based around a problem that has been highlighted a good eight or so months ago now and has never really been directly combated effectively, membership retention. We have so many people signing up and then not posting or staying active for long. It has been put down to attitudes of older members, I don't buy this whatsoever. In no way is this forum more exclusive than others that do well.

Put the blab in spoiler, just why I made this thread etc

Keeping members at HxF
I think the only reason they don't stay is because it's so hard to become established on here. I look at the members who have posted recently who don't have really high post counts or a join date from years ago and they're mostly users who have come back from a ban.

Everything on this forum is putting new people off:

- Avatars
- Arcade
- Reputation
- Join Date
- Post count
- User rank

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.

I have to agree with you that small avatars look awful and can also be a pain to find/create and make them look good. I don't think 150x150 would be an option for all, as users like to stay active and post to climb through the ranks or buy donator to get these extra features. Maybe an increase of 90x100 to tackle the small size or 150x150 for all. Hmm, would have to be something that would need discussion fully with other members of Management.


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.

I don't agree that the arcade should be wiped again, not yet anyway. Although making it open to all would be 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.

Getting rid of reputation all together isn't a good idea in my opinion. There would be nothing to replace it with? Unless a thanks system but we may as well keep the reputation system that way. It's nice to have this system as it can be used as a thanks, prizes and so on. Maybe an overview of the current system and see what we can change would be possible solution though.


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.

I don't see the big issue with the join date here? I know some users like to tell others that they have been on here for 5 years or more. Newer members shouldn't really be put off people who have been on here longer but I can see why in some aspects. An option to not have it shown? Although like stated by Sav it would be easily to make out via the ID.




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.

I'm going to see what other people think first. I'm not sure this is an issue that should be tackled.


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.

We could do with an update on the ranking system especially the titles and the graphics, the stars really don't look well on the new skins. This is something I personally would like to see changed and I'm sure it will be something that will be discussed.

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!

Thanks for creating the thread in feedback, it is always nice to see suggestions and ideas on how we can improve HabboxForum. +Rep

In the boldness.

[hah]

Sorry but the progressive thing is a load of ****. I could list about 10 forums that i haven't stayed on because the avatar limit was so small, on Habboforum i made jake give me VIP so that i could have bigger avatar (was like 150x150 for all members and 200x200 for vip i think#). Clubhabbo and every other fansite allow all users to have 150x150 avatars and they are not seeing donor profits decrease or less people postings. It seems to have the opposite effect on Habbox..... less posts and less donor (obv not the only reason tho).

So i agree on that point major............ and the arcade one lol
you put limitations on everything in this forums and its stupid :S, yeah sure you get the odd user posting so they can play the arcade but the other 90% just get fed up and leave

and them stars are ******* vile

[Alkaz]

Avatars - I agree. Some of the sizes are way to small. Perhaps if there was to be larger sizes (but still keeping the max at 150x150) then there could be larger upload sizes for different ranks. I wanted to upload an animated avatar a while ago and I couldn't because the file size was to big and was very annoying.
Arcade - Again I think that something like the arcade should be free for all. To keep something there for VIP's then perhaps they could be the only people who could create tournaments etc. I know a lot of people use forums and spend a lot of time on the arcade and only post now and again whilst using the arcade but stay loyal to the site.
Reputation - I know that not many people liked the original changes to the reputation system back in 2008 or when ever it was. A lot of people with 20+ rep powers now were able to take advantage of the relaxed rules on reputation back then but now it is extremely hard to get rep and it is pretty unfair for those new users. If I was playing the forum and for example I only got 20 rep points in one month and knew that I needed 100's to get a single rep power I wouldn't want to stay for that long knowing the rep powers of some people.
Join Date - I don't actually see any problem with this as it is now?
Post Count - Again nothing really wrong as it is at the moment.
User Rank - Perhaps it would be better to have something like the old reputation comments instead of the star system.

Some pretty good suggestions and I would like to see most of them implemented and if not all of them but with some changes to what you have suggested.

[dogboy123]

Also, I'd like to think the reason people post on the forum is because they enjoy it, and they like the community. Not to gain all these features

[Tintinnabulate]

One thing is for sure, a major overhaul is required.

Skins (Alkaz has an amazing idea). More promotion etc.

[hah]

Also, I'd like to think the reason people post on the forum is because they enjoy it, and they like the community. Not to gain all these features

amazing point ben lol