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Post by ~Elisa Maza~ on Aug 4, 2010 21:02:03 GMT -5
I just wanted to let you guys know that I have been taking things into consideration. I'll tackle Emz's post, since it will answer pretty much every question:
1. Re-staffing; I'll tackle the staff issue once the site becomes more active.
2. New skins; I love that everyone wants to make new skins, but I think we all need to understand that it's going to take more than a cheery skin to get people back here.
3. Deletion of all old accounts; I'll handle this one myself. There are people who I know for a fact will come back, and as for the others, I'll talk to them and get a straight yes or no answer.
4. How about a name change? Maybe. I kinda like United, so that might work.
5. Abolishment of Original Characters; I'm sorry, but I'm not willing to do this one. I understand what you're saying, but DU has always allowed OC, and I'm not gonna force those of us who had and planned to have OC's to give them up.
6. New Application; I don't see a problem with the application we have, personally. It's very simple and to the point, and doesn't require a lot of thinking on the part of the applicant. However, if someone wants to format their own app and send it to me, I'll see about putting it up.
Also, as for the nominations, I don't think that was the problem either. That had been going on ever since the site was created. But again, we'll see what the general thought is once more people come.
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Post by EILONWY ---* on Aug 4, 2010 23:04:16 GMT -5
I'm deffo not here to argue. We want to spread the love, not kill it off. However, I'm going to share my own two cents.
While obviously it'll take more than a new skin/new graphics to get more people, it's deffo a good way to get started. Obviously there's more to it then that. There's a lot of things that go into getting a site back on it's feet. Speaking from personal experience, it takes a lot of work and dedication.
Old accounts are deffo something that need to be taken care of. A lot of people can't stand it when they look at a board and there a bunch of dead accounts "littering" the rp boards.
As far as nominations for otm's go, I can see where it was a source for drama. However, this is the only site I have ever scene otm's tear people apart. However, I think if we make it a lot more diverse in who we nominate, it would be a lot better. Even when we had a lot of members, we were nominating the same ones every month, even though there were people who were just as active and just as deserving.
On a completely other note, there's a code we should look into. It's the justify code, and it lines up text and makes everything look nice and pretty. I know that was completely random, but I love it, and it would make the site look more "professional", which will deffo attract a ton of members.
On the "professional" note, we do need a sidebar, for which i can supply the code for, if needed, and I still stand by a new c-box. I understand that just refreshing it will work, but guests may not know that, and if they have a question but can't see the c-box, then they are out of luck. I've also found that sometimes, I'll be "locked out" of the c-box for days. While an autorefreshing c-boxes are nice, there are ones with just the refresh button, which works just as well. It would also eliminate trolls who found us through the c-box server.
I think we need a minimum word count. It doesn't need to be high, but it will ensure that someone will have enough to reply to, and I know a lot of people are turned off by mega short posts. I'd say about 200-300 words minimum would be a good idea.
That's all I can think off right now. I'm sure if I were more awake, I'd have more to say, but yea.
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hera
New Member
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Post by hera on Aug 5, 2010 4:17:58 GMT -5
I can see where both of you are coming from. Again from personal experience to get an older, inactive site back on the tracks again will literally steal your soul, but it can be done!
I don't really think the skin needs changing just yet. It looks old to us because we've been used to seeing it a lot, but a new member won't see that. However I completely agree with Emz about a sidebar and stuff, it does wonders. And the aligning, I could sit there for hours until my site is looking purdy lol xD and as for the app, I don't think its necessarily changing whats in the app as such, maybe again the presentation? It sounds stupid but lots of people going crazy over a site that looks pretty and neat - its usually a sign that the staff are updating it and the members are active. Sites like Caution and Athousandfireflies are great for that type of thing xD
As well as deleting old accounts, archiving old threads? Obviously not the ones we're still rping but a board tends to put people off if there are loads of threads that are inactive.
Name change would be good! And I cheer on original characters, wasn't that the whole idea of D-U?! As well as original couples etc etc, I think its great and makes us stand out from other Disney RPG's...but on the same note we don't want to go OTT with it.
I agree with getting a new c-box. We've always been plagued by trolls that find us via the c-box server and if you're not a mod/admin and you're online when no one else is *shakes fist at time zones* its really offputting. I'm pretty sure Proboards do their own c-box? Thats really handy for putting in sidebars, and a site I'm on uses chatango - which again refreshes itself but it has an annoying pop sound -__- you can't win ^^
Yes for word count! It makes me feel so much more organised xD and deepens the character. If I'm on a site where the expectation is 450+, I know that I have to really research the character and put a lot of time into it, which is what you want on here. I think that a 200 or 250 word count is quite manageable on here.
As for otm's, I agree with emz. Its peculiar, I've never had a problem with it on any other site =/ I think we should have a rule where you don't vote for the same character twice in a row? Maybe have a variety of things to vote for - like best Villain, funniest thread etc? Maybe they all don't go up on the sidebar, but that way it gives more people a reward.
and thats my, as you put it, two cents xD
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Post by milo on Aug 5, 2010 15:35:05 GMT -5
Yay, I like all these suggestions. This is a good sign, people! I think we all agree on the sidebar issue, and that's at the very top of my list. It makes the site look a lot neater + pulled together. It's also quite handy for newcomers to find links quickly! I see we have some members who are good with codes, so I'm sure someone can take care of that. I think new boards (aka lands) would be awesome too! Milo's pushing for Atlantis ..... xDD A new skin is a good idea, but it's not at the very top of my list at the moment. The biggest issues are the sidebar, and getting all of us back to posting. I have a plot in the works for next week, so that should help a ton! I also made a new advert, and would *LOVE* if members used that to advertise. I've been doing link-backs, but more needs to be done! A little help would be fantastic As for OTMs (good for sidebars!), I don't see a problem with it. Maybe because I was MIA for all the drama, but I've been on sites that have no problems with it. Just as long as we keep it fair and diverse, I think we're okay. Besides, from what I hear (and see) the drama's over. As for the name change and OC issue ... I'm neutral. Hope that helps! And lets get CRACKIN'!
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Post by EILONWY ---* on Aug 5, 2010 16:20:38 GMT -5
YES. ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE. We cannot get new members if no one knows we are out there.
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Post by charlotte on Aug 5, 2010 16:49:03 GMT -5
Oh, two more things I forgot to say. xDD
I can do sidebar graphics (aka headers). Let me know if you'd like any!
And as for OTMs, we should at least do movie and song of the month!
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Post by Belle on Aug 6, 2010 5:56:12 GMT -5
Yes, that sounds like a plan guys!! ;D I'm glad so many people have still got uncut in their hearts. I agree with the sidebar, it makes the place look a lot more up together. A new skin would do wonders as well as we're having a fresh start. I think it should look like a whole new site. Although it's not the most important thing right now. Advertising is essential, and I think we should get posting asap. Members are less likely to join if the place looks dead and no one's actually roleplaying. I'm away on holiday now 'till Tuesday but I'll be happy to do some plots is anyone else is up for it.
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Post by Hercules & Phil on Aug 6, 2010 14:28:53 GMT -5
Okay, to rehash everything that’s been said and to add my two cents… - We’ll green light the sidebar idea and get back to you shortly on further development of this
- OTMs- Elio said: “think if we make it a lot more diverse in who we nominate, it would be a lot better. Even when we had a lot of members, we were nominating the same ones every month, even though there were people who were just as active and just as deserving.”
My point is that people were nominating who they felt deserved to be nominated. You can’t tell people to change their minds because so-and-so wasn’t nominated yet. And yes feelings were hurt because of it which is why I said it should go. Therefore I will support the notion made later that Song and Movie of the Month be nominated but as for any members that should be scrapped or left up for the DU Staff Members to decide. I still say we’d be perfectly fine without the member nominations and this would still be a fun place to be.
- Skins- I agree completely with Yulia (Meg). We have plenty of them; they’re gorgeous and they’ll look new and exciting to new members. Let’s leave it alone for now.
- I like the name change idea and “Disney United” proposal.
- I do not think a word count limit should be implemented because now you’re setting what I believe are unnecessary restrictions on people’s “play time.” I would rather people have a good time than worrying if they have enough words in their post and left wondering what to add if they don’t. Always remember: Quality versus Quantity. Sure, one liners aren’t all that attractive but most people on here tend to post more than that anyway. A lot more.
- To deal with inactive threads we should turn the graveyard into a single board like last time and then have the subboards hidden inside of it with all of our inactive threads.
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PIXAR
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by PIXAR on Aug 9, 2010 19:19:23 GMT -5
@ THE IDEA Hello! I've just recently joined, and made a forum based on UNCUT. I'm not sure if the administrator got my message, but I might as well share it with everyone else if others are deciding on what can be added onto the forum. It's online, but it isn't open; just a forum I made for my own amusement. I think the layout is rather appropriate, although it could take time to tweak because it's InvisionFree and I'm not very familiar with ProBoards codes. If anyone would like to use the layout I can provide the codes and tell its coder a credit. I don't know, I hope the admins don't mind my suggestion, it's not an advertisement since it's strictly for forum use only xDD. Apologies for not asking first, "THE UNCUT".
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PIXAR
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by PIXAR on Aug 21, 2010 3:19:28 GMT -5
THE ADMINS It would be great if the 'dohtml' button was enabled; it would help members make their profiles neater if they ever wanted to, and others won't have to blockquote so much.
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Post by EILONWY ---* on Aug 21, 2010 10:47:30 GMT -5
Dose proboards even have dohtml?
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Post by Maxim Horvath on Aug 21, 2010 11:55:57 GMT -5
PLEASE NO MINIMUM WORD COUNT.
The last time I was on a site that had a minimum word count, it was very strictly enforced and you got warnings if you had only 198 words. Repeat offenders were known to have been banned. Word counts aren't necessary and they put a lot of stress on players. They can actually interfere with the quality of writing because a shorter post needs going over and padding out with extraneous details and purple prose. NOT good writing. Description is good, but you can only describe what your character is wearing/seeing/smelling/hearing so many times.
If we're really concerned about super-short posts, how about a minimum sentence count instead? I've been on a pair of affiliated sites for almost three years now that have a minimum 8-sentence count, which works out to be about two paragraphs, and we've rarely had trouble with it.
Personally, I'd rather see tight, clean writing than piles of unnecessary details that don't add anything to the narrative.
Anyway, that's my two cents on the subject, with I will admit is something of a sore one for me.
A suggestion for the layout- would it be possible to make the tables with the posts and stuff inside them slightly larger than 50% of the viewable screen? Perhaps widen it to about 75%? Anyone with a wider screen is getting huge amounts of useless background and really, really long pages to scroll through.
I kinda like the idea of Disney United, though Disney Uncut gives it a certain 'behind the scenes' feel, like you're on a studio backlot or something. *shrugs* I like it, but I can also see that Disney United gives it a more... grand air. Like X-Men United, that sort of heroic adventure feel. Depends on the impression you're trying to give.
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Post by EILONWY ---* on Aug 21, 2010 14:09:31 GMT -5
Well I'm not saying we should be super strict like that with a word count. I mean close to it is fine. 198 shouldn't be a big deal. It's when we hit 150 words or something is too low. And banning people for not hitting the word count is too far. Gently reminding them about it is good enough. Obviously, it should be enforced, but not as heavily as rules about respecting each other or basic politeness.
As far as layout goes, I think we need to figure out exactly how many people it bothers. If it's a vast majority of us, then yes, we should fix it. If it's only one or two people, changing it might not be a good idea. It might screw up a lot of people. On the computer I'm using, and my dead laptop, it looked perfectly fine. It also might depend on what server you are using.
And I totally spelled does right earlier. Ignore that please and thank you!
One more thing. I totally had another epic layout idea. I don't have examples this time, but it's a pretty epic idea I haven't seen before.
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Post by Alice Liddell on Aug 22, 2010 11:56:18 GMT -5
Really should have checked back here sooner, but here I am to offer my two cents for anyone who cares. And yes, I am aware that being as late to post as I am, there’s very little I can contribute at this point.
I think the sidebars are a good idea for the layout. I almost always include them when designing a forum, partly because they make it look more professional, and partly because it helps to find certain things quickly. As for skins, I think we should have a selection of them so that members are free to choose the one they like. Personally I use a dark blue skin on almost every site I go on, because I just think it looks good. But, on the other hand, I know that some people like seeing a new skin every time it changes, so there should probably be several set skins, and one which changes every so often for people who want variety.
I always liked the ‘uncut’ name because it reminds me of the special editions of movies they sometimes put on DVD. I always saw it as kind of symbolic of what the site is, for like a Director’s cut DVD we expand the story whilst keeping with the same characters and worlds. On the other hand though, I can certainly see how easy it is for negative connotations to be assigned to the term ‘uncut’, although I believe that when the site was created it was supposed to inspire ideas of freedom rather than rampant erotica (which incidentally is something I do hope the revamped site doesn’t include). I do like the suggested name ‘Disney United’, as it conjures up an image of a site where everyone works together, however it strikes me that with the site’s url being ‘disneyuncut.proboads.com’, it would be a little odd to change the name.
Elisa has the right idea when she says we shouldn’t abolish original characters. They’ve always been a key part of the site and helps it to stand out from the crowd, and by removing them I think we’d be losing some of our originality. If we’re going to allow non-canon couples then it’s not really fair to say they can’t have children... provided they don’t describe any of the details. We should however be more strict about them, to ensure that we don’t end up with Ebony Dark’ness Dementia Raven Way on the site (my apologies to anyone who doesn’t get that reference).
The application seems fine to me. It’s enough to ensure that people know the characters when they take them, but not difficult enough to put people off from even attempting it. As for the Cbox, I agree that the current one is far too easy for trolls to invade it. The only advantage of it that I can see is that it’s very easy to find if you need to talk to someone quickly, however if we make sure people know about the one that’s actually automatically included on proboards we could easily use that one instead.
I like the idea of having a minimal post count, and about 200-250 sounds right to me. It’s very annoying to spend ages on a post, only to receive barely a sentence or two in response (especially when you’ve been waiting ages for it). I must ask though Maxim (and welcome to the site by the way if you’re new ^^), how is a minimum sentence count less stressful than a word count? If anything one should think that it would be more stressful, because you have to count it yourself whereas word count is done automatically.
I always liked the monthly awards, even though I very rarely had any success in there, though I do agree that people weren’t showing much variety in who they nominate. The problem with this I think is that people rarely read threads of people they weren’t interested in (for want of a better way of saying it), which unfortunately made replies sporadic too. I can think of several occasions where threads have died waiting for a reply off someone, when that same person is reply almost instantly to threads involving the same characters again and again (not that I’m at all bitter about this... nope... not a chance...). I can’t see any way to fairly control nominations however, short of the admins setting the nominations and the members merely voting from then. One thing that always worried me about polls however is how easy it is to fix them by voting from all of your accounts rather than just one. Perhaps we could use some sort of system where votes are sent by PM so that we can ensure everyone is only voting once?
Anyway, those are just my thoughts on it. Thanks for reading it if you did, and I look forward to seeing this site up and running again!
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Post by EILONWY ---* on Aug 22, 2010 12:09:51 GMT -5
The voting idea you have Susan is brilliant.
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