26 replies to this topic

[Nuttysman]

Social networking is killing the forum format. I run a forum and I can see the day in the not too distant future when I'll be shutting it down since the cost will outweigh the benefits. It's a shame but that's reality. Hopefully, this site will stay open but if it's costing money to run without any activity then that makes no sense.

[stijl]

I've been a member for about twelve minutes and have to chime in with the majority.  Keep the lights on.  If it's a financial issue there are members willing to get involved, myself included, either as a partner or a total acquisition of the site.  

Feel free to PM me as I'm interested in the future of this website.

- Scott

[Jamer]

Although I may not always post I do actually use the site regualar. I would hate to see such a fantastic site close, you have a lot of members. Maybe upgrading to the latest version with an update of skin. Keep up the good work guy's!

So far you have had another 17 members register just this morning and over 50,000 members overall, that is superb stats!

[Destiny67]

Hello

I think to close down IM would be a huge loss but do understand your concerns with a site's lack of activeness and wonder if there really is a need to carry on with it.

If a site owner has enough determination and dedication he/she can help turn things around, obviously which is why you began this topic to begin with.

A few things have been mentioned or an idea..ie....

Update the website - A must if you want more activity and also show 'potential' new members that you have the information that they need for the latest IPB.
New Skin - The skin tends to be the first thing that will either gain you new members or put them off totally from signing up. There's nothing wrong with the current skin or logo but it doesn't grab me if you know what I mean.
Premium Memberships - I would be happy to see this on a yearly basis. I know times are hard for all of us these days and that goes without saying but I'd only be happy to pay for a yearly subscription to stay in a premium group, depending on the price. This would also help IM to get a new custom skin or pay for hosting or any other costs to keep it going.
IM Newsletters - This is something that I feel will be of great importance in keeping in contact with your regular members. If you had some addon where it adds topics in the newsletter that would be perfect. I know sometimes when I come here that I spend ages just reading through topics as there is so much information to get through, so nice small bits of information through a newsletter would be beneficial. Also adding some information about some of the mods/tutorials etc would be super.

I have used IM so many times over the years for my websites and always received such great support from the team here so I am very grateful for that and this site is my only port of call for any support that I can get as I am still in the 2.3 series as are many other site owners that haven't upgraded too.

I trust you will make the right judgement and wish IM a fruitful future.

[Bitter]

We are already working on changes, starting with updating the board and skin. Which should be ready very soon. So get ready for some fun updates

[amwdrizz]

The thing with Social Media, is that you can't ask for help reliably.  Meaning if your developing an IP.Board Application, you'd have to have either via friends or friends of friends who do coding and have worked with IP.Board.  Social media is fine with the day to day interaction, but when it times to get the job done you can't turn and ask your question and always get the response your looking for.

I've been using this site in addition to the IP Dev Resource site to help me build my application.  There are very few sites which have tutorials or and clues on how to make apps just for IP.Board.  After browsing the IP Forums for what was the large portion of the day trying to do something simplistic, I posted here and I got my answer.  There isn't even a forum to help developers develop applications on the IP Forum site.

But a new skin would be suggest,  Don't get me wrong the current one is alright.  Just it needs to be redone.  I've noticed unless you are getting millions of hits a day; having a skin selection for users with a good looking default works well.

[Oldcrow]

I have been a Member here for some years now, I know I am not a regular. But I have always received excellent help here..Facebook and Twitter are not making it easy for the forums.. There are other IPB Support forums out there, but most are doing absolutely nothing..They open they close..

With the forum being upgraded and the skin being made over will be an improvement.. Any chance you can scale down the forum, do we need all the old data for the older IPB forums..

Trying to get help from the IPB Support forum is like pulling teeth..There forum is just to huge and your question get's lost in the pages.. I kind of followed Michael after he left, but I will come back here more, I always like this forum, actually it was my first forum, after opening a IPB Board..

So I am with the group that wants to keep this forum going.

Ron..