Impending system upgrade

[WebSlave]

In the very near future, I am intending to convert this site over to the newest version of vBulletin. However, there are a lot of features on this older version that were custom made and would have to be done over again in the new site. This will not be easy, nor cheap, so I am pondering over which of those features are not worth the effort and cost of migrating over.

So I figured I would run them by you all to see what you think. Some of them are probably NOT going to be converted over, just based on present lack of usage, but are included anyway just for my own info.

There may be others that I have forgotten about that I will have to add later.

This is a multiple choice poll, so you can click on as many as you feel you have an opinion on.

Thanks.

 

[Mark and Aimee]

The classifieds control panel is great. I use it every time I log onto the site.

User warnings are a good way to moderate posts.

User ratings is a quick way to see someone's selling/buying status (if more people would use the system). It might be a little redundant in connection with the BOI, but it has saved me some time searching for good guy/bad guy posts.

The contributor icon is nice - but probably could be a little smaller.

I have paid little or no attention to the rest of the features... Such as highlighted ads. I rarely even notice them. I'm sure the chat boards are great, but I have never used them.

 

[Clay Davenport]

In my opinion, if I had to choose just one of the features listed, it would be the classifieds control panel. That's probably the best addition this site has had for me.

The feedback feature is nice but very underused. It could be dropped with very little negative impact.
I like the warning system. It's like a public clothesline to hang dirty laundry on. Whether it is of use enough to keep though is more a decision of you and the moderators than the general users.
The contributors icon is nice and I'd like to see that stay. It let's people know who cares enough for the site to help keep it running.

For myself, the chat features are not needed, but that's because I'm just not much of an online chatter. I guess it depends on the amount of traffic the rooms get, which I have no idea about.

The classifieds ads highlighting and sponsor bar are purely a matter of economics. Do they generate enough revenue to pay to have them converted over to the new system so that they would end up making money in the end? If they do then keep them, but if not there's no use investing money that those features will not return to you.

 

[WebSlave]

Well, I have to admit that so far the results of my poll has presented me with some real puzzles.

1. If so many people want me to keep the chat room, how come nearly everytime I check status it is empty?
   
2. I can count on one hand the number of people who have used the classified highlighting to date, why are so many people voting to keep it?
   
3. From all the hate mail I have gotten from people dunned by the warning system, I would have thought most people would be glad to see it ditched.
   [/list=1]
   
   But the two lowest votes don't surprise me at all. Nearly no one uses the links in the discussion forums to the individual chat rooms. Matter of fact, if I keep the chat room tied to FaunaClassifieds, I will probably eliminate all of the rooms other than the lobby.
   
   And as for the Sponsors bar dropdown advertising pages, I doubt most people even know it exists. The ads there do get a lot of hits from those people who do discover it, but it doesn't bring in enough revenue to justify converting it over in the new upgrade.
   
   As for the size of the contributor icon, heck I thought it WAS small. But I guess it is relative to the resolution you have on your monitor screen.
   
   Yeah, I'm looking more closely at how I plan to spend my money on this system in the future. I'm too far in the red as it is. If I had it to do all over again, no way I would have spent the money I did on that chat software. To be honest, people over on my CornSnakes.com forums have been asking for their own chat system, so unless it sees more usage over here, it probably is going to go over to that site during the conversion process. I guess it comes down to "use it, or lose it" now. Once it is gone, it is not coming back.
   
   Same situation with the classifieds highlighting. Usage so far has not even come close to paying back what it cost me to implement it. So it definitely is on the chopping block.
   
   So maybe things are just wrong with the above concerns? Do they need to be fixed rather than scrapped?

 

[MR_Jungle_Mist]

I have to admit that I would miss the chatroom as I am quite partial to it. I've met some good people on there and it makes a nice diversion when there are folks in there to talk to.

I can certainly understand that it might be a pain in the butt to move, set up again and keep running but the software is already bought. As I understand it it doesn't cost to keep it running at all so I'd say just keep it. Cutting down on the rooms to simple categories (snakes, lizards, etc etc) might help in cutting down the amount of time for set-up.

I'm not sure that anyone uses the links from certain forums at all.

********

I like the warning points because it lets me know who to disregard when I am reading through posts. If I read a post from someone that seems a little forceful, I like to be able to look at the warning points to see how their attitude normally is.

Also, I think it serves as a nice visual and official warning. It's not easy to miss or misinterpret.

********

The highlighted ads we've used once or twice but I don't think they stand out as much as hoped. Perhaps it's due to the fact that they aren't stuffed in with the regular ads which would draw the eye more to it. I don't believe that is an option, though.

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Good luck with your upgrade!

 

[WebSlave]

The highlighted ads we've used once or twice but I don't think they stand out as much as hoped. Perhaps it's due to the fact that they aren't stuffed in with the regular ads which would draw the eye more to it. I don't believe that is an option, though.

The highlighted ads can be done any number of three ways:

1. Background of the text made an eye-catching color, floating as a regular message in the classified forum.
   
2. The ad can be stuck to the top of the classified forum, without highlighting.
   
3. Both highlighted and stuck to the top of the forum.
   [/list=1]
   
   It is completely up to you which option you prefer to use. Lacking any input to the contrary, I always use #3.
   
   

   I can certainly understand that it might be a pain in the butt to move, set up again and keep running but the software is already bought. As I understand it it doesn't cost to keep it running at all so I'd say just keep it. Cutting down on the rooms to simple categories (snakes, lizards, etc etc) might help in cutting down the amount of time for set-up.

   
   It will cost me money to switch over the chat board to the new version upgrade. I think it's more the fact that if it is underused, I feel the work involved is not appreciated. So my thoughts are that perhaps it would be more appreciated, and correspondingly used, tied to another one of my forums. Ordinarily I wouldn' just take it down, because as pointed out, I have already paid for the software as well as the integration of it. But since I am going to have to spend money one way or the other, whether it is integrating it with the new version of this message board, or tying it to another one, I have to consider which way is the better way to spend my money. "Better" meaning, who will appreciate it more.....
   
   In case some people aren't aware of it, ANY person who sets up features on their website for you to use which get a ho-hum response gets quite discouraged over that sort of reception for their hard work. I know that I may set up polls here to see what people want, and to get even three percent of the people to care enough to vote on it is an exceptional turn out. The old adage "build it and they will come" does not necessarily apply to web sites.

 

[MR_Jungle_Mist]

Background of the text made an eye-catching color, floating as a regular message in the classified forum.

My personal opinion is that this might be more eye-catching. I'm not sure that it would make a difference in those that would opt for the highlighted ads but could certainly be yet another, among endless, options for folks to let their preferences be known.

I certainly would be curious to know why this feature isn't used more than it is. Fellow Classifieds ads users..?....what say you?

I think it's more the fact that if it is underused, I feel the work involved is not appreciated.

ANY person who sets up features on their website for you to use which get a ho-hum response gets quite discouraged over that sort of reception for their hard work.

TOTALLY agree with you 100%. I'm sure almost everyone here who has made their own website and has tried an interactive approach to it has come out feeling very appreciative of those who truly have a working site such as Fauna. I am among those.

I just want to go on record as saying I'd be disappointed if the chat room would disappear!

(Yoda...I'm sorry I disappeared from the chat room! I got disconnected and poofed off! This poor guy must feel like I'm doing on purpose to ignore him as it's the second time today!)

Your hard work is well appreciated here, Rich.

 

[WebSlave]

Last call on this. I need to make the decisions REAL SOON.

Thanks.

 

[Spydergotboost]

that chat rooms

well considering that most of the hits to this site are from the leopard gecko comunity we hold our monthly leopardgecko chat there on the first tesday of every month i personally would like to see more chats set up this way i love it and get alot of input from others about leopard geckos if more sponsers of the forums would set up these chats im sure more people would use them but as to how many people are on at the same time (unless notified of an event like this) is minimal i hope this helps and i love this site KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Billy Blanchet

 

[WebSlave]

One of the features that the upgrade will have is the ability to set up different calendars for specific uses. So this will allow us to set up a calendar specifically for chat sessions (if people will use it) so people will know when chats are taking place.

But I doubt I will keep all those individual rooms in the chat system. That was a real waste of time setting that up!

 

[mycurlylocks]

I am just a buyer on this site, but here is my two cents worth!

I cherish the warning system, I always check it in advance if the posting is from someone I don't know. It kind of helps me weigh the value of their opinions.

I would disable the feedback section. Most of the buyers don't seem to use it anyway. I thought that was what the BOI was for; to post inquiries and receive positive or negative feedback.

As for the sponsor drop down bar.... I think that is your call. If it brings in enough revenue, then go for it. I personally do not think it entices me any more to do business with that individual than a posting in the normal classifieds section would.

Yes Rich,
I do feel that you are taken forgranted... I am guilty of it.... I fail to send in monetary support, but I look forward to reading the forums when I can. The forums have introduced me to new friends and kept me from making bad purchasing decisions. They have given me joy, entertainment and knowledge.

Too often in life, we forget to say "Thank You". So I am saying it now, "Thank you, Rich. I truly appreciate faunaclassifieds and your hard work."

Again, I am really nobody, but I just had to add my two cents. Thanks for reading this and good luck with the upgrade.

Candy King

 

[Spydergotboost]

chats

i also agree that you dont need all those rooms a simple lizard,snake,turtle/tortise,amphibian rooms would suffice

 

[WizardLizards]

Definitly keep the warning system, I always get a kick out of reading peoples warned posts. As others have stated it gives one a heads up when dealing with other posters.

I have used the chat once (leopard gecko), and while nice, I don't think you need more than one or two chat rooms. Just designate what nights each interest group should use said chat room.

I must say I like the current set up of the board, and would hate to see it change too drastically, as I have just started to get used to the layout.

Thanks for a great site
Tony

 

[BABY GIANTS]

New site...

Hi Rich,

Faunaclassifieds is at the top of my favorites list - and although you don't hear the feedback, I for one am very appreciative of your dedication to the community. The BOI is definitely the best and most valuable contribution.
Your site is a credit to you, and I look forward to many more hours spent on your site. THANKS!

As an advertiser, I shall share my personal experience when posting ads and browsing the site in general:

Personally, I do not like the 'green'!
White backgrounds are fresh, and helps other colors to be more eye-catching.

I like the fact that we can change the color and font in many ways within our ads, and add pictures.

As for highlighting - I have previously tried it.
I preferred the bonus of my ad being listed at the top of the section, BUT it was right next to your ad talking about the option, in the same color.
It would be better if we could have a selection of colors to choose from (for highlighting) that would differ from your post.

I do not know why but I am inundated with enquiries from KS, and I always post here too.... BUT, I hardly hear a beep from my ads on Faunaclassifieds. Other sites also bring me plenty enquiries, and what I post is the same as anywhere else.

The other feature I find useful is watching the amount of times my ads are read by other people. I check back here and the number hardly moves, whereas on KS I get the same number in a DAY as I do in a month on Fauna! This discourages me from wanting to pay for highlighting features if people are just not attracted to the classifieds section on Fauna as much.

If the new classified's venue is more 'fresh' looking, user friendly (for posting), and gets more hits, I would be prepared to pay an annual fee for advertising, as I do on KS, but it needs to bring me worthwhile business to justify the expense.

In truth, I have NEVER sold an animal on Faunaclassifieds in a year or more, unlike other sites which seem to move my stock.

I wish you luck with the new site - I look forward to seeing it, and being a part of it.



Allison Mason

 

[WebSlave]

Well where the heck are all of the people who come to this site spending their time? We've been getting over 6,000 unique IP addresses per day here. Certainly not in the discussion forums! Whenever I look at the "Who's Online" display, it appears that a majority of the people logged on are in the classifieds sections. I assume they are looking at classified ads there.

A while back I was asked to implement a control panel for the classifieds ads. I did that. I was asked to implement highlighted ads (including various colors - which apparently has escaped some peoples notice). I did that. Before that I was asked to put in a chat system. I did that. Were those all wasted efforts and money? In retrospect, I would have to say YES

Well, I guess this is a pretty classic catch-22 situation. I am really not willing to spend any more money of a free site such as this to try shot in the dark enhancements. But people aren't willing to spend any money on this site for anything they can't otherwise get for free.

This "upgrade" is to make this site compatible with my other message board systems that have already been upgraded. In the process, some things that are under utilized will be dropped, because it will cost me money to have them implemented in the upgraded system. Quite frankly, I am not willing to spend the money on something that I feel is not worth it. I will be asking my programmer for an itemized price tag for everything that needs to be custom programmed, and will make my decisions based on useage and price. If it will cost me a couple hundred dollars to integrate the chat board with the new system, then the chat will be gone. Based on the number of headaches it has caused me personally, if the warning system will be costly to implement, I can live without it as well.

As far as getting more people here, heck, I've tried costly advertising and to be honest, paying that kind of money to bring people to a free site isn't really something I intend on doing again.

So I don't know. This isn't my primary business. Actually I wouldn't consider it a business at all, everything considered. More like a crusade, actually...

 

[BABY GIANTS]

Highlighted option...

Sorry Rich,

If you added additional colors for the highlight option, I was not aware of it.
I paid for the option and it ran its course on the automated color I was given when it was placed.

I continued to place ads after my 'highlight' duration finished, and made a note to not try it again, which is why I did not know if the feature had changed.

I do not know the statistics of your site in so far as where people spend their browsing time, classified section or otherwise, all I DO know is that the effectiveness of my ad (based on number of recorded reads & enquiries) is much lower than anywhere else, and I get very little (virtually non-existant) response from my ads.

This is only my personal experience as a (classified) advertiser. Believe me, I am quite surprised at the results of my ads here compared to other places I advertise, and somewhat disappointed obviously.

I would love to see faunaclassifieds the #1 site of its class.
It has all the potential, and equals its rivals in popularity. The BOI has enormous pulling power for a start within the entire industry.

What about asking other (classified) advertisers what their success rate is compared to elsewhere, and try to determine why the results are so? Perhaps it is just me who has little luck - I have no idea.

BUT, you have my support now and in the future, whether your site is free or NOT.



Allison Mason

 

[WebSlave]

Re: Highlighted option...

Sorry Rich,

If you added additional colors for the highlight option, I was not aware of it.
I paid for the option and it ran its course on the automated color I was given when it was placed.

I continued to place ads after my 'highlight' duration finished, and made a note to not try it again, which is why I did not know if the feature had changed.


Allison Mason

Well, let me ask you this, Allison. Since I have had this option for a while now, and the only way you couldn't know about it is if you have not been scanning through the classified ads here, why aren't YOU looking through the ads? Maybe this can give me some insight about why other people (as has been implied) are not looking at your ads. Granted, only a handful of people are using the highlighting and it is only visible in several areas, but still, I would think most people looking through the ads at all would have seen it by now. Or do most people just not know about this option?

 

[BABY GIANTS]

Response to Rich

...the only way you couldn't know about it is if you have not been scanning through the classified ads here, why aren't YOU looking through the ads?


Rich,

I only visit faunaclassifieds to keep abreast of the BOI and to post ads occasionally.

I do not buy animals, I sell them.
So I have no interest in looking at any other ads.

I visit the classifieds just to post a new ad every few months, and I do not do it more often because the hits are low in comparison to other sites I advertise from, and the buyer response poor. Like I said, I have never sold an animal from Faunaclassifieds!

By the way, if you have placed the highlight option anywhere else OTHER than in a post above the classifieds, ("High visibility ads now being offered!"), I have not seen it.
I read your post, and it does not tell me if you offer a different color so that my highlight would be any different from yours.

Since I tried it once, and it was automatically posted in the same color as your post (advertising the highlight option), I did not try it again after my month's duration was up.
My ad looked liked any other administrative post at a glance.

On KS I pay for an Enhanced Classified Account, simply because a highlighted Ad IS eye-catching and I get A LOT of hits. I also make sales.
I am not a 'freebie' advertiser out looking for sites where I can get everything for free. I would rather stick with one or two sites where I pay good money to make good money. That's business! (And selling my animals is not my primary business in life, as it happens).

I hope you are not taking offense by my experience on your site or by my honesty - my posting here was merely a contribution.



Allison Mason

 

[BABY GIANTS]

Comparison

Rich,

I just went back into my records to put into perspective what I have been trying to say here....

(I keep a log of the number of hits my Ads receive).

I run the SAME ads for one month on KS.
Coincidently, as I write, it is exactly one month (and 1 day) since my only Ad on Fauna is also going.

On 25th August I posted an Ad on Faunaclassifieds:

I have had ONLY 105 views on Faunaclassifieds.
.... Compared to 1324 on KS.

And this is not my highest record on hits for KS.


I wish I knew why my Ads are not successful on Fauna.
It puzzles me since I know I make good sales everywhere else.



Allison

 

[WebSlave]

Allison, just as you are, so am I looking for answers to those kinds of questions. I am not taking offense, just trying to figure things out.