What would YOU like to see on FAN?

[Waffel113]

Just throwing in my two cents. I like the way the site is run and I don't mind the look it has right now (though a change is welcomed). If you need more articles, I'm always looking to get back in the Survivor recap game. I'd also love to be part of @vyse's Sports Roundtable.

[Kash Flagg]

I'm not opposed to some of you pitching stuff to us for consideration. The sports thing intrigues me.

[Deleted]

I would love to talk about hockey on the round table

[Sponsored by Groose Wipes]

Like the idea of the sports round table.

I always wanted to do an series of some kind where I would get one video game franchise and talk about each game in order, what it brought to the table, and my memories about it. However I might have enough going on right now.

[Sparkybob]

I don't think it's an attack on your writing ability Retro, I see it as more of a comment that there is a decently sized readership group who just aren't interest in MLP. So when they see the main website filled with it, it's a major turn off. I'm sure you can understand that feeling. If you didn't care about politics and you stumble onto a website where the majority of the articles are politic related than I'll feel confident in saying you'll leave the website without diving in deeper there. That's probably what a good chunk of people experience when they first see the site layout.

I don't think anybody is saying to you to stop writing what you like to write about or that you're a terrible writer. I'm sure you are as knowledgeable as it comes in MLP related material. I assume you have a core readership that reads the articles constantly which is also good to have. To put it bluntly it's not something that is too interesting to a mainstream audience. And that's a problem with any niche kinda site. If you showcase the wrong niche articles to a user first entering the website, there is a very good chance they won't come back again. Them the breaks of the business.

Onto the better writers elsewhere comment, there is a lot of truth to that. It's just reading a long article on the internet is a big commitment for most people. So if I feel the itch to read one, I'll seek the most informative article I can find. Not to be too harsh but I'm pretty sure I can find a better site for it than on FAN website. This probably doesn't bother people who enjoy reading a bunch of articles a day, but I feel that's a minority of the users online(Correct me if I'm wrong, don't have any citation on this, more of a hunch). Me personally for example if I needed to find a review of a game online, I really have no hook to come here rather than go to some industry leaders in game reviews. I have no reason to believe that the information I can get on FAN will be any more useful to me than if I do a quick Google search and go to well know reviewers. That's not meant as an attack to any of the writers who do those reviewers rather a comment on how a more general website can easily lose out to a more specialize site. I think people looking for NY Yankees coverage will 90% prefer going to a site 100% dedicated to the Yankees than a more general site about NY Sports.

Sadly there isn't much the FAN site could do about unless you can start to convince people that you are the go-to place for ____(subject). If I don't think you give me the best information possible than I don't see FAN being on my mind when I need a review of something. Now the key here and I understand it will be difficult to implement, but you have to draw people in and make them believe that your writers are the most inform and best at delivering the content. A jack-of-all trade but a master of none site will encounter some small audience problems unless you can sell yourself as being the best one-stop shop for the consumers needs in ___(subject)


Quick-side note on the sports roundtable, I think it will be an interesting idea if you actual delve in deeper into the topics. If the commentary is basically "If Peyton Manning throws a lot of interceptions, the Seahawks I have a good chance of winning the SB" than I'll just not be interested at all. I know that already so I'm not going to waste my time looking up an article that isn't giving me anything new. If I see some actual numbers being thrown around or some good differing perspectives than I might take a look on it. Heck I'll help out the Baseball side of the roundtable if need by.

Again this is my take on why you don't get the type of page view numbers you hope to see.(Without knowing your numbers I assume this is what one of the things). I'm sure your current model attract a good amount of people but I think the lack of a draw really stops more people from the forums to hop into the network and click the articles. I visit Deadspin for the hilarious comments,I visit the SB nation blogs because of the amazing content presented, I visit the FAN forums due to the great culture of wrestling fans, I visit the FAN main-site for ?.

[EoE: Well There's Your Problem]

I really hate getting upset like this, but @fsinfan is a good egg and his self-esteem is completely shot now, so I'm stepping up for him. He's really proud of his fandoms and the articles he writes for them, but now he's seriously contemplating quitting writing because he believes that people are saying that what he writes about is "spoiling" the site.

So here's an idea... if the site being nothing but stuff that doesn't interest you is such a big deal, either contribute and share about something that you DO like, or just don't read his articles. Nobody's pointing a gun at your heads here.

Don't take it out on one of the few people here who does write for us.

[GreyScaleLJH]

Jan 22, 2014 8:41:25 GMT -5 EoE: Well There's Your Problem said:

So here's an idea... if the site being nothing but stuff that doesn't interest you is such a big deal, either contribute and share about something that you DO like, or just don't read his articles. Nobody's pointing a gun at your heads here.

Don't take it out on one of the few people here who does write for us.

1000x this. Don't like what Retro Sin writes? Fine, just don't read it and go make your own contribution to the site. I for one like his articles and will always read them.

Now, for the topic at hand, would love more sports articles. I've always been a fan of the Top Ten Lists.

[Deleted]

okay, I don't visit this site a lot anymore due to various reasons, but right now, I really must stick up for a friend here. @fsinfan is a great writer, ok. I don't agree with every single thing he says, even about something we both enjoy (MLP in this case) but I still like seeing his thoughts. I'd still read them even if I weren't a fan of it simply because the articles are that great.

If you really hate seeing it that much, ignore it and read something else.

Also, on topic, more sports. I'd love some auto racing stuff on FAN. Heck, I semi-run an F1 racing blog. I could possibly do something. Possibly.

[Sparkybob]

Jan 22, 2014 8:41:25 GMT -5 EoE: Well There's Your Problem said:

I really hate getting upset like this, but @fsinfan is a good egg and his self-esteem is completely shot now, so I'm stepping up for him. He's really proud of his fandoms and the articles he writes for them, but now he's seriously contemplating quitting writing because he believes that people are saying that what he writes about is "spoiling" the site.

So here's an idea... if the site being nothing but stuff that doesn't interest you is such a big deal, either contribute and share about something that you DO like, or just don't read his articles. Nobody's pointing a gun at your heads here.

Don't take it out on one of the few people here who does write for us.

Counterpoint, I don' think most people are saying that he's a terrible writer or the articles are useless, rather his topics just aren't that compelling for most people to read an article on. I have no interest in the Harry Potter series but that doesn't mean J.K Rowling is an awful useless writer, just Rowling's stuff doesn't cater to me.

I guess I understand how someone will feel hurt by the comments but you guys did want an honest assessment. There is only so many ways you can sugarcoat saying I just have no interest in the articles. I mention how I'm sure he's one of the more intelligent people in the subject of MLP and I'm sure he has a strong readership group, but the truth is, that MLP is a very polarizing niche topic. There will be readers who just will ignore a site due to it's presents and that's just how it goes.

I think you are overestimate how much people care about the main site. I don't think it's that we are truly upset about the site layout, rather we were asked our opinion on what it will take for us to read the site and with that people might get offended.

My advice was merely FAN site should specialize in something. If the board decides to promote themselves as the best site for MLP TV reviews, then by all means do that. I probably won't read it but I'm sure if you promote that hard enough you get some new viewers looking for MLP information. My opinions to fix the site is to give it a main draw for people to go there, and then build around the site with other articles like music reviews whatnot.

[Apricots And A Pear Tree]

I say merge it with wide weird world of cult films.

[EoE: Well There's Your Problem]

That's all right. I was just trying to support a friend who was feeling a bit down about things.

Thankfully I didn't go with the original version of that post, which was a lot more angrier and confrontational.

[Magic knows Black Lives Matter]

Just glancing at the site right now, I'll take a more in-depth look later today. Right off the bat, I'm noticing a lack of wrestling articles which would be the main reason why I would even look at the site. I'm not asking for the site to be Wrestlecrap-lite but more wrestling articles would be great. Reviews of old wrestling shows, articles on hot topics in the business (both mainstream and independent), things of that nature. Maybe have some kind of weekly "spotlight" article that focuses on the career of a wrestler. That's just my two cents. I'm certainly not asking the site be tailored to my personal tastes but it would take more in-depth wrestling content for me to visit the site. That's what I come to this forum for.

[Raskovnik]

Jan 22, 2014 8:41:25 GMT -5 EoE: Well There's Your Problem said:

I really hate getting upset like this, but @fsinfan is a good egg and his self-esteem is completely shot now, so I'm stepping up for him. He's really proud of his fandoms and the articles he writes for them, but now he's seriously contemplating quitting writing because he believes that people are saying that what he writes about is "spoiling" the site.

So here's an idea... if the site being nothing but stuff that doesn't interest you is such a big deal, either contribute and share about something that you DO like, or just don't read his articles. Nobody's pointing a gun at your heads here.

Don't take it out on one of the few people here who does write for us.

There are just as much if not more people defending him, though, and no one has said anything particularly rude outside of someone who was exaggerating for comedic effect. It's okay to take pride in what you do but the simple fact is not everyone is going to like it and the "if you don't like it just ignore it" attitude is really immature. People have offered up suggestions which was the entire point of the thread and airing grievances about why they don't attend the main site which was the point of the other thread. You shouldn't go trying to silence everyone just because feelings got hurt, especially when no one was trying to hurt them, just giving honest feedback. That's whack. I respect you sticking up for your friend but no one here was trying to attack him to begin with.

[EoE: Well There's Your Problem]

I'm sorry if it came off that way. Like I said, I was just trying to stick up for a friend who was just overwhelmed by all the sudden critique of his work.

I think I'll leave the matter for now and get some sleep.

[Deleted]

Jan 22, 2014 12:01:18 GMT -5 Raskovnik said:

the "if you don't like it just ignore it" attitude is really immature.

no, it's called being courteous.

[Magic knows Black Lives Matter]

Jan 22, 2014 12:08:34 GMT -5 @beau99 said:

Jan 22, 2014 12:01:18 GMT -5 Raskovnik said:

the "if you don't like it just ignore it" attitude is really immature.

no, it's called being courteous.

Is is really though? The whole point of this thread is to give suggestions on how to improve the site and, particularly, what it would take to get people who don't go on the site to read it. To not mention that the MLP on the front page is a bit of deterrent would be counterproductive to the thread. Nobody was particularly mean about it, they just gave their thoughts. I don't see why Retro even cares. Obviously, people DO enjoy his work. Just not everyone. That's life. Just keep doing your thing and appeal to your audience.

[Raskovnik]

Jan 22, 2014 12:08:34 GMT -5 @beau99 said:

Jan 22, 2014 12:01:18 GMT -5 Raskovnik said:

the "if you don't like it just ignore it" attitude is really immature.

no, it's called being courteous.

Nah. There's a time and a place and it certainly isn't this thread.

[Sponsored by Groose Wipes]

Jan 22, 2014 12:01:18 GMT -5 Raskovnik said:

Jan 22, 2014 8:41:25 GMT -5 EoE: Well There's Your Problem said:

I really hate getting upset like this, but @fsinfan is a good egg and his self-esteem is completely shot now, so I'm stepping up for him. He's really proud of his fandoms and the articles he writes for them, but now he's seriously contemplating quitting writing because he believes that people are saying that what he writes about is "spoiling" the site.

So here's an idea... if the site being nothing but stuff that doesn't interest you is such a big deal, either contribute and share about something that you DO like, or just don't read his articles. Nobody's pointing a gun at your heads here.

Don't take it out on one of the few people here who does write for us.

There are just as much if not more people defending him, though, and no one has said anything particularly rude outside of someone who was exaggerating for comedic effect. It's okay to take pride in what you do but the simple fact is not everyone is going to like it and the "if you don't like it just ignore it" attitude is really immature. People have offered up suggestions which was the entire point of the thread and airing grievances about why they don't attend the main site which was the point of the other thread. You shouldn't go trying to silence everyone just because feelings got hurt, especially when no one was trying to hurt them, just giving honest feedback. That's whack. I respect you sticking up for your friend but no one here was trying to attack him to begin with.

Let me put it this way. I love The Legend of Zelda, but if someone went along and said they don't like it, I'm not going to be a victim and get depressed because someone doesn't like the same things that I do. If you don't like something that I like then that's fine. I understand that criticism can be hard at times and people standing up for Fsin but it's to the point if something says "I don't like the ______ fandom" then it's a attack on everyone just to put them down. There's a difference between attacking someone just to be a jerk, and sharing your opinion.

[Malcolm]

Going by this logic that other sites have better articles of their certain niches(cartoons, music, etc), wouldn't that also mean that you could also go to other sites for better wrestling articles?

Serious suggestion: More video game reviews.

[Sponsored by Groose Wipes]

Jan 22, 2014 12:26:15 GMT -5 Malcolm said:

Going by this logic that other sites have better articles of their certain niches(cartoons, music, etc), wouldn't that also mean that you could also go to other sites for better wrestling articles?

Serious suggestion: More video game reviews.

I would be down for more game reviews.