Do You Believe a New Forum Software Will Attract More Users to Bitcointalk?

[icopress]

We are still good and day by day the forum is already growing with new users registering daily and with growing awareness we will automatically see the stats rising. [..]

Let's face it ... new users register daily, but that doesn't mean the statistics reflect the real state of affairs. There are 130,000 active profiles at the moment, of which probably 80% are newly registered accounts (within three months). Besides, you missed the fact that every day the number of inactive known users is increasing, those whose absence we could have noticed, but we don't notice the absence of hundreds or thousands of less well-known users.

Now let's count how many of the truly active users are regulars on sections that have nothing to do with Bitcoin ... horrifying numbers. I don’t want to go into details, but the situation is such that a new forum is really necessary if we want to preserve the legacy that we have. And as sad as it may sound, praising the current version of SMF is the height of selfishness in relation to the growing generation of Bitcoiners.

[LTU_btc]

I doubt that new forum software will attract many new users. Design of forum and software isn't main reason why people signup on forum. Main thing is always content. Yes, some people will start using forum because it will be mobile friendly, will look better and will have more features. But number of such users won't be significant.
As said above, best time of online forums is in past already and now young people prefer social media. Old and big forums will stay strong and popular for many years in future because large number of users. But they will struggle to attract young 18-22 years old people. They consider forums as thing from past and people who use it are boomers as they like to say.

We are doing good with almost 700+ Users registering everyday.

But how many of them are real people who actually read and post here? I think very few of them. Most of them are just bots who will not make even single post.

[Welsh]

Probably not. Its the community, and the amount of information that's here on the forum that is the main draw. You generally get used to any software you use after a certain amount of time, and groundbreaking features or even a forum redesign isn't likely to change much in the statistics.

If there was more competition to Bitcointalk, then it might have a little more effect, but currently I don't think that is the case.

To perfectly comment about this issue, the evil fee paid should be the first line of discussion. I am not sure this forum is not growing bigger, but it is not grow as much as it should, simply because of the evil fee. The stale members that want to open another account knows how to bypass the evil fee, but the new members that just want to register do not know how to bypass the evil fee. Many people do not make use of this forum just because ransom is demanded for to pay evil fee. About this community growing, I do it not think it has anything to do with forum software if evil fee is still being paid.

Its a preventive measure that most certainly does what it was implemented to do. Reduce the amount of users registering from a IP which has previously been associated with breaking the guidelines. However, I do agree to some extent that its probably not the perfect solution. I would much rather a shadow ban system, which may increase the workload of the staff, but would not effect the majority of the users on the forum, plus with a shadow ban system, you are effectively checking each user, and prevent many more users that might have malicious intent. I'm sure there are, and has been times when a user that wanted to join the forum with malicious intent as their primary goal, were willing to pay the fee if they profited from it. I'd like to see a shadow ban system which is only lifted manually, and not just after one good post, but after multiple posts or from moderator discretion. You could argue that it would be a much more restrictive approach to newbie jail, but I think with some thought put behind it, we could probably achieve what the evil fee is doing, and more.

[UserU]

Probably not. Its the community, and the amount of information that's here on the forum that is the main draw. You generally get used to any software you use after a certain amount of time, and groundbreaking features or even a forum redesign isn't likely to change much in the statistics.

If there was more competition to Bitcointalk, then it might have a little more effect, but currently I don't think that is the case.

When I first came here, I didn't see the appeal of the staying for long because of how bland it looks. I recalled it was due to locating some recovery wallet phrase for a Bitcoin wallet and setting up some miner's config file and it showed up on first on the SERP.

But competition? The OGs started their journey here, so Bitcointalk but nowadays people are just looking for contents. Legacy, maybe a second or two of marveling but that's pretty much that. Not like we'd see Satoshi and Laszlo returning anytime soon, if ever.

In other words, Bitcointalk was the launchpad of Bitcoin but nowadays people don't really care much about this and would rather focus on making money/ talking about latest developments.

I doubt that new forum software will attract many new users. Design of forum and software isn't main reason why people signup on forum. Main thing is always content. Yes, some people will start using forum because it will be mobile friendly, will look better and will have more features. But number of such users won't be significant.

It's no longer the early 2000s though, when UI was still in its infancy stage.

People want accessibility and now website design has come a long way. Gone were the days when redesigning a website took at least half a year, because now there are tools catered for that. The development process has been simplified over years via trial and error. So budget is definitely not an issue here because there are developers willing to take on such project, it's just if the admin(s) want it or not.

Should theymos really desire for one, pretty sure he'd get it done dinosaur ages ago. But I guess he doesn't want to prioritize if because he's pretty much content with the "as long as it's not broken, why fix it?" mantra. After all, money's still pouring in from advertisers and the funds held could feed the entire Africa for 10 generations (okay, I'm exaggerating but you get the gist).

For content, diversity within the community is important to maintain a longer attention span on the website. That's why community discussions like Reddit or Quora thrive because I could be talking about movies for a moment, followed by crypto the next. And most of the replies there are more genuine (not forced), and I'm pretty sure most of us can't deny that.

[libert19]

I like the current version better, it's rather simple but new functionality can be added. If you are gonna create new forum for mobile users I would rather have an app.

I'm sure there are people who are accustomed to the current ui so much that new ui might put them off and even leave despite what good functions it offers.

[Pmalek]

<Snip>

The more I think about it, the more I like a shadow-ban type of system. The question is, how to implement it properly so it doesn't prevent people from wanting to register on Bitcointalk and only keeps the bad guys away? We know how resourceful they can be when they smell blood and an opportunity to scam and abuse. They can easily pretend to be regular newbies wanting to before part of the community, only to show their real faces once their shadow-bans are lifted.

But I guess he doesn't want to prioritize if because he's pretty much content with the "as long as it's broken, why fix it?" mantra.

You missed an important 3-letter word there. Not! As long as it's not broken...

[UserU]

You missed an important 3-letter word there. Not! As long as it's not broken...

Ahhh, I feel so embarrassed right now.

Thanks for pointing it out!

[Igebotz]

With all this in mind, do you believe that once the new forum is released, Bitcointalk will increase its userbase?
Do you think that in 5 or 10 years, the new generations will appreciate the significance of Bitcointalk and be happy to be part of it?

1. New software or not nobody would care if the forum is not conducive enough and if defaulters of the system are not giving fair and equal justice, I've witnessed several cases where two or more persons fall victim of plagiarism but end up having different penalties for the same crime committed, the newbies are sent home while the rules are somehow bent to accommodate the established members. Rules should be rules.

2. Apart from the evil fee, what was the prominence of the copper membership fees? Was it for revenue? Because from my research it seems like a shortcut for scammers, majority of fake bounties are been managed by copper members, majority of the accused profile on scam accusation board are copper members. There are few good ones but the bad ones are just so much, maybe a kind of restriction on scammer profiles will help. You have to clean up the environment from toxic to attracts more people that's just it.!!

[Pmalek]

I've witnessed several cases where two or more persons fall victim of plagiarism but end up having different penalties for the same crime committed, the newbies are sent home while the rules are somehow bent to accommodate the established members. Rules should be rules.

Even though I agree with you that rules should be the same for everyone, you have to understand that each moderator has his own interpretation of the rules and hence uses his own judgement. The ability to follow their own interpretation is actually one of the rules. That's why the admins can be a bit more lenient towards established members if getting rid of them would present a loss for the whole forum. The rules are unofficial and not something that is set in stone.

It might seem unfair, but it's OK if a distinction is made between the violations of established members and newbies who haven't contributed anything to the forum and are only here to abuse it. When it comes to plagiarism, each case is different. Most of the times, members get banned for it, other times only the post is deleted with no harder punishment for the member.       

[Igebotz]

After all, money's still pouring in from advertisers and the funds held could feed entire Africa for 10 generations (okay, I'm exaggerating but you get the gist).

Shut the fucking up Man!! There is no gist in this ugly comment of yours, we have 7 continents why Africa? BTT funds can feed Africa for 10 generations? Like what the fuck are you trying to say, man, BTT is not even worth more than $10m and what could $10m probably do for Africa? You shouldn't be making jokes man, this topic has nothing to do with race or nation, focus on the topic

The rules are unofficial and not something that is set in stone.

This is why the forum is not stable, leaving everything in the hand of the mods, these people are humans and there must be a form of sentiment in their judgements. Set an official rule and let everyone go through the same judgement. If we are not able to handle the little population we have here then we don't have any right to dream about a better world. Charity begins at home.

When it comes to plagiarism, each case is different. Most of the times, members get banned for it, other times only the post is deleted with no harder punishment for the member.       

Never seen a case like this maybe it happens once in a Blue Moon.

[UserU]

Shut the fucking up Man!! There is no gist in this ugly comment of yours, we have 7 continents why Africa? BTT funds can feed Africa for 10 generations? Like what the fuck are you trying to say, man, BTT is not even worth more than $10m and what could $10m probably do for Africa? You shouldn't be making jokes man, this topic has nothing to do with race or nation, focus on the topic

Wow, so much anger over a post. Got up on the wrong side of the bed, hmm?

You should learn more about hyperboles before going off on another rant.

[LTU_btc]

Shut the fucking up Man!! There is no gist in this ugly comment of yours, we have 7 continents why Africa? BTT funds can feed Africa for 10 generations? Like what the fuck are you trying to say, man, BTT is not even worth more than $10m and what could $10m probably do for Africa? You shouldn't be making jokes man, this topic has nothing to do with race or nation, focus on the topic

Relax, man. You shouldn't react so sensitive to simple joke. People are so sensitive nowadays that it's difficult to tell joke without offending anyone.

[Zilon]

It boils down to the features added to make it more attractive and interacting let's consider having a feature like an academy on the new forum software where newbies and existing users could gain knowledge about blockchain technology and other crypto related courses before participating on the forum then having a small exam or test at the end of the course If possible a certificate certainly many new users would have interest and might sign-up to partake in the academy and after which make posts with quality.

[Welsh]

I like the current version better, it's rather simple but new functionality can be added. If you are gonna create new forum for mobile users I would rather have an app.

I'm sure there are people who are accustomed to the current ui so much that new ui might put them off and even leave despite what good functions it offers.

Something custom is usually better especially for adding functionality. As far as I'm aware, SMF can be a little bit difficult at times. Also, working with PHP can be a nightmare. So, while the new forum wouldn't attract new users probably, I imagine if Bitcointalk had enough on going developers, the functionality of the site would likely improve for existing users.

The more I think about it, the more I like a shadow-ban type of system. The question is, how to implement it properly so it doesn't prevent people from wanting to register on Bitcointalk and only keeps the bad guys away?  

Its hard to predict how much it would be effective in its initial state, but it would definitely help. I would say, that a user doesn't get whitelisted from just one post, I think having a undefined amount of posts before the shadow ban was lifted would probably be of benefit here. Although, that would likely be very similar to the newbie jail, and probably more restrictive.

Unfortunately, for those that want to put the effort in, they would be able to get around most restrictions we put in place, and that isn't something we could combat effectively. However, as we know many of those that are spamming the forums, aren't particularly fussed on making any effort at all, even when it means they can earn money from it. So, while its quite possible to cheat your way around the system, it would still probably prevent a lot of the spam getting out.

So while it isn't a catch all, it would certainly contribute to the quality of the forum, and would almost certainly prevent bots from being exposed to the public.

[Pmalek]

let's consider having a feature like an academy on the new forum software where newbies and existing users could gain knowledge about blockchain technology and other crypto related courses before participating on the forum

An academy section works for exchanges like Binance where users can learn about different things from the blockchain niche. But this whole forum is an academy already and each thread can be considered a separate course. You just have to find and study those courses you are interested in. An Academy would have to be written and maintained by someone and I don't think it's the type of additional work the admins are looking forward to. We have been talking about a welcome message for years now and we still don't have one.   

[mk4]

It's an easy no for me; or at least, the effect would be quite minuscule.

Why? Simply because the mass majority are just so used to consuming short-form content(e.g. most of Reddit and Twitter) and the usage of mobile apps that it's unlikely that the mass majority are going to go back to sort of "legacy" communities(like forums).

..and that's a good thing. The last thing we want is more nonsense moonboys here; and a lot more of those people that are technical and are genuinely interested in Bitcoin.

[Saidasun]

Unless the new forum is going to be paying per post you can guarantee that no one will care other than old members who have to get used to the new forum. New members joining are not going to care if you have a old forum software or you are using the new state of the art forum software. All they care about is earning money and as long as the forum allows them to do that they are going to use it anyway. I do not use Linux because its sexy I use it because it is better than Windows and the same principle goes for the forum. People are not going to care after the initial getting used to if the forum is nice to look at or not they will adapt.

[actmyname]

It's an easy no for me; or at least, the effect would be quite minuscule.

Why? Simply because the mass majority are just so used to consuming short-form content(e.g. most of Reddit and Twitter) and the usage of mobile apps that it's unlikely that the mass majority are going to go back to sort of "legacy" communities(like forums).

..and that's a good thing. The last thing we want is more nonsense moonboys here; and a lot more of those people that are technical and are genuinely interested in Bitcoin.

Ah, just wait for the next mass bounty cycle. If the forum traffic was able to spike to such highs in hundreds of low-quality bounty threads, just imagine what would happen if the UI was updated to modern standards and if UX was improved so bounty hunters could shitpost with ease.

[Igebotz]

Unless the new forum is going to be paying per post you can guarantee that no one will care other than old members who have to get used to the new forum.

If your motive of joining the forum was to generate income and not to gain knowledge then you are on the wrong forum and you will never grow with that mentality of yours. Those old members according to you are not being paid by the forum, they are hired and paid by a random company/individual for being a good poster and a positive contributor to the forum.

If you want to enjoy the benefit of sig and avatar campaigns then start making yourself useful to the forum, nobody was made Legendary, they all started from scratch. The primary purpose of the forum is to learn about Bitcoin, other benefits are just secondary.

[mk4]

Ah, just wait for the next mass bounty cycle. If the forum traffic was able to spike to such highs in hundreds of low-quality bounty threads, just imagine what would happen if the UI was updated to modern standards and if UX was improved so bounty hunters could shitpost with ease.

Don't get me wrong, I do think a new forum software will affect the traffic in a positive way, but in a very minuscule way.

And sure, spammers will come back with the next cryptocurrency boom, but let's not kid ourselves. The hoards of spammers are going to come with full force regardless if we have a new forum software or not, and an good 'ol forum software definitely ain't going to slow them down.