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Topic:
Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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DVeditor
Title: Evil Overlord (manager)
Fan Films & Icons
Registered:
Dec '01
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Date Posted:
12/20/05 11:46pm
Subject:
Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
- Date Edited:
4/8 9:51pm (2 edits total)
Edited By:
MASTERPRENN
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Let's see how this goes - I'm open to suggestions and such for this place and would love to hear what people think would add to this forum. All I ask is that you think things through before posting and explain things in detail when you do.  Other than that I plan to use this as sort of a "catch all" thread for whatever you think may help us out here. Keep in mind that not every idea posted here will become an instant part of the system, but I will take things posted here into great consideration for modifications to this place.
Feel free to drop any ideas in here - I look forward to hearing them!
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jedimasterbac
Title: Fan Sites Moderator
Registered:
Jun '04
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Date Posted:
12/22/05 2:53pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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Yes! I have been waiting for a thread like this. Here we go....
------------Sites that are Posted------------
All we do now on Fan Sites is review other websites. I feel that this is one of the things that detracts posters from the board. One of the main reasons that reviewing other sites is detracting is because the majority of them are Star Wars RP sites that consist mainly of:
- General OOC Chat
- General Star Wars Board
- The Original Trilogy
- The Prequel Trilogy
- The Factions
- The Sith
- The Jedi
Honestly, no one wants to go to those sites anymore. They are all the same cliché Star Wars RP Sites. There are plenty of more respectable ones out there. I don't want to sound biassed, but I am going to use TheStarWarsRP.Com as an example. It's said by many to be the most succesful stand-alone Star Wars RP site. Why?
1. It is one of the older ones
2. More members
3. A well thought out story
4. Many other factions including:
a. The Jedi Order
b. The Mandalorians
c. The Bounty Hunters
d. The Bendu Knights of the Ashla
e. The Dark Jedi
f. The Shadourian Order
*D and F were created on the site*
5. Other, interesting places to RP including:
a. The Galactic Casino
b. The Outlander Club, Coruscant
c. Bar-Bar Drinks, Naboo
d. Mos Eisley Cantina, Tatooine
e. Upper City Cantina, Taris
6. A new storyline in the works that is set to bring the Sith back from their extinction and take the first steps towards The Sith Rule of Two, as we know that Darth Bane stated he got the idea from a previous Sith Lord. This story takes place roughly 125 years after Knights of the Old Republic.
The stuff that is going on at “The Star Wars RP” now is really awesome, and if more RP forums were like this then it would help draw more attention to “Fan Sites”.
------------A New Banner------------
One thing that people complain about is that “Fan Sites” does not have its own banner. It would be nice to have a banner made that takes really cool parts of the really good sites. Like, how “Fan Films” has screen caps from films we would have pictures from some of the best sites out there such as TheForce.Net, StarWars.Com, Nightly.Net and many others.. These are some really cool sites and their layouts could be put together to make a really nice banner. I assure you that I am not the only one that is getting tired of seeing a Return of the Jedi Emperor Palpatine head staring at Darth Vader from The Empire Strikes Back.
------------Other Ways to Draw Attention------------
Along with a banner, we need to do more than just review cliché Star Wars RP sites and such. We need much, much more such as a new social thread, Fan Site of the Week discussion threads, and contests. These kind of threads can enhance the posting experience to where you don’t just post once per thread saying, “Cool site, dude”. That doesn’t help the site creator. They need real, and sometimes even harsh, criticism if they want to have a really good Fan Site.
Now, one way to bring people to “Fan Sites” is to let people know that it exists. “Fan Films” has a section on the front-page of TheForce.Net that gives news on films and such. Perhaps “Fan Sites” can have one as well? It can show the newest and nicest sites and post news about the bigger and better sites: where they are going and what is happening within them. Along with showing the bigger and better, we could show the smaller and newer ones that have great potential.
------------Contest Idea------------
Another idea would be to have some sort of contest every so often. It could be for best site or something. The winner of the contest could receive VIPship for a week with his/her title being “Best Fan Site Owner” and, if s/he so chooses, they can have their site updated by site designers or have a new page on their site created by site designers. I mean, nice looking sites is what people need to see. What detracts people is seeing those cliché Star Wars sites in threads called “My Star Wars RP”, “JOIN MY SITE” and/or “uBeR cOoL nEw SiTe! JOIN!” People want to see nice looking original sites that grab their attention. Cliché Star Wars RP sites do not do this.
------------Helpful Tips to Come------------
DV, this holiday break I am going to begin working on that Fan Sites Directory I told you about. he Thread directory would have two main sections: “Threads Replied To” and “Threads Not Replied To”. Then, there would be sub-sections such as “Fan Fiction Sites”, “RP Sites”, “Fan Art Sites”, “General Star Wars Sites” and “Other Sites”. This way, what is in there would be nice, neat and organized.
Witin that thread, there would be a detailed "Fan Sites Guide to Better Posting" section. It would basically be telling people how to present their site before the “Fan Sites” community. Some people say “Join my Site!” when it’s either not finished or not good. It would basically say how to “pitch” your site just as you would a film idea to a production company. This way, people will not be disappointed if people either say that they don’t like the site or if no one responds to it.
------------Conclusion------------
I believe that with these ideas turned into a reality, along with future ideas, we will all be able to turn “Fan Sites” around in a way that so far many have not thought possible. It's going to take hardwork, teamwork and determination. So in conclusion, let's reach for the great future that Fan Sites has to offer.
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Star Wars: Episode I - The Chosen One (Star Wars Saga Reboot/Re-Imagining) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27764984/p1/?1 Chronicles of the Great War: Aftermath http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28417488/p1/?1 John McCain 2008
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Sara_Kenobi
Registered:
Sep '00
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Date Posted:
12/25/05 10:51am
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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Some Simple Suggestions
-Perhaps a Forum Index? Which could host threads that are updated often about users respective Fan Sites. It wouldn't have to be stickied. Fan Fiction has several Index Keeper's that which host story threads. It proves very useful in promoting their threads. I'd love to start this if you're interested in this idea. Threads that are missed, the author of the thread could send a PM to the Index Keeper to have their link included and perhaps a brief summary about their site. I've always felt that a Forum Index would be an excellent addition to this forum.
- Site of the Month - Perhaps yourself could choose a site (only once a month or so) which would stand out and look the most organized and would have obvious strong effort put toward it. It could be set-up like a contest. Those that wish to enter their site could register in a thread that which you could post? Those posted is which you could choose the site that would win. Perhaps even a prize could be offered to the winner. A title which could explain what they've won perhaps? Such a contest (all though simple) might promote the forum in a good fashion and encourage people to post their site in this forum. The contest could also be perhaps promoted in the Mod Squad Updates should it ever be chosen to be applied.
- New (Forum Discussion) Social Thread - Perhaps a thread could be created where user's could come together and discuss Fan Site's and their own creations. A place where we could all turn to each other for advice on better promotions of site's and anything else that could be applied to the subject.
I'll post more ideas if I think of anymore. Good luck with this.
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DVeditor
Title: Evil Overlord (manager)
Fan Films & Icons
Registered:
Dec '01
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Date Posted:
12/25/05 8:37pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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Excellent suggestions from both of you - once the holiday bustle is over I hope to look into several of these ideas. 
Thanks for the input thus far!
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jedimasterbac
Title: Fan Sites Moderator
Registered:
Jun '04
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Date Posted:
12/26/05 8:37am
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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DVeditor posted:
Excellent suggestions from both of you
You know me... 
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Star Wars: Episode I - The Chosen One (Star Wars Saga Reboot/Re-Imagining) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27764984/p1/?1 Chronicles of the Great War: Aftermath http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28417488/p1/?1 John McCain 2008
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Sara_Kenobi
Registered:
Sep '00
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Date Posted:
12/26/05 6:57pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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Thank you. I'm looking forward to seeing them.
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Bacon164
Registered:
Mar '05
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Date Posted:
12/26/05 11:03pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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I would post a suggestion, but they've all been posted. Hope many are used!
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DVeditor
Title: Evil Overlord (manager)
Fan Films & Icons
Registered:
Dec '01
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Date Posted:
12/27/05 4:37pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
- Date Edited:
12/27/05 4:38pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
DVeditor
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Ok, here are a few quick thoughts I've had on the ideas presented so far:
Banners
I am going to post something about this in MS this week sometime. My idea right now is to have an open-call thread where people can submit banners as they create them instead of being locked into a time constraint. This will allow for more banner options over time and gives people the chance to critique each others work before being locked into the changes.
JMB's Directory Idea
He and I have spoken about this in the past, and I think it's a solid idea. What I'd like to see specifically addressed in this thread (if possible) would be more of a simple outline for the list of threads to start and focus mainly on the "guide" to announcing your site. What I think would be awesome is if we could create a new-and-improved collection of webmaster resources like this thread. Seeing as how that one hasn't been updated since 2003 I would gladly encourage a new compilation of resources if you were willing.
Sara's Forum Index Suggestion
I'm very intrigued by this suggestion as well. I think that using this in conjunction with the directory above could have a great positive impact on the Fan Sites community as a whole. From my understanding this thread would be comprised mainly of basic summaries and such of sites listed in the forum, correct? Sara if you're willing to pursue something like that I'll gladly accommodate the idea.
Site of the Month
I like the concept behind this and would like to bring more contest-like things into play to get more people involved on a regular basis. I think it's safe to say there is a strong possibility for this sort of thing as we move forward.
Social Thread
This sounds like a good way to advance with a fresh look for the forum. Not sure about the timetable for this quite yet but it's always an option.
If anyone has more ideas or would like to discuss anything related to ideas for this forum please feel free to bring them to the table! The more participation and interaction we have the better.
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jedimasterbac
Title: Fan Sites Moderator
Registered:
Jun '04
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Date Posted:
12/27/05 5:28pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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My directory idea would contain a thread index and all, so I would be more than willing to work with Sara on it.
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Star Wars: Episode I - The Chosen One (Star Wars Saga Reboot/Re-Imagining) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27764984/p1/?1 Chronicles of the Great War: Aftermath http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28417488/p1/?1 John McCain 2008
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DVeditor
Title: Evil Overlord (manager)
Fan Films & Icons
Registered:
Dec '01
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Date Posted:
12/27/05 5:56pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
- Date Edited:
12/27/05 5:57pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
DVeditor
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My initial thought on the idea is to actually have two separate threads - one for the directory (sort of like the "everything" topic in Fan Films), and another for an index like they use in Fan Fiction where new sites can be added with small reviews/summaries to get people more involved. That way it's more interactive for everyone. Now I'm not against having an organised thread list in a directory, however my gut feeling says it would be best to run two threads by different users so that the information could be presented in the best possible way. I'm willing to sit and talk it out though (of course ) so if both of you could let me know what you think we can discuss the options.
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jedimasterbac
Title: Fan Sites Moderator
Registered:
Jun '04
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Date Posted:
12/27/05 6:01pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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DVeditor posted:
My initial thought on the idea is to actually have two separate threads - one for the directory (sort of like the "everything" topic in Fan Films), and another for an index like they use in Fan Fiction where new sites can be added with small reviews/summaries to get people more involved. That way it's more interactive for everyone. Now I'm not against having an organised thread list in a directory, however my gut feeling says it would be best to run two threads by different users so that the information could be presented in the best possible way. I'm willing to sit and talk it out though (of course ) so if both of you could let me know what you think we can discuss the options.
I find that I agree with you, DV. It does make it so that the information is easier to find and more organized.
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Star Wars: Episode I - The Chosen One (Star Wars Saga Reboot/Re-Imagining) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27764984/p1/?1 Chronicles of the Great War: Aftermath http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/28417488/p1/?1 John McCain 2008
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Sara_Kenobi
Registered:
Sep '00
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Date Posted:
12/27/05 6:17pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
- Date Edited:
12/27/05 7:32pm (2 edits total)
Edited By:
Sara_Kenobi
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Sara's Forum Index Suggestion
I'm very intrigued by this suggestion as well. I think that using this in conjunction with the directory above could have a great positive impact on the Fan Sites community as a whole. From my understanding this thread would be comprised mainly of basic summaries and such of sites listed in the forum, correct? Sara if you're willing to pursue something like that I'll gladly accommodate the idea.
I would very much like too. Thank you. I'm actually a former Index person for the Saga forum in Fan fiction and so I have a good idea of how I could piece it together. I'll draft up a first page soon and send it to you to take a look at.
Edit: Page drafted and sent.
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DVeditor
Title: Evil Overlord (manager)
Fan Films & Icons
Registered:
Dec '01
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Date Posted:
12/28/05 10:28am
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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Sounds good - I'll be checking on that here in a few minutes.
JMB - I'm not opposed to an outline of sorts if you're interesting in including that in a directory, however the reason I think it would be best to keep it simple is because with two people running separate threads they can focus on more specific goals and keep things running at a more detailed level. (Woah - long sentence.  )
Like I said I'm just thinking out loud here and am willing to discuss any and all ideas for this place. I do like what I'm seeing so far though and look forward to working on all this.
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Sara_Kenobi
Registered:
Sep '00
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Date Posted:
12/31/05 9:25pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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Adopt a Site Suggestion?
Just a quick thought and suggestion... I thought I should write it out now though before I forget anything.
How about an adopt a site program thread? It could be set-up something like the Welcome Forum thread. But a user that owns their own message board or something to that, would post to the thread, and then request it be put up for adoption to one person that likes the site and then agree's to the the adopter.
The adopter in this case would register to their site as a member. In turn the adopted site owner could register to the other person's site. They'd each try to be an active member at each other's site. It would have to be mostly an agreement between the adopter and adopted to work. The pairing's could go on for about a month if they wished.
If anything it would be yet another way to get your site promoted here and noticed. In the JC thread here could include the names of the people paired up together with links and names listed back to each pair's site.
Sara
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jedimasterbac
Title: Fan Sites Moderator
Registered:
Jun '04
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Date Posted:
1/3/06 7:50pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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I rather like that idea, Sara.
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Sara_Kenobi
Registered:
Sep '00
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Date Posted:
1/3/06 8:05pm
Subject:
RE: Have suggestions and/or ideas for the Fan Sites forum? Post them here!
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If applied, it would just need some adjustments to fit Fan Sites, I believe.
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