Here is an update from me I thought might be considered interesting.
So for years now, when I was part of the team and even now as busy guy, I have always tried to promote TCC. Team members can look back in the threads and find all the pushing,. I spread the word at shows, the fliers, my Ebay etc.. Even did some stuff on social networking sites. I say all that to mention this...
Five people I met and talked to about TCC decided to come and check out the site based on me selling it as a family environment, the quality traders here etc...
My feedback from the folks:
All five went to the main page first (As most people do) and 4 said, "do they still do MOM there?, Why is the splash pages year old?, Why have reviews for products a decade old? January 2011 really?The other just said, WOW that looks way to "busy" to keep updated"
Three guys turned around and left arguing that if they can't keep the main page current then what can I expect inside
One guy ventured in a bit and looked at the trading sections and said it was not active enough for his taste.
the other guy said he might sign up just based on my opinion.
The overriding comment is that there are so many options out there why should I give it a try. Basically saying, it might be great but it was all about first impressions to them.
I just wanted you to know what some of the first timers are saying. these are passionate collectors who love the hobby.
Is being a team member a hard job? Sure it absolutely takes time. I was a volunteer and did it but had to relinquish because of other priorities. So I am not saying you guys aren't trying. But the facts are the facts.
Now if everyone is happy with the way it is and wants to keep it this way and that is the popular decision then fine but I just want to throw it all out there.
Everyone talks about druming activity back up and I agree that would be great but if you want to then some changes need to happen.
Current members:
Incentitive either through contest or whatever? I will try and drum a contest myself.
Email blast about things going on around TCC. Everyone plugged an email in so use it.
Maybe a simple monthly newletter. It can be canned or scripted to update.
Stuff like:
Look who is trading? XXXXXXXX
Did you see who added some sweet stuff to their PC this month? XXXXXXX
Did you hear? Check out this hoby news...XXXXXXXX
Here is a good site that helps you script it
newletter scriptNew member:
Active members ask to put up flier like the one I did in my B&M. Ask the shops to come and check it out.
Add it to your EBAY sigs if you care.
Facebook about it. I have been posting in social media on sites like UD, Panini, Topps etc where collectors go to get info. Heck tweet about stuff going on here.
Please please.. if you cannot update the main page go in the code and remove the box break link and delete the MOM splash. Les it better if what is there is very old. First impressions are key and ours is not good.
Attached is my draft shot of a more current TCC main page:
More current two column format.
Less is more.
Just a starting point. Not nearly done just a brainstorm session.
In the forums slide the trading section up. Should be a focal point and not have to scoll to it IMHO. That is just a flipping inside the rule set.
I will try and build a base idea of a forum site either in photoshop or maybe on a free hosting site to test out some ideas when I have time. I will call it like Adams site or something goofy to get a blueprint.
My thought here is like I have in my professional and personal life. Just because it has always been that doesn't mean that is how it should be now.
Be creative. Don't sit on it and knock it out.
"A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties." -- Harry Truman
That is all I have for now. Take it or leave it. I will get more ideas soon as i can squeeze it in.
Adam
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We need suggestions!!
Feb 27 2012, 09:22 PM
