Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ We need suggestions!!

[mjda]

Let me give you some information, including some stats from Google Analytics data. This data is from the last 30 days.

/forums/index.php received 11,132 unique page views. That means, 11,132 different people viewed that page within the last 30 days.

/index.php received 7,657 unique page views.

That means that for every 4 people that view the forum home page, there are almost 3 people viewing the main home page. I would hardly consider that to be a small number.

Here's another bit of information for you. Out of the top 20 pages viewed (uniques) on TCC, overall, 11 of those pages have nothing to do with the forums.

Taking the total number of unique page views from those same top 20 pages viewed, we also get these statistics. The forum pages received a total of 21,420 unique page views, while those "other pages" received a total of 27,366 unique page views.

Looking at these stats, I would say that TCC's "other pages" are absolutely just as important as, if not more so than, the forums.

Regardless of what anyone thinks of these other pages, including the home page, these stats cannot be argued with. It is clear that a LOT of people look at the home page every month.

[Zimbow]

Noticed when I'm at work and our computers had just been wiped clean of memory. I got on TCC using tradingcardcentral.com. Everytime I use that link it automatically brings me to home page, then I have to navigate to the forums. Its not just 9/10 times, its 10/10 times I view homepage first.

[mjda]

Are any of the suggestions that were mentioned here being talked about, thrown out, or worked on?

[NYStateOfMind1976]

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 script

New 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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[Tarasadie17]

Great post Adam, some real good input...

[msw_sportscards]

Adam,

Great post. I like the email blast idea. I have a members area on my box break site and after my Bowman release break is over next weekend, I will be sending an email blast(it'll take a simple click since there's a button for that ) to everyone who has become a member of that site. I mentioned TCC numerous times during our A&G break last night as well.

[NYStateOfMind1976]

Adam,

    Great post. I like the email blast idea. I have a members area on my box break site and after my Bowman release break is over next weekend, I will be sending an email blast(it'll take a simple click since there's a button for that ) to everyone who has become a member of that site. I mentioned TCC numerous times during our A&G break last night as well.

Nice. How did the email blast go? Any feedback?

[NYStateOfMind1976]

Really roughly done but maybe something like this?

[Tarasadie17]

I can't tell you how much I hate it when I come to the homepage and the recent topics are nothing but box break transactions... total turn off....

[mjda]

I can't tell you how much I hate it when I come to the homepage and the recent topics are nothing but box break transactions... total turn off....

Maybe someone with the power to do so, can remove the group break sub-forums from the recent topic search. It would be my bet that it can be done with the click of a button from within the admin control panel.

[redwing40]

Can we just move the Hockey box Breaks and Hockey News to one section, along with Contest related to Hockey, and assign one MOD to handle it and maybe add extra help to update sport news, Box Breaks, Trades so forth with all sports sections, I would enjoy to click on Hockey and everything I need to know is there!

I will volunteer to make post on NHL News, trades, playoff stats and offer other topic's on Hockey on one section!

Think this will break down everything on the Home page as Just Box Break Central

[redwing40]

Can we just move the Hockey box Breaks and Hockey News to one section, along with Contest related to Hockey, and assign one MOD to handle it and maybe add extra help to update sport news, Box Breaks, Trades so forth with all sports sections, I would enjoy to click on Hockey and everything I need to know is there!

I will volunteer to make post on NHL News, trades, playoff stats and offer other topic's on Hockey on one section!

Think this will break down everything on the Home page as Just Box Break Central

Just a suggestion, from me that is, or we can just talk more about it and not make changes, all talk, no action, reminds me of a 70s Elvis tune, come on, the site is not that bad, I'm on 4 other trading card sites, but yet, I call this home, just to many sites kicking around now, new ones popping up, just hard to keep up, change is good!

Or just tell me to shut up already, Lol! Since my opinion don't count since I'm fairly new!

[Tarasadie17]

Or just tell me to shut up already, Lol! Since my opinion don't count since I'm fairly new!

Over a year plus 1000+ posts doesn't make someone "new"... I like your suggestions...

[drocksthaparty]

I have been a member here for a little while, and to be honest, I don't think people are on here trading anymore like they were a few years ago, because it is not updated. The front page has said the member of the month was Osmond like from January of 2011. If I was a new member, I would leave, since it is 2012 and May. Someone should just delete it, I mean it looks like there hasn't been someone on the site since January of 2011.

JUST SAYING?

[NYStateOfMind1976]

CZT, thoughts?

Can you let us know what, if anything is being done with concerns or is it to swamped currently keeping up with regualr tasks?

Love to hear thoughts?

[bajmurray]

The team is working on the Home Page issue.

Unfortunately, it is not as easy as it seems.

Stay tuned!

[mjda]

The team is working on the Home Page issue.

Unfortunately, it is not as easy as it seems.

Isn't it just a single file that needs updating?

[Tarasadie17]

Isn't it just a single file that needs updating?

It isn't quite that simple. Trust me, the team is working to make this happen. Hopefully we will see some changes in place come June....

[redwing40]

The team is working on the Home Page issue.

Unfortunately, it is not as easy as it seems.

Stay tuned!

Thanks Brian for the updates! Probably not easy, but gald you guys are working on it!

[mjda]

It isn't quite that simple.

I guess what I should have said is, "it is just a single file that needs updating". I know that because I'm the last one who updated it.

Unless they are having problems logging in to the server, that's all that needs to be done. If they no longer have access to the server then this entire thread is pretty useless until Bob makes an appearance, or at least gets in touch with Richard (or another member of the team) and gives them the new login details.