|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2014 1:07 pm
Often times, people have told me that I'm the leader of the community as of late. While that's flattering and particularly unbelievable, I feel the need to have a brief, personal chat with everyone about the community, the holidays, and so on. So, let's start from the top. There's a line I hear often, and it irks me when it is thrown around. You've all heard it, and we all know what it is: "This community is dying/dead." That line is one that's never sat well with me. Even if at times I thought to believe it, it's not one I care to hear. To say it, is to lose faith in this community. Those that say it or think it are those that are no longer with us, or just barely cling to activity. The community dies to them, so they abandon it; therefore, it slips even further. It's a vicious cycle and one that we've come close to breaking many times over the past year. But, something always happens that causes us to slip even more. Returning veterans disappear, people open guilds and let them die in a card, champions abandon titles, etc. I want to take a moment to essentially say, this community is NOT dead. We aren't as vast as we used to be, and some of us aren't nearly as active, but this is not a wasteland. Not while I'm here, and not while you're here. Together, we can make this community a thriving hub once again. Not with old blood, but with new. How? Open our doors. WWF:G has done a great job of this within recent months, having some new talent that some haven't heard of or wouldn't expect to see again. Unfortunately, we're not exactly big enough for people to stumble upon us anymore. I've said it before and I'll say it again; we've got to put some effort into recruiting. Whether it be talking on the wrestling or RP forums, chatting with a friend who may be interested, or putting on some match on the open forums. Whatever you think will help! Any effort is not wasted and always appreciated. Remember, we've been through worse times in this community. We're gonna come through this as well. Now, onto the community itself. When we look around, what do we see? As far as I know, we see two things. BBW and WWF:G. Now, even though BBW is taking a break for the holidays (more on that HERE), that's the scope of living guilds for now. While it doesn't seem like much, it's more than enough for us. While it's something strange for us to deal with, only have 2 guilds to compete in, it's something we all must face facts on. If you're in BBW but have that itch to compete more, I encourage you to check out WWF:G. If you're in WWF:G but not satisfied with only competing in one match every couple of weeks, come enjoy the proving grounds of BBW. It's rough during the holidays, I know. But when we come back, I'm really hoping we see more activity in both of those guilds. I know all of this seems random or unnecessary, and I agree. It's pretty unnecessary. But this is essentially my way of saying... down times don't mean we're dead. This community is alive, we just gotta give it some air. Maybe a pint or two of fresh blood. You guys are awesome, and this community is amazing. None of us want to see it perish. Take this holiday season to recharge your batteries, then let's really get this place going again. Feel free to post and chat, I'll try to respond as I can. Weigh on anything I've said, call it all unnecessary, or even disagree or agree. Let's just have an actual, chat outside of Skype for once, eh?
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2014 1:45 pm
That's what gets to me the most, when someone says "the community is dead/dying/comatose". To me, it says that you (meaning anyone) are uninterested in making things better, and looking for a reason to complain. Here are a few examples of complaints I've seen (not necessarily recently, bear in mind, but stuff I've seen in the past), and some resolutions to these complaints: "There just isn't anything going on." So MAKE something going on. I'm putting together a promo tournament Insert Shameless Self-Plug Here) for the very reason against this. It can even be a goofy forum post if you'd like, but don't complain about things in the community being stagnant, then not doing anything about it. "I don't like what's going on with my character." I don't either; sometimes that's the way it goes. Instead of just responding to roll calls and getting matches, talk to people you haven't talked to before about doing some kind of story. We're RPers; storytelling is what we do. "I don't get to compete enough/I compete too much" Flexibility is key. If you want to compete more, join more guilds, get them active and rearing to go. If you're overworked, its fine to drop. It happens to the best of us. "I never see the main event spotlight" Well part of that may just be priority on matches. I know when I run cards, I randomize to ensure everyone gets a shot at a main event match. However, if you're only in this to be a main event guy, you may want to consider looking into other opportunities. Make a tag team, make a jobber, make a manager; anything. "I hardly ever get title matches" See above; if you're in this for titles, you're doing it wrong. Titles are nice but part of the storytelling byproduct. I'd rather see a quality feud with no titles than a crap one involving a belt. Not calling anyone out on any of these statements, just wanted to cover the basic few. Overall, though, I agree with Shanahan. We can't sit on our thumbs hoping activity improves. We need to work at it and build it up again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2014 4:43 pm
Punkology I want to take a moment to essentially say, this community is NOT dead. We aren't as vast as we used to be, and some of us aren't nearly as active, but this is not a wasteland. Not while I'm here, and not while you're here. Together, we can make this community a thriving hub once again. Not with old blood, but with new. How? Open our doors. Yup, always accept new people, give them all a chance! You can't rely on vets coming back because they may never do so! Let people in and search for them in any way you can by promoting the feds or recruiting them yourself, whatever it takes!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2014 11:21 am
Cartwright Punkology I want to take a moment to essentially say, this community is NOT dead. We aren't as vast as we used to be, and some of us aren't nearly as active, but this is not a wasteland. Not while I'm here, and not while you're here. Together, we can make this community a thriving hub once again. Not with old blood, but with new. How? Open our doors. Yup, always accept new people, give them all a chance! You can't rely on vets coming back because they may never do so! Let people in and search for them in any way you can by promoting the feds or recruiting them yourself, whatever it takes! Translation: Cartwright isn't coming back. SO YOU a*****e FANS CAN STOP CHANTING "CARTWRIGHT" DURING MY MATCHES AND PROMOS THAT DON'T INVOLVE HIM! Fans proceed to chant "CARTWRIGHT! CARTWRIGHT! CARTWRIGHT!" after the statement. stare
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2014 1:36 pm
WhosBadNowBoys1 Cartwright Punkology I want to take a moment to essentially say, this community is NOT dead. We aren't as vast as we used to be, and some of us aren't nearly as active, but this is not a wasteland. Not while I'm here, and not while you're here. Together, we can make this community a thriving hub once again. Not with old blood, but with new. How? Open our doors. Yup, always accept new people, give them all a chance! You can't rely on vets coming back because they may never do so! Let people in and search for them in any way you can by promoting the feds or recruiting them yourself, whatever it takes! Translation: Cartwright isn't coming back. SO YOU a*****e FANS CAN STOP CHANTING "CARTWRIGHT" DURING MY MATCHES AND PROMOS THAT DON'T INVOLVE HIM! Fans proceed to chant "CARTWRIGHT! CARTWRIGHT! CARTWRIGHT!" after the statement. stare Cartwright > CM Punk LET'S SEE YOU RAGE NOW!!! blaugh
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2014 1:40 pm
Insert obligatory motivational rambling.
But really, the fact that people suggest it's dying implies that it's still alive, and also means that people are talking about the community. Eric Bischoff made a book out of it - no publicity is bad publicity.
THAT BEING SAID.
I agree - we should put an emphasis on recruitment, in fact I'd wanted to organize a little community morale drive a little while back but didn't get much behind-the-scenes support for it. Clearly, though, there's individuals around who want to promote the community and celebrate the fact that it's even still a thing, when so many other facets of Gaia and roleplaying in general are in decline across the site. I mean, really - who would think that a niche group like us, a bunch of wrestling fans and enthusiasts could conglomerate together and keep an identity for people like us for over ten years?
We've not all been around that long, but we all contribute to the growing legacy that is this community, and that in and of itself is something to be proud of. I say we take that pride a step further and reach out to other people on Gaia and bring in some new talent and friends. With Sting back, Bryan returning to television, and a new year right around the corner, wrestling fans are abuzz. It's a prime time to start getting the attention of other kindred spirits and kick off 2015 with a bang.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
