 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Author |
|
Cyberworm
Respected Citizen
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 652
Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.
Items
Legends
Fables
726 Strata-gems
|
 Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 1:29 am Post subject: The Barren Wasteland of IF |
 |
|
Seeing how IF is setting a new record in scarcity of visits and posts, we need suggestions and actions on improving the life of IF, get to "old" writers, and maybe attract new writers.
I know there are quite a lot of newbies, but still the activity seems really low.
We cannot let IF squirm like this, with only a bit of energy here and there. If we don't do anything and wait for someone to do something, we are doomed.
Anyone who sees this, please post, even if it's just to say "I hear you there".
My suggestion is to send more PMs.
Everybody loves PMs and support, so I suggest you support your friends of IF and RL and send them messages that encourage them to work on IF!
Now, bombs away, and tell me your suggestions!
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Vishal Muralidharan
Respected Citizen
Joined: 24 Aug 2010
Posts: 867
Location: City Of IF!
Items
Legends
Fables
508 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 6:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
Yep, we really seem to run low on activity here. This site is not really active, though it is a really good place to write, get support and learn. But I would suggest something different. Something out of our control.
What I feel must be done is a change in the interface. The present one looks quite dull, and is not something people would want to spend time looking at.
But, what we all can do is just be active. We need to remember our roles in this city. Post more often and what-not. SPREAD THE WORD to people who already aren't here. People who you think might be interested. Keep people coming, and we might generate some activity here.
Oh. And, "I hear you there"!!!! 
_________________
The eyes are useless if the mind is blind.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
PopeAlessandrosXVIII
Arts and Poetry Mod
Joined: 10 Oct 2010
Posts: 1858
Location: Surrounded by many beautiful naked men
Items
Legends
Fables
7870 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 7:01 am Post subject: I Think...... |
|
|
Well, I must dissagree with the whole changeing the way the site looks. I myself enjoy the calm metalic look to the site.
As for getting more activity? I think there should be a function so that when a story you've faved gets any coments, or new chapters, you get a PM. I know I'm a little odd, but I don't think I'm the only one whe comes here more than they log on to their E-mail. Sure, you can always check the recent posts, but moer than once I've missed new chapters cause I logged-on, got distacted, and when I get back to the site, I gotta log on again. Thus wiping all the new posts.
I also think it'd help it there were more competitions. I myself am running one right now, buuut mines on a subject I know many writers avoid... Perhapes some of the older, more experienced IFians can post some challenging competitions in the Arena. Some "Word Battles Of DOOM" kinda' stuff!
Sounds fun to me, but I am only one...what do you think fellow IFians?
_________________
To Be A Knight
And my first Finished work Death Day
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Cyberworm
Respected Citizen
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 652
Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.
Items
Legends
Fables
726 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 10:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
Competitions are a good way to make things happen, since they have a deadline. People need a little more incentive, though. Hmmm...
The PM for posts on your SG sound good, though you can always put a story in your favorites and check it when you get the chance.  Still, it's something worth suggesting to Key.
And if you posted in a thread, you'll be getting messages in your e-mail inbox, so I think that's about the same thing. 
I'm thinking about rewarding people for successfully writing a part of a story, or a whole story (the current reward for finishing an SG is 1000 Fables), but we need to make something more interactive, something that makes you say "I want to do that too!" or "I have to check my SG/RP/w.e.".
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Lebrenth
Honored Citizen
Joined: 29 Dec 2005
Posts: 1483
Location: Utah
Items
Legends
Fables
1007 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:02 am Post subject: |
|
|
Best thing to do for IF is participate. Whether it's writing a storygame or posting to one, activity attracts more activity. Making a good crowd-pleasing storygame can do a lot for the site, so if someone was interested in making a storygame with a lot of humor that is especially focused on including the readers, we may get more people back. Random topics in the open forum can be good too.
_________________
Welcome To Purgatory - current storygame
Please visit my Library of completed works.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Crunchyfrog
Honorable IFian
Joined: 12 Dec 2006
Posts: 3998
Items
Legends
Fables
7501 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:12 am Post subject: |
|
|
Yup... the simple solution to the problem is to just get active. See a poll that's not been announced? Announce it. Bump the occasional storygame that may have been overlooked. PM your regulars when you've posted a new chapter.
If you want to receive email alerts when you receive a PM or if someone has posted in a thread you've posted in, you can adjust the settings in your profile.
Be active. Leave your mark on the site. Show us you've been here by adding a post when you visit. It's not spamming.
PM's, competitions, serious or crazy - are all good ways of getting things going.
When people see a more active site, they're more likely to want to hang around or join in.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Cyberworm
Respected Citizen
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 652
Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.
Items
Legends
Fables
726 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
Ah, thank you very much for your responce, Lebby and CF! It's good to see you are still around, haven't seen you in ages! 
So, what do you think about the three of us hosting an almost open-source storygame in which IFians evolve by posting the funniest situation they can muster?
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Crunchyfrog
Honorable IFian
Joined: 12 Dec 2006
Posts: 3998
Items
Legends
Fables
7501 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Tell me more....
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Thunderbird
Elder
Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Posts: 2139
Location: Rising from the ashes
Items
Legends
Fables
1592 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I agree about the activity... the more we read and respond to others, the more we'll at least support ourselves. REFER the site to friends and family as much as possible as well. IF is a great place but we need to do some adjusting to the optimization that once made it bustling... till then all we can really do is just keep reading and posting, especially supporting the SGs that we all pour our hearts and efforts into.
Competitions are great but sometimes they don't get as much response because it just might be a bit more than someone's wanting to put in and I wouldn't want that to detract from reading and supporting the few really great and active storygames we have running. So I guess what I'm trying to say in that is if a particular comp doesn't get as much attention as we hoped, we shouldn't be dishearted by that.
_________________
    
 CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011))
Zephyrrr! And...  
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Emperor
Citizen
Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 471
Location: San Diego, CA
Items
Legends
Fables
596 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 9:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I hear you
_________________
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
tramp in a storm
Honored Citizen
Joined: 11 Apr 2005
Posts: 1585
Location: You never know...I could be in YOUR dust bin.
Items
Legends
Fables
0 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 8:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I hear you! Surprisingly actually... Ive been dropping in every now and then but not for long. I think if we make lecturers give top marks without us doing any out-of-lesson work, we'd be on here a bit more often :p
Alternatively, i think having something which is simple to follow and that you can join into after some time without much catching up would be a good idea. I'm not too sure what, its just that when i come on and see that ive missed alot of something, i cant be bothered or dont have time to catch up again.
Its only half a plan lol maybe you guys can help with the other half :p
_________________
Did you know: If you plug speakers into your ears, your thoughts will be heard out loud
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Midnight
Citizen
Joined: 30 Sep 2008
Posts: 300
Location: Lurking under the shadows, waiting for the moment.
Items
Legends
Fables
2295 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
HERE HERE! More activity is needed indeed.
_________________
I would not exist if it twas day, so therefore I do not wish for light.
I want the dark, I want the night.
For my name is MIDNIGHT!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Exmortis
Resident
Joined: 22 Aug 2009
Posts: 89
Location: Be always aware and keep one eye on the shadows... you may just find out...
Items
Legends
Fables
0 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 10:25 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I am here...
I saw the Santharian dream story game site crash. Half a dozen story games just shut down and because I can never commit to the development side of things I migrated to this site. Which as a matter a fact isn't that easy to find. I sorta stumbled across it a few years back and then found it very difficult to relocate it.
_________________
Innocence is ignorence.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
kkdestiny
Mayor
Joined: 05 Oct 2010
Posts: 674
Location: The Library of Interfable History
Items
Legends
Fables
119 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 12:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I can hear you!
I occasionally try to kick the site into action a little. I will mention the site in my blog *nods determinely*
_________________
I now have three SGames! "Mist in a Cave" Chapter 5 is in the works
"The Freedom of Magic" Just got its THIRD chapter up!
Hope you all find the time to read them *goes off to look for an SG to read*
Note to self: The Elven Moon; Coin; SVI; Black Animals; Two Wolves; Angel Cat
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Crunchyfrog
Honorable IFian
Joined: 12 Dec 2006
Posts: 3998
Items
Legends
Fables
7501 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2011 12:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| tramp in a storm wrote: | | [color=blue]Alternatively, i think having something which is simple to follow and that you can join into after some time without much catching up would be a good idea. I'm not too sure what, its just that when i come on and see that ive missed alot of something, i cant be bothered or dont have time to catch up again. |
Good point. We've got 4 two-word stories going on at the moment... Very quick and fun to do.
*digs them out*
http://www.cityofif.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6157&highlight=
http://www.cityofif.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6156&highlight=
http://www.cityofif.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6155&highlight=
http://www.cityofif.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6158&highlight=
| Exmortis wrote: | | I saw the Santharian dream story game site crash. Half a dozen story games just shut down and because I can never commit to the development side of things I migrated to this site. Which as a matter a fact isn't that easy to find. I sorta stumbled across it a few years back and then found it very difficult to relocate it. |
We want to make ourselves easier to locate - if you can remember what words you were using in your searches, that'd be a great help!
| kkdestiny wrote: | | I will mention the site in my blog *nods determinely* |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
DeadManWalking
Duke of the Mostly Dead
Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 1005
Items
Legends
Fables
12 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Gah, I just clicked on Tramp's sig. It's been so long since that gif had been seen that I assumed it was the real thing.
While I did notice that the two-word at a time stories were popular, I'm not sure it would be a good thing if that became the main activity of this site (which, they very nearly are). I do realize that it is a good way to participate if you don't have much time (which, sadly, I have experienced myself) but it just doesn't seem to require nearly as much involvement as many others.
What if we could vote on which words the next two were? Have people suggest words and then have quick one or two day votes. Or, perhaps since that would make it too long, perhaps make sentence stories, where next sentences could be suggested and then voted on? It might require a lot of attention to be constantly setting up polls, but might it not be worth it edge slightly closer to the more IFy practice of storygaming?
_________________
When the dead walk, the living run.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
kkdestiny
Mayor
Joined: 05 Oct 2010
Posts: 674
Location: The Library of Interfable History
Items
Legends
Fables
119 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 11:25 am Post subject: |
|
|
I have now put the cityofif in my blog. I can only hope this will do something for the site x.x
_________________
I now have three SGames! "Mist in a Cave" Chapter 5 is in the works
"The Freedom of Magic" Just got its THIRD chapter up!
Hope you all find the time to read them *goes off to look for an SG to read*
Note to self: The Elven Moon; Coin; SVI; Black Animals; Two Wolves; Angel Cat
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Amichan
Treasurer
Joined: 06 Apr 2007
Posts: 480
Location: RL:Roseboro, NC./ IF: Retuning from a long journey in the land of OFF
Items
Legends
Fables
0 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2011 10:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
To be honest one issue that some have is the same issue i do is trying to get that one idea down on paper and actually have it sound good .
For some its is a natural talent to write while others we are lucky if we can pull out a picture book story to save our hides some times. not to mention that a lot of us are dealing with RL issues as well ( i know i am one of them )
That and trying to keep interest on something that rewards you for writing but with no real way to use them for anything. ( this has been a constant issue )
Now dont get me wrong what we have is good its just the matter of how to make it better and hold everyones attention
_________________
Check out the City of IF Facebook page here
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Thunderbird
Elder
Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Posts: 2139
Location: Rising from the ashes
Items
Legends
Fables
1592 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Kang wrote: | To be honest one issue that some have is the same issue i do is trying to get that one idea down on paper and actually have it sound good .
For some its is a natural talent to write while others we are lucky if we can pull out a picture book story to save our hides some times. not to mention that a lot of us are dealing with RL issues as well ( i know i am one of them )
That and trying to keep interest on something that rewards you for writing but with no real way to use them for anything. ( this has been a constant issue )
Now dont get me wrong what we have is good its just the matter of how to make it better and hold everyones attention |
I think I sort of understand what you mean but I've always felt the writing, in and of itself, was a reward. Here we can get feedback and an immediate response to the things we post which is certainly driving for me (of course I don't write as much as I'd like to because of my RL as well... dang thing) but none of us here expect ourselves or each other to be perfect. Its just a great place to sharpen our talents.
(And I've been missing your presence around here Kang so its nice to see you pop in!)
_________________
CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011))
Zephyrrr! And...
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Key
King
Joined: 08 Feb 2004
Posts: 2652
Location: The Royal Palace
Items
Legends
Fables
359 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| DeadManWalking wrote: | While I did notice that the two-word at a time stories were popular, I'm not sure it would be a good thing if that became the main activity of this site (which, they very nearly are). I do realize that it is a good way to participate if you don't have much time (which, sadly, I have experienced myself) but it just doesn't seem to require nearly as much involvement as many others.
What if we could vote on which words the next two were? Have people suggest words and then have quick one or two day votes. Or, perhaps since that would make it too long, perhaps make sentence stories, where next sentences could be suggested and then voted on? It might require a lot of attention to be constantly setting up polls, but might it not be worth it edge slightly closer to the more IFy practice of storygaming? |
I think the appeal of two-word stories is simplicity and quickness, so I'd be concerned that adding polls would take away from what's attractive about them. But the ones we have tend to be dragging a bit. Anyone have thoughts on how we might speed them up? Maybe have an overall word limit, or put in more of a structure to move them along?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
kkdestiny
Mayor
Joined: 05 Oct 2010
Posts: 674
Location: The Library of Interfable History
Items
Legends
Fables
119 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
..threaten the authors with death for failure of logging in in the next month or so? -kidding!-
edit: i thought you were talking about getting the SGs moving...sorry :p
_________________
I now have three SGames! "Mist in a Cave" Chapter 5 is in the works
"The Freedom of Magic" Just got its THIRD chapter up!
Hope you all find the time to read them *goes off to look for an SG to read*
Note to self: The Elven Moon; Coin; SVI; Black Animals; Two Wolves; Angel Cat
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Amichan
Treasurer
Joined: 06 Apr 2007
Posts: 480
Location: RL:Roseboro, NC./ IF: Retuning from a long journey in the land of OFF
Items
Legends
Fables
0 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2011 1:45 am Post subject: |
|
|
One of the issues that is facing some writers is fnding a plot that hasnt been used .. some of your fantsay ones are tough come by while others in the other genres are more apt to haveing an opportunity its just moanly finding that one ploat that you hope no one has thought of and running with it
_________________
Check out the City of IF Facebook page here
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Scheherazade
Resident
Joined: 19 Jan 2008
Posts: 57
Location: Land of Rain and More Rain (but really southwestern BC, in Canada)
Items
Legends
Fables
0 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I'm fully agreed that activity begets activity, but why has there been so little activity?
I think this is because the focus of this site is on massive story-games, and authors only come out with maybe one 1,000-word chapter every month or half-month or so. That's not really incentive to check back to the site every day, let alone multiple times every day.
What I think might help is a section for light storygames - one or two actions per DP, not a full chapter. This puts more of the story in the hands of the readers, gives more immediate feedback, and lightens the load on authors. This will give our citizens more reason to return to this site, even multiple times per day.
Consider this site as a model of how this may work: http://www.mspaforums.com/forumdisplay.php?85-Forum-Adventures
This is a subforum - one of a dozen or so subforums - connected to MS Paint Adventures. They do have a huge help in participation because a lot of people there check back to the main site many times every day, because the author of the main storylines will often post groups of pages more than once per day, but I'm confident that even lacking such a prolific central figure, we can at least increase participation by having more and less substantial updates
(as a side note, definitely give Problem Sleuth and Homestuck a read, because they are awesome stories with awesome art.
<edit>aaaaaaand now I scroll up and see Key's comment. Consider this a partial answer to your question of how to get things moving! A lot of forum adventure authors will do things like using the first suggestion that is posted and writing/drawing their response and posting it immediately, a process which can take as little as 5-10 minutes per command/DP. That does, however, rely on the massive traffic that the MSPA forums get. </edit>
<edit the 2nd>Oh - perhaps, for the light versions of storygames, polls might be removed? I know it's a distinguishing feature of IF, and allowing for things the author didn't intend is a really cool effect of polls, but having a few days or even a week or so in between posting really really slows down updates, and thus lessens reader traffic.</edit>
Oh, and this may just be me, but I'd like to see fewer contests with fewer rewards - maybe just signature/profile badges, at the most. The more people write because they want to write and experience an awesome community (intrinsic motivation), the more rewarding it will be for them; having the focus on rewards like Fables and badges and whatever (extrinsic motivation) actually tends to reduce the long-term satisfaction in doing something.
(that being said, a speed-story contest where contestants and non-contestants alike can see each story as they unfold would be pretty awesome - maybe a time limit of an hour or two).
_________________
You are the music while the music lasts
- T.S.Elliot
Here is Scheherazade
by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Lebrenth
Honored Citizen
Joined: 29 Dec 2005
Posts: 1483
Location: Utah
Items
Legends
Fables
1007 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 3:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Ok, well I disagree about a few things, but the ideas on that site are pretty cool. I remember Argonaut was fun to have around for visual SG's. We've attempted visual stuff a little, but mostly we're authors around here.
The contests aren't really an issue, I think, as no one is required to participate. As far as extrinsic and intrinsic rewards, I don't think it really counts to call Fables extrinsic. I like have Fables because of a sense of distinction. I'm in the Top 10 richest IFians, and I think that's pretty cool. It's kind of like "Recognition Points" and being able to send recognition to someone for something they've done is cool too. I don't get any special privileges because of them (not really). Anyway, it wouldn't be hard to take advantage of the system and get as many as you like. They only mean anything because I earned them.
Short SG's are a great idea, and they've been done sometimes as well. But the issue here is getting enough comments to continue to the next chapter and not losing your readers. Most SG's survive because of loyal readership of just a couple of members who may or may not check the SG everyday. If I shrunk the suggestion duration, I may leave a reader behind, and from there it would be a war of attrition. Other times, an SG may not get a comment for a week, so to stay on schedule, the author has to move forward without any suggestions.... Ungroovy.
Storygames as an art form is a slow process, you have to enjoy the stories as something that grows over the course of months. Modern society is not accustomed to stories like this, as they want entire stories to go from start to finish in 2 hours time (3 hours if its really good). SG's can not compete with that, so they have to offer something different. Something different that takes a lot of time. I presume the picture based stories do well because you can finish a chapter in a couple of seconds. ... Not saying it isn't fun, I'm just saying it's not the same.
Essentially, I'm saying that you could make the chapters shorter with less time between, and when the City is hopping, it happens, but you don't really have the storygame experience if the chapters don't rely on participant input, and waiting for input is why the process has to go so slow (as well as the fact that reading and writing takes a long time too).
_________________
Welcome To Purgatory - current storygame
Please visit my Library of completed works.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Thunderbird
Elder
Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Posts: 2139
Location: Rising from the ashes
Items
Legends
Fables
1592 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 5:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
We've seen a number of 'speedgame' efforts made on the site and they often end up devolving into a more standard length (both in text and in delay between chapters) and much of this is because of how long it takes, as Lebby said, for replies to come in.
Mind you, I would think some great speedgame efforts would be really cool to have going on the site, because on the flipside, you're right that it would help to inspire folks to login more regularly, giving even the longer stories the ability to move a bit faster.
_________________
CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011))
Zephyrrr! And...
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Crunchyfrog
Honorable IFian
Joined: 12 Dec 2006
Posts: 3998
Items
Legends
Fables
7501 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
Did I just see Masterweaver on that site? *waves at MW*
Scheherazade, I found myself nodding in agreement pretty much all the way through your post. Yes, long story-cycles probably make for longer periods between logins. Long chapters restrict the number of opportunities a reader might have to sit down in front of a screen and read, digest, and play those chapters.
Yes, activities with a quick turnaround that do not tax participants too much can encourage more frequent logins.
Yes, the author, or any person controlling or running something online needs to be reliably there on a regular basis to keep the ball rolling.
Yes, the suggestion phase and poll for each DP can slow things down.
Having said all of that though, I'd like to add that, long or short, taxing or not, an activity - whether it's a competition, storygame, RP, wordgame or whatever, it must be compelling enough if it is going to keep people logging back in - and making the time to do so.
I understand what you mean by badges, awards and fables providing extrinsic motivation. Although they give a great sense of achievement, they'd count for very little if there's no awesome community underpinning the motivation to earn them.
The only area I don't really agree with is the number of contests and such - if you're referring to those contests that individuals run in the Writers' arena... If well designed they can produce some prolific activity.
editz - Also looks at Key's post...  | Quote: | | I think the appeal of two-word stories is simplicity and quickness, so I'd be concerned that adding polls would take away from what's attractive about them. But the ones we have tend to be dragging a bit.Anyone have thoughts on how we might speed them up? Maybe have an overall word limit, or put in more of a structure to move them along? |
I think the reason they're dragging is because nobody knows how they're going to end. There's no real story arc, and no contributor can really engineer one with just two words at a time. Perhaps we could set a word limit. Could be 500 words or 1000 words. With the word length cap, there may be more chance of a story coming to a satisfactory close.
We could try it with different lengths and see how it goes.
Well, as my 4 year, 40+ storygame is drawing to a close, I might try something speedier and lightweight and see how it goes.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Vishal Muralidharan
Respected Citizen
Joined: 24 Aug 2010
Posts: 867
Location: City Of IF!
Items
Legends
Fables
508 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 7:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
Ahh... I have nothing more to say... except that I do log in multiple times a day, but I stay logged in for a serious amount of time just the once. All other times its just a quick log on-log off.
ALSO, Crunchyfrog... Here's the exact wording I used to find City Of IF from google... "Online Writing Resources"... Got it on the very first link!
_________________
The eyes are useless if the mind is blind.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Lebrenth
Honored Citizen
Joined: 29 Dec 2005
Posts: 1483
Location: Utah
Items
Legends
Fables
1007 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 1:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Vishal Muralidharan wrote: | | ALSO, Crunchyfrog... Here's the exact wording I used to find City Of IF from google... "Online Writing Resources"... Got it on the very first link! |
Very nice! I'm glad to hear that, especially as a first link!
_________________
Welcome To Purgatory - current storygame
Please visit my Library of completed works.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Scheherazade
Resident
Joined: 19 Jan 2008
Posts: 57
Location: Land of Rain and More Rain (but really southwestern BC, in Canada)
Items
Legends
Fables
0 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2011 9:25 pm Post subject: |
|
|
(I didn't mean to suggest using pictures any more than you have already been; I was suggesting no more than thinking about borrowing some elements of the MSPA forum's style of story, namely the smaller and more reader-driven updates.)
Upon reflection, it is sort of useless to discuss extrinsic and intrinsic rewards as relate to fables, because whoever doesn't care about them can just ignore them, and if you do care then you still have them.
It's true that people won't automatically start flocking to the City and/or posting if storygames update more often, but over time the number of visits/posts could be increased if people can be reasonably sure of at least one of the stories they follow having updated in the past 24 or 48 hours. The best way that I can see to start this happening, assuming a promising short adventure starts at some point, is for the author to update within a day or so of X amount of suggestions or poll votes, and though that will start with perhaps weekly or bi-weekly updates it could speed up.
How I propose this could happen is, for the purposes of short-form storygames only, authors perhaps look at their posts in a different light: rather than a single Chapter every time, each update could be a fraction of a chapter - simply an update, no more. Chapters might take the same amount of time, or even longer, but they would come out gradually instead of all at once.
This would potentially solve the problem of storygames being tough to get into if you're not there in the beginning; I know that many of the storygames I find are well into their plot, and after reading five or ten or more chapters in a day, waiting up to a full month (or more) for the chance to read another chapter and suggest something in a way that matters seems infestissimally slow (of course, that may just be me being all Modern and impatient and such).
The only problem I have with this suggestion is that it would drastically change the flavour of short-form storygames. I would not like to see IF's unique take on interactive writing become something less fantastic and unique, but I lack the storygaming experience to tell if this would mesh at all with what already exists here. Your thoughts?
_________________
You are the music while the music lasts
- T.S.Elliot
Here is Scheherazade
by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Lebrenth
Honored Citizen
Joined: 29 Dec 2005
Posts: 1483
Location: Utah
Items
Legends
Fables
1007 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:28 am Post subject: Bi-weekly |
|
|
------------------------------------------------------------
Here's an overview of my completed SG's (so you know my experience):
Heroes Never Panic: Dec 30 2005 - Oct 29 2006, 23 Chapters, 2.3/month
Eve of Destruction: Jan 25 2006 - May 21 2006, 10 Chapters, 2.5/month
Fabled Island: Sep 25 2006 - April 14 2007, 15 Chapters, 2.1/month
Made in Taiwan: Dec 23 2009 - Jul 29 2010, 7 Chapters, 1/month
------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the stats of the current Top 5 Storygames of IF:
Heavy Metal: Sep 13, 2009 - Mar 20 2011, 15 ch, 0.8/month
Nightmares Trilogy Part 1: Aug 24 2010 - Mar 3 2011, 8 ch, 1.1/month
Murder in the Intergalactic Garden: Sep 28 2010 - Mar 27 2011, 6 ch, 0.8/month
SparkleSteps: Dec 14 2009 - Feb 16 2011, 11 ch, 0.7/month
Is this me?: Oct 11 2010 - Feb 9, 2011, 4 ch, 1/month
------------------------------------------------------------
I aim for about 1000 words a chapter and ideally I post every two weeks. Though occasionally all of the regular participants respond quickly with a unanimous decision, usually it seems necessary to have 1 week for suggestions, and then 1 week for polling. This is the schedule I recommend to anyone who brings up the subject, along with the advice that they plan to conclude the storygame within 20 chapters. I've seen a lot of storygames come and go, finish or fizzle, and I stand by these guidelines as generally the best practices for a popular storygame. You can also use the "1 chapter per month" formula, which to me is a bare minimum because SG's are like house plants, if you skip a month of taking care of them, they die. We have a storygame that may attempt a resurrection soon, and I wish it luck, but I suspect it will not be able to regain momentum after so long of a hiatus.
Scheherazade, I hear you when you talk about shorter and faster storygames, and they are possible, but I think it is necessary to acknowledge the limitations of the medium. I say 2 weeks is ideal because anything sooner is too likely to lose readers, so it is the fastest we can go and faster is better. It would be fantastic if we could go even faster, if an author could upload a chapter, take suggestions, and put up a poll within a single day, but we're not there yet.
In the meantime, we also need to follow a guideline of at least 1000 words. This is because participants are "waiting up to a full month (or more) for the chance to read another chapter". For that kind of a wait, the product better be good. Otherwise, it would be like having a pen pal who sends letters the size of text messages. Every other week you would get a message like: "good, u?". Some SG's, like SparkleSteps and Magician's Touch, overcome the lengthy waits by making the chapters 2000-3000+, and their readers are grateful for the updates, and the chance to really dig into the story before the next wait. Also, it needs to have as much completion as a normal book chapter since all of those squirrelly loose ends will get away, because no one (except the author) can keep track of them all. Heck, even remembering the name of the main character can be challenging.
We don't really need to change how storygames are done to see vast improvement. Two chapters a month is twice as fast as any of the storygames currently running, and 1000 words isn't very long. If we could achieve that, then we could work our way up. Show me the City of IF with just five good quality storygames reliably updating every two weeks, and I'll show you a thriving and prosperous web forum that is never referred to as a barren wasteland.
_________________
Welcome To Purgatory - current storygame
Please visit my Library of completed works.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Thunderbird
Elder
Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Posts: 2139
Location: Rising from the ashes
Items
Legends
Fables
1592 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 8:11 pm Post subject: |
|
|
For me, as a Storygame author, I find that speed kills too. It is ever-too possible to outrace your audience. If you want longterm viability, you have to be able to maintain your readership.
My first SG on IF was posted once a week. Back then, this was during an era when Key was drawing in people right and left with both excellent optimization and a great featured storygame (one of his Wheel series stories) which he himself was establishing a one chapter a week precedent with.
As time went on, those who stayed on the site tended to get bogged down with so many stories being posted - trying to keep up meant that you had to spend so much more time reading than writing your own tale. And I think it was somewhere in that span of time that we ended up finding an average of once a month to keep the readers that had posted before coming back reliably between each chapter.
For a time, I was writing 3 stories. Two of these were posting once a month and the third was posted every other week. (it was more capable of moving faster due to the manner in which it was run - a little different than the usual sg.) This meant I was writing a chapter every weekend.
Since then, I developed some other things happening in my life and am trying to keep myself to at least once a month. I do this by asking myself to try to keep up with a chapter every other week (doesn't usually happen as often as I hoped.)
Those who post much faster than once every other week run a serious risk of losing readers who don't check in as often. They risk getting so far into the story, so fast, that nobody wishes to try to catch up. Then there's a natural decay of readers that fall out as they leave the site for other interests... and violla, we have the fate of one of our best SGs ever, Kallanna's 'Galleons of the Stars'... didn't quite make it to the end before all readership had vanished and the new blood found it too long to get into.
So while we all feel like we're gonna charge in and write out our chapters once a week or even once every other week, or sometimes even faster, the reality is, the speed we select is probably more about keeping our readers along for the ride while keeping potential new readers from growing more and more intimidated to try to catch up with each new chapter posted. An average of a month seems to fit the goldylocks zone there.
In the beginning of an SG, you want to leave chapters open for at least a couple weeks to give readers a chance to catch on. Then, down the road, when you are past the point that you can expect to get more readers, it may be time to speed up a bit, but not toooo fast, because you still need your readers to have time to catch up to the latest before you want to move on.
To me, this is not the job of the site leaders to determine how fast sgs should be posted - that's the author's preference. And we all play with ways to make our sgs more attractive. But the reality is, if we want a more active site, its up to each of us, individually, to READ other SGs, catch on to them and add your voice to their DPs. THAT shows activity. And the faster we, as READERS, react to chapters being posted on our favorite tales, the faster we will inspire the author to post the next chapter.
_________________
CHAPTER 25: Near-Light Speed (NEW CHAPTER! (12/4/2011))
Zephyrrr! And...
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Vishal Muralidharan
Respected Citizen
Joined: 24 Aug 2010
Posts: 867
Location: City Of IF!
Items
Legends
Fables
508 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Ah HA!... Im the fastest of the top 5!
But still, I agree that speed is killing the city. Making people wait would just end up in a much slower and less interactive web forum.
I would like to be faster with my stories, but unfortunately, I live in a place with massive influence of culture and spiritualism, which takes up half my time. Also, I don't have a fixed time for the suggestion phase. Once I feel, I have enough (good) suggestions, I start a one week poll.
This way suggestion periods can end in a few days or atmost 1 and a half weeks, and then I have a one week poll.
BUUT here's the good news. I am COMPLETELY free for the next 2 months (I would have been completely busy if I was a farmer), and I will try to make my SG faster. Of course, in these two months, there will be a lot of visiting, and ceremonies held, but I am sure I can speed up.
_________________
The eyes are useless if the mind is blind.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Lebrenth
Honored Citizen
Joined: 29 Dec 2005
Posts: 1483
Location: Utah
Items
Legends
Fables
1007 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 8:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
Good advice, Vishal. Waiting for posts usually works pretty well. I think there is an advantage still to have a set schedule, that way participants know when to expect another chapter, ready or not. It encourages regular participants to post within a definite amount of time rather than just when they happen to wander in. It also encourages participants because they like to know when to expect another chapter. It becomes a promise the author makes repeatedly, and if the author follows through, he gains credibility. When you're following a storygame, you like to know it will get somewhere, and the only way you can be assured of this is if the author maintains credibility and doesn't break promises.
By the way, your daily activities from the glimpse you just gave us sounds extremely interesting. You should tell us more about yourself and your culture.
_________________
Welcome To Purgatory - current storygame
Please visit my Library of completed works.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Vishal Muralidharan
Respected Citizen
Joined: 24 Aug 2010
Posts: 867
Location: City Of IF!
Items
Legends
Fables
508 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 8:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
Almost Midnight here.... I love telling people about myself ... when Im not sleepy though..
_________________
The eyes are useless if the mind is blind.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Muaddib
Comrade
Joined: 31 Dec 2004
Posts: 1765
Items
Legends
Fables
651 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 8:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I want to restart this debate. Come up with more ideas. Apart from improving the site, how else could we attract more members?
I'm really intrigued by the process by which people actually first find the site. I remember there used to be a thread asking," how did you find this site?". A lot of people had been looking for MMORPGs.
I'm not entirely clear on how a site can show up on different google keyword searches but maybe tweaking that around a bit could land us some more visitors.
Also, my own recollection of the City's previous avatar, Interfable, is that there were fewer but more active members. I remember that even my poorly written stories would get a dozen replies within a day of posting. I'm keen on finding out the reason for why that's changed.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Andolyn
Mayor's Ambassador
Joined: 18 Apr 2011
Posts: 852
Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...
Items
Legends
Fables
1578 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 12:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
you know...just a thought...and a disclaimer: this is all i will say on the topic, i wont be visiting this or any of the other threads on the topic hereafter, but if we spent HALF of the time we WASTED in here debating this stuff and the crap drama on some of the other threads READING and COMMENTING on the SGs ((which, correct me if i'm wrong are the PURPOSE of this site??)) this thread wouldnt even exist. it wouldnt have to. every time i sign on it seems, there's a new person, but they never stay very long...why? BECAUSE NO ONE BOTHERS TO HELP THEM OR KEEP UP WITH THEIR STORIES. why?? BECAUSE THEYRE TOO WRAPPED UP IN TEARING EACH OTHER APART OR DEBATING POINTLESS TOPICS.
SHAPE UP IF!! if you dont, we'll all fall apart! and another hint?? the shaping up starts at the TOP. our LEADERS need to come together so that the rest of us can.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Cyberworm
Respected Citizen
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 652
Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.
Items
Legends
Fables
726 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 4:10 am Post subject: |
|
|
Lyn, that's right on the spot.
But alas, I almost forgot about this thread, and am thinking of removing it. It was started a while ago during the last, similar situation.
Nevertheless, your point is very valid and solid.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Muaddib
Comrade
Joined: 31 Dec 2004
Posts: 1765
Items
Legends
Fables
651 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 5:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
It's my time to waste is it not?
Furthermore, I don't see how this thread can lead to people tearing each other apart. It's whole point is to discuss ideas to attract the attention of more people. Maybe the reason a lot of people sign up but don't participate actively is because we're going about something the wrong way.
But please if you feel that this thread is a waste by all means get rid of it.
EDIT: Also I may be missing something huge, but I just haven't seen any evidence of some huge fracas between members. Yes, there have been a few tiffs here and there but nothing too big. I don't think the problem is in-fighting between members, I think it's that small incidents are vastly exaggerated.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Cyberworm
Respected Citizen
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 652
Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.
Items
Legends
Fables
726 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 5:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
No, I had no such views, Muaddib.
I simply thought that this specific thread has done its purpose at the time it was created, during the last reduction of activity in IF, and I must deeply apologize here, for I only got the notification of Andolyn posting in the thread, and I have missed your post while viewing the thread in a hurry. In fact, I have not recieved notification of any reply other than the last one at the time, Andolyn's. I have not realized it became active again.
I sincerely apologize for my mistake.  I am glad you are restarting the thread and utilizing its existence, for otherwise it would really have no use.
You are correct in your observation that Interfable had less, but more active members. I see the goal here as to make the current members more active, rather than attracting new ones, but it would be wrong if we centered around just the present members.
So yes, we need all the members we have and can get. I suggest that we revive the other threads ourselves, dividing in two groups and concentrating one on new members, and one on the current members. 2 cents.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Muaddib
Comrade
Joined: 31 Dec 2004
Posts: 1765
Items
Legends
Fables
651 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 5:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
I like that idea. I was thinking something along the same lines. If there are like-minded people who are willing to commit (purely on an honor basis) to follow new and/or old stories then we can really get things going.
I'm currently very interested in :
1) Children of Leyond - Kalanna Rai
2) Death Day - PopeAlessandrosXVIII
3) Rotch - Tavanesh
4) Heavy Metal - Thunderbird
Obviously, if any more stories catch my fancy, I'll start following them as well.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Cyberworm
Respected Citizen
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 652
Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.
Items
Legends
Fables
726 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 6:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
I have started my mission of activeness by reading as much as I can squeeze in the day. Still quite a lot to go.
And this is posted by request from Tikanni Corazon, who is busy currently.
This is a message from the Fantasy Guildmistress, so take heed or fear my wrath! *waves magic fingers menacingly*
I'm entirely on the same wavelength as Muaddib and have actually been discussing this at length with a select few IFians, who have pledged to help me get this place thriving again. But, as it's now being spoken about by others, I'll take it to the rest of the city too. I've made a list of all the more recently active threads in all the SG forums (note, I've only put up storygames and not those in linear, meaning that those included have a suggestion phase and a poll). My friends and I are going to be doing as planned, and being as active as we possibly can and I urge you all to do the same. Any newbie that enters the city at the moment is going to walk straight back out again, due to the risk of dying of boredom.
There are some FABULOUS SGs on this list, and your lives will only be enriched by following them. So, without further ado, here they are! Please, enjoy them!!!
Active SGs
Fantasy Forest
Line of Kavanagh - Andolyn (4 chapters)
The Children of Leyond - Kalanna Rai (new)
The Tale of Strom - Tavanesh (new)
Dragon Tales Challenge - PopeAlessandrosXVIII (not the average SG, no chapters)
Beyond Good and Evil - Cyberworm (7 chapters + prologue)
SparkleSteps - Tikanni Corazon (16 chapters + prologue)
Is This Me? - PopeAlessandrosXVIII (7 chapters)
Tempora Crepusculi - Shillelagh (9 chapters)
IF Tales
Justice - Lilith and Tikanni Corazon (new)
The Night Before IFmas - Tatkret Sos (4 chapters)
Skiffiville
Murder in the Intergalactic Garden - Lebrenth (10 chapters)
Heavy Metal - Thunderbird (22 chapters + prologue)
Creepy Cave
Escaping Eternia - misterbiz (7 chapters)
Dark Horror
Control - Tainted Biohazard (3 chapters)
Kissing the Darkness - misterbiz (1 chapter + prologue)
Lover's Court
The Color of Sound - Andolyn (7 chapters)
Hate - Vikas Muralidharan (1 chapter)
Humor House
Rotch - Tavanesh (new)
Speedwriter's Square
Worms of the Wasteland - Lebrenth (1 chapter + prologue)
Run - Chinaren (26 chapters + intro)
Innovation Isle
The President's Family - D-Lotus (author is currently away, so this one won't be properly active until he returns) (5 chapters + prologue)
Ihniwid (sg in pictures) - Shillelagh (2 chapters)
Ye Immortals - Kalanna Rai (7 chapters + prologue)
Symphony's Requiem - Emperor (8 chapters)
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
Last edited by Cyberworm on Fri Feb 03, 2012 4:47 am; edited 2 times in total
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Emperor
Citizen
Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 471
Location: San Diego, CA
Items
Legends
Fables
596 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 10:39 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks for putting me on the list!!
_________________
A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. - Baltasar Gracian
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Tikanni Corazon
Honored Citizen
Joined: 25 Oct 2009
Posts: 1286
Location: Running through the plains of my mind, my wolf spirit at my side (but doing so in the UK!).
Items
Legends
Fables
918 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 10:49 am Post subject: |
|
|
Absolutely my pleasure, Emperor! Symphony has been one of my favourite tales on IF for quite a while now, and others can only benefit by reading it.
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
 
 
  
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Lebrenth
Honored Citizen
Joined: 29 Dec 2005
Posts: 1483
Location: Utah
Items
Legends
Fables
1007 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 10:03 am Post subject: |
|
|
I also approve of the list. Probably doesn't hurt that I'm on it and I love a little recognition, but besides that it helps to have a list of SG's to look into without worrying about reaching the last chapter and realizing it's inactive. Looking through people's favorites list can help too, though my list as well as many others I'm sure, is out of date by now.
_________________
Welcome To Purgatory - current storygame
Please visit my Library of completed works.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Tikanni Corazon
Honored Citizen
Joined: 25 Oct 2009
Posts: 1286
Location: Running through the plains of my mind, my wolf spirit at my side (but doing so in the UK!).
Items
Legends
Fables
918 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 6:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Glad you approve, Lebby! And I agree, it should prove very useful, if I do say so myself. *giggles*
As the Hall of Debate isn't really the place for this (not least because no one is going to know to look there for it ) it now has its own thread in the Auditorium. Thanks to all who've taken an interest already!
_________________
.... there is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham....
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1887
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Cremuex Levier
Resident
Joined: 31 Jan 2012
Posts: 72
Location: Armidale, Australia
Items
Legends
Fables
11 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 9:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
I'm new so I can't really talk, though the lack of activity is kind of worrying since I have a lot of enthusiasm right now and I can see the potential for some things. Mainly I'm a bit concerned that nobody is interested in the academic section where you can teach classes. I for one am excited about the opportunities to learn new things from new people or share in the communication of information that others might be passionate about.
I can here because of Pope's interview. I saw his signature advertising the City of IF ages before that though but never acted on it because, no offence to you Pope, having text that says 'Join the City of IF' and little information on it is kind of plain, boring and in every sense of the word uninteresting.
I see this as a place where there's something to do, something new to learn, new prospects, a new style of literature, a new community to explore and get to know; which isn't what I got from a line of text in someone's signature. Word of mouth helps a lot, and I assume that a persons friends would tend to have similar interests, though I highly doubt that hasn't been thought of yet. I'm just posting this before I go to bed since I've decided to stalk CyberWorms topics. I'll come back later and read through what's already been said properly and maybe make some new suggestions later.
The city already has a logo that they have for shirts, why not make that into a banner for people to put into a signature. Generally speaking I'm more attracted to banners with images then I am with just text.
I'm not sure if the problem is getting new people, keeping the new ones, keeping the old ones- I don't have any clue of the demographics and I can't make an educated deduction without looking deeper into it. Pope mentioned a lack of interest in the newsletter too about nobody doing the find-a-word and such, I don't know how profound this problem is.
_________________
Save Grargoth
Little Black Book (my art)
Homestuck RP
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Cyberworm
Respected Citizen
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 652
Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.
Items
Legends
Fables
726 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 10:54 am Post subject: |
|
|
I thought this topic was deceased, but alas it still runs without my attention. I'm sad to see it is a recurring topic. (So you're a stalker, huh? Never would've thought... )
Editing images is something I would extremely lean on if I wasn't in the stupid studying business. Digital photography/painting and editing is my not-yet-acted-upon passion. Sadly, my skills in such matters are limited to basic knowledge of the matter.
I could do sommething about banners though. I believe someone already did some banners, but I'll have to search the forums.
Oh, nevermind, found it while typing.
http://www.cityofif.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6483&highlight=banner
Lilith did those, and they are very useable. If there is a need for a more elaborate banner, we could definitely arrange something.
Hmmm... How about putting a vivid quote from a story for the people to read? Or maybe a slogan-ish line? Could tickle someone's imagination along the way. Maybe we could put multiple banners with different quotes and post them all over the place.
*is getting fired up*
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Kalanna Rai
Assassin for Hire
Joined: 21 Jan 2006
Posts: 3102
Location: The Frozen North
Items
Legends
Fables
2897 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2012 10:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I remember how I found IF. I was googling sites linked to greek mythology in school when I first discovered InterFable. At the time I wasn't about to join the site, but I kept it in the back of my mind for a while. A couple years later, I'm again searching for greek mythology and here pops up the City Of If. I didn't know at the time it was the same site but this time I figured I'd give it a go. Six years and I'm still here despite the sporadic absences that have claimed my attention.
I've recommended this place to friends, many have joined, one has stayed, and I link it in every signature page in every other website I sign up to. I had one person follow it here but sadly they too vanished off the face of the internet.
Honestly IF doesn't show up in any kind of writing or gaming tag. Or if it does, you've got to be digging. I'd look at getting us placed on Free List websites that detail good free websites to visit. We might get an influx of people we don't want for a while, but I'm fairly certain the very nature of IF will weed through them.
We might be a supportive community and we might be good people. But the folks coming here for reasons other than writing improvement and Choose Your Own Adventure stories will likely move on if they don't find the appeal. And if they do...isn't that what we're looking for? I'm not sure what it takes to get on one of those lists and I don't think I'm the person to look into it, I'm really bad at these sorts of things, but it's an idea.
_________________
"It's not just about living forever...the trick is living with yourself forever..."
"Music makes you braver."
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Cremuex Levier
Resident
Joined: 31 Jan 2012
Posts: 72
Location: Armidale, Australia
Items
Legends
Fables
11 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 3:20 am Post subject: |
|
|
Hee, didn't mean to resurrect this, I just didn't notice that the last post was in August of last year. I just think that a community is what holds a site up and if this thread aims as encouraging an active and friendly community, why not help in the endeavor?
I have read through the suggestions that I've missed and one thing that I've noticed is that I would like to update my story on a fortnightly basis, which is more then enough time for me to get some art done as well to make it more attractive. I've only had two people make suggestions but I'm fine with that. I check in every day at the very least, mostly checking in every couple of hours to see if anyone's posted anything.
As much as I don't really see what you can buy with the currencies of the site aside from a title to go with your username and a plot of land in the city of if I actually like how challenging it is to get the money here. Right now I'm just aiming at getting a plot of land so I can write up some study notes for the classes I'll hope to be teaching. That and owning a bit of IF just seems to be a worthy investment and a way to say "I've made my impact on the site".
I'm mainly only stalking though so I can find some stories to follow. I don't mind reading to catch up, I've read the twenty or so chapters from Pope's story just because I know them. Reading people's work just seems to give a bit of insight into what the person writes like, how the person writes, what there interests are.
I've done some PMing to meet some people and as a new member, despite not many people being online at the same time, everyone I've met so far has been lovely and helpful.
I've suggested the site to my boyfriend because he likes reading fanfics but according to him it's because he already knows the characters and the settings, where as starting a new story means he has to learn those things all over again and there's no familiarity about it.
I've had a bit of experience with roleplaying from table tops, live action role plays and quicker, multi-charactered literate role playing threads from other sites and that's what I'm used to. I'm used to having to check in every day in case someone has posted a response and needs character interaction- even though on here it tries to steer away from being too dependent on an individual in particular I feel that helps you get to know people and make friends a bit more easily. Tomorrow though I'm going to a LARP that I do based on the white wolf's World of Darkness- I play two of their genre's (Changeling and Requiem). I should be able to do a speil about the site to see if anyone is interested in a literate role playing/ story telling site. Most of them play pathfinder or Dungeons and Dragons so there might be a few nibbles of interest, though at Easter we're hosting the National World of Darkness Games for Australia so I might be able to put some pamphlets in the welcome bags for the site too. I would just feel guilty joining a site and then seeing it die :/
So far I've only read two stories but I've read them all the way through and this is my first post for the day so I might read some more before the day is done. That'll be my hit of activity for the site.
I haven't joined any guilds which I'm interested in simply because I can't find the damn things to check out which ones I might be interested in.
I know it's kind of the norm to only have one character through the stories and to focus purely on them but I'm interested in seeing how it would work with multiple characters that you can get to choose what to do with. Like say there are three characters... you can choose to make one have a crush on another one, you can make them hate each other, you can make one stay behind and call for help, you can make one follow the bad guy, you can make one charge into the heat of battle- I just feel there'd be so much more option with more then one character being the focus of the story. Not so much that it would be difficult to keep track of the characters and what they do, but the more frequent suggestions would stand as their own vote since I don't think you can have more then one poll at a time and extra voting would only work to slow down the story even more.
I haven't seen any in fighting so far and this topic is about bringing the community together for the benefit of the community not arguing and tearing the site apart. I'm not sure who said that but I literally rolled my eyes at the comment. You can have a discussion with more then one opinion or point of view and not be at each others throats, this is a mature site isn't it? We're all reasonably mature adults and when we're immature it's because it's called for, like if someone farts loudly in the middle of an exam when the whole hall is dead silent.
Oh my, I think I've rambled long enough, I might go check out some other threads now, ciao!
_________________
Save Grargoth
Little Black Book (my art)
Homestuck RP
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Muaddib
Comrade
Joined: 31 Dec 2004
Posts: 1765
Items
Legends
Fables
651 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 4:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Cremieux, you wouldn't believe how many times this discussion has arisen in various forms. I blame the ennui on facebook.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Cyberworm
Respected Citizen
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 652
Location: Spatially found, temporal lockdown.
Items
Legends
Fables
726 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 4:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
Glad to have you in this one, Rai. I missed hearing your straightforward and efficient suggestions. Indeed, the site was a hard one to find for me as well. I was actually searching for online roleplaying in the style of D&D, and after about 5-6 pages it brought me here. Can't say I ever had any regrets.
Posting the site on a free site reviewer's list sounds like a very good idea. The more this site is talked about, the more people will hear about it. All that is left is rooting out the chaff from the wheat.
@Cremuex: The "at their throats" part really depends on the individuals. One of them in an argument is plenty. That's why we resolve to civil communication in every possible way.
One of the reasons why I accepted the position in the Speed Section was to make it a springboard for writing other stories, meaning the fast-paced writers would be transferred there, write a bunch of things, and eventually get an idea for that big novel they had. And boom, other sections get higher quality stories.
Seems legit.
I'm all in for roleplaying, since it stirs one's imagination. We need to tickle people's muses a bit. They're stubborn, but it'll have to be so. If people start enjoying the site as they did again, they'll eventually start talking about it. The 'word of mouth' line of advertising is set. Hmm... Do you think that making it viral would be a bit much?
Even if it's not viral, advertising to and through the people you know is still the best way, since it shows the site's credibility and quality, instead of it being "Dude, I'ma writing storyz on a cool site, lulz!".
I have nothing against an occasional firecracker in the team, but every one of us could fit into that role.
All that said, what would be a good free advertising site, if there is such a thing? There are review sites, but I don't know the details of getting them to do a review for a site.
Hmmm... I set up a mediafire account for myself, and I think that we should designate a person to make an official IF account for sharing music and pictures. It would be relatively easy since it's free, not shut down by PIPA and SOPA, and has multiple downloads available at the same time. I presume their servers are not in America, which is a good thing these days.
Saying that, putting music and pictures on a sharing site would make it easier for people to start voicing stories and having whole sets of art in a single file. It can be set to private, and only the persons you choose would have access through PMs.
I started voicing Tika's SparkleSteps, and though it's sometimes hard to do, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm going to finish it and then, if she gives the permission to do so, will start a voicing section. It'll be a blast. XD There were already singing projects involved, though singers are rare here and with their absence, it died. Well, we'll see about that when the time comes.
_________________
Slit and Slide
One man's journey through the possibilities of solving what he says is a murder. What was it? Try not to forget.
Beyond Good and Evil
Could it be that being good is not good at all?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Andolyn
Mayor's Ambassador
Joined: 18 Apr 2011
Posts: 852
Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...
Items
Legends
Fables
1578 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 7:59 am Post subject: |
|
|
oh...this post again. XD things you miss when you're gone a couple of days...
Cremuex, i'm not sure where you found the stat about the last post being in August...but i think if you do some searching in the SGs themselves, you'll find MisterBiz posted a new chapter yesterday in his Escaping Eternia, my Line of Kavanagh got a new chapter the 9th of January (and will be polling soon), mine & MisterBiz's collaboration, Fading Immortality got a chapter the 24th (and only has had one suggestion...) and Tikanni Corazon's Sparkle Steps got a new chappie the 23rd...those are just a few of the new postings. I'm not denying that our activity is down. it has been since the spring, really, but August is a bit of a stretch.
I do love all the ideas you all have as far as technical ways to spread the word about If. the key will be having someone actually act on it instead of simply talking about it as we've always done in the past. Cremuex, you seem to be rather tech savvy from what little i've seen of you, do you think you could look into setting up some things like what's been mentioned? maybe you and Cy could partner on that.
i do apologize for my absence the past few days...i'll not bore you with the details, but HOPEFULLY, Monday will be the end of it. thank you all for sticking with this.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
HalfEmptyHero
Headmaster of the Academy
Joined: 16 Feb 2009
Posts: 342
Location: Where rolls the Oregon, and hears no sound
Items
Legends
Fables
423 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 10:14 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Andolyn wrote: |
Cremuex, i'm not sure where you found the stat about the last post being in August... |
She meant the last post in this thread
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Andolyn
Mayor's Ambassador
Joined: 18 Apr 2011
Posts: 852
Location: sitting barefoot in a tree in the beautiful land of Ardara, writing my tales...
Items
Legends
Fables
1578 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 10:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
| teeheeehee...i knew that. XD
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Vikas Muralidharan
Respected Citizen
Joined: 29 Aug 2010
Posts: 600
Items
Legends
Fables
581 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 8:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Wow... that was a suprising revival.
I've really liked most of what's been said here. Cy, Im already on setting the mediafire account (mind you, its only a trial, a free account). So, yeah, it only has the basic features.
Banners are a good idea... we need to get working on those. Or maybe even a video that we could shoot for use as an ad. Just a few thoughts. I'll post a few more in sometime.
_________________
Vikas Muralidharan
Be sure to read HATE in Romance section
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Cremuex Levier
Resident
Joined: 31 Jan 2012
Posts: 72
Location: Armidale, Australia
Items
Legends
Fables
11 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 10:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Oh, yes, something I forgot to mention in the above post; I couldn't actually use that link to the banners, it took me to a page that said "The topic or post you requested does not exist"
I could try my hand at some, however the programs I have are very basic. Like, microsoft paint basic @.@ Although Paint Tool Sai has layers, a one up on MS Paint, it doesn't have a text box for letters and typing.
I'm not sure why I come off as tech savvy but I thank you for the kind words. Depending on just what it is that's been mentioned that I can help with I'll have to have a think through. I will however send the delightful Cyberworm a PM concerning what might be done to boost activity. Right now though I must be off to Camarilla for some LARPing and a little spiel on the site, I'm not sure how much attention it'll get but any publicity is good publicity I suppose.
_________________
Save Grargoth
Little Black Book (my art)
Homestuck RP
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Vikas Muralidharan
Respected Citizen
Joined: 29 Aug 2010
Posts: 600
Items
Legends
Fables
581 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 11:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Mediafire account created.
When do we start uploading?
_________________
Vikas Muralidharan
Be sure to read HATE in Romance section
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
sagittaeri
Scifi/Experimental Mod
Joined: 05 May 2012
Posts: 367
Items
Legends
Fables
1341 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 3:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I'm going to revive this topic.
For a site to be successfully active, I suggest (in my humblest of opinions, even though my tone below many not indicate so) it must:
1. Allow easy participation. While SGs are the best things ever (in my opinion), it requires a lot of effort to participate. We need more alternative activities for the times we are too mentally drained for anything heavy. There are already some good activities here, like debates and word games. Personally, I love debating anything controversial, like gun control, abortion, freedom of speech, etc. These stuff can keep me on the site until I'm mentally ready to participate in SGs again. It can also build relationships within the site, which increases site-loyalty and participation rate.
2. Have some form of advertising. I don't use Facebook or Twitter, so I'm really quite ill-equipped to advertise. But, everyone else should have the ability to easily announce activities on this site on social media. For example, "Story X: Chapter 3 is now voting! (link)" or "This new chapter is awesome! (link)" as a tweet or a Facebook wall message with a single click within the site. This will increase the exposure of this site dramatically. Nowadays, people rarely actively search for anything they want anymore...they expect it to be advertised in front of them. This is what advertising has done to our society, so, unfortunately, everyone else has to follow suit.
3. Ease of use. Yet another thing people now simply expect. They don't want to "work" to get the entertainment they want. So, there might be a few things we can do to make it simpler for users of the site. For example, I wouldn't quite have so many categories of SG, and I would use tags to describe the features of a story. As an extreme example, I would lump "scifi" and "fantasy" into the same category, and everything else as "general fiction". Of course, this system works better if we also allow "tags" to be attached onto stories, e.g. mystery, horror, romance, comedy, adventure, short, epic, adult, and etc. The technical implementation wouldn't be easy though, because this means we'll want to be able to browse/filter stories based on tags. Moreover, we should also implement a simple rating system (e.g. 10 people starred this story). We want new users to be able to find the best SGs quickly. Once properly hooked, they'll also start looking at the new unstarred ones.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Jack_D.Mented
Respected Citizen
Joined: 22 Jan 2006
Posts: 958
Location: Hiding out in the woods of Washington
Items
Legends
Fables
74 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 10:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
I think our biggest problem is that, as a society, people are getting lazy. Writing is seen as a chore and reading is seen as a drag.
It also becomes difficult to draw new readers in once your SG starts getting some length in chapters. I've been guilty of that one before. "Dear Christ... 25 chapters? Not reading that right now."
One of the easiest ways to fix that problem is to edit your initial post on the SG with synopsis at the very beginning, and to update it each chapter or two. I used to use that approach, and people really seemed to respond well.
Another idea I had was to allow links from a site like playlist.com, where authors could set up playlists of tracks that they think would compliment their SGs well. If a person is going through stories, and they hit upon a song they like, it may help convince them to stick around and read a bit more. It's kind of little preview of what to expect for mood or tone, kind of how a film's soundtrack always comes out first.
I would also say that a redesign of the initial cityofif.com page would be a good idea. It has remained almost exactly the same since I first joined, long ago. I think if we immediately had a login/register bar instead of a link, it would be a help for the chronically lazy. I also think some more color/ pictures on the initial page would be good too. Perhaps an exciting playlist there? And instead of doing a summary of one story on there, perhaps we could do several exciting excerpts from some recent stories? Have a representative of each section posted up, the best from each genre to draw people in.
I think that it would pretty cool if major genre had its own distinct look. For instance, instead of the metallic for fantasy, a papyrus look. Some neon green piping for sci-fi and maybe some blood dripping for horror.
I think we should start doing more awards and achievements. We could have one called "Trifecta" for writers who have active SGs in all three big genres. I think we should encourage people to do crossover stories and RPs where we can have characters from each other's stories interact with one another. There could be some awards for that and for activity and for having multiple SGs running at once in one genre. Make puns with known author names for some of those. For instance, if someone is running three horror SGs at once, the acheivement could be "All Hail the (Stephen) King" or for the fantasy genre "The Tolkienator" and "(Orson Scott) Card Shark."
Those are just some rough ideas I have. Any feedback?
_________________
Eadgar's Saga Chapter 2 POLL
Abattoir Chapter 2!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
Lebrenth
Honored Citizen
Joined: 29 Dec 2005
Posts: 1483
Location: Utah
Items
Legends
Fables
1007 Strata-gems
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2013 1:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I like the enthusiasm, but I would focus more on keeping the users already here instead of getting more users. People aren't just lazy these days, they've always been lazy. Unless they find value in something, they won't work through it. If reading and writing is a chore, why do it?
Making a storygame of high enough quality to compete against movies and video games takes a lot of work; it's more work than any of us really want to consider. Mostly we, as authors, are trying to entertain ourselves when we write a storygame. We expect to crank out a chapter in 1 to 2 hours or its not worth it. Even a simple half hour television show that appears once a week will likely have a staff of writers working feverishly to make it the best it can be. And that's not counting the research and study and efforts that went into becoming a professional writer in the first place.
I guess I'm just saying that if you're an author writing for yourself instead of your audience, you shouldn't expect much. Be happy you have a forum to put your stories into and if you have any readers, show them some love. If you really want readers, write for them. Make outlines and character summaries. Let other writers proofread your work before you post it. Ask your readers what they're looking for, and take the old Author's Advice: "REVISE, REVISE, REVISE".
If there was any money to be had from storygames, I'm sure we'd see much better quality. In the meantime, we need martyrs to sacrifice their time for nothing more than the occasional compliment.
_________________
Welcome To Purgatory - current storygame
Please visit my Library of completed works.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
