I've been thinking...it hurt a little...what is the opinion on us maybe doing some kind of advertisement for the site? I'm not talking about adds in the Sunday newspaper, I mean more like "name-dropping" at certain occasions...

Like for instance the upcoming expo, there will be hundreds of Tarantula enthusiasts all in one convenient location. If we can spread the word we could even double membership in a day? I know something like fliers/ posters would be ideal, but ultimately expensive but I'm sure we can come up with something?

The other reason this is important is that I've noticed multiple mentions of more experienced members from the old site not even registering on the new one or leaving it...isn't there some way to lure them back?

This is just spit-balling...it would be to the benefit of all involved if we could have as many members (from experienced to noobs)on here as we can. Any ideas fro drawing (Positive) attention to the site?

Sounds like a good idea. I know some members have had T-shirts with the old logo on it. Maybe someone can design a new one and we can all wear them at the expo. I know ill definitely buy and wear one.

Nero wrote:

I've been thinking...it hurt a little...what is the opinion on us maybe doing some kind of advertisement for the site? I'm not talking about adds in the Sunday newspaper, I mean more like "name-dropping" at certain occasions...

Like for instance the upcoming expo, there will be hundreds of Tarantula enthusiasts all in one convenient location. If we can spread the word we could even double membership in a day? I know something like fliers/ posters would be ideal, but ultimately expensive but I'm sure we can come up with something?

The other reason this is important is that I've noticed multiple mentions of more experienced members from the old site not even registering on the new one or leaving it...isn't there some way to lure them back?

This is just spit-balling...it would be to the benefit of all involved if we could have as many members (from experienced to noobs)on here as we can. Any ideas fro drawing (Positive) attention to the site?

As i said in the other thread, IMO this site has gone downhill recently. Been keeping spiders for 15 years and would consider myself one of the more experienced members. The only reason i joined this site was really to sell spiders that i might breed. People that know me, know that im always willing to help via email or a phone call but dont like the direction the hobby is going in sa, so dont comment on here anymore. I know lots of experienced members in the hobby that were on the site and trust me, they would never consider rejoining.

Ive only been keeping tarantulas for a little over a year and ive only been a member on this site for about a year. Even I have noticed the the decline of the site. Im still only a beginner so every bit of info is vital to me. I stay out of the fights and still enjoy reading most of the posts here.

I just think that we should at least try and promote the site or try and get it back to its former self. Without you experienced guys this wont be possible.

+1 Cerat

<puts on riot gear> :dry:

If i can be brutally honest ... with the current trend of disrespect between forum members i would not have the liberty to recruit people ...

if we "recruit" them because its a real passion for the growth of the hobby sure ...but if the site cannot function smoothly with the current member total i dont know if exponentially increasing it will neccesarily make it "better".

I agree people have to be helped and educated .. but look at it this way:

If you were a newbie that joined in the past month ...what would your opinion be of the "hobby" in SA? ...

I have also considered leaving the forum before in all honesty. There i have to agree with Cerat, its just not the same ... but for now stay because somewhere somehow we need to get our hobby out of its toddler tantrum shoes ...

A year ago i would have said YES to ads ...now ... i have my reservations ...maybe get the site back on its feet before throwing more into the lion's den :laugh: :laugh:

PLEASE NOTE ITS MY OPINION AS MEMBER NOT AS MOD!!! :S