Myths, mistruths and a well oiled publicity machine

[freddy]

shut up stu.

You don't think that dismissive comments like the above might have something to do with the lack of new members?

no not really. Stu made a silly post, I dismissed it due to it being silly. I'd say they're a healthy part of the way this forum works. If the site was truly ghastly stu would have been banned ages ago or he'd have flounced off in a huff.

I'd say we're not overly more offensive than posts you get on TVForum, the only difference being the lack of a swear filter meaning you get a few more naughty words.

Plus for all the snipey comments you might get on here, there's plenty of healthy chat to balance it out.

So no, I don't really think that it does. Although clearly you do, so please explain as I'm interested.

Thanks for your reply.

Speaking from an outsider's point of view, I can honestly say that Metropol doesn't present itself as a particularly friendly forum. There are certain individuals who seem to be continuously hounded, and reporting on posts or members from TVF and ridiculing them makes this place (to me) seem very hostile. I truly believe that this puts people off joining.

Just my 10p worth, but I do feel that the current tone of Metropol is not very attractive.

[Nini]

I don't agree, we do hound certain people but they don't run off crying never to return so we're not half as bad as we're made out. We could be friendly and we are but we shouldn't have some form of rule forcing people to be ultra nice and never say anything that could be considered offensive or an attack. Can't change that dynamic, same as it used to be in The Lounge and is something inherent to what makes Metropol a savage, mailce-filled bitches' playground.

The TVF thread, that will not go anywhere and nor will the DS thread, they're really the main hostile elements but unless you expect everyone to be all happy smiley every single post then you might have come to the wrong place.

[Nick Harvey]

I think the biggest problem we have, here at Metroplop, is that the regulars (call them 'the clique' if you like, but it's not a word I would choose) have been around long enough to know instinctively when other regulars are joking and when they're being serious.

Newcomers often seem to either think that a serious comment is meant to be joke, or far more often, take a joking comment as being totally serious. Either way, there's a breakdown in communication and the newcomer feels unwelcome.

It is true that a large number of the regulars do seem to have migrated together purely because of their advanced and very dry humour which they quickly recognise in each other.

I think new members who either haven't got a sense of humour at all, or pretend not to have one, will find life difficult here, probably won't fit in and might be better not sticking around.

[Nini]

I think new members who either haven't got a sense of humour at all, or pretend not to have one, will find life difficult here, probably won't fit in and might be better not sticking around.

We have some which fit that perfectly, just they won't leave even though life is difficult for them here.

[Jake]

I have to say that when I first joined I immediately understood the tone of the forum, and that like on any internet forum, it's no use taking anything seriously. I haven't posted much since I joined but thats more down to me not feeling the need to contribute.

Perhaps we could lure over some members by twisting Asa's arm to give us some more publicity "over there". Perhaps just a brief summation of your initial post as a sticky in TV Home?

[Pete]

We have some which fit that perfectly, just they won't leave even though life is difficult for them here.

but then that's part of the fun, it surely shows they enjoy the humour if perhaps tending to be the butt of it more often than dishing it out.

Perhaps we could lure over some members by twisting Asa's arm to give us some more publicity "over there". Perhaps just a brief summation of your initial post as a sticky in TV Home?

I'm sure we could get something out of the powers that be, the question is what is the best way to go about it?
We could always offer him £2 and a bag of sweets to block book the banner ad at the top of the page

I'm wary of the "sticky saying join metro" approach, as it seems a bit rubbish and blunt, surely a charm offensive would be best.

[Nini]

We have no charm but we're downright offensive.

[Nick Harvey]

We have no charm but we're downright offensive.

Speak for yourself, ratbag!

[Netizen]

I don't recall ever sending you a PM, and I have no idea what your MSN account is.

My mistake, it was hours not minutes and you sent me your msn.

Sent at: Thu Oct 18, 2007 12:41 am
From: StuartPlymouth
To: Netizen
Message me on [email protected] of u got MSN

Anyhoo, this isn't helping anyone so I'll leave it there.

[Stuart*]

I'm wary of the "sticky saying join metro" approach, as it seems a bit rubbish and blunt, surely a charm offensive would be best.

I doubt many here are capable of 'charm' as a persuasive tactic, they can see the board now, and might be scared away.

It tooks me months to persuade davidmcg to join! :roll:

[Pete]

It tooks me months to persuade davidmcg to join! :roll:

how did you convince him in the end? what were his fears?
(obv that's directed at david too, whenever he logs on again)