Lady Vulpix has been promoted.

[Austrian ViceMaster Alex]

Well, what can I say beside congratulations.

[SystematicRevolution]

Kris - Well if you adblock the banner, how are you supposed to know?

[Angel Blossom]

How are new members expected to know that the banner leads to the website though? You can't expect them to just chance upon it; most people visiting this place for the first time would probably think that we're just a discussion forum and move along at first sight. -_-

Maybe adding a little message to the banner like "Click Here to Visit the Website" would help people see we're more than just a discussion forum, but that's only a short term remedy until most people start discovering the website first before the forum (rather than the other way around).

[Systematic Revolution]

Well, most people who are familiar with the internet know that banners typically lead somewhere when clicked upon.

I do agree that there should probably be something stating that the banner leads to the main site, though. Just for the sake of making it clear to everyone, not just those adventurous enough to go clicking around.

[Lady Vulpix]

I can't help but be curious about the adminning process... Something needed to be done that only an admin can do, but rather than contact the other 2 admins you go to the webmaster who literally hasn't posted in like 7 years (who didn't respond to you for several months anyway) ... ?? What about LP and Chris? Where the hell is Chris anyway, I just looked and he had a grand total of 7 posts in 2008, and none in 2009. I dunno, I like Chris and all but it seems like based on what has happened a replacement would have made more sense. But it was more likely a "bah, eff it. here." response from Kevin which seems pretty in character for him.

I dunno what I'm rambling about, this is what happens when neopets goes down.

PS there is way too much pink font in this thread I'm getting confused.

Why does pink font confuse you? I'll type my reply to you in white and then go back to pink.

Like Zak said, none of the admins could do the necessary modding and demodding until the bug was fixed, and fixing the bug was something only the webmaster could do. It required fixing some configuration files on the server. Suzie and Chris were both aware of the problem but couldn't do anything about it. And I don't know what Chris is doing right now, the last e-mail I got from him was in March (and all he said in that e-mail was that he couldn't fix the bug).

When I contacted Kevin about the problem, I was expecting he'd just fix the bug and let Suzie take care of the rest. He decided that I should do it instead, probably because I was already there talking to him and telling him what needed to be done. My promotion came as a surprise to me as well.

Now back to pink. Thanks, Zak, Becca, SR and Alex. I hope activity does pick up. Old members seem to be returning, so that's probably a good sign. Of course, their presence here isn't my doing and I'm not going to take credit for it, but I'll try to do my part to keep up the activity on the forum, and if everyone does the same things may start picking up.

I think that if Zak has made it to the main site through the banner, others may do the same. I think Jeff had a good idea. And I like how the chat has now become active. Oddly enough, no one seems to have followed the link on the navigation bar, but that link may have served to remind people that the chat existed, and then they started inviting others.

I think the main site could use some more content. I wish I could help more with that, but I don't even own the games. In any case, if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.

[Telume]

Why does pink font confuse you? I'll type my reply to you in white and then go back to pink.

Like Zak said, none of the admins could do the necessary modding and demodding until the bug was fixed, and fixing the bug was something only the webmaster could do. It required fixing some configuration files on the server. Suzie and Chris were both aware of the problem but couldn't do anything about it. And I don't know what Chris is doing right now, the last e-mail I got from him was in March (and all he said in that e-mail was that he couldn't fix the bug).

When I contacted Kevin about the problem, I was expecting he'd just fix the bug and let Suzie take care of the rest. He decided that I should do it instead, probably because I was already there talking to him and telling him what needed to be done. My promotion came as a surprise to me as well.

Now back to pink. Thanks, Zak, Becca, SR and Alex. I hope activity does pick up. Old members seem to be returning, so that's probably a good sign. Of course, their presence here isn't my doing and I'm not going to take credit for it, but I'll try to do my part to keep up the activity on the forum, and if everyone does the same things may start picking up.

I think that if Zak has made it to the main site through the banner, others may do the same. I think Jeff had a good idea. And I like how the chat has now become active. Oddly enough, no one seems to have followed the link on the navigation bar, but that link may have served to remind people that the chat existed, and then they started inviting others.

I think the main site could use some more content. I wish I could help more with that, but I don't even own the games. In any case, if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.

Oddly enough some of the people I invited followed that Navbar link . But Hey, don't be disappointed no one followed it. It helped.

[Lady Vulpix]

Maybe adding a little message to the banner like "Click Here to Visit the Website" would help people see we're more than just a discussion forum, but that's only a short term remedy until most people start discovering the website first before the forum (rather than the other way around).

Any ideas on where to put the message?

[The_Missing_Link]

Actually, I always click on the top banner to take me back to the main forums and honestly, I'm kind of pissed that it takes me to the main site now (only because I have to remember to click on the other link now)

[Lady Vulpix]

OK, apparently there's no way to please everyone. Shall we make a poll to decide what exactly should be on the top of the forum? (Banner/s, message/s, link/s...)

[Phoenixsong]

Actually, I always click on the top banner to take me back to the main forums and honestly, I'm kind of pissed that it takes me to the main site now (only because I have to remember to click on the other link now)

I find it a little annoying for the same reason. I mean, I agree that it's a nice way to draw attention to it, but I also know that some visitors just get annoyed if the link they click doesn't take them where they expect it to--and I'm pretty sure that most people would expect the banner at the top of the forum to link to the forum index.

I don't know if you have full access to all areas of the administration panel, but perhaps the link to the main site could be added to the navbar along with the chat? And there's a link down at the bottom of the forum that says "The PokéMasters" and currently links to the forum index; that sort of link, on the other hand, is generally one that leads back to the main site. (Technically it does point to pokemasters.net, but as that's still just a redirect...) An announcement can also be made that will draw people's attention to the main site... better yet, you should be able to create a new forum that acts as a redirect, place it above General Discussion for maximum visibility, and have the redirect point to the .tk site.

It is also possible to have a logo that links to more than one place like an image map. Pokécommunity does this with several of its forum skins, for example, though I don't know the first thing about skinning vB and so couldn't tell you how to go about doing that if you don't already know.

Anyway, congrats, Gabi.

[Jeff]

Good points Phoenixsong. I agree that the banner should be changed back to point to the forum index. It seemed like a good idea at the time to link it to the main site, but I just realized that's a pretty bad violation of the rule of least astonishment.

Having a forum redirect to the site is the way to go since it will actually be more visible.

[Zak]

Whenever I want to return to the forum index, I just click a link near the top of the page (where it says The PokeMasters Forums > The PokeMasters > Miscellaneous Stuff). Just a habit. I also adblock everything that I don't want on my screen, which includes forum banners as well usually. <3 Adblock!

We need to be discoverable through Google, Yahoo! and whatnot if we want to increase activity, and we can only really do that if the main website reflects these changes. I didn't know the banner redirected to the main website, and if I didn't know, how would new members know?

Yes, "The PokeMasters Forums" is what I click now, but you'd be surprised at how many regular forum-frequenters usually click the top banner (not just here, everywhere) to go to either the main index or site.

And like Becca said, it's gotten to be quite a habit for me clicking the banner I'm still not even used to it. But yes, for now we just have to rely on people to chance upon it which a lot of people will because of the banner thing. But you know the project is far from over, Kris, you can't exactly expect us to magically make ourselves be among the first ten Google results in one day or one button.

But as you see we have been getting a lot of new members coming to talk about HG/SS and Platinum and what not. It did surprise me as well at first cause I've gotten used to seeing this place as a hang-out for old members who are over Pokemon, but over the last year it has become more Pokemon-oriented. You'd be surprised if you frequented the Pokemon forums. I'd imagine you're not into it as much anymore, but have you even ventured into them since you've been back?

[shazza]

The amount of times I've clicked the banner by habit, only to be led to the main site...

FUCK!

[Angel Blossom]

Yes, "The PokeMasters Forums" is what I click now, but you'd be surprised at how many regular forum-frequenters usually click the top banner (not just here, everywhere) to go to either the main index or site.

And like Becca said, it's gotten to be quite a habit for me clicking the banner I'm still not even used to it. But yes, for now we just have to rely on people to chance upon it which a lot of people will because of the banner thing. But you know the project is far from over, Kris, you can't exactly expect us to magically make ourselves be among the first ten Google results in one day or one button.

But as you see we have been getting a lot of new members coming to talk about HG/SS and Platinum and what not. It did surprise me as well at first cause I've gotten used to seeing this place as a hang-out for old members who are over Pokemon, but over the last year it has become more Pokemon-oriented. You'd be surprised if you frequented the Pokemon forums. I'd imagine you're not into it as much anymore, but have you even ventured into them since you've been back?

I still think a small message to go with the banner couldn't hurt to show people that we actually have a website, don't you think?

If we're serious about this TPM revival project and manage to get all the content up sooner rather than later, then we can compete with WPM, Serebii and whoever else for hits. We don't have access to all the insider information they do, but that doesn't matter. As long as we make a serious attempt to compete with them, it wouldn't be hard at all to rank high in Google.

Also, I have played Pokemon Platinum until the end actually. I also intend on helping out with HGSS content, so nyah. XD

[abunaidesu]

it's pretty pathetic when your competition are subordinates such as spp and wpm

[Zak]

The amount of times I've clicked the banner by habit, only to be led to the main site...

FUCK!

^^^^^

Also while that's probably true about having to compete with WPM, it's really time to face the facts and admit that SPP is and has always been a hard site to compete with for anyone, except for when it's down and not by any means pathetic. Dislikable reputation, sure, but it's a joke to say that it's pathetic in competition. If it weren't for SPP having content first all the time, yes, it probably would be a pathetic slam-worthy site, but that's the important factor here. Not like anyone would expect kiyone to understand that, though

[Lawrence III_Fanatic]

Although I haven't been here for the process, congrats!

And..

I agree very much with shazza and Zak on the banner. That thing has confused me nonstop the past few days. I always expect to return to the forum index, and it seems like a lot of others are feeling that way. I mean.. it's swell to have a quick link to the main site, but for convenient (lazy?) navigational purposes, a link back to the forum index just feels right. It makes forum browsing nice and.. smoooooth.

[Zak]

Although I haven't been here for the process, congrats!

And..

I agree very much with shazza and Zak on the banner. That thing has confused me nonstop the past few days. I always expect to return to the forum index, and it seems like a lot of others are feeling that way. I mean.. it's swell to have a quick link to the main site, but for convenient (lazy?) navigational purposes, a link back to the forum index just feels right. It makes forum browsing nice and.. smoooooth.

We have one, it's blue letters right under it that read "The PokeMasters Forums".

I'm still habitually clicking the banner sometimes, and I'm sure most of you are, but we'll get used to it eventually.

[Lawrence III_Fanatic]

We have one, it's blue letters right under it that read "The PokeMasters Forums".

Yes, that is what I have been using.. It's just a habit to click on a banner to get where I need to go. Not a big deal of course. Forum instinct can be adjusted.

[Systematic Revolution]

it's pretty pathetic when your competition are subordinates such as spp and wpm

WPM's existence makes me sad.

[Katie]

there's a main site?
*click*
there's a 12th movie?

[abunaidesu]

Does anyone remember when Joe said he was autistic?

[Zak]

I actually honestly don't. Remind me.

[Mikachu Yukitatsu]

I've got Asberger so I'm surprisingly close to Bjarni, in a way. Kids suffering from Autism often have Asperger as well. So please understand Asberger!!

[Angel Blossom]

^^^^^

Also while that's probably true about having to compete with WPM, it's really time to face the facts and admit that SPP is and has always been a hard site to compete with for anyone, except for when it's down and not by any means pathetic. Dislikable reputation, sure, but it's a joke to say that it's pathetic in competition. If it weren't for SPP having content first all the time, yes, it probably would be a pathetic slam-worthy site, but that's the important factor here.

You'd be surprised how easy it is to compete with PokeBeach. I know for a fact that WPM rips all of the pre-release information from Joe. In fact, I have a screenshot that somebody showed me about an hour ago of PokeBeach copying a deliberate error made by Joe about a HGSS Gym Leader's Pokemon. :/ Also, have you seen how popular PokeBeach is lately? It's booming. And, for a website that does all of these shady things, it really makes you wonder... It can't be that hard to compete with them, can it?

I've also been told that Joe is having a difficult time finding a HGSS ROM, despite quite a few people in Japan having access to the game already. It wouldn't be hard at all finding somebody who really hates Serebii.net and wants its competitors to have a serious advantage.

The real obstacle, however, is finding enough people here who are dedicated enough to the new website to update it rather frequently. ^^; Don't get me wrong; Jeff, Telume and all the others who helped with the revival project did a great job, but finding people with long-term dedication is an obvious shortcoming.

I'm sorry. I've really sidetracked this topic, haven't I? XD

[Lady Vulpix]

OK, the link to the forum on the banner is back by popular demand, and now there's an admittedly ugly link to the main site next to it. If you have better ideas, please let me know.

And there's a new HG/SS forum. Thanks to mr_pikachu and Number1ChanseyFan for the idea.

[Systematic Revolution]

I say put the link beneath the banner rather than beside it. And it should say "Click here to go to the main site"

[Lady Vulpix]

Is it better now?

[Drago]

Works better for me. I was clicking that sucker without fail.

[Lawrence III_Fanatic]

OK, the link to the forum on the banner is back by popular demand

Sweetness!

I'm enjoying the revised link format up there.

[Gavin Luper]

Works better for me. I was clicking that sucker without fail.

Me too! Force of habit.

Thanks, Gabi!

[Houndoom_Lover]

Hot damn! *licks Lady Vulpix* Now we're cooking with fire. I like our little banner, I noticed it right away.

I swear on my future grave I'll get the card of the week up this week. *grumbles* I have a computer problem like seriouslly once a week anymore

[Systematic Revolution]

Hot damn! *licks Lady Vulpix*

Hey, whoa, there are children present.

[Lune the Guardian]

Congrats, Gabi!

(Oh no, I broke my lurking status.)

[Lady Vulpix]

Thanks, Karin!

And thanks for going out of 'lurk' mode on the "posting spree" day.

[Houndoom_Lover]

My tongue is child friendly! ^w^

[Blademaster]

I didn't say congrats yet, did I? I mean, it's not really big news for me at all, but it IS good to have an active Admin around again.

I just ended a sentence with 4 consecutive words beginning with the letter 'A.' I do believe that's a new record.

[Systematic Revolution]

It has been done, Blademaster.

[DarkestLight]

Damn, That's good enough to be double sigged. XD.

[Systematic Revolution]