So, Hogwarts: The Revolution just got revamped, and I’m having so much fun with it – the members I have right now are really supportive, and it’s great. But often, I can’t help but grow worried that it’ll begin to die again, because of the same reason: we had a small family at H:R, but it just wasn’t enough.

Well this time, I started thinking: perhaps there is a secret method to reeling in members that maybe I don’t know about. I mean, advertising definitely helps, but sometimes I wonder how those select few sites have like…1,000 members, and 20 active people at a time. And…yeah. I definitely want that. xD

Back in the days of H:R Version 1, I use to wonder if there was something wrong with the site itself; but this time around, I prefer not to think that way. I’m really proud of it. xD

But yeah, what do you guys think? Is there a special technique one can use to reel in members?

Is the site properly supportive of new members? When you get a close knit community like that, new members often have a hard time breaking in, especially if the site has a lot of back history from being open for a good period of time. It can be -very- daunting being the new person. I know, I was recently a new person on a site, and I wanted to run away just because I felt so lost from being new.

So you have to be very welcoming. Not just the administrative team, but the members too. And there needs to be a way that makes it as easy as possible for new people to fit into the game.

ETA: I love your layout, btw.

Thanks a lot! :D

Yeah, that's a really good idea. Sometimes, I feel a little lost too when I join new sites with a lot of history. D=

I'll definitely take your advice; we actually have directions to get new members started, so hopefully that helps out with the 'feeling lost' aspect.

I don't think there really is an answer. That's almost like asking the everlasting question: How do I lose weight? There really isn't 1 answer that fits everyone. Sure, there are ways to do it, but there isn't 1 answer that's a one-size-fits-all sort of thing, you know?

The best thing to do is advertise. When I first started making RPGs, I didn't advertise my site, however I only did it on large sites, such as where you get skins, etc. etc. But when I started to advertise on other sites, I got many views. Sure, advertising is a lot more complicated then people think it is, but it still works.

I think we all want that - I think that's everyone's goal here. But those people created a quality RPG, and they've worked their butt off for it. They've persevered. They've advertised. That's key to RPG - we're all just trying to do that ourselves.
However, I'm actually turned off by big sites like that. Seems too crowded for me, actually. I like a RPGs that seem like a family - that's why I would be attracted to your RPG more than I would with an RPG with a high count of members.
Another thing I will add: usually, most of those forums with the high member count in the very beginning are full of people who used to be on other forums together. It's just like, at some point (probably the stone age), they were all part of a forum, but when that died, they made a new one. Well, because they had so many people, other guests were like "Ooh! Lotsa people! This must be good!" So they join the pack. Then that one dies and they make a new one. Pretty soon, you've got this big crowd moving to forum to forum that die really quick. I can actually list a number of them right out of the top of my head. I really consider that a scam *shrug* It's not because the Admins actually tried - they're just all buddy-buddy.

So, after all my rambling...
Good luck!

http://rpg-directory.com/index.php?showtopic=8644

^ That topic has all my usual advice, but I'm not really that lazy...

I did take a look at your board, and it looks nice. Relaxed, friendly, it's just a matter of getting those delicious guesties out of the wild internets and onto your board. Dealing with such a popular fandom in the RPG world, I'm strongly suggesting topsites, and I've personally found a lot of value in having an advertising forum. Scary as it sounds to have guests coming and posting their links on yoru board, the benefits really do outweigh everything else... and you sound rather secure in knowing your board rocks hard enough that your members won't leave for something shinier.

Although I think you're doing fine, to be honest. It's just a matter of getting your name out there so people can't move an inch without seeing your link, peopel can't join a board they don't know about. XD It took me a solid year to get anywhere near 100 members.

So long as you believe in the board, and your members believe in you - the place will be a success. Trust me. :D

Thanks, Mousie! That was some really great advice. I did some advertising today, like you suggested; I'll just be patient with the site, and I'll see where things go. Thanks again!

I am not sure what you think about this idea or not. But have a section some where on the main page that shows either the top poster of the month or member of the month, or student of the month, teacher of the month. Something that makes it seem like the staff pays attention to the members. Plus it sometimes seems more inviting and more friendlier that way. At least that is how I feel when I see different sites and when I make my own members like it more when they have that plus it could give characters a boost in plots.

And also to try to get more cannons going for students and teachers. I know ghosts are fun but not a lot of people like playing ghosts because in the series ghosts didn't have such a strong and big role like the students and teachers have.

An easier way for Affiliation is if you just make a thread in your ad board that says Affiliate thread. That way all the site or guest has to do is fill out a little form or something and post the code to their button in it. Plus it makes their ads on your site seem more crisp. In that thread you may want to include your own button code so that way they can add it right away to their board without you having to worry about posting on their site.

I hope this helps. I will try to think of some other ways I have brought people in before. But mostly word of mouth is what got most of my members on my old site and by posting my ad on every rp site I saw. lol.

Jessica, I took your advice too - and the board looks great! I added a Student & Professor of the Month like you suggested; it even adds more to the feel of the board. I also added an affiliate form for other sites that are interested, and I made a lot more cannons available. I had a lot of fun making these new additions!