I have probably more to say here than anyone will want to read. TheJohnP posted something in the deals thread a few weeks ago and I just wanna echo that here. The site isn't going to improve drastically due to any change or little tweak that MOT makes to the site. Basically everything we need to make this forum exactly what we want is already here. The forum is all of us. And it will be no more or no less than what we make of it. How we choose to participate here will be the biggest factor in how this forum thrives or flounders. If you wanna see more JLC deals, search for and post JLC deals. Want more threads about vintage chronographs, start posting about them. You think nobody here knows a damn thing about grey market Tudor prices, become the expert yourself. You get the idea. Anyway, on with the list. Some of the things below I feel strongly about and some I don't...mere suggestions or brainstorming or a passing thought.
---- I agree about the need/desire to get on WatchRecon. When they said we were too small, I reached out to WatchPatrol. The owner seemed interested initially but since then he has ignored my multiple emails. He is aware of us and has MOT's contact info. I think it may be worth reaching out to WatchRecon periodically.
---- I would prefer to see Viglink gone. Unless of course it provides a great deal of support. In most cases it is not too intrusive but it still occasionally irks me. I hate seeing a link for fidget spinners or panty liners in sistem32s well-thought-out HH posts.
---- I think the Deal Reports subforum could be renamed slightly so people know what to post there. Deal Reports and Retailer Info...or something. Whatever lets people know that its the place to post reviews about not only specific deals but about certain sellers and sites too. Rather than ask "Is Gemnation trustworthy?" in the deals thread, people might know to post it there.
---- An Instagram account specifically for the site. I see some incredible photos going up in the WRUW and elsewhere. Someone could pick one or two a day and put them on IG. I don't have an IG account so I have know idea how much work this would be.
---- A sticky/thread/post/subforum/whatever with links to major online watch retailers....the places many of our deals come from. A one stop page with all the links might make it more likely for people to search for deals. Or maybe it could make a few pennies for the site. It might be good to have links to cash back sites here as well.
---- Is there an easier way to quote multiple posts? I finally found out a way in the preview mode but I wouldn't call it convenient. I like the format of this site waaayyy better than WUS but that was one of the things that was easier to do over there.
---- Another thing that was useful on WUS was that list of most liked posts on the top left when you open a thread. I never used it for the deals thread bc I went through it all. But for those 8 page long threads like "Show me you favorite white dial diver" you could could click on that list and see the best pics bc they had the most upvotes.
---- The search function here is so much better than at WUS, where it is incredibly bad (which is why people resorted to google to search the site for them). I just think maybe people should use the search function more. I also think it would be great if everyone tried their best to post the brand, model and reference of there deals if possible so these things are searchable later. When these things are part of a picture, they don't show up in search. If we put a requirement on it, people won't post as many deals. I just think it should be encouraged.
---- I think we need to reach out to more retailers to ask for MANONTIME discount codes. Myself included. I'll plan to reach out to at least 2 different sites in the next month.
---- I know there are already message boards and discussion areas on Kickstarter, but is there a way to get more "backers" and KS fans over here from there to discuss the KS campaigns? Not sure.
---- Similar to the one spot for all the retail sites it might be good to have a sticky with one giant list of links to watch publications, sites, and journals. I wouldn't mind putting it together. Maybe it could just be like any old thread and get stickied....or placed on the site like a subforum.
---- I sometimes get emails from WUS with updates on threads I've posted or subscribed to. I don't really love the idea of getting emails from the forum....I'm here anyway. But maybe it could be helpful in some way for some people.
---- I know everyone here wants to get more members and not less but I like the idea of a requirement to post at least maybe 2-4 times per year to continue to have access to the forum and deals thread. It might just encourage those members that don't post to engage and post something worthwhile. They might see that we don't bite and that they have something to say and that they like interacting with others that have a shared interest/passion in watches. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it could actually get some people to post more and engage.
---- I think TapaTalk hurts overall engagement on the forum with the exception of the deals thread. It is great for a few certain things and some people have gotten so used to it and now won't give it up despite how terrible it is. So I would just encourage people to try using the desktop site for this forum on your phone or tablet. You will probably come to like it better and discover new threads and posts you otherwise might not see.
---- On WUS and maybe other forums, there are retailers like Topper or AZFineTime or Govberg that post pre-owned watches for sale on the forum. Is that something we would be interested in here? Too much hassle for MOT? Not worth the sellers time?
---- Part of the reason our sales forum is not so active is bc we are all spoiled. We are used to finding and buying good deals without having to resort to buying pre-owned off other members. I'm not so sure what can be done about this.
---- Similar to WUS, I would like to see a thread where I could post ebay auctions. However I'm afraid I would be the only one who uses it and I know most people are more interested in seeing the sales subforum grow and succeed.
---- I wonder could any more be done with the user profiles besides avatar, signature, birthday, ect.? Any more functionality? I think more people, myself included, could use the signature for to greater effect. I find myself clicking on those little IG links. Also in turn maybe more users could provide a link here from their personal IG and FB.
**** Here is where I sound like a Telethon. I would encourage everyone to think about whether this site is worth at least
$1 per month to you (it is to me). If so, click the donate button, donate
$12 and you're good for the year. Set a reminder in your phone for a year from now. If you still find this site enjoyable and helpful, donate again. I don't know what the site costs and it's awkward to talk about money. But my experience is that people don't donate unless they know exactly what their money is paying for.
Also, I would like this place to remain free as I have said many times, but would a small subscription fee for access to certain features (larger PM storage, custom user titles, etc) be a negative or dissuade people from participating. Access to the forum itself would remain open, it would only be "behind the curtain" perks that would be optional.
---I don't think it would bother me if this was implemented but I also don't think it would entice or appeal to me.
*****Not all of these ideas are good ones. I realize that. I just want to put them out there as thoughts I've had. Feel free to push back or discuss the ideas -- upvote, downvote, promote, critique, whatever. As long as it's not done in a disrespectful manner, you're not going to offend me. Discussing ideas is one good way to find out if they are good or bad ideas. Also, please provide any ideas that you may have. Now is your chance. I can promise you that there is no forum moderator asking "how can I help you and make things better" over on.....well...in the alternate universe.