FX-Sabers.com

Attention! all Members & Guests - Please Read! => Repair Bays (Site Questions) => Topic started by: RyDiddy on November 19, 2017, 01:40:18 AM

Title: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: RyDiddy on November 19, 2017, 01:40:18 AM
It’s sad to see the state of this forum.  This place used to be the pinnacle of the saber community, but the restrictive rules of the forum destroyed creativity and pushed the best people out with the crackdown from the admin staff on the rules from Yoda/Michael Murphy, who has barely logged in over the past 5 years except to promote ebay auctions.

The last several runs have been a bust, some of which have been trailing on for several years without even any progress pics. 

You can barely even post anything here anymore without Jay Gon posting the forum rules and PM’ing you to change your thread.  The moderators are barely even logging on and even the admins flake out on their commissions they request. This place is a ghost town, and it used to be the best place in the hobby. 

R.I.P. Fx-Sabers Forum
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Paul Lanski on November 19, 2017, 03:15:22 AM
Most of the biggest saber companies are really active on their personal facebook pages now, and the community is far more active on facebook pages like 'the vault'. I think that has something to do with it as well. Internet forums are becoming obsolete.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Grigoris on November 19, 2017, 09:31:40 AM
Yes, the rise of FB groups has had a big impact. But people are still using forums, such as the RPF, TRA... There may be more reasons that people are leaving this one as indicated in the previous post. For me, I would hope the forum UI is revamped - it seems dated without basic functions of other forums. I hope this forum survives. It would be a shame to see it fade away.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: bombarta on November 19, 2017, 09:53:58 AM
Totally agree Rydiddy. I log on now every day in hope it may become a place I like visiting again but, as you said to many self serving rules. Forum's aren't obsolete, TRA is booming with new members and has runs all the time and are a permanent source of information not available on social media and which certain shops would not want to tell you via their pages.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Maverick Hunter on November 19, 2017, 10:04:40 AM
After a long absence from the hobby I'm back and noticed the same thing. Last time I was here was just a few years ago and it was full of life and at any given time there would be at least 30+ members online. It does seem like a ghost town now and that's a shame. I checked out those facebook pages and although they have quite a few members (VV approaching 14000) I didn't like what I saw. First post that came up was people arguing over a transaction and everyone just picking sides and even calling each other names! Next couple posts down and some guy was calling someone else the "B" word. Definitely seemed like an unruly bunch and an unkept method of managing things. Other than that it was just people trying to sell their "random" $200 sabers. The place just didn't seem like my cup of tea. Oh well. :sad:
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Yoda on November 19, 2017, 10:10:53 AM
I am sorry you feel that way RyDiddy

I will say the diversity of social media has certainly caused the community
to become spread thin across a lot of sites.
Yes there are other factors to consider in the grand scheme of things such
as when photobucket pulled the image plug on everyone it turned a lot of
places that had an archive of information with supporting images into text
only libraries and this has made places like Facebook more appealing because
you can host you images there.

There are some other issues that I have been told contribute to it as well
but that is another matter. :rolleyes:

I have been wanting to make changes to the rules and other aspects and have
talked with others about changing some things.

I get mixed opinions when it comes to rules and selling etc... however the
Forum is here for the Fans and I would like to hear our members opinions
and suggestions as to what you would like to see changed and improved.

The selling rules have been in place to help protect people when buying
from someone they don't actually know over the internet but times have
certainly changed so by all means...

If you have a problem or disagree with a particular rule please post
your solution / suggestion / recommended revision to those rules so
I can discuss it with others and implement changes the community wants
to see appropriately in order to better serve everyone.

I hope to hear people thoughts so we can do what must be done. :cool:

MTFBWY
always
YODA
 :yoda:

Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Yoda on November 19, 2017, 10:49:24 AM
Quick note on the business promotion and selling rules...

Our rules have been in place for the reason of allowing the community to get to know you and trust you.

Asking that a someone who wants to be a manufacturer or builder to any extent that you take someones
money in exchange for an item or service first...

Sell a minimum of 10 ready made items to prove you have good quality and can follow through with
customers that order form you.

Be present for a given amount of time so that customers can trust you and become familiar with you.

In a nut shell that is what the selling rules are meant to do but if they are to much to ask or are
being misconstrued and or presented improperly certainly let me know what would be a better way to
go about doing it and we will look into making changes appropriately.

MTFBWY
always
YODA

Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Darth Smorgis on November 19, 2017, 11:58:19 AM
For me, it is the Absence of the Core group of Moderators and Manufacturers / Guild members.  This forum and its members have taken a major back seat to the new flock of saber enthusiasts.  We are still here and holding on to the hope that one day we will be heard and considered as customers like the facebook groups.  It is disappointing that information is not posted here reguarding Major runs and Updates.  Instead we have to track down information through these Facebook groups.  And this information is not being shared here on this forum from our very own Guild Members who are the “meat & potatoes” of this forum.  Personally, I feel like if some of the guild members no longer want the privilege and responsibility of keeping this place Alive then they should step aside so to speak and let others who will have the best interest of this forum step up.  It is inderstandable that some manufacturers have outgrown this forum, but I find it disrespectful to keep us members who have supported this hobby from the beginning sitting on the back burner while they are conducting business elsewhere.

No disrespect, just my personal and honest feelings on this matter.

Edit:
I still log in on a daily basis and have nothing but fond memories of this forum and its members.  Also, am thrilled that the members who have become successful are thriving on their own.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: bombarta on November 19, 2017, 12:09:53 PM
Exactly Smorgis and I conveyed basically the same thing to Yoda too.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: RyDiddy on November 19, 2017, 12:21:01 PM
I definitely agree with you, Smorgis.

I felt like the new generation of manufacturers were suppressed here, and as a result they went elsewhere and sadly this place is now dwindling because of it.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Darth Chasm on November 19, 2017, 12:32:17 PM
I’ll just throw it out there that newcomers, whether buying, selling, or just posting pics they are proud of, are not always made to feel welcome either. Which in turn, makes them seek community elsewhere.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Scorpion on November 19, 2017, 12:43:32 PM
Yeah I can’t help but notice the same things here lately it’s been very slow/quiet on here and I do agree with what darth smorgis said without the core saber builders and saber runs there is little reason to keep people coming back for updates and things and slowly things have dwindled and now with 90% of the historic pictures gone because of photobucket I don’t see it improving,
There’s just no “wow” anymore there used to be awesome saber build logs and runs and cf upgrades/updates it was great once and very busy, is it  time for a reeboot of fx sabers?.
I have been here for the longest time and seen moderators come and go, I used to log in like 4 or 5 times a day but now it’s more like 3 to 4 times a week

Things I would like to see are a live chat box
The ability for fx sabers to host pictures so the whole potobucket thing doesn’t happen again and how about some links/updates to some of these saber runs that are happening ?
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: bombarta on November 19, 2017, 12:55:38 PM
And it's horrible how it takes a thread like this for members to actually bother posting a comment on the forum. ( guilty as charged ) but then there hasn't exactly been a lot to comment about.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Maverick Hunter on November 19, 2017, 12:58:04 PM
My thoughts exactly Bombarta. I knew something was off when I noticed some of the guild members haven’t logged on to the site in months. In the case of Starkiller nearly a year now!
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: RyDiddy on November 19, 2017, 01:09:38 PM
At this point, I wouldn’t be comfortable joining a run here and depositing my money.  The TFU2 run is almost 4 years in, black mamba is at 4 years, and the Obi ROTS run at 3 years.

Even when an admin here contacted me and commissioned something from me he simply stopped responding even after I built it for him.  I was out all the time and money I expended for him.  If the shoe was on the other foot and someone had done that to one of the mods/admins I’m sure they would be banned or blacklisted. Apparently the rules here aren’t in place to protect all of us.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Yoda on November 19, 2017, 02:13:41 PM
I understand the frustration and it is why I was asking for suggestions.

I have sent messages to the makes of those products in question that are outstanding
and have asked them to reply back and made them aware of this topic so they can
post updates and or reasons for the extended time.

However...
I don't think it is appropriate to lump everyone in together in that sense as
I my self have never taken anyone's money with out delivering in a timely fashion
and the same can be said for others who are recommended here in the Saber Guild
and Mining Colony or are know sellers.

RyDiddy you are a know seller here and I don't have issues with any of your runs
for saber stands so again lumping everyone in isn't appropriate but I understand
how you feel.

Again not discounting the issues with those that have deposits from people for
runs going on that are taking to long
and again I am bringing it to their attention
so they can deal with it.


I definitely think it is time for a re-boot, maybe some new blood to help put fresh eyes
on things as well so please know I am open to discussion for "improvements" please.

MTFBWY
always
YODA
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Pfockerchief on November 19, 2017, 02:34:19 PM
While I’m not that long of a standing a member I do remember how vibrant the community was years ago.  I owe most of what I learned about custom led sabers from this very forum.  I am very grateful for that.

I agree with almost all points here as to why this forum is fading....

-Non-active moderators and guild members
-No direct picture hosting capabilities
-Mods that ARE active appear to be “set in their ways” and simply point new members to the RULES...not new member friendly
-Long standing runs started here that have simply been shoved lower in priority as mass production needs from vendors,TCSS etc have taken foothold
-Banning of members over what may have been antiquated guild rules.

I hold the utmost respect for Yoda and what he started/created here and would love to see this forum adapt.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Yoda on November 19, 2017, 02:54:34 PM
While I’m not that long of a standing a member I do remember how vibrant the community was years ago.  I owe most of what I learned about custom led sabers from this very forum.  I am very grateful for that.

I agree with almost all points here as to why this forum is fading....

-Non-active moderators and guild members
-No direct picture hosting capabilities
-Mods that ARE active appear to be “set in their ways” and simply point new members to the RULES...not new member friendly
-Long standing runs started here that have simply been shoved lower in priority as mass production needs from vendors,TCSS etc have taken foothold
-Banning of members over what may have been antiquated guild rules.

I hold the utmost respect for Yoda and what he started/created here and would love to see this forum adapt.

Thank you for that Pfockerchief it helps to bullet point the things that are most relevant and need to be addressed :cool:
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: fonzie on November 19, 2017, 04:08:55 PM
It seems like a lot, but not all, of the long runtime comments are directed towards a particular Guild member. Of his runs that I’ve seen, he takes deposits in phases as he progresses. So, not all money is taken at once and in a way you are getting updates. Those runs may take awhile, but they are some of the best sabers in my collection. I would have no problem joining another one of his runs. You just need to be aware of the time that the run may take and accept it. For lesser quality builds, I maybe less understanding.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on November 19, 2017, 04:12:15 PM
Yoda. I’ll send you a PM when I get a chance.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Yoda on November 19, 2017, 05:13:13 PM
Hello everyone

Got some good PM messages from people wanting to help bring new life back to the forums
and definitely look forward to working with those who want to make things better :cool:

MTFBWY
always
YODA
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Pfockerchief on November 19, 2017, 05:23:46 PM
It seems like a lot, but not all, of the long runtime comments are directed towards a particular Guild member. Of his runs that I’ve seen, he takes deposits in phases as he progresses. So, not all money is taken at once and in a way you are getting updates. Those runs may take awhile, but they are some of the best sabers in my collection. I would have no problem joining another one of his runs. You just need to be aware of the time that the run may take and accept it. For lesser quality builds, I maybe less understanding.

Yes, I agree his work is the best and worth the wait.  That’s why I’m still on them :).  Trust me I’m aware.  However, it’s fairly typically for these to run waaaay past original estimates, which I guess is becoming standard.

Anyway, that’s not really the biggest issue with this forum at this point.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Darth Smorgis on November 19, 2017, 05:28:20 PM
For me, this thread is not about the time frame of current saber runs.  It is about the lack of attention and participation from the members who are supposed to have a presence here.
Yes certain runs have taken much longer than expected to come to completion, but that is not what has caused the downfall of this forum.
If you have outgrown this forum and prefer speaking to the masses through facebook (which is fine), then pass the torch to others who would like to continue to promote FX-Sabers Forum and the great community we had and still have here.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Maverick Hunter on November 19, 2017, 05:32:47 PM
For me, this thread is not about the time frame of current saber runs.  It is about the lack of attention and participation from the members who are supposed to have a presence here.
Yes certain runs have taken much longer than expected to come to completion, but that is not what has caused the downfall of this forum.
If you have outgrown this forum and prefer speaking to the masses through facebook (which is fine), then pass the torch to others who would like to continue to promote FX-Sabers Forum and the great community we had and still have here.

I agree, but just one question? How could these individuals "pass the torch"? Do you mean removing the inactive guild members and bringing in new ones?
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Darth Smorgis on November 19, 2017, 05:39:17 PM
Good question....

Either require these members to maintain a presence here, or yes bring in new ones.
Otherwise what is the point?
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: RyDiddy on November 19, 2017, 05:41:58 PM
Good question....

Either require these members to maintain a presence here, or yes bring in new ones.
Otherwise what is the point?


I definitely agree with you on this point.  I’m not sure there are any active members of either the mining colony or GUILD who are currently accepting commissions.  I’m fairly sure it’s been that way for quite a while.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Maverick Hunter on November 19, 2017, 05:44:30 PM
Yeah, I suppose you're right.

How about this

- As part of a saber build member of the forums you will be required to be responsive to your threads, and not be absent from the forums for more than x days in a row?

yea? or a bit much?
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Yoda on November 19, 2017, 06:18:42 PM
For me, this thread is not about the time frame of current saber runs.  It is about the lack of attention and participation from the members who are supposed to have a presence here.
Yes certain runs have taken much longer than expected to come to completion, but that is not what has caused the downfall of this forum.
If you have outgrown this forum and prefer speaking to the masses through facebook (which is fine), then pass the torch to others who would like to continue to promote FX-Sabers Forum and the great community we had and still have here.

I agree on this and I myself have not been as communicative as I should be and have to change that.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Yoda on November 19, 2017, 06:42:57 PM
Good question....

Either require these members to maintain a presence here, or yes bring in new ones.
Otherwise what is the point?


I definitely agree with you on this point.  I’m not sure there are any active members of either the mining colony or GUILD who are currently accepting commissions.  I’m fairly sure it’s been that way for quite a while.


I know and it is difficult to please all the people all the time but I'm listening and
definitely want to do something about it for the whole of the community.

I am getting feedback form people in messages and will be discussing various aspects about what
can be done over the next week and work on implementing changes.


One thing though people and that is Hosting images...

Images eat up a lot of bandwidth and we can not afford to host everyone's images its just not possible.
Even photobucket kicked everyone in the entire world to the Curb on that so that solution is still an
ongoing issue for everyone not just us here at FXS and in other SW forums/sites.

They can always be linked in of course or use of Youtube videos seems to still be okay.


Until of course Facebook and Youtube start charging everyone  :cheesy:


Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Grigoris on November 19, 2017, 07:02:22 PM
There are many new sabersmiths who only have a presence on FB. Perhaps some of the reliable, quality builders can be recruited. If the image hosting could be solved, that would be huge. I use Flicker, which is easy and have had no issues. However, Flicker could pull the plug at any moment too. A recent threads link would be nice. 
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Yoda on November 19, 2017, 07:16:45 PM
There are many new sabersmiths who only have a presence on FB. Perhaps some of the reliable, quality builders can be recruited. If the image hosting could be solved, that would be huge. I use Flicker, which is easy and have had no issues. However, Flicker could pull the plug at any moment too. A recent threads link would be nice.

Hey there Grigoris (aka ZenoTelos)

Nice Comic Book Illustrations by the way  :cool:
(Hey do you do the illustrating? I used to go to School with a Salvador Regla in Illustration many years ago)

At the Bottom of the Forum are the recent topics that are active.

Are you suggesting it be a double tier where we have topics and posts? Not sure if that would work
as it is a function for recent posts but I think Vader can include topics as well so I can run that by Him.

And yeah I can not imagine that image hosting will remain free for much longer across the board.
Give it a year or so but I think after what photobucket did everyone including Facebook
wants to charge for using their service and FB would be wise to make it a small fee
but a fee none the less.

I mean before the internet it COST money for someone to see your picture in a magazine or other
form of print or billboard type media so really FB has everyone by the balls right now :cheesy:
MTFBWY
always
YODA
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Darth Brooks on November 19, 2017, 07:28:08 PM
I'm pretty new and not known by too many on this site so I feel I should chime in a bit just too give an opinion of my view of this site and my experience here.

I'm very very active on TRA heck most of the time I'm just logged in and love to hit likes and comment and quote it's very user friendly. I can honestly say I am not on Facebook but I check known builders public pages. But FX and TRA is where I do all my sales and buying for almost everything minus FeeBay once in a while if it's actually a good deal...

I feel it's important to say I'm not biased towards one or the other forum.... other than it seems easier to like a post and get notifications that people liked mine and quoted me and what not. However I always use my phone so not sure what differences there are on the computer site instead of mobile? I'm still not even sure how hit a "like" on a post?

What I like here is it shows how many times a post has been viewd and how many are on line and how many guests are on.

But there really doesn't seem to be much action in one sense but on my previous sales threads it shows how many views it's had and it doesn't take long before 500-800-1,000 people have seen it. So people are looking they're just not posting and signing in I think?

I would post more often and sign in more often but I go to the page and look at the post recent threads and posts and hour after hour it seems same old same old? So unless I wanna bump a thread or check a message I just look quick and move on.

As far as guild members and what not, I've never felt as welcome here. I've got alliance members at TRA going out of their way to make new people feel welcome and a good number of them teaching me a newbie from scratch how to install and giving good advice and not annoyed with my novice questions and I'm having a ton of fun!

I can't speak of guild members here taking commissions and stuff except I recently had a sale for my Neopixel Parks Windu. Which I decided to keep and sent to LDM for a major upgrade and will definitely be keeping that for a permanent resident now!

However I got a hold of him on his website not here... JQ Always responds to my emails as well but again that's thru their website not here.

I get a hold of spacewindu, profezzorn Obi_1, and erv, they always contact me real quick.... but they're not part of the guild.

I wasn't here in the glory days so to speak but would love to have a 2nd place to post more often and learn new things.

So I hope I'm not rambling too much but I thought I'd give a newer less biased view point.

I'd love to see more action!

P.S. not sure what can be done but lots of people I direct here say they're lost and not sure how to use the site... I was confused for quite some time myself.

Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: JakeSoft on November 19, 2017, 07:50:10 PM
I haven't been a member for that long, but I'd like to say a few positive words if I may. I like this forum and the people I've have the privilege of interacting with because of it. When I post here I know that a large portion of those who read it will know what I'm talking about. It's a still a place with a high density of technical skill combined with an openness to share ideas. That's rare. I have not found another such place where that exists specific to lightsaber props. Also, I am free to discuss products from multiple competitors with a few restrictions. You can't do that many other places for various reasons. I love that freedom.

I'd also like to say that when I first joined I received a very warm welcome and continue to enjoy using it. The way the forum is moderated and administered fosters intelligent discourse and filters out much of the hate and ignorance that can be so prevalent other places online. I get the impression that it strives to be a gentlemen/ladies forum vs. other social media sites, as a previous poster alluded to. Nothing is perfect, but in general that's how I feel.

Regardless of what changes may come, those are all things that I'd like to see stay.

With that said, it's hard not to notice the drop in participation lately. A few suggestions:

- I know that some sites have a "log in with Facebook" option. How hard would it be to implement that on this site? That way new would-be members would not have to create a separate account with another password to remember, which I know may be a turnoff for some.
- I'll second the image hosting woes as a major drawback, but also recognize that may be a hard nut to crack because of data storage requirements.
- YouTubers, go out of your way to mention FX-sabers.com in your videos. For example, I often put FX-saber.com in the trialing credits of my videos.
- Let's make an effort to avoid beheading new members if they mention one of the taboo topics/vendors, or maybe drop some of the taboos. I know the history and I still feel weird about it sometimes. I'm sure new members who don't know the history find it even more off-putting or confusing.

I hope to continue to participate in FX-sabers.com in whatever future form it may take. MTFBWY
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Yoda on November 19, 2017, 08:52:58 PM
Hello everyone

I truly thank you  all for the input and want to respond more in depth but need to take a break
right now and get something to eat  :wink:

I will log back in and respond to this and any others that follow it more in depth in a bit :cool:

MTFBWY
always
YODA
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Sandpeople are people too on November 19, 2017, 08:53:25 PM
I check in here out of habit.  It was my first forum when I had a "brand x" saber die and gemini concepts fixed it for me.  It was fun to see all the ideas and builds then.  Unfortunately, it seems like agendas started to trump members, and most of the new talent was driven away years ago.  I dislike the vulgarity and ephemeral nature of FB; it's too much trash-talk and not enough substance.  I'd love to see more traffic here, but I also think it would be overwhelming to have to manage a help desk all the time.

I think there are plenty of good ideas already stated, and hopefully some folks invest the time and reinvigorate the site.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Watto on November 20, 2017, 03:13:14 AM
All excellent points raised.  I really hope this forum can be revived because I am not a fan of Facebook.  FXS was what got me into sabers and to me it will forever be the main cornerstone of the community In particular Master Yoda with his amazing Graflex builds, the worlds best!  Just one thing though the latest look of the forum is nice but I must admit that I do prefer the previous version appearance.

PS.  Master Yoda I hope you are doing well.   :smiley: 
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet
Post by: yodadawa on November 20, 2017, 06:45:01 AM
I suggest to open more options to new people that have proved in Fabebook, Instragramm or other ways that are serious people and have enought followers or users.
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Yaraell_Ren on November 20, 2017, 07:18:43 AM
IMO, another way to increase the activity level in FXS is to broaden the range of users.
Take Rebelscum for example...
That site is a giant streamlined conglomeration of forums, news,  archives, and stores.
Even within Rebelscum's forum, there are numerous sections dedicated to movies, props, figures, autographs, comics, etc.

If FXS can take a form of Rebelscum/RPF approach,
I'm sure we can bring more SW fans into this saber community.

Or, if FB is the most popular destination for members and builders, then maybe there can even be a FXS FB group?
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Yoda on November 20, 2017, 08:03:55 AM
Hello everyone

Thank you all for the suggestions on what we can do to improve things around here.

This topic has been moved to a more appropriate section of the forum and a new topic
has been created to address these issues going forward.


Please use the following topic to continue with posting your suggestions and ideas
for improvements you would like to see implemented here.

FX-Sabers Forum / Site (suggestions for improvements) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=52499.0)

MTFBWY
always
YODA
Title: Re: This Forum is quiet.
Post by: Green Ranger on January 16, 2018, 05:04:16 PM
I noticed the same thing about this forum.

I have been away for the past 5-6 years and upon my recent return I realized just how ghostly this place is now. Very sad.