Hey Markus,
More than welcome to start a thread or look up one already active discussing social vs forums we ask that people keep it productive and on a topic not why one site is better than the other, or this sites sucks that site sucks. I like that you are interested in the WHY factor
Please check out sticky at the top of the forum here first to see what gets a thread deleted if you have any concerns
As I informed Tiles last night, when I deleted the thread, there have been a few threads posted with the same title covering the comparison of social networks vs. forums and the site here with some great feedback. If there are 5 threads posted this week about the same topic the most recent will get deleted and the active thread will stay live. But threads that lead to trolling that are nonproductive or step into member barries mode in regards to the site will be moderated.
We are as interested in what people would like moving forward. We also understand that the most vocal is not the only voices that matter. With our focus for the past six months working on updating 15 yr old software, the small team has been less active in order to bring new features to the site and partnerships.
These things take time and manpower, ultimately the site is as good as the people that choose to be a positive impact. The sites traffic is way up so saying it’s dead doesn’t help much. Our biggest complaint has been on the portfolio side of things and the ability to upload art or organize the site as it has grown over the years. We have been focusing a lot on making sure the forum software gets fixed because of this and working the way people want it to be. What helps is to say I would like more of? We listen and are making changes… or being one of the people that contribute more of. If you used to get 100 people saying wow cool image and miss that because that used to happen a lot, then that’s a good conversation that’s already been discussed in other threads but saying CGS sucks because is not really that helpful. The FB like button made saying “wow good job” feel like to much work, or it feels half-hearted even when I say it on people post at times
The like button is a short cut to saying I appreciate looking at your work or good job. If you think the site has gone down hill because there are a lot more post asking simple questions like, which software is best for hardsurface modeling etc. that used to be banned. Then you probably won’t like the site because young up and coming users need a place to ask these questions, and that is important to us. We also are looking for new ways to help support artist starting out Kickstarter and marketing there sites and work outside even on other sites like station and polycount because that’s what matters to us and those things were banned for a long time due to the size of the site and difficulty moderating. The fact that the art here that is featured is art uploaded in the past week on a weekly basis helps up coming artist get the exposure they don’t get from other sites, and that has made some upset as well, but all are welcome.
This is the third time posting a response like this to a why is CG society dead or where have the artist gone. Simply put, have a discussion on what things interest you or do you want more of or less of. However, comments such as the size of a font or whether or not the site is dead/alive in which is a matter of your own personal opinion, new post such as that which leads to trolling gets deleted. When the new site launches shortly, contribute what you do or don’t want to the suggestions thread otherwise it’s like being the guy that doesn’t vote and bitches to everyone.
We are in the process of launching a new version with updated software which includes an area for feedback and suggestions. CG Society is a free forum and as a free forum has a small budget so for anyone wanting to help with content, moderation, forum leading or innovation ideas and discussion are always welcome. In those conversations, please be respectful of the team. People trying to help is one of the few rules of the forum.
Markus care to start a thread and help us keep it moderated as a non bias member? If so there is no problem starting that conversation or continuing it. Your help would be welcome. Comments like feedback is not welcome here, is unwarranted.
some easy rules of engagement
Software and Visual of the site are already being updated
what kind of engagement are you looking for or content is important that is good to cover more of?
How can the site be more welcoming and less elitist yet serve veterans?
We are not competitive and support other sites/ we are not trying to be other sites/ if you like another site better, what are features you like? what are features you don’t? Slamming this site or others or the people that devote there time like AMAZING Robert deserve a level of respect for what they do. Slamming them or others for not giving you what you want is not tolerated!