Big Changes On the Way... in Questions, Suggestions, and Feedback Forum

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Big Changes On the Way...

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Acky12	Big Changes On the Way...		Lead	[-]
Posts: 16140 Aug 18 10 9:28 PM	Remove this ad Hi All... based on some preliminary discussions I've started to have with News Director Kirr and Encyclopedia Manager DarkJedi as well as movement afoot in the Council, I think it's safe to say that some big and MAJOR changes are on the way for NJOE. The most major since the site was created, probably. What you will see in the long run is a stronger vision for the entire site as well as a better focus on how we deliver news and a resurgence of the original Encyclopedia movement. However, things are pretty rough right now, so I don't want to go into a lot of details yet. I don't do this to be a tease (like I normally do, of course), but because with things in the rough stage right now, this is the perfect time to implement and consider new suggesitons and ideas from our visitors on how to improve the site. So my questions are along the lines of... what do you value on the site - what's the most important part? What are ways that we're delivering content that aren't working or could be improved, or what we don't have that could be implemented? The Encyclopedia, over the years, has hit a lot of struggles, but we think we've finally got the right movement forward to kick this into gear. Given that, one of the things DJ and I have been talking about is how we make the NJOE Encyclopedia unique - why should people come visit our content versus going to other websites that have the same content? What would make us truly unique to bring people in? What can't you get at other sites that we might be able to offer/create in terms of encyclopedic-content? This impromptu survey is specifically designed to improve the main site - njoe.com - but comments for the forums are welcome as well.
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Dancelittleewok		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1069 Aug 18 10 9:47 PM	Off hand, I'd like to see all the staff interviews in one place (or at least where I can find them), possibly linked to the staff heading on the front page.
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DrAriafya		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 98 Aug 19 10 4:36 AM	Acky12 wrote: So my questions are along the lines of... what do you value on the site - what's the most important part? What are ways that we're delivering content that aren't working or could be improved, or what we don't have that could be implemented? On the NJOE site, while I can only do a cursory survey of them I love the editorials, overviews and critiques of all the literature, the latest and canon, the games, and current statements. I think having that literary criticism by the 3-5 who do it is awesome! It makes me want to read the books--if I didn't have so many to read! Content delivery: That is always hard in Social Media if there is no marketing plan. How do you market your information? That is something that needs to be decided. A suggestion of improvement is a user-selected subscription to site specific available content based on pre-Marketing selected paradigms. Basically filling out a multiplex box for info that one seeks... Implementation of content delivery--prefab email newsletter like "Constant Contact"??? Maybe twice a month kind of thing? IDK? Acky12 wrote: The Encyclopedia, over the years, has hit a lot of struggles, but we think we've finally got the right movement forward to kick this into gear. Given that, one of the things DJ and I have been talking about is how we make the NJOE Encyclopedia unique - why should people come visit our content versus going to other websites that have the same content? What would make us truly unique to bring people in? What can't you get at other sites that we might be able to offer/create in terms of encyclopedic-content? I think what give you folks a uniqueness is your serious critical analysis and review of the literature. Many sites do just present the information and that is it. But you all analyze it and ask how it fits in the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Then you give you opinion. IDK if it something you all do IRL, but you all are really good at it. Look at it from a business perspective, you need to have a structure for the analysis, like some sort of rating scale that everyone who only knows 2-3 things about Star Wars can identify--such as for 5 stars = 5 light sabers all red or something... It could be a play on the canon--such as all they way down the garbage chute flyboy! for literature/items that aren't good. There is a lot of Star Wars groups out there, just know who they are for your own business perspective--but as far as what you all do, your mission, values and strategies are... And what is your short-term/long-term goals to get there and how long will it take you? Outreach is another plan which has to be a promotional marketing campaign. Are you only social media? Or will you develop products, goods and services? I know a couple of you all attended Comic Con and Celebration V, how feasible it is to get some sort of recognition at these things? I don't know? I do know that Lucas Arts Games on their social media site has asked if they should incorporate the Yuuzhan Vong into their games... Star Wars fans disagreed...But I think that the campaign I ran to influence David Filoni to put Yuuzhan Vong into the Clone Wars is building. Especially when Galactic Binder and few others are following me on Twitter... So with a directed marketing campaign, outreach plan and realistic timetables numbers can increase. Then what will people get when they join--the "What's in it for me"? Why can't I just go to Facebook, et al? Numerous reasons--FB is limiting. I would still have a Fan Page, but one that filters into the site. Lastly...You are getting a Doctorate level scientist posting hardcore researched articles on here--Star Wars/Wookie aren't getting on there sites--I know! We geeky scientists would enjoy some play time in the fictional world. Just look at the acerbic response when the psychologist said Darth Vader had a personality disorder on CNN.com...CRAZY! So there is an untapped market and I brought my perspective to you...There are quite a few other scientists out there who would LOVE to share their thoughts. Then when was the last time Star Wars Lucasfilm Ltd did a science based booklet for kids--um--1979ish? So...it is time... Getting silly enough STEMI folks on board is not as hard as you think. We have geekitude already, but the only thing is the geeks like the Trek more than the Wars. Nevertheless, we oddballs Star Wars science geeks do exist! Hope this helps you and if you have questions, ASK ME--but make sure you email me too because I might not get a chance to see your question/comment DO RO'IK VONG PRATTE! We are the new rebranded effort of the Creche of the Gods! Natural, Holistic, Organic, Eco-friendly, Environmentally Safe Alternative Prana to the Force... ;) <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CTwJKwVAKJU&offerid=127265.10000010&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Gaiam.com, Inc" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=CTwJKwVAKJU&bids=127265.10000010&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=5"></a>
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banania		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 460 Aug 19 10 6:46 AM	This is only my piece of opinion, mainly inspired by the work I've done since a few years now for the french website I'm a member of the staff. I think you have a lot of material, from very different authors / news reporters. In general, news should always be in the front line. So I guess this is what you do best and you should keep it like that. But the way it is presented now is not very practical for users. I think you should define what you do really want to show on NJOE and call it "section". From what I see on the website, I'd like to have -as a user- these possibilities : - "General litterature section" : all about SW-related material, chronological order. When you click on the title you have a description of the book with synopsis and whatsoever piece of information you seem relevant and the review. Yes, all those great review you guys are doing are not enough highlighted. They should get their own section. - "Upcoming section" : as a user, I like having on-the-spot news and I worship max jaybo for his scoop. Now I'd like a more "visual" upcoming section where all the unreleased material is listed, the list being evolutive. This is what is basically down with the "Release schedule" on the site, and the different topic for comics, legacy era books and other books on the forum. These topics should be the "subsections" of this place. Yes, a place for SW litterature. - "Editorials" : a brief presentation of the different editorials made by their author : why did he decide to write such a thing ? how does he/she choose his/her subjects ? Then you'll have a nice list with for example "Through the eyes of the clone" with a disclaimer saying "Come on and discover Yodam's insights on TCW !" and then you would click on the "Through the eyes of a clone" title and get the list of all editorials published under that name. That would be beyond cool. I love editorials. Read 'em all. ==> These three sections are basically : highlighting what you do best, what you're "historically" good at. Do it ! Now about the encyclopedia this is very hard. Obviously, you can't be as exhaustive and precise as wookieepedia or CUSWE. I think competition on encyclopedia doe not exist anymore. If you relaunch your encyclopedia section you should ask yourself one single question : "Why would the user choose to have a look at NJOE rather than wookieepedia, where he will for sure find an answer to nearly everything he wants ?" I think here comes the moment where someone have to say : NJOE is "Beyond the New Jedi Order" and stands for New Jedi Order Encyclopedia. What does it mean ? It means that you focus one part of the timeline. From +25 to the last known book. And know what ? This is exactly the era I love in SW. So I want something of this. Then you should decide of the content. This is tough. In fact, I can only think of one thing you don't find easily on the wook and that you can find for example in Nathan Butler Gold Timeline : a chronological summary of all-SW-published things. So basically, what I would like as a user when I come on NJOE is having a Encyclopedia based on a detailed chronology explaining events and linking to characters and planets pages (characters and planets seem the most relevant piece of information when i'm looking for something...) + all things about Vong culture, taking the ancient YVDB and adpating it to all the information we had since and re-publishing it alongside the Mr Villip Qang Qahsa editorials which are way beyond cool. If building the chronology and linking it to important characters and planet already seem too ambitious, maybe you can again narrow the focus on... the New Jedi Order. Not the serie, the in-universe Order. That would be a good starting point to tell the story of NJO and beyond the NJO. Hope this few insights brought something to your think-tank. My Star Wars shelf !
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Acky12		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 16140 Aug 19 10 7:31 AM	Incredible suggestions, both of you - thank you for the input. I'm sure this will feed lots of ideas behind-the-scenes, and actually banania - you're pretty close on the mark to what we've been talking about when it comes to the News portion of the site. Please keep 'em coming!
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petersearing		#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 3060 Aug 21 10 8:57 AM	A couple of things mostly minor cosmetic ones probably. On the staff and FAQ links on the front page if there isnt any info in them e.g. no questions and no details about the staff take them down. Also as you might have seen me and Banania mention in Lando's we would quite like a map showing where members come from. Im sure there can be a way of doing this without causeing to many probelms. e.g. have the map just say 45 people from USA 23 Canada etc and only put in members names if they want etc NJOE survivor 2010 Runner up. Next time Obi I shall get you, Next time mwwha mwhha
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MrNomAnor		#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 13966 Sep 9 10 5:07 AM	Just some random musings, incoherent and not at all ordered. So, for what its worth: Contests: Contests are just one out of a lot of myriad ways to entice people to websites. While I know I personally wouldn't expect any/all Council members to be forking out cash for extravagent prizes every other month, I think that if marketed properly, contests are one of those things that grab people's attention. The giveaways don't even have to be based on money/things you buy with money. Some sort of member recognition, member privileges (for a specific time period) or some sort of special rank are some things I am thinking of OTOH as prizes. Get To Know Your Members: Perhaps as a monthly/bi-monthly/quarterly type of project, we could pick a random site member (not staff) and do a "Member of the Month" type of highlighting. Other members send questions they'd like the highlighted member to answer, in a way to get to know them better. I suppose I am thinking of this kind of like the Staff Interviews, except on a smaller scale. Alternatively, instead of posing questions, we could have blanket questions that are uniform for all Members of the Month, eg: What is your favourite Star Wars book?; Who has influenced you the most in your life?; Who inspires you?; What is your favourite song?; What do you believe that the afterlife is like? This could be done with newer members (ie, as they first sign up as site members), long-standing members, I suppose even staff if we are that way inclined. Inspire Member Creativity: I'm ashamed I can't quite recall what exactly happened, even though I was a participant in it, but remember that fanfic thing we did a while back? (I think the prize was getting a book?) Well, we could do this regularly for the site. NOT with prizes at the end, but in ways that inspire us to celebrate each others' talents and creativity. For example, a ridiculous number of members here are talented at things like artwork, writing, telling jokes etc. Maybe a regular thing could be a staff member posing some sort of "challenge" ie; "Write a fanfic set in 40ABY" or "Create a piece of artwork that reflects a certain scene from Book X or Movie Y" or something of that nature. As I said, we wouldn't be doing this for prizes, but to challenge our own creativity and/or celebrate each others' efforts/work. Blogs: Is this something we could use to supplement editorials, reviews and the like? I know that personally, I don't do Twitter, it annoys me. So I'm, not that involved with the Twitter aspect of NJOE. Blogs are more my thing, personally speaking. Randomness: Personally speaking, I'd like to see people tackle some sort of philosophical essays regarding Star Wars. Whether it be in-universe stuff (the Force, light and dark, Revan, Wookiees, etc) or out of universe stuff (fandom, why books are better etc). Not an editorial per se, but an actual essay using sources. It may sound boring when I say it, but I'm particularly thinking of things like this or this. First Tuesday Book Club: A more concerted effort on Obi John's brilliant idea. Personally speaking, I adore the idea of a book club, but for whatever reason(s) through no fault of Obi's this didn't seem to take off in my eyes. For what its worth, a suggestion from me would be that someone (for argument's sake, let's say Obi John) who is "in charge" of the Book Club, picks a book (let's say for example, Destiny's Way) and lets all members know what the choice has been. And every time they have a new book, there is a particular number of members who discuss it. Rather than leaving it open to anyone to talk about it, you'd have those particular members (let's say 5) discuss the book. You'd have to pick some topics beforehand. Using the DW example, you could discuss themes like the return of hope, selfless love; character arcs, events, etc. And those people could (depending on what format is chosen) either disucss it together some way and then post their thoughts, or something like that. Alternatively, the person "in charge" of the Book Club picks the book and then depending on the choice, members can ask to be included in that month's discussion (if they feel passionate about the choice). Obviously, you'd have times where the Book Club owner allows members to vote for which title they wish to discuss. And although it is a "book club" it could include comics, console games, particular articles (magazines), etc
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Uliah		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 6488 Sep 9 10 7:21 AM	Here's a suggestion for recruiting members. Get affiliated with other SW sites and have a link back button. I see this a lot and there are tons of rpg sites out there where you could swap buttons. Most of them love doing an affiliation and have a bar somewhere on their page with the buttons in place. It's a win-win situation for both sites and a good way to advertise.
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petersearing		#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 3060 Sep 9 10 9:41 AM	I like Nom's idea about 'normal' member interviews (this way we could get rouge) and think that it would be best to go for a standard set of questions NJOE survivor 2010 Runner up. Next time Obi I shall get you, Next time mwwha mwhha
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Iurus		#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 10578 Sep 9 10 2:03 PM	Just a quick note, we've mentioned this to the News Team and I think the Encyclopedia... but when you make a suggestion here, at least three or four Council members (how many of us are there again?) are reading it and taking it seriously. We might not comment here, especially if we're taking it back somewhere else to discuss, but we're not ignoring any of these comments. Max Jaybo: "Ah Darth Plagueis... he had such a knowledge of the dark side that he could even keep the books written about him from dying."
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Dancelittleewok		#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1069 Sep 10 10 2:25 PM	Remove this ad I second Nom's idea about a philosophy essay. I, for one, would find that interesting.
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banania		#11	[url]	[-]
Posts: 460 Sep 13 10 4:28 AM	I like the idea of "philosophy" essay. Putting "philosophy" into brackets cos' I don't really know what MNA means by that. Is it more like "writing essays on a certain aspect of SW relating it to real-life issues" or more like "writing essays on a certain aspect of SW in regards of philosophy". Because, the first one does not equal the latter. Society issues can be related to Kant's or Nietzche's teachings but it's still not "philosophy" the way I hear it. If it was juste MNA's choice of word for saying the "SW relating to real-life issues" then I'm all in. Otherwise, I fear my modest knowledge in philosophy (though I graduate in philosophy like in every french high-school) will be too modest to write an interesting piece of opinion on the matter. Nonetheless, I had prepared for some time a parallel between Jacen Solo's life and Napoleon's one. Surprising isn't it ? I may propose it in the kind of framework MNA is suggesting. My Star Wars shelf !
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MrNomAnor		#12	[url]	[-]
Posts: 13966 Sep 13 10 6:32 AM	FYI, by philosophy I meant this: Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. It is distinguished from other ways of addressing fundamental questions (such as mysticism, myth, or the arts) by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational argument. As taken from wiki.
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banania		#13	[url]	[-]
Posts: 460 Sep 13 10 6:43 AM	Thank you. Then it's alright with me, I think that could be a great idea. My Star Wars shelf !
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Dancelittleewok		#14	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1069 Sep 17 10 4:13 AM	My input: I know what some of the new changes are and I'm hoping that these aren't the only "big" changes... create a new banner to include FOTJ covers like Han, Tahiri and Vestara Khai use Yodam, Xion, and Iurus' talents to create more images/banners on the front page since there's more empty space with the teaser and small image for news items * update staff page move around a couple things, play with proportions, change the blue tint---you could completely change the look! (not the look now isn't good) create a network with other small sites and call it the "Jade Cantina Encyclopedia" *high light more than editorials on "User Generated Content", especially when we have great fan fic/fan art, and silly threads. Damnation is My Name
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Dancelittleewok		#15	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1069 Sep 17 10 4:24 PM	Another idea: *Transparency from the Council: I don't know how the Council works, but if there's someone that works as as secretary could write down what has been discussed for that week and then a Council person can post "Notes from Council Meetings" in the Announcement/Feedback section. Damnation is My Name
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Acky12		#16	[url]	[-]
Posts: 16140 Sep 17 10 9:30 PM	I know what some of the new changes are and I'm hoping that these aren't the only "big" changes... Assuming the changes you're aware of are formatting things in the News department, then I'll feel very safe when I say that the biggest changes are also the ones that are going to take a little longer to be visible... but wheels are in motion. * use Yodam, Xion, and Iurus' talents to create more images/banners on the front page since there's more empty space with the teaser and small image for news items images/banners on the front page for what, though? * update staff page this'll be redone appropriately following the 'big stuff' coming. move around a couple things, play with proportions, change the blue tint---you could completely change the look! (not the look now isn't good) The color scheme'll be the same, but I can guaruntee that the layout of things will be drastically different down the road... Transparency from the Council: I don't know how the Council works, but if there's someone that works as as secretary could write down what has been discussed for that week and then a Council person can post "Notes from Council Meetings" in the Announcement/Feedback section. There's really not as much that goes on in there as one would expect. Nor are there like... weekly meetings or anything. As issues and ideas come up, they get discussed and acted upon - the ones that get rolling or need relevant public action on, you see. The ones that suck, you don't. Right now there's a lot of active threads regarding the big shifts we're working on and notes and directions from there - some of which are spawned by ideas in this thread.
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Iurus		#17	[url]	[-]
Posts: 10578 Sep 17 10 11:15 PM	I also don't think you all would be very interesting on discussions like, say... funny things that happened on Max's Facebook page. Max Jaybo: "Ah Darth Plagueis... he had such a knowledge of the dark side that he could even keep the books written about him from dying."
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Dancelittleewok		#18	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1069 Sep 18 10 3:39 AM	Acky wrote: images/banners on the front page for what, though? Having no knowledge about what new changes are, the front page looks bare, more blue space (in comparison with the old) and not as visually stimulating due to the smaller images and text. It was my thought to add more images (without being busy) to draw the viewer's eye to whatever is being highlighted. Like I said, I have no clue what's coming. Being an artist myself, I'm a visual person and the current page just seems stilted compared to the old but hopefully this will be temporary. There's really not as much that goes on in there as one would expect. Nor are there like... weekly meetings or anything. As issues and ideas come up, they get discussed and acted upon - the ones that get rolling or need relevant public action on, you see. The ones that suck, you don't. Right now there's a lot of active threads regarding the big shifts we're working on and notes and directions from there - some of which are spawned by ideas in this thread. See, as a non-Council member, I have no clue and I think that's part of the problem. With no knowledge about what's being discussed, people are bound to draw their own incorrect conclusions. Sites do need administration/mods and understand why the rest of us are a "need to know" basis , but in light of the negativity spawned by Nom's post, I feel like there's a disconnect. Perhaps the Councils can create a section on the front page/forums/somewhere explaining their purpose, what's generally discussed and what to expect when disagreement is created (preferably not the OJO High Council way ). I hope that this can better explain where I'm going from. Thanks for listening. Damnation is My Name
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Acky12		#19	[url]	[-]
Posts: 16140 Sep 18 10 3:54 PM	Having no knowledge about what new changes are, the front page looks bare, more blue space (in comparison with the old) and not as visually stimulating due to the smaller images and text. It was my thought to add more images (without being busy) to draw the viewer's eye to whatever is being highlighted. Like I said, I have no clue what's coming. Being an artist myself, I'm a visual person and the current page just seems stilted compared to the old but hopefully this will be temporary. I think we're going to part ways on a design standpoint because I personally feel like the site currently - with smaller teasers and images - looks so much more clean and organized. And even still, there's the large banner stretching across the top (I didn't quote and respond to your comment about an FOTJ related banner because I'm sure graphically a couple things will be shifting around or changing in some way) as well as smaller flashy images down both side columns. To me, I feel like the middle column with the news is now a lot more consistent - same sized teasers, approximately same size images... I don't feel like we're missing any graphical elements... maybe they're just "redundant" because they haven't really changed since the site landed in the current design, but I think the image content is there. But I'd be interested in knowing if others share the same viewpoint. As a footnote, know that you/everyone else isn't being put intentionally in the dark about the big changes coming... I have this superstitious thing about me where I hate talking about things that haven't happened yet because usually they bug out and don't work. I'd prefer to be a bit more locked in/solidified in the structural changes coming to the site back-end and knowing that it's going to work prior to confirming that it's happening... otherwise, you make a big announcement, but it still may take several months before you see something happen.
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Iurus		#20	[url]	[-]
Posts: 10578 Sep 18 10 5:18 PM	Remove this ad See, as a non-Council member, I have no clue and I think that's part of the problem. With no knowledge about what's being discussed, people are bound to draw their own incorrect conclusions. Sites do need administration/mods and understand why the rest of us are a "need to know" basis , but in light of the negativity spawned by Nom's post, I feel like there's a disconnect. Perhaps the Councils can create a section on the front page/forums/somewhere explaining their purpose, what's generally discussed and what to expect when disagreement is created (preferably not the OJO High Council way ). I hope that this can better explain where I'm going from. Thanks for listening. Keeping in mind that there is only one person that can make this decision, I do have a reply as to why I support the system remaining as it is. For one, not one single other site that I have seen function has this type of public scrutiny. Secondly, that kind of "fish bowl" experience, where everybody can see what's going on, tends to cause paranoia and floundering. For instance, say I wished to ban Rouge77 from NJOE. The Admins, ultimately, decide that no, it is not time. But now, because I attempted to do what I thought was right, I have a member, Rouge77, that potentially hates me, and nobody on the site believes that the powers that be will back up any statements that I make. That is why I believe most Admins would prefer to avoid such a policy change (again, keeping in mind that I have no power over a decision like that, nor has my opinion been asked). Max Jaybo: "Ah Darth Plagueis... he had such a knowledge of the dark side that he could even keep the books written about him from dying."
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