Going forward in 2017 at OSF - 1

[MuskieBait]

Here's the common denominator for all forum participation...

EFFORT! Just like anything else in life...

The most common comments for the lack of participation is that...

"I have no time anymore to write reports and post pictures."

Yes...it does take time. Posting a fishing photo taken on the phone on FB or Instagram is almost instant.

Downloading photos from the camera to the computer, uploading to a host, linking them to the report...it can take 30min at best. It can take days in extreme cases (look who's talking!)

So yes...FB and Instagram is now the main avenue for sharing fishing successes. It is also the avenue for millenials who need INSTANT response.

"Hey, I'm not the lake now. Fish are not biting. What should I do?"

I've personally see a couple of online forums died because of low traffic after people moved to Facebook.

What are the changes going forward?

1) Post more things that people want to see...that's all. You need to attract an audience. Otherwise, you're just a social club. But you risk losing identity. Personally, I'm not going to change the way I fish, my interest or the way I write my report just to please people. I'm not here to please...just here to give what I can. As people always say on internet forum "No one is forcing you open that thread and read it. No one is forcing you to reply."

2) If it is helpful to the contest, the recognition of the biggest specimen of each species can be added. That's for people who think an 5" Largemouth Bass entry is "pathetic". So go nuts. Fight for top dog.

3) Move the minimum post back down to 5 posts...so people not longer feels incapable to post. Common complaints is that the 16 post minimum takes too long to accomplish...and people just lose interest. But really, you can still post in all areas. You just can't access reports. Is it really that important to access reports? What's the true motivation to reach the reports? (But on the other hand, that does explain the lack of "good job" from members on reports). We'll have lurkers just the same...if not more. But hey, you wanted changes to test things. Let's experiment for a year.

4) No prizes...oh well...participating will still be low. I will bet (with OT) my Rapala travel rod on that. Now here's the motivation for you, OT. Prove me wrong. Go out and recruit members and have them activity participating throughout 2017. It has to exceed 9 contestants (our highest year) and number of entries from each member must be greater than 10. If you can accomplished that, you get the rod. (See what I did there? Motivation...and it is a win-win for you)

5) Organizes a "Fishing with [username]" session. Take people to places you fish, share your technique, share your success. That's what TV shows do, no? But you have to be prepared to spill the beans to draw attention. That's what TUFA has done on our Facebook page. It's drawning membership and ACTIVE membership. But lately there has been backlash about increase garbage, increase pressure (less fishing success) and losing some members and less reports as the "cat is out of the bag". Maybe our first trip should be "Fishing with Oldtimer" on his favourite spot on the Grand.