Is the DUD website past its use-by date?

[calisota]

I'm wondering if the site is past it's use by date.There is such a plethora of other platforms out there that it may be time to retire the site. There is nothing sadder than a site and forum that do not get used and it reflects badly on the active nature of the club.

I'll leave this post here for a while to get some feedback and then we will have to make a decision.

Greg

[DisneyKaren]

That's a good question.  For me it's a great way to stay in touch with what's happening in a readable format.  I find this site is great because there's not loads of people posting the same things over and over again which happens on Facebook.  I also love reading trip reports - although that's largely Greg and Keith. Unless I know that someone is travelling I only check the site ever few weeks, however I'll be trying to check it daily or every second day to read Keith's reports while he's away.

I wasn't sure whether to post when I saw Mary Poppins and then Ralph, with so few people posting I'm starting to feel self-conscious and wonder sometimes if I'm just writing to myself :?

I'd be interested in hearing in people's thoughts on the site and how many really use it or what they're after.

[KeithS]

It is a shame that it is quiet around here, because the club itself is more active than it has ever been with member participation at the meetings etc.

I know most people opt to stay in touch through social media platforms these days, but for me personally that is not an option so this is really my outlet and only way to report my Disney experiences to others (and thank you Karen and Greg for reading!)

That said, I don't think we can justify keeping it going just for me   I guess all we can do is raise the question here and the next club meeting and see if we can improve contributions from members, but if they prefer Facebook etc, then maybe it is time to at least let the forum go.  Having a website is still important I think as it is discoverable via Google and can lead to new members, but I get how a quiet forum may lead people to think the club isn't that functional. 

[calisota]

I avoid places like facebook at all costs due to their questionable business practices etc, so this is really my only contact with the club. I do enjoy reading trip reports, especially when Keith can do them while he is actually travelling.

Karen, don't be scared to post anything you want, I'll certainly reply and am interested to hear what people are doing.

I would be interested in hearing whether members think it's time to retire the site, especially if it could be brought up at a meeting.


Greg

[Lauren05]

I enjoy reading trip reports and just see what everyone is up to in between meetings.  I always plan to post trip reports but i'm not dedicated enough to post while i;m away and never get around to it when i get home :S 
The only alternative i can think of is a Google+ Community page - it could be made private so that only people added to the group could see posts. Might be a better social media option than facebook?

[calisota]

I enjoy reading trip reports and just see what everyone is up to in between meetings.  I always plan to post trip reports but i'm not dedicated enough to post while i;m away and never get around to it when i get home :S 
The only alternative i can think of is a Google+ Community page - it could be made private so that only people added to the group could see posts. Might be a better social media option than facebook?

Unfortunately Google+ is being shut down by Google.
Greg

[calisota]

Wow, just had a look and this forum has been going a little over 13.5 years and has 23,000 posts. That's a lot of history.


Greg

[ajp]

I get what you’re saying Greg and can understand where you’re coming from.  Forums used to be THE thing, but I suppose like many things in this ever changing tech world, the thing doesn’t take long to be superseded.  I probably don’t come by here as much as I used to, but I still do come by, so I for one would be disappointed to see it go.  Given also we’re not as active with the club any more as well it is my link back into the guys.  If there was another less labour intensive alternative that would be ideal.

And yes, there would be a lot of history through these pages Greg.  I’d be curious to know if the DIS boards have also seen a drop off in their active numbers over the years.

[KeithS]

I actually love reading through a lot of the old posts on here - way back to 2005.  So many good times, so many people who have come by and moved on.  Lots of interesting posts where we speculated about upcoming movies and theme park changes - it is really interesting to go back and read through some of those posts.

It would be a shame to see this go - for a long time it was my second home!

[KeithS]

Wayne is looking to do more website promotion at the next meeting Greg - he doesn't want it to die...

[DisneyKaren]

Great news Keith!  I realise not everyone has the time or is up for writing travel reviews, but as someone who only visits the club once or twice a year, it's a great way for me to keep in touch with what's happening.

[calisota]

Wayne is looking to do more website promotion at the next meeting Greg - he doesn't want it to die...

Cool. 

I was wondering if the ads are putting anyone off? I am happy to remove them if it would encourage more people to visit. I make an average of 70 cents a month off them and I need to accumulate $100 before google will send me a cheque, which may be sometime around 2030..  

Greg

[KeithS]

I don't think the ads are off putting, I don't even notice them these days.

[calisota]

I don't think the ads are off putting, I don't even notice them these days.

I'm not sure you're getting the point of the ads, Keith.

Greg

[KeithS]

Haha - I thought that when I wrote the comment.  I should be saying "these ads are terrific, they are inspiring me to purchase the products that I'm seeing" - there, is that better   Hopefully your revenue will go up now!