Support NeoGAF

[Sakura]

Branching out seems like the best idea to me.
Youtube content and stuff could bring traffic to the site, aside from the ad revenue you could generate via youtube itself.
Maybe EviLore could become a Vtuber.

 

[cormack12]

I really wanna see some people do pilot shows/casts. Then we can vote on whether to give them a season or not.

 

[stickkidsam]

My bloody debit card was stolen today... can i have a list of your shopping purchases today, thank you very much.

3x crucifix candles
1x tub of cocoa butter
76x cases of Monastic Rosato
1x turbo chute slip n' slide
1x Purespa Jet and Bubble Deluxe Inflatable Jacuzzi
12x Swanson Pastor towels (burgendy with gold embroidery)
1x Neogaf Gold sub
1x bag of Skittles

Spoiler

My sympathies. I've been to college (campuses) as well.

 

[Calverz]

Aren’t podcasts a bit old school?

How about we do a NeoGAF News on YouTube? We could have @Ass of Can Whooping and @Bo_Hazem as the two news anchors and they could round up the days news;

Which tit has been banned today? Stay tuned to find out.

Plus we have an exclusive in depth interview with NeoGAF cult hero ByranK.

Now on to today’s most popular thread, ‘who has the most poggers ass; Aloy or that man from Returnal?’

I think there’s potential.

May as well change the name to SonyGaf while we’re at it haha

 

[John Bilbo]

I think every avenue that strengthens NeoGAF's internal sense of community could be explored. But that is not enough: those same ideas should also bring more traffic to the site.

So branching out could be the best idea. But those "branches" should be some things that the NeoGAF's current user base would like to use themselves. No use to branch out to places the users themselves don't use or like.

If there is interest in competetive gaming, NeoGAF's internal servers for the most popular game in the userbase could be a thing. Maybe tournaments with gold subscription as a reward?

 

[Topher]

When you’re making an archive nobody keeps EVERYTHING. So form a free committee from members to decide what 5-15% of all the database is actual history. Nobody needs threads upon threads of troll in-fighting, there’s no value to that, most of it is circular logic, worthless ad hominem and childish.

Does the Wayback machine archive this site too?

The thing is the forum threads and posts on NeoGAF are essentially its content. Google indexes content. Removing content (threads/posts) will remove the references from Google's content and that results in less traffic. So even old posts that show up in a google search is content worth preserving on this site.

 

[mekes]

Jesus Christ, how technically inadept am i.

Somehow, i still can't see ads on neo gaf after adjusting my Adblock but now every other god damn site i visit is now full of ads.

DAMN you EviLore , damn you to hell.

Something is going on. I haven't had any ad on GAF running chrome on Android for a long time. And I have no ad blocker and no ad blocking options enabled in the browser.

I do however see ads through safari on my iPad.

Edit.

I'm trying to think why this might be happening. There is a chance I haven't had ads on Android Chrome since my GAF gold expired a long time ago? I'm getting ads elsewhere

 

[yurinka]

Hey evilore, some suggestions:

• In term of web design the call to action to become Gold, its benefits and place to do it are too hidden. To make them more visible would increase its conversion. I'd put in orange a call to action short and direct call to action sentence or icon in the top banner, probably in the right corner
• I'd add ways to donate just to donate (with no benefits and with a single, no recurring payments) like PayPal both in the Gold page and in the bottom of the website (where I'd also include a link or call to action to support gaf/become Gold)
• I'd consider Patreon (plus similar alternative ways to support) with already existing stuff like Gold, shirts etc: sometimes people is more used to use these other platforms to support gamedevs, websites, podcasts, artists or journalists so maybe it's easier for them/they are more open to pay for gold there
• I'd avoid new implementing new features for a while, and make a good list with a good chunk of cool ones. Consider a Kickstarter for the estimated cost of implementing them (+50% for unexpected stuff) and only implement them if achieved it. And if achieved some time later wait until you have another list of cool things and repeat
• Current Gold pricing feels expensive, I'd consider to include something else like allowing animated gifs for the user avatar image, some themes (they only would change the colors of the forum, like the night mode) or -under the gold username- allow to customize the "Gold Member" title. Someone mentioned lottery, maybe could be included a monthly lottery for gold users with PSN/XBL/eShop/etc gift cards or gaf merchandise
• Another way to make Gold more appealing would be a price cut, testing it before with a temporal discount during a month or two to see if it increases the amount of subbers and compensates it
• Lock necrobumps (maybe threads inactive for over 6 months) to Gold users or users with certain score or seniority
• People loves Bryank75, consider to unban (and partner with Bryank for an OnlyFans xD)

It sucks this is happening but I highly appreciate you keep being independent and preserving the tons of info and data from old years.

I think there has got to be a better way than permanently banning people all the time. The site needs traffic and strong discussion, banning not only stops the banned from discussing topics but also has an adverse effect on existing members too.

Clearly there are some who want to cause trouble but there are others who are just passionate about the topic and simply cannot help themselves.

I think alternate punishments would be worthy of thought.

There’s still a ton of trolling on all sides. I’m suggesting a better fix, even if it means dividing PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo and PC into separate folders for easier restrictions to be put in place it’d be worth it… IMO

Sounds good. I like the idea of tagging the threads as Sony/MS/Nintendo/PC (or make these gaming subcategories) so users could get banned only one or two of them if cause issues only trashing one or two of them. I think isn't perfect but better than global bans.

Folks pay $5 for virtual rock and they get to throw that rock at another member of the site. The person with the most rocks thrown at them is a goner.

Basically, let's monetize the Old Testament.

Maybe betwen the like and quote icon, the gift icon can be expanded to allow Gold users to "throw" a rock as gift. The post also gets highlighted in brown. Gold subbers would get 3 rocks per month. xD

 

[Celcius]

If you currently have gold and then gift yourself a year of Gold, does the length of time just add onto the end of your current Gold?

 

[VN1X]

5 bucks everytime you wish to change your tag?

Okay calm down Microsoft.

 

[sircaw]

Something is going on. I haven't had any ad on GAF running chrome on Android for a long time. And I have no ad blocker and no ad blocking options enabled in the browser.

I do however see ads through safari on my iPad.

Edit.

I'm trying to think why this might be happening. There is a chance I haven't had ads on Android Chrome since my GAF gold expired a long time ago? I'm getting ads elsewhere

it's a total mystery to me, I refreshed my page and i saw ads, then went to another site came back and the ads are gone lol, i am losing my mind trying to fix it hah

using Chrome too.

 

[AV]

Sub to the patreon ye swines. What are you gonna do when this site dies, GameFAQs? ResetEra? Youtube comments? IRC channels? Pony up and turn off the adblocker.

 

[jaysius]

The thing is the forum threads and posts on NeoGAF are essentially its content. Google indexes content. Removing content (threads/posts) will remove the references from Google's content and that results in less traffic. So even old posts that show up in a google search is content worth preserving on this site.

Nope, the chances of a NeoGAF result being high on google in relation to gaming is very low, sorry, reddit has that market cornered and there are thousands of shitty gaming sites that game the Google algorithm.

It sounds like you might not be good at business and how to “tighten your belt”. Realistically something needs to change here, this is one of those things that could change.

 

[OmegaSupreme]

Not as bad as last time I visited, I would literally have this thing scroll half way up the screen and play videos, would irritate me something rotten.

Anyway, even though I never saw adverts on neogaf anyway, decided I might as well get gold to show support for a website I enjoy visiting near daily

If EviLore does a Patreon in the future with different tiers, I'd be happy to support that

I just think it's funny that the post you shared from them is complaining about a woman's bust size.

 

[Topher]

it's a total mystery to me, I refreshed my page and i saw ads, then went to another site came back and the ads are gone lol, i am losing my mind trying to fix it hah

using Chrome too.

I did some checking and this is a Chrome thing. Perhaps some scrutiny in the types of ads being run is in order:

Stop Chrome from blocking ads on your site​

Chrome removes ads from websites that violate the Better Ads Standards. The standards discourage the types of ads that are particularly annoying to people.

If ads are being removed from a site that you own, visit the Ad Experience Report. In the report, you'll learn about any issues found with your site and how to address them."

Visit a site by turning off Chrome's ad blocker - Computer - Google Chrome Help

You won't get ads on websites that have poor ad experiences, like: Too many ads Annoying ads with flashing graphics or autoplaying audio Ad walls before you can find the content When these a

support.google.com

 

[sircaw]

I did some checking and this is a Chrome thing. Perhaps some scrutiny in the types of ads being run is in order:

Stop Chrome from blocking ads on your site​

Chrome removes ads from websites that violate the Better Ads Standards. The standards discourage the types of ads that are particularly annoying to people.

If ads are being removed from a site that you own, visit the Ad Experience Report. In the report, you'll learn about any issues found with your site and how to address them."

Visit a site by turning off Chrome's ad blocker - Computer - Google Chrome Help

You won't get ads on websites that have poor ad experiences, like: Too many ads Annoying ads with flashing graphics or autoplaying audio Ad walls before you can find the content When these a

support.google.com

thanks for that, i will have a gander.

 

[ResetEraVetVIP]

My suggestion would be to focus more on showing the user the benefits of having a NeoGAF Gold subscription. I honestly didn't even know what kind of features it had until I manually went there and looked. For Discord Nitro, I'm reminded with "oh, I can use emotes cross-server if I had a subscription" or stream in high quality etc. They are showing me what I'm missing. I don't get that same feeling here.
And I know it can also be a bit intrusive, and I'm sure it's not as easy to do on a more traditional forum. But I think it's worth to at least think about how you can make it more enticing for the user. Spice it up with some stupid customization or "show-off" flair.

I agree.. maybe we can get a “blue check” next to our name.

 

[West Texas CEO]

In all seriousness, I've heard about ad-blocking hurting certain websites, but I never thought it would hit Gaf in such a manner.
I'll be sure to gift monthly Gold to fellow members whenever I can.

 

[VinnyMac]

Honestly would be more inclined to pay for gold if the mod team got revamped. The inconsistencies of the mod team is an extreme turn off and honestly don't vist the site as much as I once did.

 

[BigBooper]

Can't believe anyone would block ads on Neogaf. It's one of the few sites I always set up an exception for. That gives me an idea that might be an idea to try for a while. You know those pages that pop up saying that, "We've detected you're running adblocking, turn it off." Well, I hate them too, but if you had one that just explained the situation and gave instructions on how to add exceptions to a couple of the common ad blockers, but didn't require them to do it to view the site, I'm sure some users would do it. Guilt has always worked better on me than fiat.

Also, I've bought gold as a gift, but $5 a month as a user seems a little pricey to me. If you added a silver tier at say $2 a month, I'd be much more likely to do it. I guess an argument could be a couple of gold members might drop their membership down to silver, but I doubt it because of gold just basically being a voluntary donation anyways.

 

[Pantz]

Gold exclusive reactions. It's like one of the main reasons people subscribe on Twitch channels is for the little emotes.
Imagine how many people would go gold for a DJ Khaled Another One reaction image

(someone could make it better).

About the ads, I don't mind the ads, I've even clicked on some of them, but recently there was one that extended across the whole bottom of the screen in bright white and stayed fixed there while scrolling. That's the only one that was annoying because it was huge on this ultrawide monitor.

For a Patreon goal of say $500 sustained monthly, make an official weekly thread with game releases similar to https://www.releases.com/l/Games. Just a weekly thread for discussion with the opening post having the list of games coming out that week along with the dates and atleast a cover photo of each game and maybe a poll. It doesn't have to be anything too crazy.

 

[SlimeGooGoo]

.

 

[Bloobs]

In all seriousness, I've heard about ad-blocking hurting certain websites, but I never thought it would hit Gaf in such a manner.
I'll be sure to gift monthly Gold to fellow members whenever I can.

 

[JLB]

my 2 cents: create a proper youtube channel where you propose and prioritize topics to then funnel that traffic to the site.
Also, merchandising.

 

[Topher]

Nope, the chances of a NeoGAF result being high on google in relation to gaming is very low, sorry, reddit has that market cornered and there are thousands of shitty gaming sites that game the Google algorithm.

It sounds like you might not be good at business and how to “tighten your belt”. Realistically something needs to change here, this is one of those things that could change.

I think a good business man would want to know how much it costs to keep that old data before making the crucial decision to dump it. NeoGAF doesn't have to show up at the top of every google search for its content to be of value. It has been a few years since I have been involved in SEO of websites, but I can tell you that the conventional wisdom has always been don't remove content if you can help it. If that has changed then fine, but there must be some analysis on the impact on SEO. That is all I'm saying.

 

[JLB]

The thing is the forum threads and posts on NeoGAF are essentially its content. Google indexes content. Removing content (threads/posts) will remove the references from Google's content and that results in less traffic. So even old posts that show up in a google search is content worth preserving on this site.

yeah, axing content would be a terrible idea.

 

[Con_Z_ǝdʇ]

Also, merchandising.

NeoGAF Merch Shop | Featuring custom t-shirts, prints, and more

NeoGAF Merch Shop

neogaf.threadless.com

 

[DeceptiveAlarm]

Is there a link to the patreon other than searching this thread? Also definitely do affiliate links I'll click on them when I buy stuff. I shop online a lot.

 

[Banjo64]

Temporarily ban another member for 24 hours for a one-time $25

• • Once a member has been banned this way they cannot be banned with this method again for at least 30 days.
  • If the member who is banned this way has an existing subscription they should be credited for that day.

This would be hilarious, I’d be down for that. It’s the ultimate ‘fuck off’, would be perfect for some posters don’t think it’s actually feasible though.

 

[Con_Z_ǝdʇ]

Is there a link to the patreon other than searching this thread? Also definitely do affiliate links I'll click on them when I buy stuff. I shop online a lot.

Get more from NeoGAF on Patreon

creating the best video game community on the internet.

www.patreon.com

 

[DGrayson]

Is there a link to the patreon other than searching this thread? Also definitely do affiliate links I'll click on them when I buy stuff. I shop online a lot.

I think EviLore is soliciting ideas at this point and has started a simple patreon, but I expect that affiliate links etc (if and when they come) will be organized somehow on the website.

 

[BigBooper]

I don't know if it's legal or possible but making every link to common online stores an affiliate link automatically would probably get a decent amount of activity. People often link to Amazon, Walmart, Newegg, and Gamestop.

 

[Amiga]

Make neogaf an official games, movies, tv shows review channel - take all the points given here, make it a score with some of the best short reviews - like rotten tomatoes.

This!

We are already posting opinions on games. just organize this into a review system with editorial templates and it should add value to GAF. Especially as it is an old site with many core gamers, who in aggregate should carry more weight than one review per-game websites.

 

[Kokoloko85]

I dont adblock and will become a member in that case.

How much does neogaf need?
Maybe make a transparent goal and we can all help via funds, membership, and whatever else to bring cost down and raise money for the goal etc

 

[Banjo64]

I think EviLore is soliciting ideas at this point and has started a simple patreon, but I expect that affiliate links etc (if and when they come) will be organized somehow on the website.

I defo think the silver tier is something to pursue. Having a silver name alone will tempt certain freaks (like me) to sub.

I was always a silver man anyway:

 

[OmegaSupreme]

Honestly would be more inclined to pay for gold if the mod team got revamped. The inconsistencies of the mod team is an extreme turn off and honestly don't vist the site as much as I once did.

Elaborate

 

[Azelover]

I have never, and will never adblock around here. That's what I'm willing to do at this juncture. Also, I don't post anywhere else. Maybe that helps.

Thank you for everything EviLore, we're here for you.

 

[12Goblins]

exclusive emojis for gold members? people love that shit (see twitch)

personally I would love a vip/gold members lounge for political discussion with strict moderation to keep it civilized and zero tolerance for ideologues or partisan bickering

maybe do occasional fund raising goals like wikipedia/npr. people like to feel like they are contributing to something they like and feel rewarded when they share a common goal

 

[StreetsofBeige]

Adblock off now.

It'll be the only site I do it for except for a handful of site's the require adblock off in order for sports videos or job applications to work. As weird as it seems sometimes filling out online job applications, some sites dont work unless adblock is off. And my bank needs it off or some things dont work on the site.

I think the problem is blocking ads isn't the concept of ads itself. I think everyone at the start of using the internet didnt care about non intrusive ads on the sides or even a logo in an article.

But what really pissed off people (me too):

- Pop ups
- Giant banner ads with that animation thing where its like they frame the ad in Flash for 5 seconds and then disappears. I know Gamespot did this a lot.
- I hate those ads they embed in the middle like a background. Like it's slow moving parallax scrolling with the content and ad scrolling on top of each other
- Auto-playing videos/audio (that's why I downloaded an HTML5/video auto-play blocker)

So once adblock is up, people just keep it up forever as default.

 

[CherryFalls]

+ 1 for adding custom like emojis for payers

 

[IFireflyl]

This would be hilarious, I’d be down for that. It’s the ultimate ‘fuck off’, would be perfect for some posters don’t think it’s actually feasible though.

Oh, it probably isn't possible, but if it were possible that would be hilarious. I have someone in mind if this becomes a thing.

 

[Pallas]

I would hate to see this site go away, consider me gold once more.

 

[CuteFaceJay]

Perhaps also moving the whole operation to the Cloud may also cut costs.

Pretty sure that would cost more.

 

[Kuranghi]

We could put up some affiliate links that users could click on for, say, GreenManGaming, HumbleBundle, or other legitimate game vendors with affiliate programs. GAF would get a percentage of sales without any cost to users. Was something we did a long time ago.

Would you entertain affiliate links for www.cdkeys.com? I (and many others here) buy a lot of games there and it seems the most non-dodgy grey key site around, I've never had an issue with a key and its always delivered in seconds. Its not auction style reselling, its all sold by the site owners themselves afaik.

 

[mekes]

I'm not getting ads on Android at all. I've tried 3 different browsers, have no adblock apps. Followed guides to whitelist sites directly through the browser. No matter what I've tried this website hasn't displayed a single advert.

 

[Dick Jones]

I'm not getting ads on Android at all. I've tried 3 different browsers, have no adblock apps. Followed guides to whitelist sites directly through the browser. No matter what I've tried this website hasn't displayed a single advert.

I've been the same. I never saw ads on the site for ages. Its possible that as a lapsed gold member it didn't put the ads back.

Back on Gold today.

 

[Kuranghi]

I un-adblocked GAF.

 

[Frank Horrigan]

personally I would love a vip/gold members lounge for political discussion with strict moderation to keep it civilized and zero tolerance for ideologues or partisan bickering

Splitting the site between paid members and non-paid members is a terrible idea and creates anamosity and clicks. When a click takes over a forum it becomes the clicks' forum and everyone else is pushed out. Locking people out of discussion and behind a paywall is elitist and kind of scummy. If you want like minded people to chat with in regards to heavily modded political discussion, try Reddit.

One reason for the ad-blocking nowadays might be because a lot of people online are using VPN's, which block ads automatically. 5 years ago VPN's were few and far between, now everyone seems to using one for some reason.

Neogaf unbanned a lot of posters after the rift, right? Did that cause an uptick in positive traffic?

 

[mekes]

I've been the same. I never saw ads on the site for ages. Its possible that as a lapsed gold member it didn't put the ads back.

Back on Gold today.

Yeah I'm also a previous gold member too. Hoping that staff will look into this as I've no issue with seeing ads on the forum. Plus I am uneasy knowing that there is a struggle and I'm literally hitching a ride free of charge.

Will probably gold up myself later too.

 

[Kuranghi]

Splitting the site between paid members and non-paid members is a terrible idea and creates anamosity and clicks. When a click takes over a forum it becomes the clicks' forum and everyone else is pushed out. Locking people out of discussion and behind a paywall is elitist and kind of scummy. If you want like minded people to chat with in regards to heavily modded political discussion, try Reddit.

One reason for the ad-blocking nowadays might be because a lot of people online are using VPN's, which block ads automatically. 5 years ago VPN's were few and far between, now everyone seems to using one for some reason.

Neogaf unbanned a lot of posters after the rift, right? Did that cause an uptick in positive traffic?

I know I'm a cunt, but its spelled "clique" and its not pronounced like the word "click", its pronounced "kleek".