SuperTed Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 I have been meaning to ask the question below for a while, but I kept forgetting. When I established Forward Observer, one of my goals was to create a "neutral" site where all webmasters could have their news posted. (Now that I am doing my thing at CMHQ, my goal here has not changed.) I felt that several small sites were doing good things, but they were not getting a lot of traffic. So, by creating FO, it would allow all sites to have an "equal" voice. The question is: Did FO (and now CMHQ-News) achieve this goal? I would really appreciate some honest feedback from webmasters and visitors. It will help us (Baldy and me ) decide what, if anything, to change. Thank you for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PawBroon Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 It does just that Ted. I could browse 1 or 2 major CM sites while catching up on the forum but there is no way I'll stop to read all of the CM Webring. You're the Reader's Digest of my CM needs actually. Keep up the good work... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panzer_Meyer Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 Hi, Hard to say for sure. I have a small site, nothing really much on it. But I am proud of it, and the fact I made it all by myself using HTML. I don't have a counter on my site so I am not sure how many hits I got. But it seems to me that people still go for the bigger sites (CMHQ, Combat-missions, etc), because they have more content and are updated frequently. These "famous" sites are very well known and 90% of the mods are sent to these big sites. So I think no matter how much voice you put out there for the little guys, they will never get as many hits as the big sites. FO might of got the little guys equal voice, but I am not sure to any good, because people still went straight for the Big sites. Just my thoughs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Dorosh Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 I think the combination of posting here with news, and of putting the news on FO (and now on the CMHQ main page) is what keeps people checking out these websites. I have checked out websites because of your announcements that I would never have heard of any other way. I think your services are the best way of getting new info out there. I usually get one or two emails from people every time I add an update - since my sites deal with arcane subject matter, I know this is a result of your efforts. Keep it up. I think it makes more difference than anyone realizes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berlichtingen Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 To be honest, I never used it... it doesn't work in IE for Mac, and I seldom browse in Netscape Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alla_keefek Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 Ted I know on my site I get heaps of traffic. From FO and now from CMHQ. So I am more than happy with your news service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Johnson-- Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 You little site rocks Rommel, I'll get you some additional scenarios for ya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warmaker Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 FO served its purpose IMO. There were a bunch of sites I wasn't even aware of and now I frequent them to check what's going on and stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clubfoot Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 A very valuable service! Our hits always spike immediately following an FO (uh, sorry, CMHQ) news blurb. I visit some of the sites due only to the news coverage you post. Keep up the good work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panzer_Meyer Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 Thanx Mr. Johnson, I would greatly apreciate it! Send it my way and I will post it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panzer Leader Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 FO did a great job of giving voice to "the little guy" and I hope that you continue voices their achievements and updates. Incidentally I still go to FO for the excellent LINKS page. I don't think CMHQ links has been updated since 1999. Is there a way to consolidate your links page, or at least update the CMHQ links? Hey Rommel22, you've got some great scenarios there. I am playing one by PBEM from your site right now~! [ 06-04-2001: Message edited by: Panzer Leader ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panzer_Meyer Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 thanx Panzer Leader, Glad to hear some people are enjoying the scenarios! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoJo Posted June 4, 2001 Share Posted June 4, 2001 <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>When I established Forward Observer, one of my goals was to create a "neutral" site where all webmasters could have their news posted.... The question is: Did FO (and now CMHQ-News) achieve this goal? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I think that you certaintly have acheived this goal, and not only was your idea great but you knew what you were doing and we could actually depend on you to make sure that our news was heard. But as far as making all sites have an "equal voice" I agree with Rommel that the sites with the Better Reputations almost always comes out on top due to them always receiving top of the line goods and other various features on the sites, these sites don't really have to rely on anything else than that of the people that submit stuff. Us smaller webmasters rely on, well, you Ted to make sure that others know that we're here. Without you I'd certaintly be extinct or close to it since you introduce us to more people that might come back on their own once in a while just to browse the site or leave a message. But I still think that we can't contest with the bigger sites and I'm not trying to really, I'm just trying to help the CM community in any way I can (since this game and HTML are my favorite ways to pass the time). All in all Ted, you have helped us all out alot and certaintly have made an impact on our sites. Thanks for being there for us! -MoJo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperTed Posted June 5, 2001 Author Share Posted June 5, 2001 Thanks for all the responses, guys. Now, for the respsonses to the responses: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rommel22: But it seems to me that people still go for the bigger sites (CMHQ, Combat-missions, etc), because they have more content and are updated frequently. These "famous" sites are very well known and 90% of the mods are sent to these big sites. So I think no matter how much voice you put out there for the little guys, they will never get as many hits as the big sites. FO might of got the little guys equal voice, but I am not sure to any good, because people still went straight for the Big sites. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I agree that people generally visit the larger sites first (which, by the way, will make site updates even more effective now that they are being posted at CMHQ). I really never expected that to change (much). Specifically, I never expected the smaller sites to get enough hits to rival the bigger sites. Rather, my hope was that FO would help to generate interest in ALL the sites, with the greatest advantage being realized by the smaller sites. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Berlichtingen: To be honest, I never used it... it doesn't work in IE for Mac, and I seldom browse in Netscape <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I know. Sadly, my lack of webmastering prevented me from finding a solution to that nagging problem. Is it safe to say you are able to access CMHQ? If so, then the problem is solved (in a roundabout sort of way). <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Panzer Leader: Incidentally I still go to FO for the excellent LINKS page. I don't think CMHQ links has been updated since 1999. Is there a way to consolidate your links page, or at least update the CMHQ links? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Thanks. Actually, the links page at CMHQ was updated by MadMatt about two weeks ago. In the not-so-distant future, there are plans to overhaul it to make it more complete and accurate (i.e. more like FO :cool: ). So, (a little sad to say) the links page will eventually replace and improve upon the one at FO. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MoJo: But as far as making all sites have an "equal voice" I agree with Rommel that the sites with the Better Reputations almost always comes out on top due to them always receiving top of the line goods and other various features on the sites, these sites don't really have to rely on anything else than that of the people that submit stuff. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Agreed. But, again, it's not about the little sites competing with the big sites. It's about the people being aware of ALL the sites so they can experience the rich tapestry that is the CM community. So, again, thank you all for your kind responses. I feel that creating a community atmosphere at the webmaster level of the CM world can only make the experience better for all involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manx Posted June 5, 2001 Share Posted June 5, 2001 I find it kinda funny to see these comments about how "smaller" CM sites can't compete with the "BIG" sites. This time last year, the total content on COMBAT MISSIONS, consisted of ONE introductory page that basically detailed how i intended to start a CM site that would specialise in scenarios & operations (hence the name COMBAT MISSIONS)for CMBO (the 1st scenario was hosted on the 18th June - thanks "Moon"!). Do you get the point i'm trying to make?? [ 06-04-2001: Message edited by: Manx ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panzer_Meyer Posted June 5, 2001 Share Posted June 5, 2001 No, Well I do. But, I think the reason other sites became popular or more visited is, because CMHQ went off-line for a while and MadMatt didn't have time to update as much as he wanted to and the people needed. So people turned alse where, a la Combat-Missions, Tom's CM page and others. IMO, that is the reason why yours or any ones site became so big. I am not saying the sites weren't or aren't good. They are absolutly wonderfull and I like them myself very much. But before CMHQ went down for a while and before MadMatt went to work for BTS, he and his his site were pretty much the only thing people were visiting for mods and scenarios. So when Madmatt didn't update the site, people started to send mods alse where and this gave other web pages and web masters a chance to be big. That is my look on it and that is how I see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manx Posted June 5, 2001 Share Posted June 5, 2001 Rommel22 - I agree with your take on CMHQ to a certain extent, but in the end you would have to ask the indiviual scenario/mod designers & article writers themselves why they choose to submit to one particular site and not another. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Dorosh Posted June 5, 2001 Share Posted June 5, 2001 Rommel22, it may also be a matter of needing to specialize. There are so many "general" CM sites out there that it is hard to figure out where to go. You may want to specialize, or provide some marketing "hook" to grab more people's attention. Posting "come visit my site" and bumping it over and over is one way - but there are better ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panzer_Meyer Posted June 5, 2001 Share Posted June 5, 2001 Whatever, just trying to voice my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperTed Posted June 5, 2001 Author Share Posted June 5, 2001 <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Manx: I find it kinda funny to see these comments about how "smaller" CM sites can't compete with the "BIG" sites. This time last year, the total content on COMBAT MISSIONS, consisted of ONE introductory page that basically detailed how i intended to start a CM site that would specialise in scenarios & operations (hence the name COMBAT MISSIONS)for CMBO (the 1st scenario was hosted on the 18th June - thanks "Moon"!). Do you get the point i'm trying to make?? [ 06-04-2001: Message edited by: Manx ] <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I remember those days. I liked the idea of having a site for scenarios without having to use the blasted TGN list from hell. Now, just a year later, you have a fantastic site that is everything a CM fan could want, and you do it well. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rommel22: But, I think the reason other sites became popular or more visited is, because CMHQ went off-line for a while and MadMatt didn't have time to update as much as he wanted to and the people needed. So people turned alse where, a la Combat-Missions, Tom's CM page and others. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I think you hit the nail on the head here. Further, it is a good thing that the other sites were able to thrive as much as they have. I hope that they all continue to do well, because more good sites means more good stuff for the fans. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Michael Dorosh: Rommel22, it may also be a matter of needing to specialize. There are so many "general" CM sites out there that it is hard to figure out where to go. You may want to specialize, or provide some marketing "hook" to grab more people's attention. Posting "come visit my site" and bumping it over and over is one way - but there are better ones. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Yes, instead you could have me say "Go visit his site" and I'll bump it over and over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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