oh come on people!

[the grimm]

what is wrong with you all?

everyone screams "save PIforums from dying", but all you people do is sit here in the small talk subforum, doing nothing. I mean, jeez, "what is your most and less favorite planet"?

if you want to revive this forum, post in the threads that matter! go back to RMT, discuss new movesets, make tournaments, ANYTHING!
nobody wants to become a member of a pokémon dite where the only alive subforum left is about if jupiter is cool or not, or just posting nonsense to be the last poster! even the starters of RMT threads stopped replying to their own threads!

by now, an international forum like PIforums should be overflowing with newbies wich just got D/P and want you to rate their teams and asking how to defeat the E4 or something like that.

so, post a little! make PIforums attractive again, istead of just sitting their, laughing "hehehe, he types Uranus, hehehe".


PIforums will never become a serebii, but it also doesn't need to become a pokémon, pokémon.

[Black Dragon]

Not many people here are good at RMT. Barely anybody here plays competitively. In-game doesn't matter, you could beat the E4 with just about any Pokemon.

Also, I've never worried about this place dying before, what are you talking about? :(

If you have time to complain, go make a thread or two. :)

EDIT: A non-complaint thread. ;)

[the grimm]

so, i can revive PI on my own? yeah, sure.

and the RMT were an example. there are more than enough threads that can be used. the trading section, or just other pokémon threads.

anything but smalltalk

[Swellow]

^^ You know there is a difference in time, don't you >_> ? The Americans are usually online when we Dutchmen are asleep.

[Comis Patronus]

For one thing, it's getting to be the "school is starting season again."
Besides, it's better without getting too much attention as we really don't need noobs and a community that is well-knit together just needs time to grow...we don't need a sudden overflow of new members. :(

All I'm basically trying to say is that let things be and this forum will grow in time.

~@};-

[Cookie Monster]

It's about time someone said something about this.

I have been making threads, and it seemed like I was one of the few that actually bothered to make any. Take a look at the amount of threads people have made. Most people (including staff members) have made only about 30 threads, or less. Which is pretty sad. I've also tried to post in places other than the games forum [Which is about the only place that people only post in], though it doesn't really seem to work out, because again, it's the only place that seems to interest people.

What needs to be done by both members and mods is to advertise and create threads. Threads being created at a constant amount of time is what keeps a forum active. Most preferably in the Pokémon sections, as you said.

--

I also find it sad how members take a look at this thread and don't reply. This is something we all need to talk about. If this continues, PI will eventually completely die.

[Comis Patronus]

What could be done is mass e-mail to every member here asking for at least some of their time to come back here.

~@};-

[the grimm]

Just saying "PI will eventually come back to life again", will never work. If everyone just says that, than who is going to bring back life? A forum glitch? God him/herself?

I don't like n00by posts either *points at avatar*, but its way better than letting PIforums die. Also, when PIforums would become interesting again, older members from other forums might come to PI. For example, I'm also a member of serebii.

PI also had enough time to grow; it's about 2 years old now I believe?
Pokemeadow had only 45 members, was only Dutch and existed not even half a year, but was just as active as PIforums (which still keeps me wondering why we decided to become part of PI).

Mass e-mailing won't work IMO, tough it is an idea. The old members who left PIforums probably got bored or grew out of pokémon, and probably won't return to revive PI. The best shot we have is probably o let the active members post in the subforums that matter, and attract new members that way.

Finally, Cookie Monster is right; other members should get into this discussion too. Tough I and many others want to revive the forums; it won't work with just the public we have now.

[Swellow]

^^ The problem is simple; there are enough people registering, but once they have logged out for the first time, they just don't return. The forum needs something which will make new members think twice before leaving the forum for good.

[the grimm]

good point, good point.

maybe some events, like we had on PMf. PI has only one big international tournament running, and that will take some time. more smaller tournaments might be a nice idea, also for people wich just got their game. for example a tournament where only pokémon below level 20 are allowed, or olny first-stage pokémon.

another idea is a giveaway event, like PMf also has ATM. could be anything, really, and the best thing would be somethign that is fun for both competitive and funplayers, like a starly with some eggmoves.

[King toad]

And of course, we need to break the rules of the internet.


And advertise, a helluva lot.

[Sakura]

Something has to be done about PIforums, I'm sick of posting somewhere and no one replying. I'll try and help by adding a PIforums link to my sig in serebii or any other forums I visit. We also need RMTers, more banner makers and other guide makers. Hell, I might even try to be a RMTer since I know a bit about competitive battling. We need to address the problem Now people, Of PIforims Will die.

[Swellow]

We also need RMTers.
As far as I know, the only real competitive battlers on PI, who are also active, are Volteon, Black Dragon and I myself. I also know that the grimm and pajama know some competitive stuff.

more banner makers
Hmm, will translate my shop and also put in the English Forum.

and other guide makers
I'll translate some stuff of my website when I have some spare time.

I think another problem for PI is the lack of a site. Most people register on forums because they think the site offers good content and they want to become a member of the community. I'm not saying PI needs its own site, but many people just register because of that.

PI just needs something unique which will make members think twice about leaving the forum for good.

[Sakura]

I thought Our site was poke-International?

EDIT: Oh, I just checked. It isnt. Just goes to show my lack of a keen eye.

[Guyinamask]

good point, good point.

maybe some events, like we had on PMf. PI has only one big international tournament running, and that will take some time. more smaller tournaments might be a nice idea, also for people wich just got their game. for example a tournament where only pokémon below level 20 are allowed, or olny first-stage pokémon.

another idea is a giveaway event, like PMf also has ATM. could be anything, really, and the best thing would be somethign that is fun for both competitive and funplayers, like a starly with some eggmoves.

Those sound like good ideas you got there the grimm. I know there is already a thread for it and its kinda dead(lolrhymes) but we could make a new active Wi Fi Gym League and try to keep it alive.

[King toad]

A PI leauge!

That is utter genius my good friend. We should start one, that should attract more people.






SPPF don't have one, do they?

[Swellow]

SPPF don't have one, do they?
Members are trying to start such a tournament, but without much succes. We should probably give this 'PI League' a try. I'll make a suggestion thread in the Tournament Section.

~ Swellow

[King toad]

If only there was a way to stop SPPF making such a league.

Viva la revolution!

[Prince of Darkness]

The thing we can do about it is try making at least a few posts a day (of course when you have no internet you can't). Try to ask things about the pokemon games, even if you think we shall laugh at you, cause we won't.

Don't be affraid to make a thread that already exists, since if there is not recent thread like that, then it is much better to just restart it. (this doesn't go for stickied threads though)

[the grimm]

IMO, it are the small tournament that make the difference. a giant league like PIforums now has is awesome, but takes a hell of a lot of time.

a site like serebii has might be a good idea also, but who is going to make it? if we're fusing anyway, swellow could translate the dutch pokemeadowsite to english, with some help of the english speaking people on PI. of course, it's swellow's site, so he should decide about that.

another good idea to make PI better is to ban the idiots who just SPAM al lot and think they're better than others because they have a rank with regigigas in it, even calling theyrselves a king.
they also don't care about PI and make this whole thread a joke, and think they're cool and funny but just being all-round annoying.

EDIT: they also abuse the absence of a way to report SPAM, and start flamewars

[King toad]

What I was thinking was having one main league and multiple tournaments surrounding it. The winner of those tourneys could get a ribbon, and the overall winner of the league could get also get a ribbon, but a much important one, somehow.

Didn't understand the second paragraph much, but it would fusion with other sites = defitinive win, as long as it's not SPPf.

And the rest... I'm too hungover to reply.

[Swellow]

^^ I've got such a tournament running on a few Dutch pokemon forums. You can earn points in tournaments and the more points you have, the higher your place on the ranking. Different forums participate in it.

~ Swellow

[Sakura]

Yeah, we could have a main tournament with "mini" tournaments in it and prizes can be things like rare/ shiny pokemon, Being a mod for a week etc. I like the points idea also, we could even have a point exchange program where you exchange points for rare items/ Pokemon and other little tid bits.

Also a league where current members can become Gym leaders/ elite four/ brains/ champion like in the game.


There just my idea's though, I don't expect you to actully listen to them.

[the grimm]

actually, someone does listen to your ideas and even likes them.

a big tournament made of small tourneys is quite a good idea. not only it is easier to play and takes less time to organise, it can also be a challenge for multiple parts of battling, ex. single and double tourneys, different tournaments for different tiers, maybe even one type only tournaments or itemless. then, give points to the winners, and after multiple tournaments the battler with the most points wins a big prize, and prises for the 2nd and 3rd place.

in other words, make the star challenge international. maybe that swellow can explain how it works.

[Swellow]

maybe that swellow can explain how it works.
There is already a topic about it in the Tournament Section.

~ Swellow

[Virtual Headache]

First of all, I'm actually quite glad a thread like this was made. Since a lot of people seem to care about this forum, I'm sure we all can work together.
As far as I know, the only real competitive battlers on PI, who are also active, are Volteon, Black Dragon and I myself. I also know that the grimm and pajama know some competitive stuff.


Hmm, will translate my shop and also put in the English Forum.


I'll translate some stuff of my website when I have some spare time.

I think another problem for PI is the lack of a site. Most people register on forums because they think the site offers good content and they want to become a member of the community. I'm not saying PI needs its own site, but many people just register because of that.

PI just needs something unique which will make members think twice about leaving the forum for good.
About the site: Well, I tried makiing a site a few times, but I never know how to make it special. There are already tons of other sites out there and I never saw a real chance to beat them. I also don't have many resources to get information from.
Like already said, perhaps we could translate Pokemeadow or not only advertise PI but promote Pokemeadow a lot aswell.

I've also been working on a minisite, no idea whether people will use it, but I'll give it a try. I should get it up soon.

Well, about unique ideas, most people said the battling/trading system is a good idea but hardly anyone seems to use it outside of PI. I'm also working on improving it, since it's currently not as efficient as it's supposed to be.
If some of you would use it outside of PI, that would be great. I'd also like to hear some suggestions if you think it's missing something.

[the grimm]

well, the first thing that annoyed me when pokemeadow became part of PI was the forumskin. the default skin has 2 colours, gray and gray. it's like there is a huge pile of dust couvering PIforums that way.

the other skins are not very good either. most of them are a bit dull, and what is left are the orange skins, wich are so bright they hurt my eyes.

not really inportant, but cubone as PIforums signaturepoke also gives a bad impression. I mean, he wears the skull of his dead mother and cries all day long :/

that last idea might be a bit overdo, but at least PI needs better skins

[Swellow]

If some of you would use it outside of PI, that would be great. I'd also like to hear some suggestions if you think it's missing something.
I actually use it at another Dutch forum. Hopefully some members will click on them and become member here too.

~ Swellow

[Virtual Headache]

well, the first thing that annoyed me when pokemeadow became part of PI was the forumskin. the default skin has 2 colours, gray and gray. it's like there is a huge pile of dust couvering PIforums that way.

the other skins are not very good either. most of them are a bit dull, and what is left are the orange skins, wich are so bright they hurt my eyes.

not really inportant, but cubone as PIforums signaturepoke also gives a bad impression. I mean, he wears the skull of his dead mother and cries all day long :/

that last idea might be a bit overdo, but at least PI needs better skins
I agree, but like you can already see the skins I make suck.
We need a professional skin maker.
I've got an idea for a skin, but I doubt I could make it look the way I want...

[Black Dragon]

I'm not good at making skins either (well, I assume so; I've never tried to make one before), but I think a little bit of red or blue on a black background would look cool. Or some white/blue ones.

[Arielle]

I know I'm not much help these days, but I can certainly try harder when I get on my own computer again. ^_^;;

I think one of our problems is that a lot of us are unmotivated. We have ideas, but we just don't seem to go though with it. We need to not be afraid and take action. That means me, too, but I'm sure I can work harder.

I can try making skins again. I've made a few before (not released, as far as I know, as the buttons are kinda screwy at the moment), and they're not *half* bad. I'm not a professional, but my skins don't make your eyes bleed either. Nudge me when I'm back and I'll get back to work. ;p

[the grimm]

it would be good if PI could become more competitive too. maybe we could ask some smogonmembers if they could come to PI and "teach" a bit about competitive.

on serebii, they have the adopt-a-newbie-thread, where older members learn new members about the forum, and about competitive stuff. i think this is a great idea, since you make friends easier that way AND increase the pokémon knowledge of PI.

@VH: i hope i didn't offend you when i said the skins are bad. if i did, sorry.

[King toad]

I don't think PI isn't that active enough the have an adopt-a-newbie thread yet.

And a few of us were competitive when the arcade got a few new games, (Mostly me and KD)


I also think we need a completly revampted point system, one which I can't think of right about this moment.

And poke-clans, we could have Poke-clans and compete against other Pokemon forums.

EDIT: Lovin' the whose in the chat box on the main page, if only it was there a couple of months ago.

EDITY NUMBER 2: AND the new chat is awesome.

[Crystal Walrein]

The problem I see is that the site has no real back end or community representation like PPN/PC, Smogon and PKMN.NET, both of which have sources off the forums for related information. VH and I have discussed this before, though, and she wishes to incorporate something into the vBulletin system that would present news articles or gaming information in several languages to keep up with PI's theme.

[Sakura]

We first need a different mascot, Minun and Plusle the friendly "Happy" Pokemon maybe?

Banner, No credit needed(That is rare.):
http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/4181/piforumsminunos8.png
Decided for Minun there, I know I'm crap but I 'm trying to help ;_;

[Crystal Walrein]

I don't think a mascot makes much difference. Even though activity isn't great, we're known for Pichu....

[King toad]

I've always known the orange bird in the orange layout to be the best.

Me lose brain? That impossible!

[the grimm]

pichu sounds like a better idea. also, the color combination yellow/black sounds like a great idea for a background IMO

EDIT: also, we could name the english section the international section. otherwise it feels like you're in a section you don't belong in when posting there while being from another country. international section sounds more welcome in some way, i dunno..

[Virtual Headache]

I'm not good at making skins either (well, I assume so; I've never tried to make one before), but I think a little bit of red or blue on a black background would look cool. Or some white/blue ones.
Ok, I should put that down somewhere so we don't forget about it once someone makes a new skin^^
I know I'm not much help these days, but I can certainly try harder when I get on my own computer again. ^_^;;

I think one of our problems is that a lot of us are unmotivated. We have ideas, but we just don't seem to go though with it. We need to not be afraid and take action. That means me, too, but I'm sure I can work harder.

I can try making skins again. I've made a few before (not released, as far as I know, as the buttons are kinda screwy at the moment), and they're not *half* bad. I'm not a professional, but my skins don't make your eyes bleed either. Nudge me when I'm back and I'll get back to work. ;p
Yeah, we already discussed a few things but never did them in the end. What we've got to do is collect everything and start working on it.

I also need to be more organized myself, I start something, don't complete it, have a another idea and start working on that one. The result is tons of incomplete projects and some chaos on my hard drive :/

I'll remind you of the skins so we can finally make them public.

it would be good if PI could become more competitive too. maybe we could ask some smogonmembers if they could come to PI and "teach" a bit about competitive.

on serebii, they have the adopt-a-newbie-thread, where older members learn new members about the forum, and about competitive stuff. i think this is a great idea, since you make friends easier that way AND increase the pokémon knowledge of PI.

@VH: i hope i didn't offend you when i said the skins are bad. if i did, sorry.
Well, it would be great if they could help us. We'd just need someone who'll ask them though.

Those 2 threads are a good idea. Whoever wants to make them, feel free to do so. I might include a link in the welcome PM then.

It's ok, I know that my styles aren't that great^^;
I don't think PI isn't that active enough the have an adopt-a-newbie thread yet.

And a few of us were competitive when the arcade got a few new games, (Mostly me and KD)


I also think we need a completly revampted point system, one which I can't think of right about this moment.

And poke-clans, we could have Poke-clans and compete against other Pokemon forums.

EDIT: Lovin' the whose in the chat box on the main page, if only it was there a couple of months ago.

EDITY NUMBER 2: AND the new chat is awesome.
About the arcade, I dunno. Did you get bored of the current games already?
Point system is hard, because I don't know of a decent one. There is one in development which I already looked at, but it currently only lets you receive points but you can't buy anything with them. I might take a look at the complete thing then.

The problem I see is that the site has no real back end or community representation like PPN/PC, Smogon and PKMN.NET, both of which have sources off the forums for related information. VH and I have discussed this before, though, and she wishes to incorporate something into the vBulletin system that would present news articles or gaming information in several languages to keep up with PI's theme.
Yeah, the lack of site is a problem. But how can you compete if there are already a bunch of good sites out there? Especially if you haven't got many resources.
We first need a different mascot, Minun and Plusle the friendly "Happy" Pokemon maybe?

Banner, No credit needed(That is rare.):
http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/4181/piforumsminunos8.png
Decided for Minun there, I know I'm crap but I 'm trying to help ;_;
Heh, the banner looks great.
May I add it to the banner thread?
Well, we had a kind of vote on a mascot before and decided for Torchic. Perhaps we should select a new Pokémon?
I don't think a mascot makes much difference. Even though activity isn't great, we're known for Pichu....
Yeah, but it doesn't hurt, right? ;)
Pichu? I think you mean Pikachu. We don't have any skins with Pichu pics on them.
pichu sounds like a better idea. also, the color combination yellow/black sounds like a great idea for a background IMO

EDIT: also, we could name the english section the international section. otherwise it feels like you're in a section you don't belong in when posting there while being from another country. international section sounds more welcome in some way, i dunno..
Hmm, about the name I'm not sure. Do you really think people feel that they don't belong here?
The name doesn't say where you've got to come from to post in here.

[the grimm]

yeah, the name thing was a little ovedo >_<

i'll make a thread for adopt a newbie, and we'll see how it works out.
EDIT: but where do I need to put it... >_<

[Virtual Headache]

I'd put it in the User's Lounge or the Community Connection.

[Darkrai]

I should really start having more attention to Small Talk. *shot*

About new skins: I really like this skin, but yes, the other ones aren't quite as good as this one.

About forum eventually dying: I tried to bring more members here, but I don't think members who join and then leave would be of much help.

About DP league and stuff: yay for me not having wifi ;_; but that won't be for long; I agree with the tourny (mini and maxi), that would bring some activity... I hope.

[the grimm]

well, swellow made a new skin as you probably saw, and i think it's great.
the yellow parts give just enough life to the gray background.

also, about PI needing something special, we have the arcade zone!
i can't think of another forum with that.
the only thing it needs is better games. maybe contact newgrounds?

[Swellow]

well, swellow made a new skin as you probably saw, and i think it's great.
the yellow parts give just enough life to the gray background.
Thank you!

I read about the 'mascot' on the previous page, but then I thought 'Where do you actually see this so called mascot of PI'. You don't see it anywhere on the forum.

[Careful With That Axe, Pichu]

well, swellow made a new skin as you probably saw, and i think it's great.
the yellow parts give just enough life to the gray background.

also, about PI needing something special, we have the arcade zone!
i can't think of another forum with that.
the only thing it needs is better games. maybe contact newgrounds?


The thing is, the Arcade often distracts people from the forum and lessens activity. It happened to me; I ofen used to come and spent ages playing there, forgetting about the forum.

I think that "special something" should be an activity or event inside the board context and topics. Contests, polls, surveys, clubs, organizations, anything.

[Crystal Walrein]

I don't think the arcade really affects posting at the forum all that much. The Cave of Dragonflies has one and it has no adverse effect. Rather, I believe the arcade doesn't work unless the forum is already active.

[Careful With That Axe, Pichu]

Still, it's mostly a separate entity from the main board. Even though it finally might not reduce activity, it certainly doesn't boost it to a great extent. That's why I believe in-board events/reactions can be the most beneficial.

[Virtual Headache]

bumping this to make it get attention again

[Saruki]

Hey, I try and post everyday. I double post too, but I can't.

Don't look at me.

thegrimm, why don't you post? I never see you around here. Don't give me that timezones crap either.

[Cookie Monster]

Everyone talks about all these complicated methods to raise activity, like: forcing more people join, adding new skins, getting a different/new website host, putting clubs/organizations, adding more arcade games, making contests, etc.

The reality is that none of those things will do anything to help raise activity. PI's problem with inactivity is very simple. No one creates threads. Whenever newbies sign up, they usually post in all the threads that already exist; find nowhere else to post at, think PI is boring and most likely leave. If we had a constant flow of new threads, this place would be a lot more interesting to post in. If you think what I say not true, then please try to prove me wrong.

I'd be willing to help by creating threads, but I don't want it to feel like I'm going to be the only one in the forum doing so.

[§SilverWing§]

well, the first thing that annoyed me when pokemeadow became part of PI was the forumskin. the default skin has 2 colours, gray and gray. it's like there is a huge pile of dust couvering PIforums that way.

the other skins are not very good either. most of them are a bit dull, and what is left are the orange skins, wich are so bright they hurt my eyes.

not really inportant, but cubone as PIforums signaturepoke also gives a bad impression. I mean, he wears the skull of his dead mother and cries all day long :/

that last idea might be a bit overdo, but at least PI needs better skins

T-T'

[Electron]

well, the first thing that annoyed me when pokemeadow became part of PI was the forumskin. the default skin has 2 colours, gray and gray. it's like there is a huge pile of dust couvering PIforums that way.

the other skins are not very good either. most of them are a bit dull, and what is left are the orange skins, wich are so bright they hurt my eyes.

not really inportant, but cubone as PIforums signaturepoke also gives a bad impression. I mean, he wears the skull of his dead mother and cries all day long :/

that last idea might be a bit overdo, but at least PI needs better skins

Apart from enjoying the community, the second reason I come here is because of the skins. They're very good, I have no idea how you don't like them. The Cubone explanation isn't very great... if it was a slowpoke, you'd say it meant that the users are lethargic and can't be bothered to RMT. If it was a voltorb, you'd probably note that it's actually a symbol of how users are known to "self destruct" and not be seen around the forums a long time.

You may have a point, that the quality of posts in small talk isn't superb, but then again, at least there are no n00b posts around here. Making the types of posts you describe requires energy and will from the poster, something not all posters may have at every single time; if I have noticed correctly, many visitors of this forum like myself come here to unwind and engage in less typical conversations. RMT and D/P discussions are things usually polished over in places like Serebii.net forums, which are the places people go for that kind of stuff. If there was a lot more of that here, would there be any real point in coming here and not just going to SPPf or Pokecommunity or some other place, except out of habit, or wanting to help PI? I myself don't think so.

PI's distinction is why I return here, not so I can get my team rated. I could drop in anywhere at one of the Pokemon megacommunities and request and RMT or D/P opinion and get it.

It seems to me as if you have a point, but if any progress is to be made, a different strategy needs to be thought up, since the current doesn't make much sense. C'est du moins mon opinion.

[Virtual Headache]

Everyone talks about all these complicated methods to raise activity, like: forcing more people join, adding new skins, getting a different/new website host, putting clubs/organizations, adding more arcade games, making contests, etc.

The reality is that none of those things will do anything to help raise activity. PI's problem with inactivity is very simple. No one creates threads. Whenever newbies sign up, they usually post in all the threads that already exist; find nowhere else to post at, think PI is boring and most likely leave. If we had a constant flow of new threads, this place would be a lot more interesting to post in. If you think what I say not true, then please try to prove me wrong.

I'd be willing to help by creating threads, but I don't want it to feel like I'm going to be the only one in the forum doing so.
Yeah, I think you are quite right with that.
Look at this time of the year: It's Christmas. What about the almost obligatory "what did you get", "how do you celebrate" threads?
No one created them. Or other current events? Political stories, recent happenings...it seems like PI only has poll-like threads or threads which can always be replied to because they don't deal with current events. And most of these threads get only 1 reply per members, there hardly ever is some kind of further discussion. Forums are for discussing things, right? Don't be afraid to post in a thread twice if you want to comment on something or add something.
TBH I also don't always feel like creating threads. I've created more than 1000 threads on the forums and feel it's about time someone else starts doing something.
I also admit that it really annoys me that most members don't really seem to try to put any effort to help into those forums.
Do you know the main reason why PI is still up? Because of the members.
It's really frustrating and time consuming to take care of PI and I don't really get anything out of this. It isn't free for me either and I often get into a lot of stress because of it.
Yet I thought it would be unfair to the members to simply take the forums down just because I don't feel positive about them.
Though now I slightly get the feeling most of the members don't really seem to care. Look at the Christmas announcement: Only 3 people wished everyone a merry Christmas. I thought we were a community so a thread like that would normally get a lot more replies.

Concerning your last sentence: If everyone thinks that way there will be no results...
Apart from enjoying the community, the second reason I come here is because of the skins. They're very good, I have no idea how you don't like them. The Cubone explanation isn't very great... if it was a slowpoke, you'd say it meant that the users are lethargic and can't be bothered to RMT. If it was a voltorb, you'd probably note that it's actually a symbol of how users are known to "self destruct" and not be seen around the forums a long time.

You may have a point, that the quality of posts in small talk isn't superb, but then again, at least there are no n00b posts around here. Making the types of posts you describe requires energy and will from the poster, something not all posters may have at every single time; if I have noticed correctly, many visitors of this forum like myself come here to unwind and engage in less typical conversations. RMT and D/P discussions are things usually polished over in places like Serebii.net forums, which are the places people go for that kind of stuff. If there was a lot more of that here, would there be any real point in coming here and not just going to SPPf or Pokecommunity or some other place, except out of habit, or wanting to help PI? I myself don't think so.

PI's distinction is why I return here, not so I can get my team rated. I could drop in anywhere at one of the Pokemon megacommunities and request and RMT or D/P opinion and get it.

It seems to me as if you have a point, but if any progress is to be made, a different strategy needs to be thought up, since the current doesn't make much sense. C'est du moins mon opinion.
Which kind of strategies are you talking about?
I know compared to the huge forums I have no chance, though I'm not "fighting" against them anyway.

It's pretty hard to come up with something new all the time. I added the WiFi buttons for sigs in hope some people will make use of them at other forums, which doesn't seem to be the case.
I've also had other ideas but whenever I see some other site already has them, I don't feel real motivation to work on them, especially since I don't always have the skills to implement such things and I'm afraid that I might put the forums in some kind of security risks whenever it comes to coding. Another thing is that I might take the risk of being called a copycat, even though I'd never look around other sites just to steal. How prove you thought of the same idea and didn't take it from somewhere else?

And to mention another thing:
Some people seem to be under the impression I want PI to be as big and active like Pokecommunity or SPPf, but that's not the case. I am already aware that I will never reach this kind of forum size and I don't really want to either. In forums of that size, things can get a bit too unpersonal very quickly and I'd also get into a lot of trouble finding a decent server (which I couldn't afford).
What I want is PI to be active enough to be interesting for people (I admit, if there are no new threads it sometimes doesn't really interest me either) and also to get a decent amount of threads and posts every day (if you want numbers: I wish we would reach at least 500 posts every day, 1000 would be extremely awesome, but currently we need to try to get back to at least 100 a day). And what's most important for me, the Pokemon forums should get more attention from the members. They currently seem to be one of the most inactive parts of the forums and hey, we are a Pokemon forum after all. That's the reason why people come here. That might also be the reason why they leave so quickly, they might be disappointed by the Pokemon part.

[Comis Patronus]

It's easy for some people but...tbh, I think PI is perfect the way it is-it has a closer-knit community...and a lot of us have our own stresses irl. We do appreciate this forum VH but...'tis the season and even if it's supposed to be vacation, there is a lot of things to be done. ;;

[King toad]

I could go on TV and blatantly advertise.

But then we would get alot of spammers.

[Fang]

*BUMP*
I got some usefull ideas from this, and wrote them down.
I want this thread to get a little more attention now, eve though PI isn't that deing anymore.
anyways, thanks for all the ideas guys!

[Virtual Headache]

I'm not willing to keep paying for a forum which only gets about 20 (!!!) posts a day, especially if 99% of those posts are in the spam thread and not even worth reading.

I'm also not willing to actually do something for a forum which is full of people who come here every day yet wouldn't try to help. What's so hard about putting a link into your sig for support or create a thread every now and then?
Or what about the battle/trade status icons? According to many people they are useful. Really? Then why aren't they being used?