What Makes The Escapist Forums Work?

[ClanCrusher]

I wouldn't say that I'm a practiced forum veteran or that I've had much experience in the way of forum communities, but from what I've seen, The Escapist has some of the cleanest and well managed forums on the net, while other forums seem to have to lock down dozens of threads at a time just to keep their members from fighting.

So honestly and truly, what do you think makes The Escapist a cut above the rest? Is it the abundance of topics? An excellent moderator staff? Strict and clearly defined rules? A handy report button? The badge system? As a person trying to manage a forum himself, I'm eager to learn anything that might help.

As a side note, I realize that me saying that The Escapist forums are some of the better on net is a personal opinion subject to debate, but I'd appreciate it if this thread could stay away from that particular topic for the time being.

 

[SillyBear]

Well it works because it has a huge community that is active 24/7.

The moderators are incredibly harsh too and they don't miss much, which helps - but overall I'd say the forums work because there are a lot of people who are active. Simple.

 

[Pimppeter2]

The sheet magnitude of how handsome I am.
And how that in turn innately draws people to this site.
You're welcome.

 

[JesterRaiin]

So honestly and truly, what do you think makes The Escapist a cut above the rest?

People.
Wonderful, silly, witty, happy, angry people.

 

[FalloutJack]

Well, assuming the Escapist DOES work, I would be obliged to say that only those on the inside know how it all works. Given recent histories, I would also be obliged to snark that the Escapist does some rather distasteful things to get by, or is profoundly negligent, or both. Even then, I am not very optimistic about its future. So, for now, I offer this explanation in lieu of anything definite: Inertia.

 

[The Preened Mr. Fust]

This entirely depends on what you are comparing this forum to, really.

I've seen some great forums, and I've seen some forums where the majority of the threads are simply whining.

I personally think it largely depends on the social base. Certain social groups have predilections for certain behavior patterns.

 

[Nouw]

It runs on many things, but mainly this guy. [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/profiles/view] And bacon. Delicious, delicious bacon.

 

[Pegghead]

I'd say it's just because we attract those sorts of people. We've got topics on everything from dollars to donuts as well as a clean design and a no-bullshit policy with mods. Put that together and you get a widely-varied community that has learned to appreciate content, manners, respect and readability so as to not get shunted away from an extremely well-built forum by way of a fearless ban-hammer.

 

[Thaluikhain]

It has an active community, which is important, and active mods, which are also important.

But also, there's lots of people who can and will disagree without being complete tossers over it. Things can be discussed, if you are willing to ignore a bunch of comments by people unwilling to.

 

[Dr.Susse]

The design helps I think.
I've always found it easier and nicer to read and the lack of any type of signature was a good move in my opinion.

They may make your posts more personal but it clutters the page.

 

[smithy_2045]

The main reason is that Yahtzee pulls in/pulled in enough people who are adequately non-destructive.

 

[TimeLord]

Well the hamsters deserve some credit!

 

[Vault101]

it doesnt always work

but the iron fist of the mods helps, and for some people being stupid gets stamped out pretty quick

 

[Esotera]

Reposts from Reddit...there have been quite a few recently.

Being serious, it's a large community, a relatively fast forum, and the moderation is very strict, which forces everyone to put a bit of effort into their posts. It's fun to be here.

 

[Dandark]

I'd warrant a guess that it's just got a pretty good community. Also Yahtzee. If you read the terms and conditons it states that if you get banned then the escapist will make a story driven game about you and give it to Yahtzee to review.

 

[Thedutchjelle]

It runs on many things, but mainly this guy. [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/profiles/view] And bacon. Delicious, delicious bacon.

Heh. Clever. Tricked me with that.

I suppose the good staff and interesting articles help setting the "tone" for the forum.

 

[Mr.PlanetEater]

Gerbils, 33,000 to be exact. They all run on little wheels constantly to provide enough electricity to keep the site in tip-top shape. Oddly enough only the highest ranking employees of the Escapist are allowed to see the Gerbil room, while the rest are under the impression that it's just a very squeaky break room.

 

[MercurySteam]

Well the hamsters deserve some credit!

I agree, but don't you think that Kross could've found a better alternative by now? Like radioactive monkeys maybe?

 

[Akimoto]

Also Yahtzee.

And Jim. And to some extent Bob. I joined this community mostly because of their videos.

I can bet you those who disagreed and hated these guys will either never join the Escapist community or get banned sooner or later. Those who agree and hate those who disagree, with a passion online, don't stay long either. Banned or never joined.

Those who disagree but keep calm and carry on stay - these are the smart, respecting ones who last a long time.

I'm among those who agree and move on. Not so sure about keeping calm though. >.<

captcha: pearmob progress.... lolwut?