What happened to the good old days?

Is it just me or do others feel this way. I remember a time when this place was a hive of activity and discussions. I dunno, sad I guess.

Meh, I think we've been through this a couple of times. Just a lack of regular consistent users...back in the day everybody had a decent idea about who everyone else was and what their personality and quirks were. But now most members stick around for about a week, so there is a relentless flow of anonymous new members, so it kind of kills the community feeling.

Also the site seems to attract much larger numbers of people that are barely just beginning to enter the world of filmmaking, so the exciting film related topics are kept to a minimum

Wow, braininabox has 1 more post to hit 1000. Anyway, I was thinking the same thing. I come to the site a couple times a day and attempt to post a topic...but then I just feel no reason to, as I don't think I'll get a response.

The majority of topics are "Hey, I'm new here" or "If my grades aren't good enough for me to get into a big film school, where should I go?". After a while, you begin to wonder if the search function has been forgotten or has mysteriously stopped working.

We tried to figure out a way to revitalize the site, but I guess the community needs an extra "oomph" too. This has been happening to a couple other boards that I used to frequent as well. I haven't been around as long as you guys, but I can definitely say that something's missing.

-Kegan

i've been a member for over a year, and i agree. i do, however, admit that i originally came here looking for advice about film school.

i think that there needs to be more discussion about filmmaking at a deeper level than there currently is. even when a topic that makes you think comes up, it seems like there are only 10 or so people who reply.

quote:

I used to come to the site a couple times a day and attempt to post a topic...but then I just feel no reason to, as I don't think I'll get a response.

Exactly. I'm here all the time but it just doesn't seem as "fun as it once did. It feels like it's slowing dying, which is sad because I remember a time when it was pumping and there were people on here all the time, and it was an exciting and stimulating place to hang out.

But what can be done about it? Maybe its time for some drastic changes? (Though I'm not sure what). How about changing from the black background. I know this has been discussed before and many were opposed (I was one of them) but the site seems stale and stagnent, maybe something fresh couldnt hurt.

I don't know, I'm just ranting really, and maybe Chris wont be happy at me for saying so, but at the moment I find this place really boring, and the glory days of studentfilms.com seem a long time ago.

I think the main problem is the website. I gotta tell you, something on this website needs to change. Design, layout, anything. We need something that websites like YouTube or MySpace don't have, or else people aren't going to be submitting their films here. Places like YouTube makes it too easy.

What we need are like online submission forms similar to MySpace and YouTube. You still pay online, but then you submit your film. Also, an interesting idea would be the option to let visitors on this site download filmmakers work to their iPhones, iPods, or iTunes.

I'm not trying to bash Studentfilms, because I love it here, but this website has gotten extremely boring and out-dated.

why dont you make some pictures so we can talk aboot them?

I don't think a reinvented layout can really replace a strong community of discussion and sharing, but who knows it might inspire one to build up again.

Well, then it certainly seems I wasn't alone in my thinking.

I'd be curious to know where Chris thinks the site is at or where he sees it heading in the future?

@Kyle

You want me to make pictures? I don't understand.

MAKE A FILM

I WANT TO EAT IT

Why post something that adds nothing to the topic? Are you that desperate to get your post count up even higher?

Haha, alright then, I have some on my site, your welcome to check those out I guess. Not on here studentfilms though, like I said, it's a hassle.

Hey guys - I'm sorry you guys think the site is dull and boring - at least your topic about how the site is dull and boring isn't dull and boring.

Sorry I haven't been on the site for a while - been a little distracted.... my son was born on Jan 3rd!

But as far as the site goes - we're transitioning to a new server this week - the main site is actually on a new server now ... we're still working out some kinks though.

Once that is done hopefully we'll be able to move forward more quickly on the new version of the site which I definitely agree the site needs.

And yes the new version you will be able to submit online - and the look needs to change too. It's been stagnant for too long.

Congrats on the new boy!

im not trying to make more posts i am already the winner.

I am merely stating if you want the site to be good you have to be consistent with your film work. I am unable to do this because I have ADD.

so if you dont have ADD, which im sure most of you dont unless its self induced MTV ADD, then you should be busting out films everymonth. dont you realize why men have balls?

Definitely, congrats!

see if we were consistent we could have huge discussion on the subjects of our films, which is the point of this forum.

its boring to talk about the hollywood movies, or even the so called "indie" films...its much more interesting to talk to the younger filmmakers cause thats the only area of hope in this art world. this site is the best resource for finding interesting people, if we could just be consistent.

If attracting young filmmakers is what you want, then we need to advertise. We need a website that is more compatible and easy to use to young filmmakers. What Chris said is coming, is exactly what we need.

but we're already all here! and we're gonna be here forever! this is honestly the best community of film ive ever been apart of and ive met some great guys here. the site is already simply perfect and chris does always add enw stuff to make it better...kids always find this place to, but what happens is no one takes a chance to really make films that will make people think/question/blowyour socks off...or just simply show ANOTHER VIEW.

just make a feature film. make a 5 hour film. i wanna see five hours of what you consider to be LIFE. we have a lot to learn and share with eachother. I wanna be able to trust someone to really entertain me. im giving you my eyes. i dont want hollywood, i want your eyes.

maybe im being selfish, but someone here was the one to say the forums are boring.