2old2play Going Invite Only

doodirock

Shared on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 11:40

So with this switch to V3 coming along (I know its still not here) we have been talking about the ways people get involved with 2o2p, join clans, meet people etc. One of the things we noticed was how hard it is for someone to really get involved with the community and how often that person just leaves after a day or so on the site.

This is mostly do to the fact that new people have the impossible task of breaking into an already insular clan and meeting completely new people that probably don't want some new guy crashing their party. As such one of the only ways to get into the site is through hanging around the main forums or knowing someone already on the site in another clan. We tried for the longest time to figure out ways of bridging this gap but it was pointless without making drastic changes to how clans operate.

Instead we have decided to keep clans just as they are, but instead change the way people hook up with 2o2p. Starting at the launch of V3, 2old2play will go into invite only mode and new members will have to be invited by "good standing" members of 2o2p in order to participate actively in our community. We will also offer motivated new members an oppertunity to sign up via peer review in order to stream line the proccess of getting new people hooked up with the right clans.

As an example, a completely new member could request to join 2o2p by giving us a little background on what games they play, what style of player they are, and what type of clan they're looking for. From there we can use our (already in place) welcome wagon to direct that person to a clan or leader that might be able to help. This will be a very limited amount of people but in the end should produce quality over quantity while helping to grow already exsisting clans with new members directly.

Invites will be given to members based on standing within the community so any new person invited will be automaticly tagged with the person who invited them. This not only helps show off your recruiting powers, but allows a small bit of acountability to filter in when new people are linked with an older memeber. Members will be able to see who invited who and how many invites they have sent out. We will probably limit these invites in someway in order to kill spamming, but it should be fairly open.

Speaking of spam, this was another reason we decided to go invite only. Spam would basically die off completely. The remaining spam accounts that are laying dormant on the site would be caught fast simply because any invites they send out will be tagged to them. From there we can just take out the entire chain in one swoop without trying to figure out who invited who.

As for the content on 2o2p, nothing will change. Permissions as you see them now remain 100% untouched so people who like to browes the site without a membership can still fully do so. The only real difference here is how people sign up with 2o2p and interact with the community. Oddly enough, when I started 2o2p in 2005 this is really how it worked anyway. People got into the site because of word of mouth or playing with us online and I think that's how it should still be even today. If you have any thoughts on the subject please let me know in the comments below. Game on!

doodi

doodirock's blog
Log in or register to post comments

Comments

Submitted by doodirock on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 18:25

Couple of things 1) @SarcasmoJones had a question about the retention of current members after V3. Nothing is happening to your accounts on 2o2p. Everyone stays and we're not trying to exclude ANY members. We don't care if you never post or just stay active with your clan. In fact, invites are meant just for that reason. We want clans to be able to bring more people into the fold if need be in a fast way. 2) @RyanFromVegas No one is being shown the door and no member is being devalued here. In fact, a change like this should make it easier to find more people to play with when a new co-op game comes out. We want less noise and more gamers. 3) @velvet396 Dwindling site activity doesn't bother me. The only time that matters is if people genuinely don't like 2o2p and decide not to use it. If this happens I'd either close it down or move it to a smaller server and just leave a light on. I gave up a long time ago on monetizing this place and it survives only by the interest of the people on it. To be fair though, clan activity is up for the most part and if that is what the site decides is most important to them, then I feel like its in the sites best interest to play to that strength. 4) @Arvind: "Seriously, wasn't the addition of more moderators and community managers and such supposed to address these issues?" Not really no. They serve as a way to simply moderate people around the site or work to bring more members in. In the case of bringing in more members, this method should serve an invite only structure even better. 5) @shadowr4ven: "I mostly see this as a huge spam filter, which is fine by me. I don't see Doodi denying many people" This is an important idea. There is very little "review" in terms of what we are looking for in a member. In fact, if you're an older person who plays games you're in.... The point is to help guide the new player into a proper clan, forums, etc. It's not to bring about new unnecessary rules or regulations on new members. We don't want people to jump through more hoops to join, we want less. 6) @bunsen27 "i say give it an honest shake and re-evaluate in 6-8 months." This is probably the best quote so far from the comments. It's a test. The thing I love so much about 2o2p is how flexible it really is. If we try something out and its terrible, who cares. All we waste is a bit of time to take a chance on improving something. If i was worried about advertising, membership numbers, or traffic, I'd never have the balls to push for new ideas and features. Well I'm not. 7) @MikeTheKnife I'm kind of wondering honestly. While I'm sure you wouldnt have put up a whole speech, you probably made a post on the site right? How did you get into the groups you're in now? The way I see it, that shouldn't change to much over all. If it does, we can drop it. Keep the concerns and questions coming people.

Submitted by loki619 on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 18:31

If we call v3, 2old2play +, I don't anyone pissing in my "stream" since they won't be able to post on my Wall. Anyhow, what exactly is a member in good standing? I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I speak for a lot of us that do not want to trying logging in one day only to find that we can no longer do so because we weren't in good standing. This was already mentioned a few comments ago but many of us are pretty active in our respective clan forums and will pop in to some of the general/public forums from time-to-time but it would be nice to know what we can do to prevent ourselves from being locked out.

http:///www.youtube.com/L0KI619

Submitted by TANK on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 18:46

Can we peer review people OUT of the community? I vote against Loki :lol:

Submitted by Cardiac_Wolf on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 18:47

I really think you should reconsider locking out people who want to join without an invite. I joined last year not knowing anyone here and not even hearing of the site before. I joined a clan shortly thereafter and have been actively playing with the clan since then as well as others outside of the clan. I would guess that there are a lot of active members that joined without a referral and locking them out would only prevent many potentially active people from joining the site.

Submitted by FreynApThyr on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 20:11

@doodirock @Powerbob. If you get off the pot when you are ready to poop YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG. Otherwise, I don't know enough about what the downside is to having a lot of members joining and a few of them jumping through the hoops required to be connected vs requiring a few people to jump through hoops before joining. It seems like unnecessarily narrowing the gate and can say with certainty it's a step I never would have taken if it were required. Now that may be the point. I could be exactly the kind of person you are looking to keep out. What will we gain from this change? A more active main forum? The only way I see that happening is if the handful of people that contribute to the main forums have this vast untapped reservoir of like-minded friends that they are currently withholding knowledge of the site from because it's not an exclusive enough club. The only gaming friends I have I met here. This policy would have prevented that from happening for what I consider to be a questionable benefit. And final snarky comment...If 2o2p were "flexible" v3 wouldn't take 41/2 years. Sukadik.

Submitted by doodirock on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 20:13

@Cardiac_Wolf No one would be locked out. Invite or not, any member can put in a request to join the site simply by posting in our new in town forum. We wont deny anyone access to 2o2p so long as they are older gamers over the age of 25! @loki619 You guys need to look over my comments to other members, but I'll just say this again. No accounts currently with 2o2p will EVER CHANGE. What I said was only some members would be allow to invite NEW members to the site. These "good standing" members will probably be members with a certain post count, clan members, mods etc. There will be NO action taken against current memberships when we switch to V3. P.S. On a side not to new comments. Please read some of my responses to the other member comments as a lot of the concerns are already addressed. I'll say it one more time though. Nothing will change with your own day to day action on 2o2p other then your new ability to invite people directly to the site and into your clan. You get MORE options with this change and not less. Your accounts will not be changed in any way. The real and only change is simply how we bring in new members to the site. We are looking for more quality then just sign ups.

Submitted by loki619 on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 20:15

Tank - That's it. No Google + for you! I'm recalling my invite... Oh wait, there's no way to do that. :)

http:///www.youtube.com/L0KI619

Submitted by NorthernPlato on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 20:27

I think back to when I joined, and quite honestly, it was very much like a 'Peer Review', even back then. I lurked for a few months, then one day decided to apply to DivXX. Ran around in Halo2 with a bunch of great guys and gals, enjoyed Halo2 even more than I had before. After that, most games I've tried have been with other 2o2p'ers, though these days it's mostly wow ;) So I don't see much of a change from how things have worked practically in the past, as opposed to what will happen in the future, other than making it a forced process rather than a natural one.

Submitted by doodirock on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 20:37

@FreynApThyr The biggest down side is probably spam. Aside from that the only real hoop here is a person making that first post saying "what's up." I'm fairly sure that most active members, including yourself, made a similar post when joining. That's really all a "peer review" is. It means we are able to pick up the people that want to learn more about 2o2p right away. It basically weeds out spam, dormant accounts, and disinterested parties right off the bat. The people you are left with are the ones that take a second to post a thread in new in town. I'd venture to say that is about 90% of the people I see comment on this blog as well. As for the invite side of things, it just speeds up the process even further since members who invite others already have someone to help them around the site and into clans. They don't need to waste time posting in new in town or introducing themselves. When i weigh the pros and cons I actually see a lot more pros on the table. I think the real issue is that people see the word "peer review" and think of some type of test. That's my fault on using terrible wording and the truth is I would never join a site that I had to apply for either. It would probably be better to call it membership request or introduction membership. It's simply allowing a new member to say hi before they have a chance to join. I don't think that is much different then what most active members did when they first got here. Will it stifle the growth of the site a bit? Probably. I'm just not sure that is a bad thing. A slower more manageable growth cycle with almost no spam is a fairly decent up side. If the down side is 1 or 2 less members a month, I'm kinda ok with that.

Submitted by SarcasmoJones on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 21:12

Cool, thumbs up, let's do this.

Submitted by itsbillykiller on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 21:19

What if I invite myself? Will that throw the site into a never ending loop and rip a hole in the space and time continuum??? Sounds like a good plan. Dood, you rock and 2old2pwn kicks ass.

Submitted by Thom293 on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 22:28

I am active on and off depending on work, but it sounds like that will still be ok. I can live with the suggested changes. I would say that doing some bi-annual or quarterly 'advertising' (just something simple like a post at the current FOTM game forum) for the site might help membership. I had never even hear about the site until someone (penguin avatar?) had their blog linked at hbo. Seriously - it was like where have you been all of my life. I wish i had found this in 2005...

Submitted by B1G_KAHUNER on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 23:39

Interesting idea, hopefully it works out well.

Submitted by JohnnyHustler on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 23:40

I agree something needs to be done about spammers, but you're walking a fine line here, and I'm not sure this is the right move. I'm sorry, but when I hear "peer review", I think exclusivity. Show us why you belong at 2o2p. It's like an old boys club. People aren't going to research further, and you're going to lose some people who could have been good members of 2o2p. I'm with Mike, Lala, and others here...I would have gone elsewhere if I heard there would be some sort of peer review. There are other ways to deal with spammers - other sites don't have the problem, and they don't go the invite only or peer review route to do it.

Submitted by splat on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 00:15

I'm kind of torn over this idea. I'm one of those "didn't know anyone on the site when I joined" members. If I'd read that I needed to pass a peer review to gain access, I'm not sure thAt I would have proceeded forward. Even though I understood a peer review would come with a request to join a clan, at that point I'd be asking for entry to a smaller tight knit group; if all I wanted to do was find some generally interesting adults to game with then this new scheme would totally turn me away. I don't think that's the intent, but I can see that happening. How can I become a supporter of the invite scheme? To begin, there needs to be written clarification of what exactly constitutes peer review. If all you need is a post in the new in town forum, then we haven't stopped the spammers from getting in the door. If more is required, then exactly what?? 2 posts, 20 posts, a PM to a moderator or clan overlord? What if I want to join 2o2p but not join a clan- same process or not? I'm asking that you give this a thorough think and define exactly what you intend of the applicant and the site staff... No one seems to have hit on the idea of pointing the noobs to the clans. Not all the clans are open to new members. So, even with an invite, there'd still be a hurdle for newbies to get into clans. Or, are you suggesting that all clans will need (read 'be required') to open their membership doors?

Submitted by Armada99 on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 00:58

I think its a good thing. I dont think the peer review is what it means. Its not a fuckin phd thesis. Basically, a post in the new in town forums introducing yourself is pretty easy. I think anyone that invites someone will take a more proactive role in helping them find a niche in 2o2p instead of someone just joining up and being overwhelmed by the 200 clans and all the 70 billion diff forums on here. There is no shortage of 'old' 2o2p members posting welcomes in the new in town forums...they're like the walmart greeters. We've got a good department for that going now. Just need to put in a little to your online gaming community to get more out of it. 2o2p is what you make it. Its less a peer review and more a 2o2p mentor program, IMO. Its heavily dependent on the community to be...a community. I have no plans on opening my clan to everyone. If you're new, you'll have to go through the same crap everyone else does. Game with us, see if you fit, etc. If not, I'll point you in a direction more suited to you. 2o2p is definitely going through some growing pains and I think the mentor program is a good step toward a tighter more helpful community. The kinder, gentler, 2o2p. You invite someone, they're tied to you. Be their guide. Help them along in the sea of crap on here. Introduce them to people you know, host a game night, etc. Stopping spammers is a welcome side effect of this.

Submitted by ATC_1982 on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 08:13

Since we are going to invite only ... Mind starting back up the LAN in Chicago again please .... I want to go to one ... :)

Submitted by B1G_KAHUNER on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 08:16

^^^^ What ATC said...

Submitted by supergg2k on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 09:28

@doodirock I'm all for this in theory. The question I have is, who gets to do all this extra work? The site is a labor of love as it is. I am all for reducing spam but with everything else going on who is going to take on the responsibility of "working the door"? Do you have a plan in place or will you be looking for volunteers? If there is a plan in place and I can commit to help support it, I'd be happy to volunteer.

Submitted by mrbasherman on Wed, 07/20/2011 - 10:11

Alright... I don't really have an opinion on the invite situation. However... When is the design and functionality of the site changing? Or is it? Thanks.

Submitted by Link020 on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 09:43

As a newer member to 202P I think that this sounds like a good idea. I think the problem here is the terminology used (as has been commented earlier) people are seeing the "peer review" as some kind of test which does not seem to be the case. I see it as a tool to help a new member quickly find people that they can play the games they want to play with. I did post on new in town and was made to feel very welcome and have been able to get online with likeminded gamers. I think that this review would just streamline the process which would benefit everyone involved.

Submitted by JOK5TER on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 11:06

Back when I was wanting to join a COD Clan I went with PCP, and let me tell you, trying to join was like signing my soul over to the devil with their bullshit contract I had to sign. The process of joining was ridiculous. So as far as invite only, as long as we don't make new people feel the way I felt well I say why not lets go invite only.

Submitted by Blue_Stiehl on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 12:14

So instead of just filling out some info and clicking join; you are now going to have to fill out some info and submit it to a group that does a "Spam Review," and then you get an invite. Plus, instead of just a welcome, you will get pointed toward the clans and forums you might be interested in. Sounds like a win to me.

Submitted by Flapjaxx on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 12:30

^^^^ I couldn't have said it better than Blue Steihl. Sounds good to me, thanks for all the work you do on this site, Doodi!

Submitted by FreynApThyr on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 17:59

Just an informal poll of the results... Positive comments are outweighing negative comments (or maybe "for" and "against" would be a better way of looking at it, almost everyone has been pretty positive) by a 3:2 margin. Of course the majority is absolutely wrong and my viewpoint is the best so far, but once again doodi is a better gauge of the pulse of what adult gamers want then I am. Wwe are sacrificing a lot of functionality lately in the quest to get rid of spam that ultimately does not take away as much enjoyment from the site as do missing comments on the front page and an open enrollment process. That being said, thanks for taking the time to not just write all this shit up, but to also monitor the feedback and respond. I'm sure most sites would have just made the change without inviting any feedback at all *cough* netflix *cough* The terrorists have won. This site still sucks.

Submitted by Grex on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 09:16

I agree with Armada99. i think Peer Review is the wrong word to use. That seems a little extreme, if all you are referring to is a post in the forum introducing yourself sate it simply as that. peer review give the notion of an interview and i don't think that is what you guys are looking at. if understand that correctly.

Submitted by Snuphy on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 09:39

Instead of "peer review", how about something that sounds more like "90 day free trial". Which could be followed by a "free lifetime membership with the added bonus of a free vegetable peeler and an angry handy from (insert member name here)". Or termination of the account.

Submitted by MikeTheKnife on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 12:48

Great idea Snuphy. Like Doodi said in his response to my post, I did make a 'howdy do' post when I got to the site. However, if I had felt like I was making an 'application' or something like that it would have turned me off. So I think Snuphy hit it on the head--it's the idea of 'Peer Review' that turns me off. If it was renamed as a trial membership, or even a 'new recruit' type thing, I'd be a lot more in favor of that then making it sound like I have to go before a Judgment Council of my Peers just to get in the door.

Submitted by MikeTheKnife on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 12:53

One addition--I don't like the idea of calling it a mentor program, just because that smells of 'you need to be taught a thing or two'. If you are truly looking for mature and independent gamers, I don't know how many will want to feel like children getting taught lessons. But that could just be my personal interpretation of the word 'mentor'.

Submitted by CProRacing on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 14:31

Lets do this!

Submitted by splat on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 14:57

+1 to Snuphy's idea of the trial membership! like others it's the words "peer review" that would have turned me away... And, with a trial membership, the site can cut down on the only 1 or 2 visit ever members because their memberships will expire if they don't make an intro or other SIMPLE next step to obtain the "full membership" I just don't want to see people turning away because they think the 2o2p community is going to judge them personally or their playing or posting ability.

Submitted by TDrag27 on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 15:08

So...the site is cliche-y. And that is going to be solved by *increasing* the barrier to entry? And the site is spammy, but you're not going to solve that problem by increasing security features? Seems opposite of what is logical in my brain, but I've always said, "eh, not my site".

Submitted by jasontroyhimself on Wed, 08/10/2011 - 14:10

Everything sounds good! I am maybe one of the few members that takes prolonged breaks though. I'm currently on the last leg of a seven-month deployment to the Middle East & I'll be back soon, but I'd be terribly disappointed to come back & have had my inactivity be a cause for removal. Even now, this message is coming to you from 2o2p member LOKI619 after informing me of the possible changes. Thanks for everything you & your crew do Doodi. 2o2p is a home away from home! -Jay CoqRocket

Submitted by Marine1Ten on Wed, 08/24/2011 - 09:06

Gamers will get in...spam will stay out...guaranteed.... right?

Submitted by FadeIntoBlack on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 11:30

I like the evil version of peer review. I picture a new person sitting in a chair in a very dark room with one spotlight on them. They are faced by a semicircle shaped elevated table with 5 shadowy hooded figures staring down at them. The new person must answer a barrage of questions fired at them or a button is pushed and they are dropped through a trap door never to be seen again. I think it works. People love to join stuff where they need an invite imo. Look at Google + for fucks sake. You can't go a forum anywhere without reading posts of people asking for invites.