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What does WOOF mean to you survey
As you would all be aware, contributions to discussions has been dwindling for a while now and I’m just trying to gauge our WOOF community to see if it’s worth maintaining the site going forward.
In the poll I’ve listed a number of options which will hopefully give me an idea about the likely participation to discussions going forward will look like and I’d appreciate it if you can be as honest as you can with your responses
A non-response would indicate that you don’t plan on contributing to discussions going forward. The poll will allow multiple selections but please no more than two.
And finally if you prefer, please contact me via the private message option with any suggestions, comments or thoughts.
Just so you know I have number in mind (of WOOF members) that would make it viable and obviously if we have enough people interested and willing to participate then I’m more than happy to keep the site running.
If we fall short of that number it becomes difficult to justify the time and effort to keep the site running.
A lot of us, so many in fact, have been here from the early days so I know the site means a lot to many people but it’s not as vibrant as it should be so that’s why I’m canvassing the WOOF community now
Regards
Gary
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I definitely don’t contribute as much as I would like and I will make an effort to get more involved. I view this site daily as I love to read and discuss everything bulldogs. You all do an amazing job on here please keep it going
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
You do a great job Gary and I don't contribute as I should. I am here every day and would miss if not here.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Guessing folks are waiting on some footy action before posting. During footy season and during trade season I would feel kind of like I had lost a limb (ok an exaggeration- as if I had lost my car keys) without woof.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I’ve struggled to post as much after my move to Vietnam and due to work prior to that.....
It’s a great site, a good positive start to the season will hopefully have it humming again.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I will contribute a bit more once footy season starts.
I'm here on a daily basis I would check before work sometimes if time permits and I always check in after work and weekends.
Being up north this site is a life line to the Bulldogs because you read Bulldogs in the news up here there's Canterbury left of the title.
I would miss the VFL reports and AFLW reports so I would be force back to Big Footy a site I haven't been to since I stubble onto this one in 2009.
It will be a sad sad day if this site closes. I'll be left with trolling google news and low quality reporting with no depth or knowledge.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
This is the only website I check every day.
I only contribute when I think I have something to contribute that hasn't already been sent (unless I just need to vent).
I know within my family there are multiple people both members of this forum and not who enjoy its content and the discussion it provokes.
This is easily the best source of information on the Bulldogs for anything ranging from official articles to obscure opinions about rookie list prospects.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I think people see the site as primarily for discussing the Bulldogs and footy and therefore it dies down a bit in the off -season. When the footy season starts again, hopefully it will ramp up once more.
I don't bother with any other footy site and can't stand discussions on facebook. Twitter to me is more of a news feed from Media and the club and a few others.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I post a bit but like others I'll be more active when there is more happening during the season
Probably get a better idea of activity a few weeks in
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
i really appreciate the site and check in as regularly as I can.
Unfortunately, my ability to contribute has been impacted over the past 3 or 4 years due to other facets of my life.
This also means I get to less footy than previously and makes me more reliant on the contributions of others.
I will continue to do what I can to maintain a worthwhile contribution.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Like others I'm time poor and (I have now made it my New Years resolution) to make more effort to add to some of these threads. I truely understand and appreciate the efforts and time that running and maintaining these type of site require.
Your passion, thoughts, knowledge and insights are highly rated and don't go unrecognised. A huge thank you to you, the other mods and everyone who make it a must go to to have a read and enjoy the banter, discussion, highs and lows of our beloved club and players. :)
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I won't try to justify my decline in output, as I'm sure many have similar competing demands on our time.
Whilst I check the site out daily during the off-season, regular contributiins would come at the expense of attending to other priorities.
During the season, I'll be a consistent contributor again, in and around the actual games.
I love the site, but completely understand that it needs to be vibrant enough a place to justify the effort required to keep it going.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
To me, this site is the best source of INFORMED news, opinion, discussion and debate about the dogs. I’m on here most days in the off-season but find my interest in footy in general w little lower at this time of year.
When the season was on it’s the best source of inside info and club news and getting amongst the conversation is great!
Plus it’s just nice to be somewhere that everyone loves the dogs as much as I do.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I check the site every day (sometimes even before my emails at work) and would be lost on where to get my Bulldogs fix without it.
I used to post a lot but kind of felt I wasn't actually contributing anything and eased off (I was also a teenager and matured/grew up). I'll generally make my point or weigh in if there's a debate I have an opinion on or feel like challenging someone's position.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
WOOF is great. Enjoy reading all your contributions and do post now where I think I am able to on a thread.
I occasionally start some interesting threads for discussion and have a big involvement in setting up the set threads during the season.
Will probably increase my posting rate once the season really starts getting underway.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
WOOF has enriched my Bulldog experience exponentially. I have been a lone wolf supporter all my life but finding WOOF gives me involvemnt in the Bulldogs community. I tend not to project my opinions about coaching, team tactics much I am more of a footy follower but try to contribute my loyalty and support.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I thoroughly enjoy being part of the Woof community, whilst living interstate it was my "go to" for all Bulldogs and AFL news.
Living back in Vic and with Footy off seasons being my peak work seasons, I don't get on or contribute as much as I would like/should.
Gaz, you and the Mods do a great job and Woof would be sorely missed if closed down.
I promise to do my best and lift my game.
To add , being part of the Woof family when we won the Flag really enriched and enhanced what was already a fantastic time.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Reckon I've checked WOOF at least once every work day for 11 years.
It's connected me more to the club - especially in the Rocket years - and having a group outside of my family (I'm not friends with a single Dogs fan) to share our recent success with has been *grand*
I'll commit to contributing more and lurking less
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I’ll add as well while I’m in Victoria myself Metro Melbourne specifically this forum is great in particular for our interstate supporters and overseas supporters like Fredi and FarAwayDog who wouldn’t get much AFL and Bulldog news from where they are.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
The demise of WOOF would dramatically increase my productivity at work and we simply can't have that! Please do not force me back to Big Footy where I can't stand at least 50% of the dogs posters, never mind the other clubs supporters.
I have no idea what's involved in running this site but is there any benefit in getting more people involved to spread the load? I'm sure there would be a few on here that would be willing to help.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Axe Man
The demise of WOOF would dramatically increase my productivity at work and we simply can't have that! Please do not force me back to Big Footy where I can't stand at least 50% of the dogs posters, never mind the other clubs supporters.
I have no idea what's involved in running this site but is there any benefit in getting more people involved to spread the load? I'm sure there would be a few on here that would be willing to help.
I'll be in touch ;)
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I'm also another who would really miss WOOF if it didn't exist. It has been a fantastic resource over the years to have an intelligent and informed discussion about all things Western Bulldogs. It has helped me ride out the pain (e.g. Prelim losses, Rhode era, McCartney fall out) and feel the raw joy and passion of that on unbelievable month in 2016.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
You get better news, insight and analysis here than anywhere else.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
The problem with Facebook, Big Footy and other social media's is the trolls. WOOF has all the info they have (most times before they have) and the trolls are kept in check. I LOVE WOOF !!!!
I have been a member of WOOF for over ten years; WOOF is the only source of information I truly trust. WOOF keeps us ex-pats connected with our club. WOOF is the reason I have so many Bulldog mates from all over the continent. WOOF is the reason I got to see my team win a Grand Final live.
I would not survive without WOOF.
I understand the reason for this thread. Like others, my contributions have waned with work and family commitments ... Like others, I will endeavour to contribute more.
Thanks Gary :)
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
This site links me with my tribe and I would be bereft without it. I'm not one for a lot of input , but I love reading members' views and insights. Particularly now that I live in regional Vic and don't get to many games anymore, opening this forum is part of my daily ritual. Even at this time of year with not much material to work with, there is almost always something of interest to ponder. Your efforts in keeping this forum going are deeply appreciated.
Is there anyway the club itself could consider providing some support and insider access, as I'm sure the members here are among the most committed/ hardcore long term supporters of the club. You would think the club would love to get closer with supporter groups. My internet here is appalling and the club's site is not so useful, as it's very graphics heavy and video based. I struggle to open the videos most nights. Never have a problem reading the contributions here though, and they are more thoughtful, insightful and useful than the many puff pieces on the club's site.
If its partly a financial matter, I'm happy to chip in for an annual fee/contribution to maintain the site.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I used to be a moderator on Bigfooty so I started posting on WOOF because it meant I could just let my hair down and be myself. I still do post here because it's just a much more chill alternative where you're not wading through slapfights or bad faith posting just to get to the meat.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
It is great during the trade and draft time getting some big posts from Mofra, BT and The Doctor to name a few about the talent out there.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I think that one big problem with this site is that the women's football and the VFL are on separate pages. To increase the content and viewing pleasure please get rid of the separate pages and combine them into this one. This is my opinion and I know others may have a different opinion.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Quote:
Originally Posted by
James Cumming
I think that one big problem with this site is that the women's football and the VFL are on separate pages. To increase the content and viewing pleasure please get rid of the separate pages and combine them into this one. This is my opinion and I know others may have a different opinion.
I know it's been a bugbear of yours but it's nowhere near a big problem
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Quote:
Originally Posted by
James Cumming
I think that one big problem with this site is that the women's football and the VFL are on separate pages. To increase the content and viewing pleasure please get rid of the separate pages and combine them into this one. This is my opinion and I know others may have a different opinion.
I like them separate. When I come on the forum I click new posts so all the information is right in front of me anyway. The Women's comp will only get bigger and I wouldn't be surprised or hope that they are curtain raisers for every game played in the season including the finals series.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Quote:
Originally Posted by
James Cumming
I think that one big problem with this site is that the women's football and the VFL are on separate pages. To increase the content and viewing pleasure please get rid of the separate pages and combine them into this one. This is my opinion and I know others may have a different opinion.
I use New Posts, so it doesn't matter
https://www.woof.net.au/forum/search...e=vBForum_Post
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Quote:
Originally Posted by
James Cumming
I think that one big problem with this site is that the women's football and the VFL are on separate pages. To increase the content and viewing pleasure please get rid of the separate pages and combine them into this one. This is my opinion and I know others may have a different opinion.
I think it is great how we have these separate forums for each, and they are easily found by pressing the forum button and the list is in front of you.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
As many have said, it can be challenging to find time to make articulate and considered contributions - particularly at this point of the off-season. We don't get huge amounts of access to pre-season training, the draft and trade period is a distant memory and we're another month away from real footy.
There's a lot of unknowns this season, along with a hint of expectation. I'm confident we'll see more activity as we near round one.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
I guess i find it hard to be too active this time of year as theres not much going on, I'll still check in and lurk a couple of times a day.
Though i do mod a board(soccer, its small and good like this place) on BF i havent been on the Dogs board for years and dont want to ever go back(its terrible). I'd be happy to pay to fee/donation to keep this site going.
Im sure things will pick up again once the games start.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
When I get a notification from the Bulldogs App or something on my Facebook feed about some big club news, I immediately log on to WOOF to check out the discussion and see if I can contribute.
If some big AFL news breaks I do the same.
Because this forum is the only online football discussion worth having.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Gary - when I discovered this site just over 4 years ago, i couldn't believe my luck. So many trips into and back from work since have consisted of checking WOOF for the latest news/thoughts of contributors.
I have not been a great contributor within most threads but have tried to instead identify a 'niche' space where I can contribute something in an area that is 'less mainstream'. As I have always been interested in watching 'seconds' football (purely for watching the development of the next 'gun'), I have been making contributions to the VFL thread on game days - obviously this restricts my input during the off season.
I also tend to go to many of the club's functions, so try to add some thoughts from these events from time to time - again this means limited input during the off season.
In a nutshell, I will be contributing to this site again in 2019 in those areas noted above.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Smads57
Gary - when I discovered this site just over 4 years ago, i couldn't believe my luck. So many trips into and back from work since have consisted of checking WOOF for the latest news/thoughts of contributors.
I have not been a great contributor within most threads but have tried to instead identify a 'niche' space where I can contribute something in an area that is 'less mainstream'. As I have always been interested in watching 'seconds' football (purely for watching the development of the next 'gun'), I have been making contributions to the VFL thread on game days - obviously this restricts my input during the off season.
I also tend to go to many of the club's functions, so try to add some thoughts from these events from time to time - again this means limited input during the off season.
In a nutshell, I will be contributing to this site again in 2019 in those areas noted above.
At the risk of sidetracking the thread, I really appreciate your VFL updates and insights. Even if you do leave occasionally at halftime for a hot date. :D
A bunch of people have their areas on intense interest and share same (VFL, TAC, coaching, news articles, draft, trade etc). I think that's why WOOF is so good, you can log off most weeks feeling better informed across the board for it. But I think Gary makes a keen observation that of the hundreds of forum members maybe only 30 are active contributors. I know I appreciate when new posters jump in as regulars and enhance the discussions with their perspectives. When more news starts to filter in, I hope that's what happens too.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Smads57
Gary - when I discovered this site just over 4 years ago, i couldn't believe my luck. So many trips into and back from work since have consisted of checking WOOF for the latest news/thoughts of contributors.
I have not been a great contributor within most threads but have tried to instead identify a 'niche' space where I can contribute something in an area that is 'less mainstream'. As I have always been interested in watching 'seconds' football (purely for watching the development of the next 'gun'), I have been making contributions to the VFL thread on game days - obviously this restricts my input during the off season.
I also tend to go to many of the club's functions, so try to add some thoughts from these events from time to time - again this means limited input during the off season.
In a nutshell, I will be contributing to this site again in 2019 in those areas noted above.
As BT mentioned your contribution has been significant, as have many other members, so it's not the case of wanting members to post for the sake of it but there are little ways members can choose to contribute a bit more to the site if they really want it to get stronger.
In general terms for a forum:
Quality over quantity also works particularly well for discussion forums and at times we have a few too many tweet type contributions that aren't worth opening the thread to start with.
Last year even the posting for the Marmo and James awards were well down in some weeks. I would have thought that is an easy thread for members to contribute to but after a loss it's basically the same 12 to 20 people casting their votes and that is low numbers for a forum that might have more than a 100 contributors log on during the day.
Starting threads is also a great way to encourage others to participate as is welcoming new members or acknowledging a quality contribution from another member. At the moment it's left to too few to try and keep things vibrant.
I know many people who have been with the forum for a long while are now time poor but if people are logging on 4 or 5 times a day and in some instances even more than that as many do especially during the season I think it's more about self motivation than genuinely being time poor.
We've only have about 60 people read this thread since it was started and only 45 have even cast a vote. That's very low numbers for a discussion forum even if it is the off season and means 25% of the forum members don't have the time to even select one of the pre-selected options provided.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GVGjr
We've only have about 60 people read this thread since it was started and only 45 have even cast a vote. That's very low numbers for a discussion forum even if it is the off season and means 25% of the forum members don't have the time to even select one of the options provided.
That’s a bit sad. I have to say none of the options really felt like ‘me’ but since you asked me to vote I did...I would be keen to understand why others chose to ignore the request? I have to admit, I wasn’t really sure what to pick...I have been with the site from the start and for someone interstate it plays a key role in keeping me connected with the club. I am not really a snap face person so whilsr I technically ‘follow’ the club on social media I really don’t. And whilst I technically have the clubs app on my phone, I really don’t. And whilst I technically follow a heap of afl journos on twitter so I can see bulldogs content, I really don’t. Honestly, I grew tired of the ‘special’ members commentary video with Bevo etc emailed directly to me by the club as well... I pretty much rely on this site for all of that stuff...and the comments of the posters on here’s really colour my opinions on the team.
On your other points here whilst I do try to contribute every week, I pretty much never, ever vote in the awards threads mostly because I just don’t care who the ‘best’ players were in any given game (and I don’t think that is a secret). The site is great. I wish there was a bit more debate (I guess) but honestly some times when I post it is just to write stuff down and I really don’t care what others think about it (again, probably not a secret).
Do I miss anything we ‘used’ to have? Of course. I mean, obviously I miss fight club. And further to that I miss the interviews TCD used to do...I miss those a lot because it gave it stuff that was ‘ours’ and the fact these guys who many of us so admired would give up a bit of time for a ‘fansite’ made it just feel a little more special and important. I think that ‘stuff’ certainly encouraged interaction and brought people to the site but then again, you have the stats not me.
I don’t know mate. I log on here pretty much every day to see what my ‘bulldogs people’ think about the world...I don’t have many of them over here - I mean, my business is a left foot barrel from Freo hq and the eagles are building their new home base at my footy club - and I would feel pretty lost without it.
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Re: What does WOOF mean to you survey
Thanks MJP, if there are other options that might more accurately reflect how people feel, I'm happy to add them to the poll.
As I said in the opening post it's more about trying to gauge if there is enough interest in the WOOF community to keep the site running.
One of the great pleasures I had when we originally started the site was that I think it linked more interstate members with the club and they didn't feel the isolation they might have previously. But now there are many different options available that might be better connect people with the club especially the time poor supporters. I think online communities like WOOF can still bridge that gap for the non Victorian based followers of the club but there are substantially more platforms that communicate to the supporters.
Last year I contacted something like 80 lapsed members of the site that used to contribute to discussions but now don't. Some say they will lift it up a notch but in most instances it's perhaps one or two posts before it dries up again. Most of them say that they would just prefer to read the thoughts of others and they don't want to contribute and many don't even bother to respond.
I do get that things like voting for the better players each week isn't for everyone but it's an example of how we've lost momentum. To me it's more about the quality of discussion not necessarily the volume but if there is low volume and the contributions are more in line with tweets than genuine discussions it's not a good sign for the site going forward.
There needs to be a reason for people to log on and want to contribute to discussions but if there is only a handful of posts to read and the quality of the posts isn't much then it certainly won't motivate others to contribute.
I still enjoy talking about the Bulldogs and it's is something I don't think I will ever grow tired of but I'm not sure how many others still have that passion.