If you're reading this thread, you've been hand selected to be part of the private launch of the new DOWNSPIKE kendama entertainment network. As an influencer, your feedback is important to us. Browse around. Make yourself at home. Post anything that you like/dislike in this discussion thread. Also, please post any bugs you encounter here. (For example, there is a problem still with Video search feature) Start seshing! -Cheech
Hyped to be invited/be a part of this! Definitely see a LOT of potential here. The community needs this, and I'm willing to help out as best as possible! Keep it up <3
The biggest way you guys can help is to just use the site! That way we can 1. Fix any bugs that come up and 2. Have some premium content already stocked here by the time the general kendama public sees it. Post a few of your favorite videos, flesh out your profiles, and start a few threads. Post some thoughts on kendama or what you thought of the latest Narcos episode, whatever floats your boat. Post anything frustrating here or DM me!
noticed when updating profile, it won't allow a URL with just a www or a .com you have to type in the full http://www. screenshot attached
All major forums need to be in the immediate FORUM drop down. Also I'd lighten up the black colors in the whole site. Makes it seem like I'm just getting sucked in. Not particularly a friendly inviting place I want to be. Just my opinion.
Also the news bar is classic. I wonder if there can be an "edit" bar or something on top of that where it shows the top 3 edits of the month or something. I'm glad you guys are finally making this happen. Gonna be game changing. The logo I think could be better tho. Needs to stand the test of time. Something dama people can be proud of for the next 10 years. Maybe it's just the font or something I'm not hyped on. Anyway.
Guessing the two main DS logos on home page will be for ads? Also thank you for not having a Photo of the day for the home page. Always bothered me when they did that on NS. I would think about having something like an "Edit" forum. A place for all the new vidz. Don't want every grom posting all of their edits in the main sesh forum. Idk maybe you do. could get annoying. Maybe some easy way to integrate instagram clips for the kids? Or is there a way to link people's instagram or something off their profile pic?
Also I always thought profiles on any forum pages were a bit wack and didn't convey info very well. Possible to clean up the prof page? I entered in my website and it's basically impossible to find in the bottom left. Grey font in a grey box. Or have a single clickable link under each players name when they post. IE, under BallardKROM you can click kromkendama.com? Also adding photos is not very user friendly. I was going to add a photo that I just screenshotted and I couldn't figure out how to upload it into this reply.
One last thing... In general I would just take out any unnecessary fluff. I'm guessing there are some functions that just came as part of the template or functions inspired by other forums or sites, but I would just make everything as streamline and simple as possible. For example there is a way to "follow" members? What does that do? I don't think anyone will be using this function (maybe I'm wrong though). People won't know what they don't have, but people will know if there's something there that is fluff/unnecessary/outdated. While these things don't seem like they really matter, in the end it's about creating an overall experience/reputation/and presence that dama people feel comfortable and invited to and also something the dama moms and dads can get behind. It should feel like the hip new thing to be on. A platform for dama to grow in it's community and art. This website will probably end up being the first thing people see when they search "kendama" online. That initial burst of design will definitely make an impact.
back again... Forum's should be listed in columns rather than rows. I shouldn't have to scroll down to the bottom of the page to see theres an "sessions" forum. I should be able to see all accessible forums without scrolling. Also I'd add a "regional"s forum. this will be huge for the dama scene. Maybe you can even set your region and sign up for news about posts/sessions in your region. Maybe for these special functions there needs to be some "pinned" videos about using these functions? That would be cool though as a dama player to get updates via text or email about sessions happening in Socal or whatever.
Don't really get the "Chatter" function either. This could be considered "fluff" unless theres a plan for it to be on every page in the same spot or something. Otherwise not really getting the point of it as I could only find the chatter box when I was on my own profile. Also couldn't see my own chats go up anywhere.
Thanks for all the feedback Matt. Some good suggestions and some that warrant an explanation. Let's see if I can do this quick- COLOR - we played around a lot, and strongly felt that black was the best UX for watching videos, which is the main purpose of the site. It simulates being in a theatre and it prevents the eye from wandering. Strongly agree with forum access being directly available from the tipdown. Yes, DS logos will be advertisements Regarding the logo, can't please everybody You and the other pros probably won't follow anybody, but don't be suprised if a bunch of groms follow you. Gives them a notification when you post a video, etc. Agree with "regionals" forums. Sessions (events) can be expanded. Chatter is like a personal feed. Sometimes you might want to post on a friends wall without sending them a private message or starting a new thread. Like a facebook wall or twitter. Good call, we are adding chat boxes to other users profiles As for the main bar feed, we will be featuring different videos / quick updates / descriptions etc.... We have algorithms to decide what is "Trending" and "Top", but Moderators can also bump something to the front if they like it. Hope this can bring the community together and really give kendama an overdue lift!
Fudge. Also gotta make loading images easier. Tried the "more options" and still couldn't upload screenshots to show what I was talking about.
POST NEW THREAD should be at the top, when you get 20 threads on a page, it would be a pain to scroll to the bottom to create a new one.