I voted Yes to keep it locked. I've visited forums of various topics
and couldn't browse their threads unless I signed up, even if I was
only looking for info and help with a software or tips on how to modify
some gadgets or toys.
Locking the forum will encourage visitors to sign up. They may sign up
and just lurk around until something of interest really grabs their
attention and they begin to participate more often. It's all good.
We've seen new names appear in this forum, and for all we know
they are either freshly-new members or long-time lurkers who happened
to become interested in a topic that makes them wanna participate.
Nothing wrong with that.
As for stuff like store-discounts to members-Only, I'm all for it because
in those cases the store really Does check and verify board memberships.
We're also doing our part as a web-group to promote the store, and in
exchange for the advertising the stores give our web-group a perk
or two in return, provided the promotion leads to a completed sale.
=============
As for ways to make Robot-Japan more popular: Be creative...We've got Robot-Japan
teeshirts.
I often wear mine almost every day to work because my job is
located near the state capital offices in an artsy/bohemian
college ghetto neighborhood filled with coffeehouses, bars,
taverns, restaurants, dance-halls, and the streets are always
flooded with college kids everywhere-- Just a glance at
"Robot-Japan" on a teeshirt out there on the streets and when
that person gets home he/she will wanna look us up online
and find us here with our website AND forum.
My next step is to have
small business cards made with
Robot-Japan's website advertised with links... I take a figure with me
to my job for a little "show and tell" and just a mere verbal hint
about RJ isn't enough to make someone remember us. I need cards.
Pass them out wherever I go. At hobby stores, concerts, club venues,
yard sales, dining out at MickeyD's, anywhere!
Having an RJ card on hand, they'll put it in their wallet and
later on dig it out and look us up, to satisfy their curiosity.
Youtube videos promoting Robot-Japan... the sky's the limit,
so make Heaven your ground floor. Create a video of your figures
and collections, and include Robot-Japan in it.
Post it on Youtube.... then post the youtube link where ever else
you go online, even at Facebook.
You got a
Facebook page?
Pimp RJ there once in a while, to increase our online presence.
I've had folks at Facebook ask me about RJ because of something
I posted at my Facebook wall related to Robot-Japan, or they had seen
my RJ teeshirt in my photo album and in my Facebook avatar.
I've even included info about my RJ membership in my LinkedIn profile,
and y'all know LinkedIn is a professional
yuppie network...
...aint no "Toys In Action" threads over there, because that network
is more about connecting with people in other industries.
But, yes, I have mentioned RJ there as well... in a professional context. lol
All in all, it feels good to be a member of a community that is
doing something unique. What better way to share that pride by
showing it off and flaunting it in any way possible!
![:D](http://lemonstre.fr/robot-japan/smileys/grin.png)
As for any naked pics of Me....
.....a
DX cutaway version of Magengar would
really look bloody messy on-screen. LMAO ;D
zozo-mag