The heading is pretty self explanatory we would like ideas from the members on how to grow the site, especially encouraging / retaining new members.
No idea is too far fetched - so please give it some thought and let us know.
Thanks,
Richard.
Shipping Database Forums » Website Feedback
Ideas Wanted - How to grow the site
(10 posts)-
Posted 2 years ago # Login to Send PM
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Hi Richard
Scratches head and shrugs shoulders - only suggestion that I can make is the marketing/advertising of the sites existence?
Regards
Steve Ellwood
Posted 2 years ago # Login to Send PM -
I don't know how hard this would be, but is there anyway that we could show the route taken by the various ships. I understand that many are often very sporadic, but many others take the same route until the line changes.
Or maybe members could enter the last time a vessel was seen in their port, so if someone is trying to locate a vessel then can come here to get an idea of where that vessel may be?
Just an idea, not sure how hard it would be to keep updated. I know that I still find your site very useful as I have over 1000 ships in my database to catelogue, but I guess for those members who don't need to do that, then the site could be getting a bit 'old & boring' for them.
Scottik
Melbourne, AustraliaPosted 2 years ago # Login to Send PM -
From comments I have read, is it still the case that members are not able to update information on this site. I know that this would sure keep current members in tune with what was hapening if they were able to update details of ships they have seen.
Another suggestion also is that a field called "Last Updated" be placed with the information about each ship. For example, CSCL Dalian, your records record the flag as Malta, yes Ship Spotters say it's Hong Kong. Now I can see the Ship Spotters record was uploaded on the April 2007, but I have no idea about this site. So I am left to guess what flag is correct for this vessel. Do you see my problem??
Just a few ideas from a newbie as I plod along through your website :-) Please dont take me as being critical, your website has been very helpful to me over these last few months. Soon hope to try and get out to take some fotos as well (if I can find a good spot not being monitored by our Customs)
Scottik
Posted 2 years ago # Login to Send PM -
Richard
I think your biggest hurdle is the joining fee which you will be well aware of. With the other ship photo sites, resources like equasis & a lot of the registers who do not charge for membership, most current photographers have all the info they need and somewhere to show off their photos without paying a cent. Your big advantage is in my view is with past vessels which you have plenty posted. Are you aware of shipsnostalgia.com? There are a lot of old hands on that site who post old pics of past ships (including quite a few from our region). I don't know the depth on information on past vessels on shipping database but I cannot see the harm in joining and making yourself known on that site as you do with shipspotting. You might attract a couple of new posters there. Info on long retired vessels is not easy to get hold of. You might even gain some additions to your database. This site has helped me with info on a lot of my Father's old ships. Worth a try I would think.
Regards
Peter
Posted 2 years ago # Login to Send PM -
Scottik
I would not worry about customs. I took shots of the the Customs Vessel "Storm Bay" arriving at Port Kembla a couple of weeks ago. They did not batter an eyelid. I also spoke with a customs officer who came to my workplace a while back for Port Security Training. He told me there was no issues with people taking photos of ships at the ports as long you stay in public areas or if you are authorised to be where you are. Even if an officer does approach you to check you out it is only because a member of the public has pointed you out. A simple explanation is all that is required. It's your hobby after all! Just like going fishing!
Regards
Peter
Posted 2 years ago # Login to Send PM -
Scott,
I note your comment about a date on each record indicating when it was last updated, we will see what is possible there.
One of the problems with the country of registry of a ship is that it can change between charters - but no identifiable change of ownership and it is very hard to keep track of - we try to keep ownership details as up to date as possible hence the .1,.2 etc in some sequence numbers (for a ship that has changed owners but kept the same name).
One option I am keen to explore is to replace the current comments section with a ship spotter's log - a place in which members can record the date and place a ship was seen.
The editing of data has always been a problem - if we allow editing the data could be compromised either accidentally or maliciously which none of us want. I am more inclined to have a form attached to each record that can allow updates to be sent to us for insertion into the database after checking. We have to manually check all new ships added into the database at present by members to validate the data.
Richard.
Posted 2 years ago # Login to Send PM -
Peter,
Would the members who have already paid be accepting if we lowered or dropped the joining fee and replaced it with a request for a donation?
Richard.
Posted 2 years ago # Login to Send PM -
Richard
I don't have a problem with it. Maybe an onsite poll would answer that one. This is a good site. Any boost in the membership would enhance the site and it would be of benefit to all of us. In the end you'll have to bear the cost of keeping it going if donations are not forthcoming or a lower fee does not attract new members. Its what you are doing now anyway. Its a hard one mate!
Have you looked at Google ads. I don't know too much about them but I think you get something out of it if someone views an ad from your webpage. Might help a bit.Regards
Peter
Posted 2 years ago # Login to Send PM -
I think a ship spotters log sounds great, but please make the form not too difficult, otherwise i could be spending hours every night giving you the updates of vessels having been seen in Melbourne.
I understand you having to check details etc of ships, hence members not being able to upload info that they have themselves found out, again, maybe being able to print off some reports for us to work with could be of use.
Example, all ships listed on your website without IMOs, or Port of Registries, that way members could keep an eye out for them.
Posted 2 years ago # Login to Send PM
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