Ways to fix eden

Contributor: voenne voenne
Quote:
Originally posted by eri86
Make it so points can be used toward 100% of the cost of items being purchased, but still have to pay shipping. And no free shipping on purchases paid for in points

That way EF breaks at least even on the products, maybe? Or something along ... more
I would be fine with something like this.

I'm not going to read every single comment here, so forgive me if any of this is redundant, but here are my thoughts:

Also, I would personally be fine with cutting out extraneous point earning (forums, sharing, liking, even rating), just to be able to cash in my remaining points. I would also be fine with the split purchasing methods for regular purchases IF we could at least use 100% of our points for buy out reviews. Then we would be doing something in return to give the site better ratings.

Reduce point earning to writing reviews, articles, editing, and the like. Those are the things that matter most right? I mean, the people who have been working hard up until this point are the ones who are going to remain loyal and bring more activity to the site. Reward those who have been working hard for longer periods of time, not those who are just looking for free stuff.

I believe that, as valuable contributors/advanced reviewers, we should be able to use our hard earned points in full. Stop giving free stuff to people who aren't going to be around for very long. Make new members work harder to get to a higher status before reward, and let the rest of us who are already established reviewers, have our benefits back.
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by Wicked Wahine
Excellent point about expiring!!! It would make me use them even if had to pay, so should work for others, too. Just makes sense. But part of prob is things need to be in stock more than are currently.
I too have thought about an expiry for the points and it's something we will consider. That takes a far amount of programming changes and algorithms but it's definitely a possibility. Thanks WW and SaucyxGirl.
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by eri86
I also like the idea of being allowed to buy ONE toy a month using all points.
In one of the meetings Fred mentioned something about having a "Points Store" where items are put up for sale in a special section where you can use points for them, and I'll quote "cash/credit would not be accepted as payment".

I'm just not sure on the ETA at this time.
06/22/2013
Contributor: SaucyxGirl SaucyxGirl
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
In one of the meetings Fred mentioned something about having a "Points Store" where items are put up for sale in a special section where you can use points for them, and I'll quote "cash/credit would not be accepted as ... more
I actually like this idea!

I also think that there needs to be some distancing between the actual retail side and the community. While I love the community it really only takes a few people posting hateful things here to drive potential customers away.
06/22/2013
Contributor: voenne voenne
Quote:
Originally posted by voenne
I would be fine with something like this.

I'm not going to read every single comment here, so forgive me if any of this is redundant, but here are my thoughts:

Also, I would personally be fine with cutting out extraneous point ... more
I just wanted to say, I don't know much about business and how to make it work better in actuality (my thoughts are only of my own theory), but I'm trying to be proactive instead of reactive in this situation... So yeah. I DO know that business is a mutual relationship between it and customers, so thank you, Stormy, for being active in this thread.
06/22/2013
Contributor: voenne voenne
Quote:
Originally posted by SaucyxGirl
I actually like this idea!

I also think that there needs to be some distancing between the actual retail side and the community. While I love the community it really only takes a few people posting hateful things here to drive potential ... more
Yeah, I agree with you on the subject of distancing these two sides! Also, I would be alright with the "Points Store" thing IF my current points don't have an expiration. I have a lot and waiting around for things I want to go up on the sale might take a very long time. I ended up hoarding a lot of points from editing because I went through a very difficult time with my health and just did not enjoy sex/sex toys, so I stayed away. When I finally came back a couple days ago, it was to find all the chaos on the other threads about the new points rules. I really don't want to give up on the community... please don't give up on us!
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by SaucyxGirl
I actually like this idea!

I also think that there needs to be some distancing between the actual retail side and the community. While I love the community it really only takes a few people posting hateful things here to drive potential ... more
That's an interesting statement. What do you suggest as a way to do this?
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by voenne
Yeah, I agree with you on the subject of distancing these two sides! Also, I would be alright with the "Points Store" thing IF my current points don't have an expiration. I have a lot and waiting around for things I want to go up on the ... more
Also, I would be alright with the "Points Store" thing IF my current points don't have an expiration. I have a lot and waiting around for things I want to go up on the sale might take a very long time.

Very valid point!
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by voenne
Yeah, I agree with you on the subject of distancing these two sides! Also, I would be alright with the "Points Store" thing IF my current points don't have an expiration. I have a lot and waiting around for things I want to go up on the ... more
Neither Fred, Rufina, Ilya, nor myself want to give up on the community. It's quite a lot of fun when the good times are rolling. We hope that we can all work together to start over and keep things going in a positive direction.

And thank you for joining the discussion.
06/22/2013
Contributor: voenne voenne
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
Also, I would be alright with the "Points Store" thing IF my current points don't have an expiration. I have a lot and waiting around for things I want to go up on the sale might take a very long time.

Very valid point!
AND I am OKAY with waiting a while to get things for free!! If you put a tight cap on how much we can get for free per month, that is a-okay with me. I just don't want my points taken away!
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by voenne
I just wanted to say, I don't know much about business and how to make it work better in actuality (my thoughts are only of my own theory), but I'm trying to be proactive instead of reactive in this situation... So yeah. I DO know that ... more
It is much appreciated. Brainstorming is the best way to see all sides of a situation, even some of the most abstract ideas can lead to solutions.
06/22/2013
Contributor: snowminx snowminx
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
In one of the meetings Fred mentioned something about having a "Points Store" where items are put up for sale in a special section where you can use points for them, and I'll quote "cash/credit would not be accepted as ... more
Would this "points store" also have higher end things also or just things they normally put on sale that no one buys unless it's 40% off and then still sometimes just sits there?

I would agree with this idea if this isn't all just reject stuff that's been sitting for years, going to be discontinued right away, or the kind of stuff that is given away as free items.

Even if it was used with points, I don't want to just fill up my collection with junk I'm never going to use and I'm not going to be happy if the points I earned would only buy me cheap over priced bullets, few glass pieces, and toys that just come already broken.

This could work but not if it's all crap product no one else wants to buy, if that's what this idea is about please save us from another slap in the face.
06/22/2013
Contributor: SaucyxGirl SaucyxGirl
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
That's an interesting statement. What do you suggest as a way to do this?
Personally I would shut the community down all together but since this place has actually what makes Eden stand out against its competitors I understand that it might be a bad idea to do so.

I would have to say that mods/admins would have to put back in place. Also these mods or admins should be silent ones as it is best to keep things from getting personal with forum members.

As to the actual distancing that would be an issue..I guess maybe actually having it separate from the site entirely.
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by snowminx
Would this "points store" also have higher end things also or just things they normally put on sale that no one buys unless it's 40% off and then still sometimes just sits there?

I would agree with this idea if this isn't all ... more
During the conversation Fred said we were getting new inventory and that some of this would apply. I did not inquire nor did he specify if it was going to be high-end products, but I would imagine it would be a healthy mix of one or two high-end toys and then two or three in the medium-high price range. This would rotate on a pre-decided and or as needed basis. We literally conversed about it for less than fifteen seconds. I'm sure he'll have more details going forward.

I also know the following:

- We have been discussing different ways to implement various tiered incentive programs. Sort of like other rewards programs where X amount of dollars spent per year equaled X amount of rewards.

- The current algos for the ranking system no longer apply. This is because there are others who are more active on site who write excellent reviews and have more "face time" in the community than others who write reviews that are just awesome but are read less frequently either due to the items they were reviewing and or less presence in the forum in general. This needs to be fixed. So any suggestions revolving around rank need to take this into account.

- I want more things that the community can "buy" with their points that aren't necessarily toys. What those things could be, I'm completely unsure of and it would be completely hindered on the community's interests in general.

- Anything that requires programming changes are going to take some time to implement as there are many other projects that are just as important as these that affect the functionality of the site as a whole, not just in regards to the community.

*****

Now, these are just my own personal thoughts. I would love to see ideas on how we can bring more relevant information to the community, more community involvement in forum projects and outreach programs. From sponsoring people to go to certain adult expositions and having them report their experiences back to us and involving the community in more of those aspects of the industry so we can have a more rewarding and informative environment all the way around. If anyone has any thoughts on how we can do these things, I'd love to hear them.
06/22/2013
Contributor: MrsandMrbunnysoffun MrsandMrbunnysoffun
My husband and I were talking, and I do not know how this will be recieved.. but what aboVIP members allowed to use points differently, earn points differently, review products in a points discounted mannor. My husband said "I would not mind paying the cost of a DVD subscription every month to even out costs if our points were still usable." VIP memv=bers (or what ever you would choose to call it) would review and earn points usable, while regular community members pay all but the 15% out of pocket.

That truly would seperate theeople who only want to pay with points (farming), and those who enjoyed reviewing and are understanding when it comes to point abuse and that very simply.. this company need rrevinue.
06/22/2013
Contributor: MrsandMrbunnysoffun MrsandMrbunnysoffun
Quote:
Originally posted by MrsandMrbunnysoffun
My husband and I were talking, and I do not know how this will be recieved.. but what aboVIP members allowed to use points differently, earn points differently, review products in a points discounted mannor. My husband said "I would not mind ... more
Sorry, on my tablet
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by MrsandMrbunnysoffun
Sorry, on my tablet
No worries, I understand what you were saying.

Hmmm...I can't see a lot of people paying a subscription fee just to be able to use points, but I very well could be wrong. Or, what about a monthly membership where once a month you get a free toy within a price range and the value of the membership determines that range?

If I'm grasping at straws here, just let me know!
06/22/2013
Contributor: MrsandMrbunnysoffun MrsandMrbunnysoffun
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
During the conversation Fred said we were getting new inventory and that some of this would apply. I did not inquire nor did he specify if it was going to be high-end products, but I would imagine it would be a healthy mix of one or two high-end toys ... more
Agreed, I love lingerie..when sizes are in stock, I am in heaven. I would love to have more than toys available.
06/22/2013
Contributor: voenne voenne
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
No worries, I understand what you were saying.

Hmmm...I can't see a lot of people paying a subscription fee just to be able to use points, but I very well could be wrong. Or, what about a monthly membership where once a month you get a ... more
You mean outside of our review limits? Using our own points?

What MrsandMr. said was what I was getting at, too.
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by MrsandMrbunnysoffun
Agreed, I love lingerie..when sizes are in stock, I am in heaven. I would love to have more than toys available.
I was thinking along the lines of special site features...but I do know there's a vested interest in carrying more sexual health products and not just things that are relegated to the adult sex toy industry.
06/22/2013
Contributor: MrsandMrbunnysoffun MrsandMrbunnysoffun
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
No worries, I understand what you were saying.

Hmmm...I can't see a lot of people paying a subscription fee just to be able to use points, but I very well could be wrong. Or, what about a monthly membership where once a month you get a ... more
More what we were thinking was those willing to pay the fee would be able to earn a set amount of points per month that are able to be used toward items of there choice. Set amounts of points are the key.

Many people are willing to pay around 10$ a month to shake there pixel buts in a 3D Chat environment, my self included, so why not pay for the priveilege to earn and spend points with perticipation on the site, on things you have desired.

this would of corse have rules, set things you earn points for, and a limit of points earned per month. It would eliminate the need to have them expire, and allow you to make money while they sat on there points for the more high end lingerie, toys and body products.
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by voenne
You mean outside of our review limits? Using our own points?

What MrsandMr. said was what I was getting at, too.
I guess either or, incentive programs can be difficult to nail down so it essentially boils down to a cost and demand situation.
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by MrsandMrbunnysoffun
More what we were thinking was those willing to pay the fee would be able to earn a set amount of points per month that are able to be used toward items of there choice. Set amounts of points are the key.

Many people are willing to pay ... more
Very, very interesting. I'm interested to see what Fred and everyone else thinks about it.
06/22/2013
Contributor: MrsandMrbunnysoffun MrsandMrbunnysoffun
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
Very, very interesting. I'm interested to see what Fred and everyone else thinks about it.
Thank you
06/22/2013
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Oh and this is an idea originally from Gary...

He suggested having tiers on the forum. I don't remember the specific layout he suggested but what if it went something like this?

- Trial Members would only have access to the Site-related subcategories.
- Regular members would have access to all of the forums except for categories created by members for members of their incentive level.

So, say someone is in a "Gold" category and wishes to converse with those in their "tier" only those who were also Gold could read them and participate.

I was always a little hesitant because many people felt there were cliques and felt excluded and I felt this only served to create more cliques. But there's also a certain attraction to exclusivity. So...any thoughts on this are appreciated as well.

But, I have always felt that the forums should be something that you only have access to if you've created an account as some people reveal very personal information about situations and it makes them feel vulnerable and sometimes less likely to participate in certain discussions.
06/22/2013
Contributor: js250 js250
Site separation is a good idea. Here are some suggestions:
--Members only: (requires password)
-Forum use.
-Comment on walls.
-Vote & comment on reviews.

--Other:
-Short review option (no points)
-Long review option
-Add an Erotica section to ?forum? for those who like to write & read it.
-All points NOT earned for reviews=gift card, cashed out at $25. Only 1 of these per order or chose the 15% option...
-All review points tiered percentage based on new ranking scale or buy out/review mandatory 100% with 3 item limit & no free gift.
06/22/2013
Contributor: voenne voenne
Quote:
Originally posted by Ansley
Oh and this is an idea originally from Gary...

He suggested having tiers on the forum. I don't remember the specific layout he suggested but what if it went something like this?

- Trial Members would only have access to the ... more
I think a tier system like that would be good. It may seem even more clique-ish and exclusive, but whatever measures can be taken to help the site as a whole should be taken, and just let others think what they want. Because in actuality, it's just incentive to work harder. At first I got overwhelmed trying to "fit in" with the top reviewers and trying get better items to review, but eventually I looked past that and worked harder on my own accord. People will figure it out if they have enough drive and are serious about contributing to the community! And it would be nice if forums could be kept private for that reason.

And at this point, with the new points usage restriction in place, it is not encouraging reviewing at all. I know everyone's upset about it and not going to buy anything, let alone review, because there isn't really anything up for grabs to review anymore either.
06/22/2013
Contributor: MrsandMrbunnysoffun MrsandMrbunnysoffun
Another idea to add going in with the forum discussion, our idea is that members with VIP access have access to forums that regular members do not, perhaps the more explicit themed forums. With 1 point value per post, limit 5 daily.
06/22/2013
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
Quote:
Originally posted by voenne
You mean outside of our review limits? Using our own points?

What MrsandMr. said was what I was getting at, too.
Being able to give points to up the review item cost level would be a great idea. Even something like being able to give points to equal the difference: For instance I currently can choose any product up to $75. If I wanted to try a product over that amount I could simply post the appropriate amount of points making up the difference between $75 and the cost of the item. I dunno seems kinda fair to me to both EF and me.
06/22/2013
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
Quote:
Originally posted by Ryuson
I agree on a lot of things said here. This is what I came up with when reading this:

I think that the points should be used in a percentage based way (could possibly be linked to ranking, number of reviews, previously discussed ... more
I like this idea and actually suggested it directly to Fred through Stormy. The system we have now would allow EF to offer many different incentive type promotions rather than just sales. We could have holiday's were we can use say 50% to 75% of points to pay for orders....or even lower % as a sort of rotational gimmick. There's so much more that can be done with this system now that the hemorrhaging has been staunched.
06/22/2013