[Eugine]

Question: What do sites do when they are dying?
Answer: They change the site objectives!

Well Max, since GSS is dying and everyone is loosing interest here why not change the objectives, hire new staff and cover new games (personally only Nintendo games!)

Suggested games:
Pokemon (GBA and GC), Fire Emblem (English ones), Zelda (GC and GBA), Metriod (GC and GBA) any other Nintendo games. You don't have to do it, you just hire people and make subdomains like pokemon.goldensun-syndicate.net or something.

With your coding and popularity of GSS, you can make the Veterans return! You can make people want to post and increase site activity as before!

LONG LIVE GOLDEN SUN SYNDICATE!

[Nick Presta]

Quote

Pokemon (GBA and GC), Fire Emblem (English ones), Zelda (GC and GBA), Metriod (GC and GBA)

Pokemon has tons of fan sites, most of which have unique expert information (something which GS does not have) and faqs. Metroid (www.metroid2002.com) is the best site on the internet for this (also, samus.co.uk) so a metroid themed GSS would not do well.

FE is boring. I wouldn't stick around.
And like Pokemon, Zelda has TONS of fan sites with unique expert information.

I don't know. Shifting content wouldn't work very well at last minute when there are already estabished sites for the respective games.

[Golden Legacy]

As Nick has stated, Pokemon, Fire Emblem, Zelda, Metroid etc. all have well-established websites and fanbases. If GSS would consider a new game or series, it would have to be unique, to put it simply.

Two suggestions:
Riviera: This is an RPG for the GameBoy Advance being created by Atlus, and will be released in North America sometime this June. Crimson posted an excellent review of the game, and it appears to share many similarities with the Golden Sun games.
Tales of Symphonia: An RPG for Namco, available for the GameCube. Self-explanatory.

Then again, E3 2005 is less than a month away. Let us wait until then to decide.

[Max]

Eugine, believe me when I say that I consider this every single day. Like GL thoughtfully mentioned, E3 2005 is only a few weeks away, and I've been waiting to see what goes on there. Camelot said they will be announcing their newest project, so hopefully it is a GS game. If not, then that Riviera game sounds pretty interesting. We'll have to see.

[Nick Presta]

Oh, Riviera is a great game. I would much consider that as a new focus as I played it and it's fun and somewhat like GS (at least GS feeling).

[Elliott]

Adding a new game (keyword being new) is a good idea.
It would bring more people to the site for sure.
But steer clear of very popular games that have plenty of fansites (i.e pokemon and zelda).
Also, I have a ton of Shining Soul 1 and 2 content sitting on my comp (HTML formatted) if you are interested.

[Eugine]

^_^, you can simply make something like ss.goldensun-syndicate.net and have something like Shining Soul Syndicate, and Agatio can code already all Max got to do is advertise it so it can gain some popularity (SSS boards can even be under this forum, since IPB 2.0 allows unlimited subforums right?).

Riviera looks awesome for real! And I still support the games I posted sites, since all GSS needs is some content writers and GSS can do the advertising and practically everyone who visits GSS plays the games I mentioned.

[Nobody]

I completely agree on this. I'd hate to see this site die just after I registered. GS3 will be a good idea if it is comfirmed by E3, and if not, games such as Riviera and little bits of covering on other games (eg:Fire Emblem) could be added to GSS in subdomains, or in the navigation toolbar on the left (in the main site).

[Elliott]

Max should open GSS to hosting, and get a few fansites under subdomains, with a link back to GSS. Just be careful when choosing hostees though, I've had bad experiences with some.

[Crimson Barrel Knight]

Oh my ... God ...

I can't believe there are people suggesting Riviera!! You guys make me next to speechless (considering that I'm the one that kept preaching about it in the first place). You ROCK!! ;^;

I totally agree with the decision on Riviera. I've got tons of content, myself, and if you guys ever need my guidance upon it, I'll be happy to accept. ^_^

[Nick Presta]

Well, considering it is fun, is long enough (as long as TLA for sure), and is NEW (release around June IIRC), it would be cool to start a site for it soon and have the drop on other sites.

[Zxor]

Uh, what is Riviera???¿?!!!oneone?
I have never heard of it, but if this content does change, no golden sun, GSW would stay, right? GSW is the best thing ever.

[Elliott]

I can assume GSW and both GS games content will remain.
I was thinking something like age of the adepts.
Tricky there has the main domain for his GS content, then 2 subdomains, they have sub sites ofr The Tales series and Kingdom Hearts.

[Mallick]

I think Riviera content additionally would be wonderful. I finally got my hands on the game today, and it's a magnificent game. Max, please continue to consider it! ^_^

[I'm Always BROKE]

Why dont make this a RPG syndicate... ^_^ Thats the best option I think.

[Roumaru]

Well making it a site for RPG-games in general doesn't sound like a very bad idea.
Even if you did change the content of the site to Riviera or any other game,
eventually the same thing that is happening now will probably happen again in not too long.
So basing it on RPG games in general could be a good idea.
On the other hand, there probably is tons of general-RPG forums around the web already...

One last resort, could be to merge GSS together with another site.
I have seen other sites do that before. But if that is an option here, I do not know.

Of course we should first wait to see if any new GS games shows up at E3.

[Nobody]

And then what would we do (if it becomes RPG Syndicate), be too general and not focus on what other sites haven't found out?

[Elliott]

It's better to stick with one game.
There are far too many general RGP sites out there.
I think max hiring a new staffer to write content for that Riviera game is the best bet.

[Eugine]

Riviera really looks good, I'm just waiting for the english version to atleast understand what I'm playing.

[Omega]

Hmm...Riviera? I'll see if I can buy it. :ph34r:

[Golden Legacy]

Riviera will be released in North America in June, and it will be on display at E3. I am not entirely sure when Atlus will release it in Europe and in Australia, but it should not be too long after the North American release (definitely by Q3).

[Omega]

It'll be released here in July then I geuss.... Hmm Atlus is the company that made Dual Hearts! (A good, unknown game :ph34r:)

[Mysterious Adept]

I like the idea of subfoums and things like that, i think thats just what GSS needs(in my personal opinion) :)

[Mathak Kraven]

indeed we could use a subdomain, but of a new game, that generally needs to be very new, and almost as know as GSj so we can get some members.

[Luna]

I just had a weird idea, I don't think anyone will support it though e.e;

What about making GSS multi-lingual?

It would attract other people D: Not just english-speakers (native or not).

I met some people on GSW who are not native english-speakers so, they had a BIT of a hard time understanding some things. (I spoke spanish with them so, that's why/how we were able to understand each other perfectly.)

[Mathak Kraven]

well did you consider using Babelfish for making the site multi lingual, it won't work to translate entire pages, but you could translate parts you don't understand.

[Colonel Tycho]

Hmm perhaps Kingdom Hearts 2? Tales of Symphonia? Whatever is done, if anything, needs to be kept down to less than 5 games. I agree that subdomains should be added for these games, but the forums should all be located at this one site. If other games are reviewed, new backgrounds, layout, and font would be needed, so subdomains is a pretty good idea for this site. Of course... this COULD be a major RPG site...*mind is thinking* . . . hmm... eventually it could evolve and become one of the big sites on the web. I am kind of against that idea, but becoming somewhat famous does have its appeal, even though it would be pretty tough to do. If this actually becomes some kind of company, like Gamespot... ahhhh my dreams are getting too big, I'll just leave it at that, Tycho out.

[Mallick]

That would be cool. A big RPG site. It could be called Syndicate RPG. With one big site with links to subdomains like Goldensun Syndicate, and other games like Fire Emblem Syndicate, Shining Soul Syndicate, et cetera. (These games were the first ones that popped into my head. >>:P

[Elliott]

The original idea was gamers-syndicate.net, but then it shrunk to Golden Sun Syndicate, I dunno all the details, Max does.
And there are too many RPG sites out there, far too many. The competiton is to fierce, it's not worth it. I say stick with GS, and get a couple of decent staffers to liven the place up with content, features etc.

[Mathak Kraven]

yeah you are right, if you want a major site, then you should've set it up a couple of ten years ago to get a possibility, but there isn't. This is getting quite useless too, if you want a big site, search one, because if you might not have noticed, they already exist.

[ishvan]

DiddyKong, on Apr 24 2005, 09:32 AM, said:

Why dont make this a RPG syndicate... :P Thats the best option I think.

yes its true, if you need help on FE i CAN give ya some help, theres a new GBA game of it coming out THIS MONTH! so i dont think many people will make forums of it early on. <_<

[Shadowed Freedom]

Well don't change towards Pokemon or anything that ends in "mon" that bring unwanted spam from 6-9 year olds trying to act 30.

Thinking withen the box: why not make GBA RPG related, GS and TLA are great but in terms of getting people to come, well you can see what's happening.

[Mathak Kraven]

I came here, but I went to forumplanet first, then GSR, now here too. becoming kind of a regular, kinda.

[Elliott]

The question now is, what is going to be done? Talk is great, but actually doing something is even better, so:

Is content for other games going to be considered?
Is there any plans for more staffers?
What will be done to revive the site?

[Max]

Maybe you missed it, but in multiple GSS news posts I have asked for people who would like to be staffers, and the people who have PMed me having been up to my standards.

If someone would like to create a site based on another RPG, then I'd be happy to consider hosting it and making it a subdomain.

[Elliott]

So who PMed you?
Who's going to get hired?
What will they be doing?

[Max]

Noone is "getting hired" because noone with real skills has applied to the position. If anyone with web design experience who wants to do a site on a new game will have a good chance of getting hosting and assistance from me, you just have to PM me.

[Shadowed Freedom]

PM sent :P I dont have a game in mind but point me were and you'll get some sick as content

[Mathak Kraven]

Argh I used to have some good skills but not anymore, and I don't even have any games in mind, so meh. You could use me, but I'm probebly of no use anyway.

[Elliott]

Well if someone wants to do content, I can put together a design, or lend one I've already made?

[Mathak Kraven]

I don't know any good games, but I will ask my parents to do night school and learn php and asp coding, so I can put together a site and may even forum systems, if I make a forum system (I do say if) I will ask Max, and if there are content sites you should be able to have some sort of Global profile.

[Sea of Time]

I say just give the forums a facelift. Give it some new colors and maybe some new buttons and it will look good as new.

Another suggestion is get rid of the spam forum and delete all members who have not posted in six months or more.

[Elliott]

The spam forum is under control, and deleting members will make us looks less active o.o. As for a new look, there a lot of skins out there, good luck getting Max to install one though.

[Mallick]

If Agatio lent or made me a layout, and you wanted, Max, I could do some content for Fire Emblem, or something.

[el_Sethro]

I think that switching to another game is a great idea, as long as we still have access to the GSS content. I still use that info sometimes... (I've already saved all the weapon/armour guides in notepad so I that can read them offline, but I can't really save the class guide, now can I?)

[Elliott]

Fire Emblem has been done to death PDM, no offence intended, there are a LOT of guides/sites out there already,

[Eugine]

At PDM: You want to work on FEE + A new FE site under GSS... Hmm...

At Agatio: Nearly all the good FE sites are closed (only good one is http://www.feplanet.net), and the new FE is not covered properly on any of the good sites. I wouldn't reccomend making a FE site anyways, I think Riviera is a neat choice.

[Elliott]

I think pick a new game that has not been released yet, then you will get a headstart. Maybe something for Revolution, or another next generation console?

[Sea of Time]

I think if we change the focus of the forums, many members will leave, me being one of them. I joined this forum to discuss GS. When the site dies, let it die. Then we can all make a new site/forum on any game we want and we can all migrate there.

[Julian]

wait. how the hell would a site hosted under GSS going to "revive" GSS? o___0 not that i'm against it.. but it doesn't make sense. A site about a different rpg wouldn't make people like Golden Sun more... :\

[Elliott]

No, but if the site linked back to GSS with an 88x31 button, then people would come to check out GSS as well. That, and the fact that ever URL on the site would have "goldensun-syndicate.net" in it. It would bring more traffic to this site, and in turn get more people in on GSW. GSAR has gotten bigger lately due to it's hosting of other gaming sites.

[Julian]

You're talking about traffic. Activity is much harder to gain.

[Elliott]

Well maybe if we shared forums that would bring in more members? I'm only being optimistic here.

[Julian]

I dont think max would like the idea. :\ if we did do it, it wouldn't be called "Golden Sun" Syndicate Forums anymore. I'm not totally against your idea, but i have my doubts.

[Elliott]

I mean if the hosted site just link to thse forums. Then we could combine members. Max would allow that I think, he must have noticed the decline in the forum lately.

[My Best Wishes]

Are you talking about how you hosted other sites on ssl? If so then i reckon it's a pretty good idea. Focus could be shifted away from gs as a side effect though, and for that reason people may not support it.

Only problem is that i noticed with some of the sites Agatio hosted weren't very big and didn't have alot to offer.

[Julian]

watch, on Jun 18 2005, 10:06 PM, said:

Only problem is that i noticed with some of the sites Agatio hosted weren't very big and didn't have alot to offer.

Good Sites usually buy their hosts :( (like GSS XD)

[Elliott]

That's why Max should screen them.
And as long the main GSS site is the same and offers all the content, it will still be GS themed.

[Mathak Kraven]

Too bad Max can't input a system on Invisionboards (i don't really know any that actually does but forumplanet) so the boards are seperate but you don't need to register into both forums or something, for the new hosted site.

[pHantOm]

Week Bump, Sue me


One of the few problems is that GS is not an online game, thats not a big problem I know being is how there are plenty of GC, Xbox, Ps2 sites out there with very active forums. GS is an amazing series, Nintendo has never let a series that sells go so dont worry a new game will come in no time. I was in =EP= AvP2 division for a long time, and everyone sat around just hopping Seirra would release details on AvP3. They still havent come, and they never will. That is something you dont have to worry about in a game made by Nintendo, if there are enough fans *And trust me there are plenty* GS3 will come. My thought is how they will be able to do it, Im thinking Alex survives and some people start taking advantage of the psyenergy no longer being kept from them. Its gonna rule. Also, keep in mind I came here didnt I? How did I get here? Looking for GS stuff, there are many fans out there. I know atleast 7 that are in =EP=.

[Simply_Dark]

I think that you shouldn't worry about the theme of the forums always being the same. I'm here, and I don't play Golden Sun since last year. But, the forums for me, are still realted to Golden Sun, because of the backgrounds, the conversations, everything. It's more like a site that speaks about various subjects, but always has a central thing which is Golden Sun, and that will never go. If you, by any chance, remove the Golden Sun skin, smilies, backgrounds, and then try to read the posts, it won't feel the same. It's kind of an essence on this site, and you can't change it. In my opinion, for most of the posters, Golden Sun is being used not as a thing from now, but a thing from long before that is deeply rooted in here, and in every post we write, we remember about everything we were familiarized with. For example, last year, when I was here posting, I was into hearing Switchfoot so much that for me, Switchfoot's music is the "official Golden Sun" music, whichever the song is. It's like that. Don't change anything, just keep the non-Golden Sun updated, and the Golden Sun spirit in all of us will never die. Simple.

[Sea of Time]

I agree. Over the past couple of years as I've waned away from GS, I still come here because of two things: the people and the topics. I can talk about anything here and most of the members that were here when I arrived are still here.

[Toasty64]

How about we just start an FAQ for some RPG's like Zelda, ect. inthe other games topic, you know , give tips and stuff.

[Sea of Time]

We have something like an RPG Kingdom set of sites that we have planned to set up. Please don't revive old topics when there are new ones that answer your questions.