What's the long range goal here? I mean 99% of the posts are double posts from that "other" board. This really keeps the conversations to a minimum, when most are cut and paste. There is no active dialogue. It seems like we do it simply to show allegiance to the founders of HNI, maybe you did to good a job there?? I know Justin and Todd would like us to flip a switch and just make this home. But it seems mechanical, there's no warmness to it, the colors, the ads in threads, perhaps it's just not familiar enough. Unless something drastic happens there, how do we all leave in mass exodus? Help me understand cuz I've had this conversation with many members privately and this 2 board thing is tough! This ain't a dig or anything just an honest assessment. Comments..suggestions?
Their goal with Bowhunting.com is not be another HNI. They want to eventually make this a sight where bowhunters come to buy their gear. They plan on really expanding the line of gear that they carry on the site. And to only sell hunter tested and approved gear. So if there is anything gearwise that you want to see them sell, drop them a line. Or if there is some equipment that you think they need to carry, because it's worked for you, let them know and they can see about stocking it too.
John is right - there is no grand plan for some sort of mass exodus from any other website to Bowhunting.com. Our goal here is not to model ourselves after any other site and to do something new and fresh. The Forums are here as a place for those who want to use it to discuss bowhunting, share tips, or just have a place to have a conversation amongst friends. Is it as busy and as active as a lot of boards? Of course not, it's only been online to the vast public for a few days. Will it continue to grow as the site grows and evolves? I sure hope so! Do we expect that people should not post an any other board than here? Of course not. For now it's a somewhat close-knit group of bowhunting "friends". However, that will change as more members are introduced to the board and begin to sign up. The main focus of the site is to provide top-quality products to bowhunters, from bowhunters. Like John said, if there's something you're looking for that you'd like to see us carry in our cart, do a review of, or just find more info about let us know and we'll see what we can do. In addition, we're going to continue filming hunts and showcasing not just our hunts on the site, but our friends hunts, product reviews, and general bowhunting-related videos as well. We'll also continue to update our blogs because well, that's what we like to do. If anyone has suggestions on how the site can be made better, whether it's colors, layout, functionality, etc please let us know. This is a work in progress and there's a lot of things we're going to continue working on and improving as we move ahead. So let us know what we're looking for and we'll see what we can do to improve things!
Maybe if you offered the items at a "member" discounted price, and I'm not talk a few cents off retail, but actually made a difference in our pocketbook, you may end up selling in mass quantity and offering what no one else has offered so far. If it feels like "our" site, then it'll take, just like HNI. It's the members that offer that sense of friendship. The shirt, from the first GTG, says it all. We are meeting new old friends for the first time. It'll take, but with time. We have loyalty to HNI, but it's because of everyone we know, & IMHO, not the site itself.
I love it so far!! It does feel more like home than any where else!!! The guys here are the best of the best!! Walt
Well put guys I enjoy this site as well as others but theres two that I will always hit first, this one and HNI
I LIKE IT!!! A little color wouldnt hurt. Why build the same'ol same'ol. Differant is GOOD!! And if I can save a little $ at the same time on good merch,Even Better!
Gotta agree with Andy. RJ and this site are the first two I check and usually the only. Beyond the forums, I really like the type of product line that JZ and Todd are looking to carry. I'll be making my first order from the site this morning and I'm looking forward to it. Why? Because I didn't have to sift through a ton of crap that I don't need to find what I want to put in the cart, like Cabela's. The shopping was easy, only quality products. Good luck boys and I hope it grows like mad!
I am looking for it to be my one stop place to shop for sure. Just a place that will fit all my bowhunting needs like Dan stated with is Cabela's opinion you dont have all the other hunting stuff to go through. Keep it just bowhunting. Some people ask why don't you just go to the store but where I live everywhere I go I would use the shipping up in gas easily. The exception is walmart but I will leave that place for the wife.:d T
I like the overall setup/color scheme of the site. The boards are a little bland, but like already said, there ain't as many people. I'll hit my normal rounds of boards, I jsut may choose to be a bit pickier as to what I open up. As the gear section expands I hope it doesn't turn into ALL high end items. Quality yes, but value just as much. I think a big help would be to encompass much more than just bowhunting for deer. There are lots of other big game, small game, & turkey adventures that can be showcased. I really like the knowledge/information section. You cannot make that link prominent enough. Maybe even compile a "beginners guide" type of article. And lastly, although I realize this is about gear & selling product,(and this may already be in the plans) I think having featured articles, or user submitted articles of thier hunting aventures would be pretty cool. ESPECIALLY trips that are different from the typical "I went to illinois & shot this 140" buck". Those are great to read, don't get me wrong, but stories from Alaska, Maine, gators in Florida, sheep, what have you, that would be cool. You get some interesting submissions for people to read then they hang out and buy gear. After the success ot the other site, there is no doubt these guys & the supporting cast will be able to make this a pretty cool place to hit up.
My thoughts exactly. I LOVE reading about atypical hunting adventures. I think it would be really cool to be user submitted as well. Would really add to the whole bowhunters just like you theme. Heck I like writing, I'd definitely submit a few stories if this was ever made into a reality.
I like the new forum layout alot better than Huntingnet. Not as much "stuff" going on. Simple is good. Also, once Justin add's the "whitetail forum" that I'm not going to stop until I get my way on, then I'll really like it! he he he....
I noticed you now will be directed to this sight when you google bowhunting instead of ????????????? I look for more members to sign up now.
In all honesty, if you are selling the same products that alot of other sites already sell,then your gonna have some trouble. I know alot of people who buy from Cabela's just for the return for using their card. I like this site, but if it is primarily going to be for internet sales then it won't ever really have the same feel as the other site.
