It is so easy to tell staff how they can do their job better, without actually having to do any of the work themselves. It's so easy to suggest things and expect them to happen, and then complain when people say those things may not be possible at the moment. It's so easy to tell the staff how they've made mistakes in the past and keep repeating how many mistakes they've made.
This thread has been useful, but at the same exact time, I feel like it's wearing it's purpose. I've opened up and told everyone about the troubles of the PokeGym and the work that goes on behind the scenes, and I feel like lately the only kind of replies we are getting continue to tell us where we've made mistakes, where we're not utilizing our resources well, where our staff are being lazy, and other faults.
Whichever moderators inputs lead to this post, they are wrong. This is not the first time this problem has been addressed. Anyone remember Rogue Archetype tackling the problem of the staff's terrible reputation for social interaction with the members? Only at that time PokeGym had something to show for itself: a well-operated resource and activity center even if the staff was not very member-oriented. It was the only pokemon website anyone ever needed.
But now PokeGym is where it is because the staff let it go.
1) Yes, Facebook as a platform lead to people spending less time here but that is because the platform is friendlier: it isn't saddled with outdated rules. PokeGym threads/posts are a lot easier to follow than Facebook comments yet people use Facebook. Rules in the tournament boards are outdated and overbearing.
2) CotD is not updated but as a resource is antiquated. On top of that, the rules are restrictive and PokeGym has failed to adapt and so has lost both a resource as well as an activity (because CotD themes were a nice activity) and got was outpaced by other websites.
3) Deck articles and past CotD reviews are hard to find. I always thought that PokePedia was superior to Research Tower because you can search in PokePedia while Research Tower is a name filter. However, an opportunity has presented itself because Pokepedia's images don't work. If Research Tower was a bit friendlier to use, maybe incorporate links to CotD reviews, it would be a more powerful tool. Just an idea.
4) Important OP events and PokeGym resources for them are not newsworthy to PokeGym. You can't say this is lack of contributions. A look in the State Championships board shows lots of events there. LosJackal has the event locator resource ready to go.
5) Old/unnecessary posts/rules remain pinned. It makes the forum look unmaintained. If moderators are reviewing their areas, they need to take a harder look at making sure the boards are free of so much pinned clutter.
6) Articles stopped being contributed and PokeGym was outdone by other websites. I'm curious, if I wanted to write an article about how I was 56th at PA RC with Excadrill, would it be quick to publish or would it get trapped in weeks of editing and lines of requirements?
7) Staff on here is pointing out how they don't have time to sufficiently perform their roles and it is visible that the PokeGym is suffering as a result. News editors are taking on moderating roles. Roles are outdated or need redefinition.
8) Its decklist generator is missing 3 sets!
Prime, this isn't for you to address alone. This is a project and you won't be able to do it alone.
Yes, I agree, I think this thread has run its course. We have answered the question "what happened to The PokeGym?" The members have communicated that staff cannot largely blame the falling standards at PokeGym on Facebook and other websites that have incorporated new technologies and recruited talent. It's been a month. You say members aren't stepping up to volunteer but where is the application? PokemonTrader is begging you to sign him up. The staff doesn't appear ready to sign on anyone who wants to volunteer or make changes to bring PokeGym back up to par. Would new volunteers have to work with the same mentality staff currently has that keeps the outdated rules and resources without update? Prime, you may be ready to throw a fresh coat of paint on PokeGym but you need to go back and ask the rest of the staff if they are ready too. New Volunteers won't sign on if the current staff doesn't think new paint is needed.
Thank you for your attention in the thread. :smile: