I first came to Draconomicon before heading anywhere else. It seemed the least intimidating site with the friendliest community I could find. Using the high-tech world of internet communication, I quickly found a place to call home. With that said, it's good the registration system is a bit lax, or many people would be put off (like I am with DR right now), on the other hand it allows lots of wannabes and strangers in that cause problems. Despite the intrusion, I still think even they could learn from being community here. I myself know that I couldn't easily turn anyone away. I don't question the reasons of anyone who are here.
I have this place bookmarked as a favorite location. (I currently have Google as my homepage out of practicality, though I may change that soon.) The name of the site confused me a bit, as I thought it was a resource for what the online community considered dragons; the name doesn't explain what the site is primarily about.
The layout is simple, practical, though not the most elegant. I find it works just fine for me, though if you have the time a little facelift could go a long way. Personally I like some of the systems that other sites have (like DR). Having a small toolbar under your avatar with a custom title, catchphrase, age, gender, locality, etc., etc. .... that's really quite handy and a nice touch. It makes the site feel more personalized and expresses "you" on a more personal level.
I use IRC, Forums, the gallery, and the journals the most. I really have no need for the other stuff. I feel IRC should have more users, but I have no suggestions as to how to encourage this. In truth, the site's greatest weakness is lack of consistent, dedicated members. Though the registry is stacked full of names, most are not active, nor have they been sometimes for years. Some of the members who are here tend to begin no-where conversations or simply argue a point by repeating themselves over and over again. These aren't good for a communities' reputation, and I'm quickly discovering that Draconomicon is not favorably looked upon by some of the members of the DR IRC.
I also have a problem with the site's system from time to time. Including anything I enter in in the PostNuke profile becomes scrambled or erased, often replacing (') with ("). I also can't see my signature for whatever reason, among other things. In short, some bugs need to be ironed out.
My personal suggestion is that everyone get together and have a brainstorm (which is likely what this is.) There has to be a way we can compromise accessibility and eligibility. There has to be a way to make Draconomicon a more attractive place to visit, as well as more recognizable in the eyes of the online communities. I want options, a more organized layout, and a more active community. I think some work in that area could go a long way.
Edit: I changed this site to my homepage, since Google is accessible in numerous different ways.
Edit again: I really like the profile idea, Selroth. If we can be an international directory of dragonkin online, and not just of this forum community, we could have people flock here. In addition, it would give some purpose to the name Draconomicon, as it could be a resource much like a who's who book or encyclopedia. This could give the site a very unique purpose and advantage. I strongly encourage pursuing this.
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Topic: Tell us about how you use Draconomicon! Please? (Read 2761 times)
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