GaDawg Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 1 hour ago, Shankster said: I personally would prefer less social media interaction. I found MGS after a long layoff from golf, looking for information on the RBZ Tour irons. I didn’t even know there was a forum for months, and when I did find it I didn’t immediately join. The Glide 2.0 test is what got me to sign up. I was looking for new wedges. The way I see it, if people stick around in a low period, thank you. If you leave because there are not as many testing ops… well, then that is on you. the thing that irks me the most, is the fly by night people that come sign up for the giveaways and then win the things without ever interacting with the group… and it should be frowned upon at all levels. Excellent points! JohnSmalls, Shankster, PMookie and 2 others 5 Quote Driver: TSI3 - 10*, Hzrdus Smoke 6.0 Stiff Driver: Stealth Plus - 10.5*, Oban Kiyoshi Purple O4Flex-65 Grams Purred 3 Wood: SIM - 15*, Graphite Design Tour AD DJ5 Stiff Hybrid: TS3 - 19*, Hzrdus Smoke 6.0 Stiff Irons: 5 - PW T150, with Nippon Zelos 7 Reg, 4 iron - U505 with Project X HZRDUS Black Stiff Wedges: Vokey SM 8 - 50*, 60* Standard Wedge Shafts Wedge: Milled Grind 3 MG3 56* S200 shaft Putter: Studio Select Newport 1.5 Putter: Phantom X 5.5 Ball: Pro V1x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaDawg Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 What brought you to the forum? I was on another forum and a lot of the members were kinda rude in my opinion. Just didn't need that so I came to MGS 2 1/2 yrs ago. What made you stay? I really like 98% of the members. They have very good golf IQ! If testing is more limited in the future (again hopefully not, but if) how would you suggest we grow the forum? Testing is not that big of a deal to me. I am very resourceful and can find out data, results and even test most equipment on my own. Don't get me wrong, I would love to test products and provide feedback. Would growth on Social Media help? If yes, what accounts should we look at for the Forum? I don't do social media of any type. It's a turn off for me personally, but I know younger people love it. What do other forums have which we can use or bring over the MGS Forum which will help grow a productive membership? This could be features, contests, activities or anything. Have no idea, don't visit their sites. What is the core identity of MGS Forum in your opinion? The Members We have done a fair bit so far this season in bringing new features to the forum some of which include - Community Map OK - Course Reviews in Community Map OK - Beta Testing for Member Review (Link will only work if you have asked for beta tag permission) No Interest To Me - New Stock Up/Stock Down from our Content Hunter No Interest To Me - Themes (Beta users have access to all themes)No Interest To Me - Chatbox feature - underused at the moment - Messenger Live system also available and may be introduced soon No Interest To Me - Major Pools by Titleist Love These - and more GolfSpy_APH, bens197, Headhammer and 3 others 6 Quote Driver: TSI3 - 10*, Hzrdus Smoke 6.0 Stiff Driver: Stealth Plus - 10.5*, Oban Kiyoshi Purple O4Flex-65 Grams Purred 3 Wood: SIM - 15*, Graphite Design Tour AD DJ5 Stiff Hybrid: TS3 - 19*, Hzrdus Smoke 6.0 Stiff Irons: 5 - PW T150, with Nippon Zelos 7 Reg, 4 iron - U505 with Project X HZRDUS Black Stiff Wedges: Vokey SM 8 - 50*, 60* Standard Wedge Shafts Wedge: Milled Grind 3 MG3 56* S200 shaft Putter: Studio Select Newport 1.5 Putter: Phantom X 5.5 Ball: Pro V1x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Shankster Posted June 18, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted June 18, 2022 I do have one critique. I much prefer the old way of doing reviews, where each tester had 3 posts made at the top of the thread. Much easier to navigate, and feels more organized that way. dlow206, Golfspy_CG2, MyWifesSwingCoach and 11 others 10 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnSmalls Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 1 hour ago, PMookie said: What about some virtual team events? Could make teams, play courses at certain distances, use handicaps or not, and have some fun? Sort course length to be played by handicap or age, or both, have a period of time to get the round in, and then post attested scores. There has to be an app where we can play live… Say no more fam. HRC* is coming back this summer. *Hard Rock Challenge GaDawg, Nolan220, sirchunksalot and 4 others 1 6 Quote Gameday Vessel Sunday 2.0/ Ogio Silencer Dynapwr Carbon | Hzrdus Smoke Black Mavrik 3w | Evenflow Riptide FG Tour F5 Hybrid(20,23) | MCA Fubuki Staff Model CB 5-PW | DG 120 Vokey SM7 (50, 54, 58) | DG 120 Studio Stock 15 -ProV1x (left dash) Romans 10:9 Classic Bag Jones Collegiate Clemson Stand Bag Eye 2 Laminate 1973 Staff Dynapower 4-PW Anser DUO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMookie Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 1 minute ago, JohnSmalls said: Say no more fam. HRC is coming back this summer. HRC? sirchunksalot and cksurfdude 2 Quote Driver: Ping G430 Max 9*, Ping Tour 70X Fairway: Ping G425 15*, Ping Tour 70X Hybrid: Ping G425 22*, Ping Tour 80X Irons: Ping i230 4-GW, TT DG X100 Wedges: SMS 50D/54V/58DModus 130 stiff, +1” Putter: EAS 1.0 Ball: Titleist 2023 AVX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnSmalls Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 1 minute ago, PMookie said: HRC? Hard Rock Challenge sirchunksalot, cksurfdude, Shankster and 1 other 4 Quote Gameday Vessel Sunday 2.0/ Ogio Silencer Dynapwr Carbon | Hzrdus Smoke Black Mavrik 3w | Evenflow Riptide FG Tour F5 Hybrid(20,23) | MCA Fubuki Staff Model CB 5-PW | DG 120 Vokey SM7 (50, 54, 58) | DG 120 Studio Stock 15 -ProV1x (left dash) Romans 10:9 Classic Bag Jones Collegiate Clemson Stand Bag Eye 2 Laminate 1973 Staff Dynapower 4-PW Anser DUO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shankster Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 1 minute ago, PMookie said: HRC? Hard Rock Challenge. As in like Top Flite XL 50000 JohnSmalls, GaDawg, cksurfdude and 4 others 2 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMookie Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 2 minutes ago, Shankster said: Hard Rock Challenge. As in like Top Flite XL 50000 🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣 sirchunksalot, GaDawg, JohnSmalls and 2 others 5 Quote Driver: Ping G430 Max 9*, Ping Tour 70X Fairway: Ping G425 15*, Ping Tour 70X Hybrid: Ping G425 22*, Ping Tour 80X Irons: Ping i230 4-GW, TT DG X100 Wedges: SMS 50D/54V/58DModus 130 stiff, +1” Putter: EAS 1.0 Ball: Titleist 2023 AVX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shankster Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 We should do a Marshmallow Challenge too. With Duo’s. cksurfdude, GaDawg, JohnSmalls and 3 others 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post dlow206 Posted June 19, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted June 19, 2022 I do enjoy testing opportunities, but its not a primary driver for be being a member. I am fortunate to have the ability if I would like to try something, I can buy it lol (think i have a reputation around here). I feel like its generally a pretty tight knit community around here. I like to talk about golf and golf equipment, and very few of the people I play golf with like to talk about golf equipment at the depth we talk about on here. Also, when my wife tells me I buy too much equipment, i can point to other members on this forum who buy even more equipment than me ParFore74x, MyWifesSwingCoach, GolfSpy_APH and 7 others 5 5 Quote Follow my golf journey to break into the 80s Tester for the Titleist TSi Driver Spring 2020 MGS Tester for the Fujikura Motore X Shaft Updated 07/15/2022 Driver: Rogue St Max LS - Autoflex Fairway Woods: Rogue Max St 3HL and 7 Wood Irons: JPX 921 Hot Metal 5 to AW - Aerotech Steelfiber i95 Stiff parallel tip Wedges: Glide 4.0 54 and 58 Putter: PLD Custom Kushin 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegan_Golfer_PNW Posted June 19, 2022 Share Posted June 19, 2022 A couple things brought me here. Originally it was testing and I still love that aspect even though I sign up for too many, I’ve started to become selective. Second is the family aspect here I feel like I know about 30 or so members personally it is also a safe space for me to share my golf aspirations, get advice, give advice, and be part of a family. You folks are like a second family. third is the golf knowledge here is wonderful to hear from forth is the BST and using it to offload things I don’t need and salivate over things others are selling. dlow206, cksurfdude, JohnSmalls and 3 others 4 2 Quote Follow my journey to enjoying golf and going low Driver: Epic Max LS Ventus Black 6x 44.5" 3wHL: Rogue ST LS 75x Tensei AV Blue w/ xlink 7w: Apex UW 21* MMT 80S DI: Caley 01X 18* with KBS PGH Stiff plus 95g 4-AW: 0211 with KBS Tour Stiff 2.5* up 3/4" long, Soft stepped, MOI matched Wedges Zipcore Putter: L.A.B. Directed Force 2.1 69*/35" in blue Ball: TBD Shot Tracking: Bag: Vessel VLX 2.0 Grip: Lamkin Sonar + Midsize My Reviews: Caley 01X Driving Iron Review 2023 Max Swing Speed Training and Speed Progress: Current Speed 120 in the MGS Speed Challenge (updated 3/15/23) TAIII #2 Review here: TAIII Impact #2 Putter ) Zipcore Tour Rack 54/full and 58/mid (review here) 0211 2019 Unofficial Review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeathS16 Posted June 19, 2022 Share Posted June 19, 2022 I can't add much that hasn't already been said. New membership is always the lifeblood of a forum. I mean I joined looking for research and found the test signups. I got selected to test the Cleveland RTX-3 wedges later that year. It was awesome! They certainly have their place in encouraging new members to stay. Becoming more involved in MGS truly has been amazing. I feel like I know people on here and we've never even met! Members here offer advice and encouragement that is genuine, no matter the level or forum standing of the person. It's amazing. Having the space to voice my golf obsession and people actually listen is such a good thing. Would love to hear from HQ the place that the forum has within the MGS organization as I fell as though the forum members help push the MGS message out there. As far as improvements that mods could make currently, I think the weekly and majors contests have been really good! Perhaps MGS merch could be used as prizes instead of Golden Tickets. One of the things I like about the forum is getting to know people around the forum. Something like a monthly or bi-monthly member feature would be kind of cool. Maybe something like the AMA spotlights that were done in the last few months. IDK just a thought. TLDR: I love the forum and the opportunities it provides. Would love to know where it fits in HQ's outlook. MyWifesSwingCoach, GaDawg, Golfspy_CG2 and 3 others 6 Quote Driver: TSi3 Tester Check out the Review HERE 2-Iron- 699-U 5-Wood: Pro (18*) Irons : i210 4-PW Wedges: RTX-4 50* and 54* RTX-3 *58 Putter: Impact No. 3 Ball: MAXFLI TOUR Tracked by: Bag: BagBoy ZTF Stand Bag (REVIEW HERE) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post null Posted June 19, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted June 19, 2022 21 hours ago, Shankster said: I personally would prefer less social media interaction. I found MGS after a long layoff from golf, looking for information on the RBZ Tour irons. I didn’t even know there was a forum for months, and when I did find it I didn’t immediately join. The Glide 2.0 test is what got me to sign up. I was looking for new wedges. The way I see it, if people stick around in a low period, thank you. If you leave because there are not as many testing ops… well, then that is on you. the thing that irks me the most, is the fly by night people that come sign up for the giveaways and then win the things without ever interacting with the group… and it should be frowned upon at all levels. I hate giveaways as well. It brings short term surges in numbers with almost nobody sticking around after, even if they win but when people get chosen to test, most of the time a new member will feel a sense of responsibility to the community, deliver a good review and then stick around because the review had then interact with the community That’s how you grow the community in a sustainable manner cksurfdude, Nolan220, Golfspy_CG2 and 8 others 10 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hckymeyer Posted June 20, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2022 I feel like it's been the same question for the past 10 years on this forum, How do we make it better? From being on staff for a couple years and now back here as a member I honestly think the answer is nothing. We can add features and different sections all day long. Search for posts and content until you are blue in the face. But at the end of the day it's the members interacting with themselves organically that makes a good forum. I feel like we do a great job of that here and will continue to do so no matter what happens. So from a what can we do perspective there really isn't much. Make sure nobody is an A hole and if we get some some testing opportunties to bring in new members that's great. If not we will all still continue to be a great community and talk about golf. You guys are doing great so just keep it up and we will be just fine. fozcycle, GolfSpy_APH, JohnSmalls and 15 others 14 4 Quote Driver: SLDR w/ Fujikura Ventus Black 3w: '16 M2 hl w/ Diamana D+ 82 5w: Launcher HB w/ HZRDUS Yellow Hybrid: 22 deg. Launcher HB w/ HZRDUS Black Irons: 5i - gap Launcher CBX w/ Nippon Modus 3 125 Wedges: 54 CBX & 58 Zipcore w/ Nippon Modus 3 125 Putter: Red 7s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post tommc23 Posted June 20, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2022 18 minutes ago, hckymeyer said: I feel like it's been the same question for the past 10 years on this forum, How do we make it better? From being on staff for a couple years and now back here as a member I honestly think the answer is nothing. We can add features and different sections all day long. Search for posts and content until you are blue in the face. But at the end of the day it's the members interacting with themselves organically that makes a good forum. I feel like we do a great job of that here and will continue to do so no matter what happens. So from a what can we do perspective there really isn't much. Make sure nobody is an A hole and if we get some some testing opportunties to bring in new members that's great. If not we will all still continue to be a great community and talk about golf. You guys are doing great so just keep it up and we will be just fine. This I believe is 1000% true. Unfortunately I feel like the new testing section makes it a pain to search for reviews and as others have said I don’t check the reviews often because it feels too out of place and having to change sections can be a pain as much as it is nice. I understand progress but something’s just don’t work and we went from people going to reviews and talking all the time but now not many go to these anymore JohnSmalls, MyWifesSwingCoach, edingc and 9 others 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Shankster Posted June 20, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2022 29 minutes ago, tommc23 said: This I believe is 1000% true. Unfortunately I feel like the new testing section makes it a pain to search for reviews and as others have said I don’t check the reviews often because it feels too out of place and having to change sections can be a pain as much as it is nice. I understand progress but something’s just don’t work and we went from people going to reviews and talking all the time but now not many go to these anymore I honestly couldn’t find a review right now if they weren’t commented on and show up in the feed… it’s a bit cumbersome to navigate for sure. GolfSpy_APH, cksurfdude, russtopherb and 7 others 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Golfspy_CG2 Posted June 20, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2022 50 minutes ago, hckymeyer said: I feel like it's been the same question for the past 10 years on this forum, How do we make it better? From being on staff for a couple years and now back here as a member I honestly think the answer is nothing. We can add features and different sections all day long. Search for posts and content until you are blue in the face. But at the end of the day it's the members interacting with themselves organically that makes a good forum. I feel like we do a great job of that here and will continue to do so no matter what happens. So from a what can we do perspective there really isn't much. Make sure nobody is an A hole and if we get some some testing opportunties to bring in new members that's great. If not we will all still continue to be a great community and talk about golf. You guys are doing great so just keep it up and we will be just fine. Really good point. As I know you have heard Barbs say many times. “Some people are forum people, some aren’t. Not much you can do to chsnge that” Same thing when we had OEM want to offer a woman’s forum test. There just aren’t any active women members. I tried to recruit one and she seemed promising and she flaked out on a forum test. Same with a women’s college or mini tour player last year. She pretty much blew her testing responsibilities off. People are in or they aren’t. null, chisag, GolfSpy BOS and 17 others 20 Quote G430 Max 10K TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 SM10 48F/54M and58K S159 48S/52S/56W/60B Select 5.5 Flowback 35" ProV1 Play number 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
null Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 9 hours ago, tommc23 said: This I believe is 1000% true. Unfortunately I feel like the new testing section makes it a pain to search for reviews and as others have said I don’t check the reviews often because it feels too out of place and having to change sections can be a pain as much as it is nice. I understand progress but something’s just don’t work and we went from people going to reviews and talking all the time but now not many go to these anymore 100% agreed that the new testing section is awful. in fact, most of the forum organization is bad. From the name of sub forums to a “hall of fame” sub forum that had a collection of random popular threads. It’s a literal chore to browse the forums and I’ve been here for 7 years. Imagine how confused a potential new member is GolfSpy_APH, tony@CIC, cksurfdude and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolfSpy_APH Posted June 20, 2022 Author Share Posted June 20, 2022 47 minutes ago, jlukes said: 100% agreed that the new testing section is awful. in fact, most of the forum organization is bad. From the name of sub forums to a “hall of fame” sub forum that had a collection of random popular threads. It’s a literal chore to browse the forums and I’ve been here for 7 years. Imagine how confused a potential new member is There is a reason most everyone uses Recent Content to find their content. Add in the Search function isn't the best I definitely get it. I've serached for new search functions... nothing available for us to add there. I know there was talk about changing a lot of the organization to OEM Categories and such, but that was shot down with previous focus groups... but could be worth revisiting. I would have to ask the other mods as to when the last time something was sent to the Hall of Fame. There is a whole lot that could be opened up here with reorganizing categories which honestly no matter what we do we would end up upsetting members... those who like it as it is wouldn't like the change and others who want the change wouldn't like it if we left it. So that is something that we can look into, but no matter what as with any change there will be a group that like it and a grouo that done. I've spent more time on the testing section then I care to admit and we have that thread from last year when it was new where I worked with everyone to better it. Which I do believe it is better. In terms of going back, that would have to be discussed more with JS (golfspy_thv). I know his goal with it is to create a data base of reivews and the new beta review system integrates in with it. Meaning if there is an official review like the Edel Wedges, member reviews can be added in another tab so you then have Official, Unofficial and comments all in one place. Or at least that is how I undestand it. I know the new testing system got off to a horrible start, was buggy and just bad. Plus a lack of communication didn't help on release didn't help. I know and am well aware of that, but think we have brought it a long way forward from where it was. Which returns me to the point of changing the categories... some like it some won't. That all being said IF we were to change that how would it look best? What or how would you change it and categorize everything? Open to hearing anyones thoughts on that. Kanoito, null, cksurfdude and 4 others 7 Quote as of Nov 6, 2023 (Past WITB) Driver: Paradym TD w/ GD ADDI 6X Driver Shootout! Wood: F7 3 wood 14.5* w/ Motore F1 Shaft Irons: T Series - T200 5 Iron T150 6-9 Iron T100 PW/GW Wedge: Toura Golf - A Spec 53,37,61 degree Putter: Mezz Max! Balls: Vice Pro Plus Drip (Blue/Orange) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommc23 Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 53 minutes ago, jlukes said: 100% agreed that the new testing section is awful. in fact, most of the forum organization is bad. From the name of sub forums to a “hall of fame” sub forum that had a collection of random popular threads. It’s a literal chore to browse the forums and I’ve been here for 7 years. Imagine how confused a potential new member is I try not to search by anything other than the tab I have saved that is all unread posts. I go to a forum I haven’t been on in 10 years for paintball and I can found what I was looking for in a thread or two because it’s intuitive null, cksurfdude and GolfSpy_SHARK 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post null Posted June 20, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2022 1 hour ago, GolfSpy_APH said: There is a reason most everyone uses Recent Content to find their content. Add in the Search function isn't the best I definitely get it. I've serached for new search functions... nothing available for us to add there. I know there was talk about changing a lot of the organization to OEM Categories and such, but that was shot down with previous focus groups... but could be worth revisiting. I would have to ask the other mods as to when the last time something was sent to the Hall of Fame. There is a whole lot that could be opened up here with reorganizing categories which honestly no matter what we do we would end up upsetting members... those who like it as it is wouldn't like the change and others who want the change wouldn't like it if we left it. So that is something that we can look into, but no matter what as with any change there will be a group that like it and a grouo that done. I've spent more time on the testing section then I care to admit and we have that thread from last year when it was new where I worked with everyone to better it. Which I do believe it is better. In terms of going back, that would have to be discussed more with JS (golfspy_thv). I know his goal with it is to create a data base of reivews and the new beta review system integrates in with it. Meaning if there is an official review like the Edel Wedges, member reviews can be added in another tab so you then have Official, Unofficial and comments all in one place. Or at least that is how I undestand it. I know the new testing system got off to a horrible start, was buggy and just bad. Plus a lack of communication didn't help on release didn't help. I know and am well aware of that, but think we have brought it a long way forward from where it was. Which returns me to the point of changing the categories... some like it some won't. That all being said IF we were to change that how would it look best? What or how would you change it and categorize everything? Open to hearing anyones thoughts on that. As for organization - you can simply look at other forums to see what is working. I believer there should be a section for each main club type Driver Fairways/Hybrids Irons Wedges Putters Balls Accessories (bags, carts, rangefinders etc) I believe ALL discussions about the respective club type should happen within those sub forums - including official and non-official reviews. I want to browse the latest topics about drivers? I go to the Drivers sub forum. There I can find the ongoing reviews, information about the latest releases and basically what everyone else is talking about respective to drivers. There can still be an index/database of official tests that have links to the respective threads. Other sub-forums Fitting questions Lesson/swing tips Post Round Discussions Regional SubForums etc GolfSpy_SHARK, MyWifesSwingCoach, JohnSmalls and 9 others 11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russtopherb Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Just now, jlukes said: I believe ALL discussions about the respective club type should happen within those sub forums - including official and non-official reviews. I want to browse the latest topics about drivers? I go to the Drivers sub forum. There I can find the ongoing reviews, information about the latest releases and basically what everyone else is talking about respective to drivers. There can still be an index/database of official tests that have links to the respective threads. Seconded. I know this has been discussed ad nauseum and there was an initiative from high above or whatever, but the reviews need to be easy to find and browse. Right now, they're not. And they're a huge part of the forum traffic. tony@CIC, JohnSmalls, MyWifesSwingCoach and 5 others 8 Quote In my carry bag: ST-X 10.5* Kai'li Blue R Flex ST-Z 15* Kai/li Blue R Flex ST-Z 4h Linq Blue R Flex Launcher 5h Launcher CBX 6i-PW CBX 54* & 58* Huntington Beach #10 e12 Contact CURRENTLY TESTING - Mizuno Long Game Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
null Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 34 minutes ago, russtopherb said: Seconded. I know this has been discussed ad nauseum and there was an initiative from high above or whatever, but the reviews need to be easy to find and browse. Right now, they're not. And they're a huge part of the forum traffic. Yup. Yes they show up in the recent activity stream, but you have to remember that people finding the forum through google searches aren’t going to be signed up and have a custom activity stream; they are going to get to the forum through a web search and then click around and explore. The current forum setup is not conducive to letting potential new members find information easily and intuitively russtopherb, tony@CIC, cksurfdude and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GolfSpy_APH Posted June 20, 2022 Author Share Posted June 20, 2022 1 hour ago, jlukes said: Yup. Yes they show up in the recent activity stream, but you have to remember that people finding the forum through google searches aren’t going to be signed up and have a custom activity stream; they are going to get to the forum through a web search and then click around and explore. The current forum setup is not conducive to letting potential new members find information easily and intuitively Google searches are a whole other can of worms. We don't show up on anything ever... It's awful. JS is working with the Dev on a SOE solution so that they do. JohnSmalls, null, Nolan220 and 6 others 9 Quote as of Nov 6, 2023 (Past WITB) Driver: Paradym TD w/ GD ADDI 6X Driver Shootout! Wood: F7 3 wood 14.5* w/ Motore F1 Shaft Irons: T Series - T200 5 Iron T150 6-9 Iron T100 PW/GW Wedge: Toura Golf - A Spec 53,37,61 degree Putter: Mezz Max! Balls: Vice Pro Plus Drip (Blue/Orange) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
null Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 18 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said: Google searches are a whole other can of worms. We don't show up on anything ever... It's awful. JS is working with the Dev on a SOE solution so that they do. Whoa! I didn’t even realize that the forum doesn’t show up in web searches. That’s huge. I found forums like THP and WRx through web search. The fact that we aren’t bringing potential new members to the forum through a simple google search is crazy I just searched “Spornia Golf Net review” into google and the official forum review didn’t even appear as a search result. Same for Edel SMS wedges. I got GolfWRX Forums results for Edel SMS wedges. tony@CIC, cksurfdude, Nolan220 and 6 others 4 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hckymeyer Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 16 minutes ago, jlukes said: Whoa! I didn’t even realize that the forum doesn’t show up in web searches. That’s huge. I found forums like THP and WRx through web search. The fact that we aren’t bringing potential new members to the forum through a simple google search is crazy I just searched “Spornia Golf Net review” into google and the official forum review didn’t even appear as a search result. Same for Edel EMS wedges. Crazy If I know I'm looking for a specific thread I'll use google and just add "mygolfspy xxxxxxxxxxxxx" for a search. They come up then but you have to add mygolfspy to whatever you are searching for. Google does a better job of finding threads this way and the search within the forum Golfspy_CG2, tommc23, GolfSpy_APH and 4 others 6 1 Quote Driver: SLDR w/ Fujikura Ventus Black 3w: '16 M2 hl w/ Diamana D+ 82 5w: Launcher HB w/ HZRDUS Yellow Hybrid: 22 deg. Launcher HB w/ HZRDUS Black Irons: 5i - gap Launcher CBX w/ Nippon Modus 3 125 Wedges: 54 CBX & 58 Zipcore w/ Nippon Modus 3 125 Putter: Red 7s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
null Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 1 minute ago, hckymeyer said: If I know I'm looking for a specific thread I'll use google and just add "mygolfspy xxxxxxxxxxxxx" for a search. They come up then but you have to add mygolfspy to whatever you are searching for. Google does a better job of finding threads this way and the search within the forum I do the same. But thinking from more of a "non-MGS forum user" perspective, they are going to be more general and then click whatever links they find. In this case, its other blogs, MGS HQ, GolfWRX HQ, GolfWRX forum, THP HQ, THP forums. No MGS forums unless you are more specific in your search (by adding Mygolfspy or mygolfspy forums to your search string) Golfspy_CG2, tony@CIC, russtopherb and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mynerds Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 Lots of really good points in this thread that I will try not to repeat. Here are some of my thoughts as a relative new-comer to the forum: The "Most Wanted" series is what introduced me to MGS (having realized that other publications were rating new equipment based on aesthetics and demand which seems asinine to me), and from there I found the forum. I was enticed by the testing opportunities but I mostly was looking for a community where I could write and converse with others who share my interests. One positive thing about the relationship between the main site and the forum is that it served as a trickle of water for me before trying to drink from the firehouse of knowledge that is the forum's expertise. A personal example: at the beginning of the year, I wanted to buy a new set of clubs. The main site introduced concepts like game improvement vs plays irons, forgiveness vs distance, and the like. If I were to have just based my purchasing decisions based on the main site and the most wanted posts, I would have blindly purchased a PING G425 MAX driver and Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal irons. However, because of the forum I decided to do a fitting before making a purchase. I tried to be as educated as possible even as a high handicapper because of the forum. I ended up trying both the Ping G425 MAX driver and Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal irons during the fitting and they were awful for me. If it wasn't for the forum, I might have bought a driver and iron set that was a bad fit for me and blamed the MGS Most Wanted series for the poor fit. As an extension of that, one potential minority opinion of mine is that the testing opportunities I'm most interested in aren't of the big OEMs but of the smaller gizmos and gadgets. I'm not as engaged with things like club reviews because they really seem so user specific that even controlling for club speed and handicap seems dubious. The official and unofficial reviews that have helped me make purchasing decisions have been for things like launch monitors, speed training, hitting nets, hitting mats, etc... While individual differences in hitting speed and handicap may yield different benefits, there isn't' a barrier to entry in those products like there are with clubs. Lastly, the biggest thing I think that the forum could improve upon is usability. 2 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said: Meaning if there is an official review like the Edel Wedges, member reviews can be added in another tab so you then have Official, Unofficial and comments all in one place. Oh Mylanta, I would deeply love for this to come to fruition. It is so hard to find reviews even when you know what you're looking for, official or otherwise. More broadly, I think the forum would benefit from a reorganization much like @jlukes mentioned. While that may not be the topical structure I would recommend, I think this is a classic example of why User Experience designers are in such high demand right now. A more intuitive structure to find or browse information may not drive initial engagement, but it certainly would help maintain engagement (much in the same way social media breeds addictive ongoing use, for better or for worse). For driving initial engagement, SEO needs to be a priority if things like the current tests aren't showing up in search results. That's the proverbial "leaving money on the table" if you've got existing manufacturers sponsoring content and even people who are actively looking for that content can't find it. null, edingc, sirchunksalot and 5 others 5 3 Quote Driver: LTDx Max 10.5°, MCG C6 Red 50 R Wood: LTDx Max 3W 15.5°, MCG C6 Red 50 R Hybrid: TS2 4H 23°; 5H 25°, Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Black 60 Graphite Regular Irons: LTD (5-9); Vista PRO 60i R Wedges: Milled Grind 3 - 54.11 (56°), Milled Grind 3 - 60.10; Vista PRO 60i R Putter: White Hot Pro 1 / 2-Ball Ten Armlock Bag: Supreme Cart Bag 2022 Balls: Tour Reviews: Spornia SPG8 XL Net (Official), Me and My Golf Full Body Freedom (Unofficial), Club Champion Full Bag Fitting (Unofficial), Gravity Caddy (Unofficial) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post null Posted June 20, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted June 20, 2022 5 minutes ago, mynerds said: One positive thing about the relationship between the main site and the forum is that it served as a trickle of water for me before trying to drink from the firehouse of knowledge that is the forum's expertise. A personal example: at the beginning of the year, I wanted to buy a new set of clubs. The main site introduced concepts like game improvement vs plays irons, forgiveness vs distance, and the like. If I were to have just based my purchasing decisions based on the main site and the most wanted posts, I would have blindly purchased a PING G425 MAX driver and Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metal irons. Fantastic post, but this part caught my eye and I needed to point something out. On every other golf blog with a forum, when there is a blog post, it almost always ends with a link to a respective forum thread about the club being discussed and it encourages readers to click to continue the discussion in the forum. This almost never happens on MGS HQ. It is like HQ acts as if the forum doesn't even exist. Golfspy_CG2, MyWifesSwingCoach, GolfSpy BOS and 7 others 9 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony@CIC Posted June 20, 2022 Share Posted June 20, 2022 All great responses to your question Jamie. From my perspective, I came for the testing info (can't even remember what product) and stayed for the friendships. In the 4+ yrs I've been here, I've learned more real life golf technical 'stuff' than any book. I'll continue to stay for not only the friendships but also for the 'real life' testing - both official and non-official. Sad to say I don't put as much emphasis on the HQ testing site because I don't feel it's as 'real life' , plus I can ask questions and get quick responses from the testers. As for what mods can do - keep doing the same. Key aspects of this site is the culture of the membership not criticizing posts along with keeping politics out if the threads. Most importantly - thanks for asking. GolfSpy_APH, JohnSmalls, cksurfdude and 6 others 8 1 Quote Left Hand orientation SIM 2 D Max with Fujikura Air Speeder Shaft Cobra Radspeed 3W/RIptide Shaft 410 Hybrids 22*, 26* Cobra Speed Zone 6-GP/Recoil ESX 460 F3 Shafts SM7 54* Wedge Glide 3.0 60* Wedge O Works putter V3 NX9-HD - 4 Wheel EZGO TXT 48v cart - too many shoes to list and so many to buy And BAG Boy Golf Balls: Vice Pro Plus 2020 Official Tester Beginning Driver Speed - 78 2019 Official Tester 410 Driver 2018 Official Tester C300 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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