Advertising Wrong?

[AmbrosiaPudding]

I find that I can come up with group game ideas that, in my opinion, are pretty awesome and would get a lot of people involved and then they sort of fall flat. It's entirely possible that the idea just didn't hit the crowds like I thought it would but then I considered maybe I am advertising things wrong? Maybe the tagline I use in the searching for players just doesn't pull the attention like I want it to? I don't know how to make awesome pictures in my profile that lead people to links. I've also considered that maybe no one wants to do that much reading that I've put into the World Building. 

I've been back to the sight for a while now and one of my great loves is group games. I want things to work and help others craft and create something amazing together. Perhaps I'm overthinking it. 

[SilkenVenom]

I don't necessarily think it's about wrong advertising. Timing is also important. There are a number of things that any one person might take issue with and feel they can't participate, even if they like the idea. Whether that be certain character restrictions they don't like or just aren't into that particular genre at the moment.

Notice how there is an extreme lack of games taking place in a sci-fi/cyberpunk style setting? Or a Steampunk type game? Even if an idea is good at a fundamental level, they just aren't currently very popular it seems. Though there is still the chance one could surge.

Personally, I don't enjoy criticizing other people's game ideas because they put a lot of effort into them (more than I ever could) and just because I might not like something, doesn't mean others don't and I try to respect the vision the GM has for the game. I could probably point to almost any game and show the exact thing that made me say "no thanks" in it.

[AmbrosiaPudding]

I don't necessarily think it's about wrong advertising. Timing is also important. There are a number of things that any one person might take issue with and feel they can't participate, even if they like the idea. Whether that be certain character restrictions they don't like or just aren't into that particular genre at the moment.

Notice how there is an extreme lack of games taking place in a sci-fi/cyberpunk style setting? Or a Steampunk type game? Even if an idea is good at a fundamental level, they just aren't currently very popular it seems. Though there is still the chance one could surge.

Personally, I don't enjoy criticizing other people's game ideas because they put a lot of effort into them (more than I ever could) and just because I might not like something, doesn't mean others don't and I try to respect the vision the GM has for the game. I could probably point to almost any game and show the exact thing that made me say "no thanks" in it.

Thanks! I appreciate that input. I know that not every game is going to be everyone's cup of tea even if the general setting is something they're interested in. 

[Foxy DeVille]

There's also the general timing of when you post. Weekends seem to be quieter in these here parts so if you slap something up on Friday it might take a lil' bit before the nibbles start nibblin.'

[Oniya]

Another thing you might consider is looking through the 'Players looking for Groups' board to see if there's a group of people already looking for the idea you have, or something roughly similar.  Drop a post saying something like 'Hey, I have this thing.  It might be something y'all are interested in.'

Or if a post there sparks a brainstorm, join in the conversation there:  'Hey, I'm willing to run something like this.  Let's talk.'

[Outcast]

Simple random chance can have a real impact: I've seen a game proposal fall flat, then a very similar one receive an enthusiastic response a couple of weeks later - seemingly chiefly because of shifts in who's available to sign up.

E.g. right now, I'm trying to avoid reading about new games because I am direly short on spoons, and am scared of being tempted.    This time last year, I was avidly reading most of what came up - from happy curiosity as well as to find things to join.

I'd advise against giving up too soon.  Adverts sometimes get a surge of interest a week or more after they go up.  It's horrible, when you stick up an idea you're pleased with and it seems to get no traction... to me, at least, that can feel like a very personal sort of rejection!  But it's entirely possible that people who'll love your game have just been caught up IRL for a few days.