I was thinking about your fluffing strategy, Aos, and I think it is a good one. It definitely isn't THE solution, but it could be a positive factor, along with other inputs. The thing is, though, is that I think you really need a team of fluffers. Maybe one guy who starts a topic and one or two others who will help contribute from time to time.

As I think about it though, I do think this may work best with a site that already has a bit of critical mass, otherwise it may look like the same few people talking together.

Just some thoughts. Jim, when he wasn't so busy, did a pretty good job of fluffing, but I suspect he was doing it mainly to talk about things that actually interested him rather than more popular subjects that would incite a broader response.

Just some thoughts.

I can volunteer in a team of a flufferz (sounds kinky) if there's at least 4 or 5 of them. Less than that and I agree it wouldn't work very well and might feel as contrived as pundy and his daily topic burglary.


I don't think I could do it differently than Jim does. I'm no professional talk show host. I don't even really care what topic have popular appeal. It just makes me sad when the haven goes into torpor.

It has to accepted from the outset that a high percentage of the fluff threads are going to die. That is why they have to be numerous. I can be a part time fluffer, but i can't be online every day.

What's the difference between 'fluffing' and frequent posting?

The same difference as between homework and playing video games?

Maybe there could be a title of fluffer of the month (with a prize maybe?) to make the "job" more fun?

Yeah, do it.

The difference is that one comes from an honest desire to converse and the other is a more strategic method of attracting posters and creating conversations. In the latter case, you may post an enticing, interesting subject that you actually don't really care about.

Ideally, though, you post stuff that interests you. The difference is that you may have to dig deep to find something to talk about, but that's good, because it can lead to unusual topics.
However if all else fails, you can always poach a topic from Rpg.net.

Beware the gamekeepers!