dealing with quiet rooms

[NickT]

This is all great in theory, BUT I think the issue is more that girls are chatting and being vocal and they still don't get any response.

It kinda gets to the point where you say WTF else can I do?

Even when I'm in a quiet room and I know the model wants people to talk, I feel anxious about being the first one. The thoughts in my head are like "I should say something. What if it's stupid? What if no one else reponds? What if she starts giving me the hard sell? etc."

So in the case of no premiums responding to you, open up the chat to basics/guests and pick and choose things to expand on from what they are saying. If that isn't working, maybe open up a new browser, go into your room, and pretend to be a member and start chatting. Anything to get the ball rolling. But don't have an attitude of forcing people to talk (Y'all are a bunch of boring morons). Rather, talk about interesting things that make people want to contribute.

Also, if you talk with your voice all the time, be sure to also type some stuff in the chat window. Sometimes I'll browse to a model's room but I can't tell what type of personality she has because she never types anything in the chat window. Ideally there should be enough messages from you in the chat window that a new visitor can get the feel of the conversation up to that point and immediately join in.

Another idea... Look at the profiles of the members in your room and see what they are interested in. Guys list their hobbies, have pics of their rides, list which music they like, etc. Don't reference that info directly (e.g. JoeMember, I see you like motorcycles). Rather, start discussions which are about those things (e.g. I saw this awesome motorocycle today and now I want to get one). This way you are creating topics which you know at least one member will be interested in.

This thread reminds me of an old SNL bit. A talk radio host is not getting any callers so he starts upping the crazy topics. He starts off talking about bonds and ends up with topics of communists killing puppies: Talk Back

 

[LilyVonShtupp]

I have never thought about checking out member's profiles, that's pretty brilliant in it's simplicity. I also had never thought of typing in the room like that. When I am browsing rooms I find the girls who only type to be boring, but I also see those who do both and I think that's pretty cool.

My problem is that I am not a talker, vocally, but I force myself to be while on cam. I am way more interesting and entertaining in type. This is because I'm terribly shy. I usually credit the internet with allowing me to interact with others in ways my shyness would never allow in person... and yet I seem to be forsaking that on cam. Perhaps I will try blending the two.

As for kicking guys who are quiet, I would never do that. My main reason is that I do browse on my member account and often I am quiet when I first go into a room. Now, I will respond if someone speaks to me directly, but if not I prefer to sit back and get a feel for the conversation before joining in. It's just the kind of person I am and I respect that in others.

 

[Zoomer]

As for kicking guys who are quiet, I would never do that. My main reason is that I do browse on my member account and often I am quiet when I first go into a room. Now, I will respond if someone speaks to me directly, but if not I prefer to sit back and get a feel for the conversation before joining in. It's just the kind of person I am and I respect that in others.

It isn't meant as a method to boot people who don't talk whilst having a room full of those that do. It isn't meant to be a way of policing your room so everyone talks. It is meant for those that have perhaps 4-5 serial premiums who don't say anything for hours, and the model attempts to get conversation going but gets no reply. She can dance, ask questions, ask for music, even show a little - but still they say nothing. Premiums may come and go, and some may talk or may just flit in and out without saying anything - but these guys are always there, and never say or tip anything...

So during a lull, with no-one around - does she sit talking to no-one but herself?

Why do I think of it? Model friend got a little depressed. It was a quiet night, there were 8 premiums (including me) yet despite my conversation, and hers, and despite jokes, fun and all sorts - these regular guys (they're always there) barely make a sound. If a show in free chat starts, sure - emotes of "omg" and so may flow out - but they don't respond to her the rest of the time...
She wasn't after tokens from them, she was after conversation - just them joining in, as "friends" do - hang out, chat, shoot the shit as they say. They've been regulars since god knows when but for the last few months they've become silent lingering folks - just watching whilst barely making a sound...its almost creepy. She isn't depressed over premiums in general not talking, but by these guys sitting, watching, yet ignoring her. Is she just something to look at for them?

A kick function may gain their attention...and if they never returned to her room because they got kicked, then it is evident that they're not a "friend" whatsoever - so nothing lost (in my opinion). A kick function just seemed like a natural way to get some attention without going overboard... it certainly wouldn't have me running from my friends - it just let me know I've done something wrong

How others interpret such a function being used is entirely down to their own personality :thumbleft: Use it on everyone? :lol: What a waste of time that'd be

 

[LilyVonShtupp]

Ahh, I'm not anti kick-function, I think I misread something somewhere along the lines. Having been in her shoes I completely agree with that.

 

[Jupiter551]

Yeah, regarding Nick saying members might be shy etc and not member's responsibility to entertain the model - a couple things.

Firstly, even if you're shy or don't want to be singled out for a hard-sell just yet if someone (the model) asks a direct question to the room in general, what part of basic manners is it for everyone to ignore her? Myself, I may not be the first to leap in and answer if I've never spoken to her before - but if the seconds drag on and there's no response I'll answer. Because it's freaking RUDE to be one of a crowd of people sitting there ignoring someone - shy or not.

Secondly, in a broad sense it IS the model who is traditionally there to entertain the member but the whole point of camming is that it's an interactive experience. A give and take. The models are real people, and you're watching them live and I don't think they're asking to be entertained just interacted with.

 

[Traditio]

i really try to make conversation (sometimes i think i talk too much) but i am also sometimes just not in the mood and stay silent.
and i really wont appreciate to get kicked.
The model cannot even be sure if the member is really watching her or just looking on another tab of his web browser at that moment (worst scenario - he is gone to purchase new tokens) or (happens to me some times) is disturbed by family and wants to come back in a few.
And one thing is sure - kicking a silent member wont make your quiet room much noisier...

 

[NickT]

Use small talk to your advantage. Yes, I'm sure it can get tiring answering the same questions all day. But if your room is quiet, you can use them to your advantage to build up to a bigger conversation.

For example, if a member asks "Where are you from?", answer it and add something which allows him to easily respond. Like, "I'm from Florida but I'm thinking of moving". That gives him an easy response of "Oh, where would you like to move to?". Now you can start talking about fun places to live and the other guys can jump in to the conversation.

Don't give him a verbal smackdown like "Read my profile!". Then he's unlikely to say anything else, even if he stays in your room. And don't just give a terse answer to the question ("Florida") since now he's forced to try and think up another question out of the blue. Lead him to ask the question you want him to ask.

 

[Zoomer]

i really try to make conversation (sometimes i think i talk too much) but i am also sometimes just not in the mood and stay silent.
and i really wont appreciate to get kicked.
The model cannot even be sure if the member is really watching her or just looking on another tab of his web browser at that moment (worst scenario - he is gone to purchase new tokens) or (happens to me some times) is disturbed by family and wants to come back in a few.
And one thing is sure - kicking a silent member wont make your quiet room much noisier...

Honestly, I'm of the opinion most people here think a kick function can only be employed in one scenario - to kick anyone who doesn't talk within 30 seconds. Very short sighted. Give models at least some credit upon being sensible enough to employ such a feature in a responsible manner for their environment - after all, they've got the ban button which does the same (but enforces your absence for 6 hours or 60 days). I guess I put the context upon it, and people only focus upon that. It's a shame. What about the guy being rude? What about the spammer? Currently the only way to deal is to ban...there is no *slap across the wrists* method. You ban, or you endure. This would be another alternative...

I explained why I mention such a function, and that has blinkered people entirely to making it the only use of the function.

Maybe I should add that the viewer should see a typed "kicked" message from the model. Maybe I should have expanded for every scenario it could apply to. The honest truth is people should be able to be open minded enough to appraise a function entirely - and trusting enough of a models judgement to exercise such a function responsibly in her room (as she sees fit). Sadly, ya'll concentrate upon the scenario I mentioned, take it way out of context, and think "OMG CAN ONLY BE USED NEGATIVELY"

For spammers who do not stop.
The all caps posters who aggravate the room and derail the topic with people responding.
The people who get argumentative.
The emoticon only posters.
The people who click pvt without having the required token count, and continue to click pvt every 20 seconds despite being told this.
The people who argue with other members, derailing the room.
The people who ignore a models room rules and start breaking them.
The repeated beggers/demanders/tip hijackers.

Currently you can either endure or ban these folks. A kick may be all it needs to have them rejoin and be well behaved. There are more instances for which it could be reasonably employed to.

and yes, if the model decides it is right to do so, the people who aren't talking...

Seriously - it can only be employed to kick thou who doesn't talk in 30 seconds yes? Yes? The model couldn't possibly use her judgement could she... :snooty:

 

[Traditio]

I wasn't saying kicking is bad and I see your points. I just wanted to point out that it will not helping a quiet.room syndrom and that there are ac ceptable reasons why ppl stay quiet.

 

[SweetMystery]

Rather than a kick feature, why not employ some sort of "nudge" feature that sends a little "Ding!" with an auto-msg to the user? That way it saves time for the model from having to type, when she can just click a "nudge" button, but it gets the message to the user.

 

[NickT]

I explained why I mention such a function, and that has blinkered people entirely to making it the only use of the function. responding.

Well, you introduced this idea in a thread about dealing with silent rooms, so people are going to respond to your idea in that context. I think a kick idea is a good one in general, but I think it's absolutely the wrong approach for dealing with a silent room. Don't think of strategies to force the members to chat or else. Think of strategies which entice the members to chat because they want to.

Having more members in a room is almost universally a better thing. More members will attract more members. A room with just a few members makes people think nothing is going on and so they move on. If a member is doing nothing other just occupying a space in the member list, that is a good thing. There is nothing to benefit from forcing him to leave. You lose any possibility he will contribute in the future and you make it harder to attract new members since the room count is lower.

If a model were to tell me "Talk or get out", I would leave. If I had something to say or felt like talking, I would have already done so. If I'm not talking, then it means my preference is not to say anything. I'm the paying customer and sometimes I'm not in the mood to talk. If a model wants 100% chat participation in her room, I would honor her wishes by not visiting her room if I didn't feel like talking. But from a business perspective, I feel it would not be the right choice since she would have fewer people in her room.

 

[Lydia_Deetz]

See I think the issue here is we as cam girls don't mind if you need to look at another tab in your browser or go to the potty, BUT if you have six girls rooms open and all on mute and walked away for an hour and are ignoring our prompts, what do we do?

I think a kick function would help in these situations as well as the ignoring my talking directly to you. If you can not interact and need to go do other things then sign out, rather than make us work harder for you when your not there.

And Jupiter has it right, to just out and out ignore a model who is talking to the room of 40+ prems is rude as shit! We are human, and worthy of a "hello" instead of silence until I do backflips for you then you will say hello. Just my :twocents-02cents:

 

[Lydia_Deetz]

Oh, and I believe it has been mentioned that, MFC is meant to be an interactive site. If you want to be creepy quiet and just watch girls get off their are plenty of sites like that: Streamate, LiveJasmine, Imlive...the list goes on.

 

[Mikeythegeek]

Rather than a kick feature, why not employ some sort of "nudge" feature that sends a little "Ding!" with an auto-msg to the user? That way it saves time for the model from having to type, when she can just click a "nudge" button, but it gets the message to the user.

I think that would just make guys leave rather than get them talking. Some guys just don't like being called out for being silent in chat, based on what I've seen.

 

[SweetMystery]

I dunno, I send PMs to silent members, and it more often than not it gets them talking/back in to the room (or at least PMing)... It's just a bit tedious individually typing a "Hey, how are ya? I'm so-and-so, sit back, relax, let's have some fun!" type of msg to everyone stopping by. ಠ_ಠ

 

[Bocefish]

Lots of members don't like unsolicited PMs, but if it works for ya, then by all means do it.

If I recall correctly, naked.com has a prompt feature that asks if you still want to continue every so often and boots ya if you don't respond. Not a bad feature, but Leo even advertises on Wiki how you can have as many rooms open simultaneously as you want, so there is not much chance of getting a kick or warning prompt on MFC. It's one of the selling points that sets MFC apart.

Models should realize that and not take it to heart or as being rude if members don't respond. I'm never in more than one room at a time, but understand that others may really like that feature.

If it's too quiet and you've done your best, just warn peeps you will sign off for a while and come back later...then do so if it doesn't pick up. :twocents-02cents:

 

[SweetMystery]

I'm pretty sure members can set their PMs to "friends only" though, right? I've seen a few premium members that have their PMs shut off (the same way models can).

However, if you are in someone's room, and allow PMs, it's hardly unsolicited if they/message you It's par for the course on a website that has an emphasis on social networking the way MFC does.

It does work, quite well... I'd say out of 5 people messaged, 3 of them stick around to chat for a bit. Saying "Haaaay!" works, but most of them have their sound set to "mute". A few of my regulars I've met this way (and I'm glad, because these guys are awesome as hell). Not that I'd suggest mass spamming or being annoying, like "OMG GET IN MAH ROOM OMG OMG U THERE? HEY PLZ CUM 2 MY ROOM!!11" but even just a simple "Hey, stick around! This is what I've got going on right now, I'd love to see what you think!" works, makes them feel wanted, stops them from going "next model" so soon, opens up for a convo, and it's unintrusive. If they don't reply after a PM, or if they don't come in to the room, I leave it at that.

Otherwise, I don't message anybody who's not in my room, or hasn't stopped by my room.

 

[NickT]

I dunno, I send PMs to silent members, and it more often than not it gets them talking/back in to the room (or at least PMing)... It's just a bit tedious individually typing a "Hey, how are ya? I'm so-and-so, sit back, relax, let's have some fun!" type of msg to everyone stopping by. ಠ_ಠ

I think that is fine. It's a positive message. You're telling the guy you're glad he's here and you want him to have fun.

That's much better than a negative system where the member feels like he's forced to talk or else. Most likely he would just move onto another model and never return.

Remember, the members on this forum are probably not representative of the general MFC population. I would guess that most MFC members are introverted guys who think "bewbs bb" is a witty pick up line. Plus, there are 1000+ models online. The member wants to find a model he feels most comfortable with. If a model is making demands of him, he's likely to just move on. So any system where you attempt to force the member to act a certain way probably won't work. It's too easy to click Next Model.

 

[SweetMystery]

Precisely

I don't feel anyone should be "forced" to do anything -- I treat it like a house party or whatever, where my MFC chat is my own party. If there's someone sitting quietly in the corner of the room seeming a little lost/awkward/alone, a good host would at least go up to them and say "Hey, how are ya? Nice to see you here, If you're thirsty, there's drinks in the fridge, feel free to grab one! We're gonna play Twister in a sec, come join us??"

I know a lot of people in general are the types who might not "speak unless spoken to", or unless they are given a reason to talk, or just might be too shy or feel like they have nothing to contribute to the topic. So, doesn't hurt to send a friendly message to remind them they're welcome.

I dunno, at least that's how I see it. At the end of it all, you can't force people to do anything -- they'll do what they want... but you can at least let them know you appreciate their presence, and that you'd appreciate their contribution, regardless.

 

[Sunniexxx]

Guys thank you for the tips. I have one question though. What are trolls, sorry i am new
I have been on only a month and my cam score sucks. Last night it was really dead and I got frustrated and logged off. I need some ideas to try. Right now I am only averaging only about 10 to 20 guys if that. So i am in deperate need of help.

 

[AmyLemon]

Guys thank you for the tips. I have one question though. What are trolls, sorry i am new
I have been on only a month and my cam score sucks. Last night it was really dead and I got frustrated and logged off. I need some ideas to try. Right now I am only averaging only about 10 to 20 guys if that. So i am in deperate need of help.

I let out such a big "awwwwwwwwwww" when I read your "what are trolls?" question To help enlighten, Trolls are MFC members who make a sport out of harassing models. If anyone has ever rolled into your room and screamed something along the lines of, "U R A FAT UGLY WHORE BITCH CUNT" then you've already seen them. They get all giggly and tingly in their pants when they say something completely deranged and abusive and they catch a flash of fear and sadness in your eyes. In my opinion the only way to deal with them is to quickly ban them. I don't make a big show out of banning trolls anymore although that is very cathartic (and other premiums get really horny over big dramatic bans too for some reason)- Trolls just want attention and providing free attention to one of them just brings others out to play from my experience. They want to throw you off your game, they want you to have to stop everything and deal with them, just don't give them the satisfaction.

 

[Traditio]

Guys thank you for the tips. I have one question though. What are trolls, sorry i am new
I have been on only a month and my cam score sucks. Last night it was really dead and I got frustrated and logged off. I need some ideas to try. Right now I am only averaging only about 10 to 20 guys if that. So i am in deperate need of help.

Lemon already explained the troll part.
for the other part - just be yourself and have fun - that normally spreads around and get attention.
A bit of advertising helps too - e.g. put your profile in your signature here, add a nice avatar, maybe add a twitter account and advertise when you are getting online - chatting with other models on twitter will not only be fun but may get the attention of some of their followers on you too and will lead them to your room when their favorite is not online.

 

[Zoomer]

Precisely

I don't feel anyone should be "forced" to do anything -- I treat it like a house party or whatever, where my MFC chat is my own party. If there's someone sitting quietly in the corner of the room seeming a little lost/awkward/alone, a good host would at least go up to them and say "Hey, how are ya? Nice to see you here, If you're thirsty, there's drinks in the fridge, feel free to grab one! We're gonna play Twister in a sec, come join us??"

I know a lot of people in general are the types who might not "speak unless spoken to", or unless they are given a reason to talk, or just might be too shy or feel like they have nothing to contribute to the topic. So, doesn't hurt to send a friendly message to remind them they're welcome.

I dunno, at least that's how I see it. At the end of it all, you can't force people to do anything -- they'll do what they want... but you can at least let them know you appreciate their presence, and that you'd appreciate their contribution, regardless.

I'm not commenting upon what you said, I just wanted to say your profile is brilliant. I really love the look

 

[Sunniexxx]

okay I have a twitter account now but not sure how to put any avatar in this profile

 

[Traditio]

okay I have a twitter account now but not sure how to put any avatar in this profile

go to the top of this site - on the right hand side you can see a link "User Control Panel". click that.
On the next page you can see "Options" on the left hand side.
On of the rubrics is "Profile" click there.
The third sub-point is "edit Avatar".
click that and the next page should be self-explanatory. if you don't have a picture with given size just load a picture into windows paint and change the size.

hope this helps.

and when you are at it...

above the "Edit avatar" Option is the "Edit signature" Option - use that and insert the link to your mfc-profile and twitter name.

 

[Lydia_Deetz]

okay I have a twitter account now but not sure how to put any avatar in this profile

Please read the how to thread hun. http://www.ambercutie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=2252

 

[GreatDane]

okay I have a twitter account now but not sure how to put any avatar in this profile

go to the top of this site - on the right hand side you can see a link "User Control Panel". click that.
On the next page you can see "Options" on the left hand side.
On of the rubrics is "Profile" click there.
The third sub-point is "edit Avatar".
click that and the next page should be self-explanatory. if you don't have a picture with given size just load a picture into windows paint and change the size.

hope this helps.

and when you are at it...

above the "Edit avatar" Option is the "Edit signature" Option - use that and insert the link to your mfc-profile and twitter name.

Your profile if I grabbed the right one should be this link
http://profiles.myfreecams.com/Sunniexxx

Awesome pics btw

 

[Sunniexxx]

Guys thank you so much for the advice. I hope all goes well!

 

[Anonymous]

The silences are very awkward and annoying...especially when you know you're looking sexy, got good music on, dancing/bouncing on your fitness ball/chatting, etc.

When a regular is about to step out for one of his several "cigarette breaks" of the night, I like it when he tells me he's gonna leave the room for a few. Otherwise I'm on cam talking to him and not getting a response, and I look like a jackass.

The times when there are so many people talking that I need to scroll back up to make sure I didn't miss anything.....I LOVE that, because it means that people are actually engaging in conversation. Not just sitting there hearing crickets.

 

[Crustyz]

I don't think it would be a good idea to kick quiet members. Having more members in your room means you attract more people. If I'm just browsing around, I'm more likely to stick around a room with more members in it. Plus, if you kick them they may never come back.

There may be a lot of reasons for members not talking: shy, non-English speaker, stepped away from computer, had to switch to another window, etc. Just because they are not speaking at that moment doesn't mean they will never speak. And even if they never speak, they give the appearance of a bigger room.

Also, I don't like when the model expects the members to provide the entertainment. I'm there to enjoy the model, not listen to JoeMember talk about how he worked on his car all day.

As you know, it's hard to start conversations. Most people, myself included, are more comfortable adding to the conversation as opposed to starting it. If your room is quiet, it likely means you don't have guys who like to start conversations. So that job is up to you. Talk about interesting things where guys can easily add to the conversation. Unless the conversation is flowing, don't ask questions. If no one answers, the silence will stand out.

This is all great in theory, BUT I think the issue is more that girls are chatting and being vocal and they still don't get any response.

It kinda gets to the point where you say WTF else can I do?

This.