The Oldbies Play Alone
The days of the newbies v. the Old Guard are long past, but not because Europeia doesn't love a good conflict- because all the newbies have become oldbies. For all the pomp and circumstance surrounding the dramatic rise in Europeia's population and subsequent decline, very few prominent members have emerged from the period of great "growth." While members are still joining the region and joining the forums, the retention rate has been way down in recent months.
To some, it seems like Europeia is becoming "stale." This is not because the actual region is losing its appeal, but because new faces are becoming less and less common on the forums. Most members who apply for citizenship disappear quite quickly, with few notable exceptions. The root of this problem is difficult to determine. We are currently facing the summer slump, but this is an ongoing trend, not one that has just appeared in the weeks of summer, not to mention that our current membership has upped posting since summer began.
So, instead of focusing on where the problem originated, let's take a look at how to fix it. The newcomers' handbooks are now severely outdated and in need of update. I would suggest shooting Welfare Minister Ogastein a PM if you'd like to help with that job. Greeting the new members who do arrive on the forums is always a plus as well- you're more likely to stay if you start making friends. Organic relationships seem to work out better than the Mentor System, so don't just wait around for that to get another face-lift. If you are a new member reading this, wondering what there is to do around here, I suggest becoming a Junior Minister, joining the City Council, or chatting it up in the Republic Square. None of those for you? Shoot me a PM, I'll give you even more ideas!
