Europeian Storm
By Marnip
In recent weeks, many members of Europeia may have noticed a trend. This isn't a trend that older players of Europeia enjoy, it's the decrease of activity on the forums. For many, this is a usual occurrence on the forums, much in the same way the business cycle affects the economy. During winter months, activity slows, then during summer months, a flurry of activity can be seen. However, there is something quite peculiar about this reduction in activity. Past data shows that, during these reductions, newer members joining the forums drops significantly, and vice versa, as shown below.
It had appeared to produce a positive correlation. The logic followed, as new members were brought in, they would post new content and, in turn, increase activity levels. However recently, the trend is quite the opposite. As newer member numbers continue to rise, activity levels continue to decrease or plateau. One explanation of this phenomenon could be the retirement of former, exceptional citizens. These citizens contributed greatly to the overall activity of the region and left an everlasting impact on the community. However, with the exit of these members, the activity will continue to decrease if something is not done soon. I personally feel that there are a couple ways to create the activity levels of our region's past.
More Retention Programs
Retention programs have always been discussed in Europeia. The Ministry of Interior used to not focus solely on the recruitment of new members but also on their retention. These retention efforts may have helped to produce and develop the active, passionate citizens known today. While this argument is up for interpretation, it is no doubt that these programs have helped some newer members in the past.
Manual Integration of New Members
While this requires a plethora of work, it could help to position newer members into positions of fulfillment. By manually integrating them into certain ministries, newer members can develop under the leadership of a certain Minister. The argument could be made that the job of the Minsters is not to "babysit" newer members, but I find this argument invalid. The purpose of the region, as a whole, is to develop itself. By integrating newer members into ministries, they will have an easier time developing into active, contributing members of the region. Thus, developing the region overall.
If the region wishes to continually develop, not only in size but in activity, it will need to review it's strategy and determine the most appropriate approach to ensuring new members become their full potential and contribute to the region. It is the responsibility of each of us, to ensure that the region remain atop of NationStates as one of the best regions.