At some point, I'm going to have to break down and embrace tablet/mobile access to the forum more enthusiastically, because this is how more and more people are consuming content today. Right now, about 75% of TVWBB visits are desktop, 22% tablet, and 3% mobile. Those numbers will continue to shift toward mobile.
Bridging the gap between the online world and the real world is another trend that will affect TVWBB moving forward. People are making new friends online and then wanting to get together with them in the physical world.
Tweetups are an example. I have to admit, I tend toward being a recluse, an introvert, I'm not the most exciting person at a party (if I even go to the party). So this is not exactly in my comfort zone. But in 2014, I will be trying to put myself out there more, in hopes of helping members connect with me and with each other. One idea I really want to promote is that you guys and gals organize get-togethers for WSM Smoke Day in May and Weber GrillFest in August. I intend to visit a few competitions this year to say hello to folks using Weber products. I hope to judge a few events. I may just say, "Hey, I'm going to be in San Diego at Phil's Barbecue on Saturday, April 12 at 12:00pm. Show up and have lunch with me and I'll buy you a beer!" (Don't show up on this date! It's not a solid plan!) And I have a few other ideas that are not fully baked yet...stay tuned.
Connecting with Harry Soo is something else that I have been working on...I think there's tremendous synergy between
The Virtual Weber Bullet + TVWBB and what Harry does with barbecue and the WSM. My attending his class was a first step, his advertising on TVWBB was another, and our giving away a
free seat in his upcoming class in Alameda is yet another. I'm hoping he will return for a second TVWBB Q&A later this year, and I'm considering other marketing opportunities with Slap Yo' Daddy, as well.
What do you think would be a great change or addition to TWVBB? I can't promise anything, but I'm always interested in your opinions.