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Why is NS only big in North America.

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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7143 - Karma: 17,438
Has anyone else noticed this. Living I the uk if I come on ns during the day there is just nothing going on as there is barley anyone online. Why is this? Europe is huge and has a ton of skiers so why do they not come on here? It seems really this website is still pretty much just an east coast site. Sure there are west coasters too but outside North America it seems very thin member wise.

Why is this do you guys think? I have some ideas. One is the fact to many members here seem to think English is the only language. Too often you see people replying with stupid responses if the op is not written in perfect English. This could well put non English speakers off. As could the general stupid comments in most threads. Maybe that kind of humour is North American as most of the trolled threads just piss me off rather then make me laugh. So maybe it's a European thing?

Another issue I see maybe is there is quite a big difference in cultures. Especially east coast you all ski small icy parks. In Europe you may ski park but chances are you also rip round the whole mountain so maybe it's just the mentality of Europeans does not fit with ns.

Maybe too that most things here are North American. It would be nice to see more about skiing in other areas but I suppose this goes hand in hand with having less members from elsewhere. If you don't have people living in an area it's unlikely you will see many articles and news about the area.

Anyway I was just wondering about the member demographics. Ns is really boring in the day here, so if you had any way to get more members from outside the states lets hear them.
Apr 6 2014 8:23AM
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HungryHypocrite
Posts: 765 - Karma: 939
Another common misconception I see here in switzerland is that people don't see newschoolers or newschooling as a site, they see freestyle skiing as newschooling. theres a guge group of skiers here with a lot of young kids taking up freeskiing and they are called newschoolers engiadina (engadine valley) and nearly none of them know what the site is.
Apr 6 2014 8:37AM
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ABalls
Posts: 2091 - Karma: 3,754
I'm pretty sure once people find this site then they're hooked. The problem I see is no one finding it. There really isn't any advertising for it except for the apparel and stickers. I found out about it because I asked some kid a few years back what the ns sticker on his helmet stood for. If more people in Europe knew about ns then they would most likely go on ns.
Apr 6 2014 9:35AM
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dragonhorse
Posts: 101 - Karma: 228
because no other country can spend ten hours in front of a computer screen quite like 'Mercia
Apr 6 2014 9:43AM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37357 - Karma: 119,634
Cuz of those damn capitalists!

fite the powers that be everyone!
Apr 6 2014 9:52AM
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Turkelton
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 8,558
It's because in mainland Europe, like Switzerland where I live, most people don't love skiing and shredding as much as we do. Everyone lives near some mountains, everyone can ski and most people hate the cold, so they don't really like skiing apart from leisure rather than being up there every weekend. In the US, you actively have to love the mountains to go live by them, here you're just near them all the time. I just find that people don't appreciate that skiing and snowboarding is just beyond any sport ever. You're sliding down a mountain, ungroomed by nature with deep snow or ice or slush, or groomed by huge machines and by guys working all night to keep the corduroy good. People build mounds of frozen water to make park jumps, you can transfer from snow onto metal and back, you can ski deep pow, you can ski steep lines and stuff that makes you scared but at the end of it it was worth it. Shredding is beyond, and I wish more of those that live here loved it like I do and others do, but there are those who shred like mofos and love everything skiing and just haven't got on here yet. Anything from the US will always be bigger in the US anyway, but I participate on loads of forums in the shred world from Yobeat to Pleasure mag and TGR, it's just there'll always be more people who absolutely love skiing in the US, because you have to find it/discover it there and live there or dream of it, you know? Here you're always near some mountains and fucking boring people don't like it. It's that simple, there's less people who are truly into skiing and snowboarding than you think
Apr 6 2014 10:03AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7143 - Karma: 17,438
Some good points in here. But I think actually it's the mentality of skiers which is differnt. In the states everyone skis park. It's seen as cool and the thing to do. In Europe you get park guys but they are rippers too. I was amazed in France seeing how differnt the scene was to what I was used to in whistler. So I guess it's just ns is not what European are into. Everyone was on piste skis and it was super weird to see a rockered ski even though it snowed loads.
Apr 6 2014 10:18AM
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backseat.bandit
Posts: 142 - Karma: 787
As an Australian, I think we are the most misrepresented. There is a crazy amount of Australian NSers for a country with such a small population (about 22 million); where we have very few mountains, very few skiers, and even less 'freestyle' skiers.
Apr 6 2014 10:39AM
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NewEscuelers
Posts: 1210 - Karma: 10,960
a. This is a large part of it. There is a lot of skiers in Europe and not all of them are in the UK like you are. The language barrier simply makes it too difficult to use NS
b. We don't "seem to think English is the only language", English is just the only language we speak. Unlike some European countries, it's really the only language we're taught fluently
Apr 6 2014 10:57AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7143 - Karma: 17,438
Yeah I agree this is a huge issue. I hate seeing the arogent kids who diss people here for bad English. Would maybe more forums help? Rather then a forum for every little thing like tuning, tricks ect maybe make ski gagger but in diff languages maybe what do you think?
Apr 6 2014 11:02AM
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MLJ
Posts: 1849 - Karma: 3,649
This is an interesting idea, but I dont think it would work because then each of those forums would end up like regionals, with one post every year and noone actually checking them. There wouldn't be enough people to make it active enough to just browse for a long time. You would be able to go on, check and reply to some stuff maybe once a day, but there just wouldnt be enough content to keep people interested and online for long enough.
Apr 6 2014 11:15AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7143 - Karma: 17,438
Yeah very tie unfortunately. Look at all the new forums they barley get an action. Maybe ns could implement a translator? Showing my lack of tech knowledge here, is that even possible?
Apr 6 2014 11:24AM
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MLJ
Posts: 1849 - Karma: 3,649
Im pretty sure when I go onto some foreign webpages on chrome it shows up with a little tab asking whether you would like to translate the page.
Apr 6 2014 11:34AM
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Steazelweazel
Posts: 59 - Karma: 513
Well, I am from Europe as well, (the Netherlands) and i'm probably one of the only members from the Netherlands. I think it's mainly because as someone else said: the mentality is different. In the US skiing as seen as a lifestyle, here its mainly just seen as activity like playing basketball for leasure. I really hope this changes as I really enjoy park skiing and there are very few good parks except for a few indoor ones in The Netherlands. And if there are big parks, its most likely very busy.
Apr 6 2014 11:52AM
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Miomo
Posts: 4302 - Karma: 14,133
arrogant*
Apr 6 2014 11:58AM
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will_powder
Posts: 3194 - Karma: 5,445
*barely
Apr 6 2014 1:04PM
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-SnowSnoli-
Posts: 756 - Karma: 1,703
I'd say NS is a pretty international community.

I just really wish they would implement a user search engine so you could find out what NSers are in what region etc.

kinda like the couchsurfing.com search.

Would make meeting up with fellow NSers in other resorts so much easier.
Apr 6 2014 2:00PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,010
the amount of stereotypes, generalizations, and absolutes in this thread is astounding.

Apr 6 2014 2:08PM
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uyghur
Posts: 993 - Karma: 2,028
Solution: invent new ns language
Similar to the Inuits, we can have 50 ways to say tall tee.
Apr 6 2014 2:14PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,628
I think above and beyond all else, this is the case.

We actually have a pretty good mix of european content and traffic - if you only look at the big picture. Its about 60% US, 20% EU and 15% Canada (rest from everywhere else). There's plenty of European folk trolling through the content on the site, but when you hit the forums there's a massive drop in the participating members.

The forums are 100% English, and as you say - sometimes people make a small spelling or grammatical error and get lambasted for it. I can imagine how frustrating that would be, and how much that would turn someone away from being involved deeply.

So the real answer is that people from all over the world are on here - they're just not participating in the forums. Hell, we have double the traffic that a site like Downdays has in the EU - so we're actually one of the larger sites over there - just not as much for the forums.

For you people who are from Europe or other parts... what would make you contribute more?

I liked the suggestion of improving the ability to find and communicate with NSers in your local area. I think there's a lot of things we could do from a development aspect to really help the experience but I want to hear what you think.
Apr 6 2014 2:24PM
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SpinninRex
Posts: 13 - Karma: 204
^I think people getting shit for making some spelling mistakes is actually a reason why so many not native english speakers arent posting in the forums

also in my case i have to think so much about how to build proper sentences in english that everyone can understand me and i might even have to look up words that i dont know before i post. i am just too lazy for this and then rather continue lurking around


Apr 6 2014 2:59PM
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Crispy.
Posts: 6108 - Karma: 7,678
Well that was very understandable! haha, I can't even imagine having to do that. Thankfully for me, the forums are in English, otherwise I'd be screwed.
Apr 6 2014 3:43PM
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Yung_Gnarley
Posts: 9092 - Karma: 3,022
you didnt know? all americans ski park on pow days and all europeans are big mountain slayers. duhh
Apr 6 2014 3:54PM
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ronin480
Posts: 200 - Karma: -1
It is a lifestyle IMO
Apr 6 2014 4:17PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
Because all British people are gay.
Apr 6 2014 4:25PM
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ronin480
Posts: 200 - Karma: -1
This was the impression I was given too! Haha
Apr 6 2014 4:25PM
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Lou.
Posts: 1787 - Karma: 3,876
.
Apr 6 2014 4:25PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7143 - Karma: 17,438
Interesting. I would never have guessed Europe would have a higher membership then Canada. Out of interest do you have numbers for te uk and Europe as a whole to see if it really is te English speaking aspect puttin people off the forums.

I get annoyed myself at the grammar police. I'm quite badly dyslexic so even though English is my first language I make a tonn of mistakes (as was picked up in this thread) and it's annoying having people pick them up all the time. But how do you stop that?

Interesting too you have a higher readership then down days. It shows the people are there they just keep silent.
Apr 6 2014 4:45PM
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iggyskier
Posts: 10447 - Karma: 10,016
So what you're saying is...
Click for larger image
Apr 6 2014 4:51PM
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iggyskier
Posts: 10447 - Karma: 10,016
Population of Canada = 35 million people.

Population of Europe = 740 million people.

Tough to compete with 740 million people, though it appears if it is 20% EU, 15% Canada, Canadians are doing quite a job.
Apr 6 2014 4:59PM
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ronin480
Posts: 200 - Karma: -1
Very true
Apr 6 2014 5:06PM
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millsan
Posts: 1 - Karma: 16
I'm from France. Around me, every freeskier has heard of NS but not many are on it. It's just that we have other cool websites, which are more focused on the european scene (skipass.com, downdays...) and which are in French :)
But clearly, now I live in Canada and NS is the shit!
Apr 6 2014 5:17PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7143 - Karma: 17,438
Yeah very true but there are also a lot of places in Europe which have no real winter sports scene Greece, Turkey and Spain ect. Canada in comparison is very winter sport orientated but yeah I guess there are just not as many up there as I figured there were.
Apr 6 2014 5:18PM
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S.J.W
Posts: 7609 - Karma: 31,185
STRAYA
Apr 6 2014 6:24PM
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Peachbutt
Posts: 623 - Karma: 601
This is a great idea, but regionals already does that. Kinda sucks how little traffic it gets.
Apr 6 2014 6:50PM
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hippy.
Posts: 3106 - Karma: 14,364
ITS 'MERICA U TERRORIST!!!! IN DALE WE TRUST
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Apr 6 2014 7:38PM
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elcoach
Posts: 1104 - Karma: 2,681
most of the ski industry is happening in the US , companies , big comps , etc
it is pretty much were all the big things happend , and still a lot of good places to ski whatever you like from park yo backcountry.

still skiing have so many places to go like south america were the andes is , europe , asia etc

but in many of those places skiing is not that big like it is in america!
Apr 6 2014 8:47PM
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PoopDollar
Posts: 296 - Karma: 423
RIP
Apr 6 2014 9:56PM
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Substitute
Posts: 1376 - Karma: 2,275
One of these was could be "wet laundry" or mabye "quad excel"
Apr 6 2014 10:16PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7143 - Karma: 17,438
But most of the ski industry is still in Europe. Most big brands are atill made in Europe and with the exception of armada line and k2 most big brands are still European. Even of those American brands the skis are not made in the states.

I agree you do have the bigger comps an I think this further confirms that North America is still much more park focused then Europe. We have the big freeride comps over here but with the loss of z games France there are no really big regular comps. Things like the b an e and joi help but losing xgames was bad.

It's interesting too that this thread got no replys over night. Do you North American guys have any opinions on the matter?

Any euros here now got any opinions?
Apr 7 2014 5:13AM
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maximiliaan
Posts: 7711 - Karma: 2,857
Hoi:)
Apr 7 2014 5:22AM
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jibbpeter
Posts: 1613 - Karma: 4,083
Well... i love it! Those assholes are the reason my english writing is readable today. Grammar is necessary if you want to be taken seriously on the interwebz in general. Not saying my english is perfect today, but atleast it went from horrible to understandable.

My excuse for a long time was that english isn't my 1st language, and that i was allowed to type like a retard.
European or not, what people see is what you post here (or everywhere else for that matter), and if that post is like, yeah, you know... you gonna hear it (read it to be correct).

Read lots of books in english (having translate within reach, can be a smart idea at times), watch hollywood movies without subtitles, and talk english with your friends to practice.
That is if you want to improve your english, if not.... carry on.




Apr 7 2014 6:01AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7143 - Karma: 17,438
I am actually English so English is my first language I'm just dyslexic which I know is not an excuse but even if I look at thing I won't always see its wrong. But I see your point but do you maybe think your attitude is maybe a little much for some non English speakers. I know your encouraging to learn but do you not think it will put some off?
Apr 7 2014 6:25AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6656 - Karma: 10,861
so wildly inaccurate.

As Turkelton mentioned earlier, skiing in America is done (generally speaking) by enthusiasts whereas in central Europe it is the masses. How baseball is to America, skiing is to central Europe and the central European market dwarfs the entire American market.
Apr 7 2014 7:22AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7143 - Karma: 17,438
Being that you live very much in the ski scene in Europe what do you think is keeping people away from here?
Apr 7 2014 7:30AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,628
THe UK represents 3.25% of overall site traffic. I don't have the stats broken down well enough to really split that out for the forums though, we'll certainly try to dig deeper, but anecdotally I'd say you're right. Its the posters where we have a predominant english base.

The big thing about newschoolers is that the amount of people that just check out the content dwarfs the forum posters by about a factor of 10.

Apr 7 2014 7:37AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,628
Regionals needs a revamp. Facebook made people lazy for going to check something without getting notifications. Since NS doesn't have a notification system, the regionals fell off pretty quick.

We've got some great ideas to help with this. I think we can increase the regional interaction with a few simple ideas, and just update to what people are used to in the modern internet.

Apr 7 2014 7:41AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6656 - Karma: 10,861
Super general statement here, but whenever I ski in the North America whether it is back in VT or Colorado or Whistler, the general run of skiers in North American are better skiers than the general run of skiers in Europe. This is because almost EVERYONE in Europe is a skier or has skied, just like almost EVERYONE in the USA plays or has played basketball. Skiing is totally mainstream in Europe and is far less of a core thing, so you're naturally going to see people who really don't care that much about skiing going skiing. In North America, the general skiing population is more at an enthusiast level rather than a mainstream level. And because it is more enthusiast based, you are going to see more interweb interaction among its members.

This is not to say that North Americans are better skiers, just that the average mix is different. Also, the general skiing population of North America could really care less about racing, whereas in Europe racing is king. The images of racing are what really motivate skiers in Europe, whereas it is more the images of freesking (freeride & freestyle) that motivate skiers in North America. Almost all of the resort ads I see in Europe showcase perfectly groomed pistes and people in tight clothing ripping around on 70mm skis with sunglasses and no helmet. Whereas, even on the east coast of the USA, resorts try to emphasize powder and some element of freeskiing into their marketing.

The third part of that is that there are French freeski sites for French speakers, German sites for German speakers, and so on. So like Doug said, some decent European traffic is here but the participation is not and I think a lot of that has to do with language barriers and the fear of making a mistake in front of the core, vastly English-speaking world of NS.
Apr 7 2014 7:57AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,628
I'd love people to just start threads in their own language. I'd be curious to see if there would be following out there. I've seen this in french before, where if the thread just goes with a different language then a bunch of people who speak it come out of the woodworks.

Maybe if you could just tag the thread with a language or something like that....
Apr 7 2014 8:01AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7143 - Karma: 17,438
Yeah it's very interesting seeing the differences. Seeing how different the mentality still was in France recently surprised me. But thinking about it your right. I noticed a ton of super basic boots on the hill whereas in whistler everyone wants high end stuff. Not everyone in whistler is better but they care more (maybe a bad way to say it) so will spend more money on skiing. The Europeans still enjoy skiing but are maybe less interested in it being there main pastime.

Out of interest matt how is the bike scene in Europe, in particular DH and freeride? Does it follow the differences in the skiing?
Apr 7 2014 8:23AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7143 - Karma: 17,438
This is very interesting I think. It could really open the boards up and would possibly help English speakers become a bit more multi national. I love to improve my French and German and maybe chatting about skiing is the way to do it.
Apr 7 2014 8:27AM
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