I think that is a great idea too Lance. Having games consistently up will help a lot, in my opinion.
Admins, I personally think the host bot is your #1 asset in terms of newer players and even activity among existing ones. I don't know how many times I see people leave, not play, and complain they can't get in any games. I try to help in the chat but even with me telling them what to do, they can't seem to figure it out. Simple to us but not to people whom have never played.
I know we love the forums and activity (I'm 50/50 on that) but when we log in, we have all the newest forum topics appear on the chat to try and get more people on the forums. While I see the point to it and realize the benefits of having more people participate on the forums, I'd have to argue that it isn't too effective and that we would gain more using our efforts else where.
I think that forum thing takes up way too much room and when you have too much information coming at you at any particular instance, you naturally either pick certain things to look at and focus on or just not pay attention to any of it. I personally, don't think the forum should be on there. That or just have the site for everyone.
Anything on there should be for new people. They just downloaded the game, they just logged in, they are the ones who will be looking and reading it. Everyone who plays this (and uses it or plans to) knows where to go or how to find the forum. We need to help the people who have no idea what a HostBot even is in the first place.
We need to realize we currently use jargon and we tell people to do things they have no idea of because they have never heard it. So, instructions need to be specific. For example, don't just say use host bot to make your own game or simply message the host bot. Well, how do I message? I just downloaded the game.
That means nothing and is ineffective. Say, double click on the profile name EF_HostBot in the channel and it will provide you with instructions on how to play a game. Say, create your own teams and ally as people join because do they have any idea how melee works? Again, Lances TvB thing would be helpful.
I had my wisdom teeth out last Thursday and have been on quite a lot. Recently we are in a big drought of people online but I have seen many newer people online and I feel we just don't prepare them enough to keep their interest and enable them to make the best of this game.