Loose Threads: What would you like to see in Loose Threads in the future?

Much as we wish we were all-knowing celestial beings made out of pure energy and light, the truth of the matter is, hard as it might be to believe, we are but mere mortals here at Pocket Gamer - our habit of adding five heaped spoonfuls of sugar to our tea is a dead giveaway.

So as creatures born of folly like everyone else, there are times when we need an outsider's view so that we can peer past our own blinkered perspective. So who better to ask about how to improve Loose Threads and the forum than the lovable scoundrels who populate it?

Never one for letting things get stagnant, last week we turned to you lot for some input on how to keep things fresh and exciting round here, to which we received some very helpful replies.

Quick off the mark as ever was hunter_alien:

"First of all the site would need more activity in the forums. There aren't enough posters to start a 'real' debate. Whenever I post, there are the same exact 4-5 guys who usually post back. "Maybe some kind of competition could boost the forum's activity. It should be creative and it should make people post as much as possible. Not spamming, that would just ruin the forums, but something new. Also game/movie/music of the day/week/month voting, or forum RPG games could help too. "Still chances are slim for it to happen. After all this is a site that only posts news for hand-held devices, and we all know that people whom use handhelds are usually busy, and that's why they even use them. Well except me, Im just hooked on my PSP."

Was that a thinly veiled broadside at how console gamers waste countless hours trolling forums, hunter? If it wasn't then we are making the point anyway, but you are certainly right, some more people commenting would help to inject some life into the discussion. On the competition front, we'll just say in a not very cryptic way at all, watch this space.

As for the spam, well here's what we have to say. If any more of you out there add any more adverts for porn, cheap software or viagra pills, then the entire staff of Pocket Gamer will execute one adorable fluffy little defenceless kitten each every hour until it stops. You have been warned. Come to think of it, the people that post spam probably aren't reading this so if you are a kitten, it's probably best to steer clear of our offices.

Next to the discussion was Hidden Away with a few helpful suggestions:

"I agree about the forum activity. It can't really be helped but more traffic around here would create more debate. "The Loose Threads feature is good but it shouldn't be restricted to just the topic at hand. Maybe a new feature to look at what else is happening on the forums. Again this depends on the first point. "I'd certainly like to see the admins here a lot more. I know you all manage to spot a lot of things though. "If someone posts in previous Loose Threads posts, they're never usually heard from again on the site. Maybe capture some of these posts if the current topic is stagnant and not drawing enough debate. Same with the comments that are made once the post has been published. "I say yes to competitions and also try to see how we can organize some online games against each other. As you can tell in the PSP section, I've been pretty unsuccessful. "I'd also like to make a suggestion of putting all of the Loose Threads posts in their own section on the forum. That way I don't have to hop around looking for the current one. "I think that'll do as a starter."

Goodness! Well, we did ask. To respond, we are looking at ways to incorporate the comments on the main site with the posts in the forum which should help to break up the discussion in Loose Threads, away from just a single topic. The clumping together of all the Loose Threads topics into one place in the forum is also not such a bad idea *strokes chin*.

SetsFireToPoshHammer had some brief comments to add:

"I'd obviously like to see more people posting too and I think competitions are a good way to do that, so long as they are reasonably original. "I'd second the point about covering more topics in each Loose Threads, but to be fair, there are often few other active threads to speak of."

Finishing off the discussion was Accelorata Jengold with some of his uniquely sage-like wisdom:

"Agree with all above points. "I'd also like to hear more from both the admins and the PG writers. Come on PG, show us you care about us forum denizens. "I know it's tough getting people to comment on pocket gaming, but if any site deserves it, it's this one. "One last thing - any chance of a 'Tell us what Pokemons you have' Loose Threads some time?"

Ok, you have all made your point, we'll be sure to drop by more often to join in the banter. Not sure if a Loose Threads about Pokemon would generate much in the way of discussion however, but a Pokemon show-and-tell thread in the forum is certainly a good idea. Anyone out there want to start it?

Rest assured, dear readers, that we do take your criticisms and your suggestions to heart and spend most of our time in the cupboard under the stairs sobbing wretchedly into our DSs feeling like miserable failures.

The rest of the time we spend pro-actively, putting your stellar suggestions into action, so just to reiterate that already overused adage, watch this space.

And so, on with next week's topic:

Which of E3's handheld revelations has you the most excited?

Pretty topical we think you'll agree. More details can be found in the usual place. By next week hopefully all of E3's hype will have peeled away leaving behind a thick residue of truth which you will all no doubt spread liberally on the pages of our glorious forum with your responses.

That's it for now, click 'Track It!' to be sure not to miss next week's Loose Threads.