I really don't know why this myth persists so much. We had thousands and thousands of players downloading AH... and almost nobody stayed. The subscription rate was abysmal. THAT is the core problem - for whatever reasons, people don't like it enough to stay and hand over $15.
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That is the point I try and make and just get labeled a hater.
The problem isn't primarily one of exposure.
That is why no number of player made videos will alter the situation. I'm not saying to not make videos simply because you enjoy it. I'm saying they are not likely to have any real effect because it is the conversion rate that is the failure point.
You can get more eyes on the product, but with a near 0% conversion rate, that doesn't matter. You're just getting more eyes to reject the product.
Fix what ever it is holding back your conversion rate (that's the real discussion) then you can make productive use of advertising and market outreach. Until you do, player videos and handing out bumper stickers and t-shirts at air shows are all just farting in the wind.
But you can't have that discussion because:
"Graphics are fine!"
"No one has a problem with subscriptions. It's only $0.50 a day!"
"Everyone loves 3 sides! It's best!"
"AH gameplay is better than anything out there!"
If all that is true, then my question is, where are the customers at then?