Pros and Cons of starting your own forum.

meljr · 12-11-2003, 10:45 AM

Pros and Cons of starting your own forum.

1. People just bookmark the forum and don’t really come to the main website that much.

2. It takes a lot of time to run the forum and keep the trash out. It seems like every one wants to post off topic items and trash scam deals.

3. Almost every hosting company has a built in forum feature, so everybody and his dog has a forum
( http://www.BigDog2.com/forum1 )
Users can only go to so many forums before they get burned out.

4. The advise given on the forum is not always good or correct. Users have to learn who trust and who to ignore, especially if the advise is on buying something that that person just happens to be selling.

What do the rest of you think about starting your own forum?
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/website-development/13140-pros-cons-starting-your-own-forum.html

meljr

identity_00 · 12-11-2003, 11:20 AM

I have never started a forum before but I would suspect people start them and think they are going to get a huge amount of visitors overnight.

They simply underestimate the amount of work involved to get a real constant flow of visitors and posts.

Darren · 12-11-2003, 01:14 PM

I hope you don't mind, Melvin, but I have some feedback about your response to this topic.

You titled the topic 'Pros & Cons' yet you only gave us 'Cons'! I wouldn't excatly consider your 'Cons' as actual 'Cons' because they can be helped!

"1. People just bookmark the forum and don’t really come to the main website that much."
This is usual for newbies... Newbies just like to be apart of loads of stuff, and go around signing up with everything on the internet. If somebody wasn't actually that interested in a forum, then it's highly doubtfull they'd bookmark it.

"It takes a lot of time to run the forum and keep the trash out. It seems like every one wants to post off topic items and trash scam deals."
Yes, it does take alot of time to run a forum, especially getting it started and up and running. If your going to start a forum, then your signing up to alot of hard work a dedication! As for keeping the trash out and keeping off topic items and scam deals away, forums have addon's or features for such things... I believe you can get addon's which don't allow you to advertise unless you have a certain amount of posts. Moderation and trash can be dealt with by Rules... Harsh rules if need be, I've been here before and once people know your serious about keeping a forum clean, they learn to 'respect'.

"3. Almost every hosting company has a built in forum feature, so everybody and his dog has a forum (http:/www.BigDog2.com/forum1/ ).
Users can only go to so many forums before they get burned out."
Alot of hosting company forums are small, so to speak, and are usually relied on support and updates. Some do have small communities, but like I say, they are 'small'.
As for users getting burnt out with too many forums, well it's up to you to interest them on your forum, so if they do get burnt out, they won't be 'leaving' yours!
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=13140

"4. The advise given on the forum is not always good or correct. Users have to learn who trust and who to ignore, especially if the advise is on buying something that that person just happens to be selling."
This is true, but you have to learn to run a safe friendly and trust worthly community. Have specfic rules on the likes of buying a selling. It's also not rare to have some kind of 'Rating' on buying/selling forums, so that people know who they are dealing with.

Please don't take anything against my opinions, I just thought I'd friendly give you some feedback on my views of what you said.

meljr · 12-11-2003, 01:56 PM

Darren, thanks for these comments. I kind of had alot of ideas running arround in my head about this. Years ago I had I forum that I ran and really enjoyed alot of things about it. It is nice to see what others are thinking about on the topic.

meljr

Evilhaider · 12-11-2003, 06:59 PM

Very interesting thread. I'd like to see more replies here as I'm in the process of starting a forum myself. Would like to get an idea of what people who have owned forums think of this.

The Equivocate · 12-11-2003, 07:24 PM

I can vouch first-hand that running a forum is much harder than it looks. The obvious main factor is getting the members, but more importantly, keep them coming back. Contests, game threads, special offers, etc. Don't expect the posters alone to sustain the site just from posting, because they aren't paying the money for hosting to run the forums - you are.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=13140

Another thing is, don't start a forum just for the sake of starting a forum. Like, I wouldn't go and start a forum like this because I simply feel like it. I have to see if I can get a starting set of 10 or 20 dedicated posters, and hope a few hundred others will see this and join over time. You have to be interested in the topic at hand, otherwise you won't even want to post on your own forum. The members will see this and they won't want to post either.

Also, if you have a website and want to add a forum to compliment it, don't expect the site visitors to automatically join and post on your forums, because it won't happen. Offer some sort of incentive for joining the forums. If you have a gaming site, offer "VIP" gaming news for members of the forum. On your main page, have a small section on the side for "Recent Discussions" and "Join Our Forums."

And realize you have a lot of hard work ahead of you.

Evilhaider · 12-11-2003, 09:10 PM

Great points. Also, sorry if this is a bit off topic. Is there a module for IPB or PhpBB that lets you give points for posts and so on like the one for Vbulletin?

The Equivocate · 12-11-2003, 09:12 PM

Yes, and i know that for a fact because I've used them both. Search for Cash Hack or Money Hack on phpbbhacks.com or ibplanet.com

Evilhaider · 12-11-2003, 09:39 PM

Thanks, I visited ibplanet and found some stuff. Sorry for hijackin the thread. Let's get back on topic now

webscorpion · 12-11-2003, 11:50 PM

Very nice points raised, guys. I will use this thread as a guide in putting up my own forum.

Melvin, thanks for starting this thread

Brianryan · 12-12-2003, 05:15 AM

Nope I've npw start setting up forums and I find it rather easy.
You just upload some files chmod some of them set up some folders

it is time consuming but easy

Anthony · 12-12-2003, 05:33 AM

I think that setting up your own forum is a good idea if you have a great niche overall topic that you don't see discussed that often in the forum format.

The Equivocate · 12-12-2003, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brianryan
Nope I've npw start setting up forums and I find it rather easy.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=13140
You just upload some files chmod some of them set up some folders

it is time consuming but easy

It's not the actual installation of the forums that's hard, it's running a good community that's hard. Plus, your members will want hacks, and that's even more time-consuming.

GT Web · 12-13-2003, 08:51 PM

a forum is the greatest thing one can create to connect with the sites visitors...

Crusader · 12-13-2003, 09:44 PM

yes it is, but they can be a strain on resources.

redhippo · 12-16-2003, 06:53 AM

thanks everyone..very helpful...pros and cons helping me to keep in perspective of things..

my two bit:

if its a "serious" forum( i.e. dealing with money-buy/sell) then you really need "expert" input and much trust building.

if its a fun site/computers games...cars club..etc ..then everybody can have afield day...almost....

just watch out for the "fire starters"

idea

12-11-2003, 10:45 AM	THREAD STARTER #1 (permalink)
meljr NamePros Regular Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Colorado Posts: 496	Pros and Cons of starting your own forum. Pros and Cons of starting your own forum. 1. People just bookmark the forum and don’t really come to the main website that much. 2. It takes a lot of time to run the forum and keep the trash out. It seems like every one wants to post off topic items and trash scam deals. 3. Almost every hosting company has a built in forum feature, so everybody and his dog has a forum ( http://www.BigDog2.com/forum1 ) Users can only go to so many forums before they get burned out. 4. The advise given on the forum is not always good or correct. Users have to learn who trust and who to ignore, especially if the advise is on buying something that that person just happens to be selling. What do the rest of you think about starting your own forum? ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/website-development/13140-pros-cons-starting-your-own-forum.html meljr Last edited by meljr; 12-13-2003 at 10:24 PM.

12-11-2003, 01:56 PM	THREAD STARTER #4 (permalink)
meljr NamePros Regular Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Colorado Posts: 496	Darren, thanks for these comments. I kind of had alot of ideas running arround in my head about this. Years ago I had I forum that I ran and really enjoyed alot of things about it. It is nice to see what others are thinking about on the topic. meljr __________________ ZombieDefensePills.com Meljr is ready for the Zombie Apocalypse. Are You? ZombieDefensePills.com Meljr is ready for the Zombie Apocalypse. Are You? 100melvins.com Meljr has 100 different fun things he likes iamasupernerd.com Meljr loves this super nerd stuff and so should you

12-11-2003, 06:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
Evilhaider NamePros Regular Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 252	Very interesting thread. I'd like to see more replies here as I'm in the process of starting a forum myself. Would like to get an idea of what people who have owned forums think of this. __________________ Tutorial Maniacs - The most comprehensive collection of QUALITY hand picked tutorial links on the internet. http://www.tutorialmaniacs.com

12-11-2003, 07:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
The Equivocate Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,578	I can vouch first-hand that running a forum is much harder than it looks. The obvious main factor is getting the members, but more importantly, keep them coming back. Contests, game threads, special offers, etc. Don't expect the posters alone to sustain the site just from posting, because they aren't paying the money for hosting to run the forums - you are. ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=13140 Another thing is, don't start a forum just for the sake of starting a forum. Like, I wouldn't go and start a forum like this because I simply feel like it. I have to see if I can get a starting set of 10 or 20 dedicated posters, and hope a few hundred others will see this and join over time. You have to be interested in the topic at hand, otherwise you won't even want to post on your own forum. The members will see this and they won't want to post either. Also, if you have a website and want to add a forum to compliment it, don't expect the site visitors to automatically join and post on your forums, because it won't happen. Offer some sort of incentive for joining the forums. If you have a gaming site, offer "VIP" gaming news for members of the forum. On your main page, have a small section on the side for "Recent Discussions" and "Join Our Forums." And realize you have a lot of hard work ahead of you. __________________ Fueled By Ramen

12-11-2003, 09:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
Evilhaider NamePros Regular Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 252	Great points. Also, sorry if this is a bit off topic. Is there a module for IPB or PhpBB that lets you give points for posts and so on like the one for Vbulletin? __________________ Tutorial Maniacs - The most comprehensive collection of QUALITY hand picked tutorial links on the internet. http://www.tutorialmaniacs.com

12-11-2003, 11:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
identity_00 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 1,212	I have never started a forum before but I would suspect people start them and think they are going to get a huge amount of visitors overnight. They simply underestimate the amount of work involved to get a real constant flow of visitors and posts.

12-11-2003, 01:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
Darren Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: eBay Posts: 1,990	I hope you don't mind, Melvin, but I have some feedback about your response to this topic. You titled the topic 'Pros & Cons' yet you only gave us 'Cons'! I wouldn't excatly consider your 'Cons' as actual 'Cons' because they can be helped! "1. People just bookmark the forum and don’t really come to the main website that much." This is usual for newbies... Newbies just like to be apart of loads of stuff, and go around signing up with everything on the internet. If somebody wasn't actually that interested in a forum, then it's highly doubtfull they'd bookmark it. "It takes a lot of time to run the forum and keep the trash out. It seems like every one wants to post off topic items and trash scam deals." Yes, it does take alot of time to run a forum, especially getting it started and up and running. If your going to start a forum, then your signing up to alot of hard work a dedication! As for keeping the trash out and keeping off topic items and scam deals away, forums have addon's or features for such things... I believe you can get addon's which don't allow you to advertise unless you have a certain amount of posts. Moderation and trash can be dealt with by Rules... Harsh rules if need be, I've been here before and once people know your serious about keeping a forum clean, they learn to 'respect'. "3. Almost every hosting company has a built in forum feature, so everybody and his dog has a forum (http:/www.BigDog2.com/forum1/ ). Users can only go to so many forums before they get burned out." Alot of hosting company forums are small, so to speak, and are usually relied on support and updates. Some do have small communities, but like I say, they are 'small'. As for users getting burnt out with too many forums, well it's up to you to interest them on your forum, so if they do get burnt out, they won't be 'leaving' yours! ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=13140 "4. The advise given on the forum is not always good or correct. Users have to learn who trust and who to ignore, especially if the advise is on buying something that that person just happens to be selling." This is true, but you have to learn to run a safe friendly and trust worthly community. Have specfic rules on the likes of buying a selling. It's also not rare to have some kind of 'Rating' on buying/selling forums, so that people know who they are dealing with. Please don't take anything against my opinions, I just thought I'd friendly give you some feedback on my views of what you said.

12-11-2003, 09:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
The Equivocate Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,578	Yes, and i know that for a fact because I've used them both. Search for Cash Hack or Money Hack on phpbbhacks.com or ibplanet.com __________________ Fueled By Ramen

12-11-2003, 09:39 PM	#9 (permalink)
Evilhaider NamePros Regular Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 252	Thanks, I visited ibplanet and found some stuff. Sorry for hijackin the thread. Let's get back on topic now __________________ Tutorial Maniacs - The most comprehensive collection of QUALITY hand picked tutorial links on the internet. http://www.tutorialmaniacs.com

12-11-2003, 11:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
webscorpion Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Triple Crown Loft Posts: 1,230	Very nice points raised, guys. I will use this thread as a guide in putting up my own forum. Melvin, thanks for starting this thread __________________ Triple Crown Loft OldSkul.com

12-12-2003, 05:15 AM	#11 (permalink)
Brianryan Account Closed Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 113	Nope I've npw start setting up forums and I find it rather easy. You just upload some files chmod some of them set up some folders it is time consuming but easy

12-12-2003, 05:33 AM	#12 (permalink)
Anthony NamePros Expert Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 9,134	I think that setting up your own forum is a good idea if you have a great niche overall topic that you don't see discussed that often in the forum format.

12-13-2003, 08:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
GT Web NamePros Regular Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 711	a forum is the greatest thing one can create to connect with the sites visitors... __________________ Fantasy Hockey Guide

12-13-2003, 09:44 PM	#15 (permalink)
Crusader Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 1,257	yes it is, but they can be a strain on resources. __________________ Near Fantastica \| Matthew Good - Vancouver TS Design Group - Vancouver, BC based Graphic Design >> Do you Frawlik? <<

12-16-2003, 06:53 AM	#16 (permalink)
redhippo NamePros Expert Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: ANForum Posts: 5,218	thanks everyone..very helpful...pros and cons helping me to keep in perspective of things.. my two bit: if its a "serious" forum( i.e. dealing with money-buy/sell) then you really need "expert" input and much trust building. if its a fun site/computers games...cars club..etc ..then everybody can have afield day...almost.... just watch out for the "fire starters" idea __________________ \|www.vb-skins.com\|- Quality Premade Vbulletin skins for Your VB forum makeover \|www.Banjir.com\|-Free image hosting?[B]For Sale!\|AlphaScripts\|Money Generating Scripts FREE VB Skins

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