Member's on my forum don't like to start new topics

[SquireQuack]

I just started a forum and its getting a relatively good amount of members, but rarely any of them like to start new threads. They just check the forum for new posts and if there are any, they reply, then leave. Its such a weird problem...any suggestions?

 

[dc1pop]

happens on mine try yourself to start loads of topics then they may start to. But if they have more topics the more active they will be and the more likley they will start new threads

Good Luck!

 

[Mike_Wiseman]

try adding new categories, something that everyone likes to post in.

 

[dc1pop]

Did you build the hosting control panel add on for IPB on your site?

If so that is one awsome addon

 

[Maverick]

Try giving your members incentives to create new threads. Example if they start 5 new threads they get more pm space and so on...

 

[matrics]

Try giving your members incentives to create new threads. Example if they start 5 new threads they get more pm space and so on...

That's a very good idea. However, on small forums you don't get too many PM's.
You might want to run a special: Make x threads and get y banner impressions (or something). Make that 100 impressions for a new thread, but make sure you limit it somehow. And don't let them spam - once they start it's very hard to stop them.

 

[barefoottech]

That is a common problem
But I just tried to register at your forum and after 5 failed attempts I gave up

 

[135791]

I just started a forum and its getting a relatively good amount of members, but rarely any of them like to start new threads. They just check the forum for new posts and if there are any, they reply, then leave. Its such a weird problem...any suggestions?

so start new threads for them to post in, once there, there more to reply youll find alot more hang about and start there own threads

most people only start threads if there expect a fast responce or big responce

 

[peter phillips]

I think if you start a lounge section adding few off topics starting with some current topics, your members may get inspired by your postings and possibly they'll start new topics. You can also start a topic for insisting your members for postings, asking them to contribute to the forum with recent topics.

You should also follow the recent trend what actually other leading forums are doing, benchmark your forum with leading forums like webhostingtalk, webmasterworld, bigboard forums etc. Overall you should make your forum more informative and interesting finding the influencing factors and implementing few things to make it more content rich.

 

[Andromeda]

why not come up with an interesting offer say gaining a few more points when you start a thread and some freebies?

 

[photomonkey]

That's a very good idea. However, on small forums you don't get too many PM's.

What is PM, I don't get it?

 

[LeetPCUser]

Have a moderator of each area. That moderator can get the ball rolling in each area and you won't have to worry about moving from forum to forum.

 

[RTM]

Photomonkey:

PM = private message(s)

Some thoughts on community building

There are many good forums and tutorials specifically on community building, especially in that difficult start-up phase. Virtual communities are one of the areas we specialise in.. and having been "on the scene" since the BBS days in the 80s... the toughest part is attaining critical mass. Then you get it, and you suddenly realize there is so much work in maintaining relative order in a world of chaos. (The latter scenario is when you bring in moderators, and you should have a natural selection amongst your boards most prolific and friendly participants.)

A few tips to start out:

- Create multiple accounts and engage in discussions with yourself. This should not go on for too long.

- Get friends who enjoy the subject matter to help you out in getting things going.

- Participate on similar (competitor or close) forums but do NOT SPAM.... just join in their established community, and have a subtle link to your site in your signature and/or user profile. Never SPAM... no "come check out my site."

- Wherever you are, content is king. In your own home, or at friends (or enemies)... if people like what you have to say, they will join in your discussion.

Enjoy!

Rob