Allowing site competitors to advertise on your site
- Thread starter Beverly
- Start date
When it comes to a financial transaction, I don't know - it's not something I've engaged in either way, and I don't run a forum for the money at all (in fact, it costs me money).
More generally, I would say there is a difference between someone 'spamming' or 'advertising' their forum to get other people to go there (or 'steal' members), and mentioning their own forum at some point (meaning that others might go there, of course), and judge it on that basis. I don't want a 'competitor' at a similar forum to 'steal' my members, but ultimately we are both in the same game of trying to build an active forum, and we should support each other to an extent rather than be fighting with each other or assuming that people can only be members of one or the other. the latter kind of thing only creates bad feeling and drives people away (possible from both forums).
More generally, I would say there is a difference between someone 'spamming' or 'advertising' their forum to get other people to go there (or 'steal' members), and mentioning their own forum at some point (meaning that others might go there, of course), and judge it on that basis. I don't want a 'competitor' at a similar forum to 'steal' my members, but ultimately we are both in the same game of trying to build an active forum, and we should support each other to an extent rather than be fighting with each other or assuming that people can only be members of one or the other. the latter kind of thing only creates bad feeling and drives people away (possible from both forums).
I cannot talk about paying but I think I wouldn't mind it. Not everything is about the board look and success, and I don't really feel threatened (speaking more about forums I own than those I collaborate with) by similar niches coming in contact, in fact I think it is good to have another forum similar to you with its own environment and a place for refuge if my forums ever went down the drain.
Over the time seeking affiliations I find people who either wants forums of what they are or will accept any forum so long it is not their niche. I don't mind variety nor similar options for my members, but more than exchanging banners I like trying to have some sort of relationship as allies. I try to keep an eye on them and find ways to help them, even if a little, with some things like posts exchanges, letting them bump their advertising thread, etc.
Over the time seeking affiliations I find people who either wants forums of what they are or will accept any forum so long it is not their niche. I don't mind variety nor similar options for my members, but more than exchanging banners I like trying to have some sort of relationship as allies. I try to keep an eye on them and find ways to help them, even if a little, with some things like posts exchanges, letting them bump their advertising thread, etc.
I can understand admins not allowing any advertisements at all on their forum. That makes sense.
However admins that do allow advertisements shouldn't ban the competitors. That just makes them look insecure. If they're running a good forum, the members wont just pack up and leave forever if they see a link to something similar.
However admins that do allow advertisements shouldn't ban the competitors. That just makes them look insecure. If they're running a good forum, the members wont just pack up and leave forever if they see a link to something similar.
I have to agree with theezy on this one, it's like if a forum just as big and the same genre as wober were to be advertised on wober I'm sure his member's wouldn't just pack up because his members are engraved in his community and they know each other well and have respect for each other, whereas it could be hard engaging in another forum like wober as the members may not be willing to accept you into their little "well-known" group.
ForumsGroup
Resident
It all depends on what your forum can offer differently than that competitors forum. If you believe you have something better going and you exchange links for each others community base to see and visit, then go for it. Its potential member growth.
If your members enjoy your site and your happy with your site, then they'll return. People look for different forums that talk about the same stuff anyways, so your helping each other grow with each others sites.
I had a competitor site admin to my YouTube Gaming site reach out to me last week and offer me an opportunity to work with him as a YouTube network that can partner channels on YouTube. While I wasn't interested in doing that quite too much, I was interested in getting involved in the referral program for his network because I provide a list of networks across YouTube that a gaming channel can browse, and choose from to partner their channel. This guys site is about the closest thing to competition that my forum has right now, but I've already had his network posted on my network list for 6 months now and my site offers different things than his site. I've never thought twice about his site taking my members because my site and his site both offer people a place to advertise their videos, meet other YouTubers and find resources.
So honestly, it all depends on the site niche, how you feel about your site compared to the competition and whether your comfortable promoting anything on your site.
If your members enjoy your site and your happy with your site, then they'll return. People look for different forums that talk about the same stuff anyways, so your helping each other grow with each others sites.
I had a competitor site admin to my YouTube Gaming site reach out to me last week and offer me an opportunity to work with him as a YouTube network that can partner channels on YouTube. While I wasn't interested in doing that quite too much, I was interested in getting involved in the referral program for his network because I provide a list of networks across YouTube that a gaming channel can browse, and choose from to partner their channel. This guys site is about the closest thing to competition that my forum has right now, but I've already had his network posted on my network list for 6 months now and my site offers different things than his site. I've never thought twice about his site taking my members because my site and his site both offer people a place to advertise their videos, meet other YouTubers and find resources.
So honestly, it all depends on the site niche, how you feel about your site compared to the competition and whether your comfortable promoting anything on your site.
I've never had a competitor advertise on my site in the forum of a paid banner ad, but I'm fine with them being added as an affiliates. After all, it works both ways, some of their members will notice the link to my site on theirs, head over and join.
charleskay
Familiar Face
Its not always a nice move to allow site competitor to advertise on your forum as your customers may get carried away. Nevertheless, If you are very confident of your site you can ahead with it!
Affiliates
