Need Some Input

[J Greig]

So, I have recently acquired a domain (not disclosing as of yet) and I am developing it into a blog and a forum. Some features I am currently working on are as follows:

1. Seamless Integration
This includes the theme/style. I have successfully integrated the blog design into the forum design, so it all looks the same website. I am also working on disabling the WordPress comment system altogether and using the forums as the base for discussion. Once a new article or tutorial is made, it automatically posts to the forum for discussion. This then leaves a link to the thread on the article/tutorial made on the blog side.

2. Services
I am working on creating some great services which are not only free, but could save you a whole lot of time. We will be offering mod/plugin installation, theme/style installation, software upgrades and also offering a service for converting from free forum hosts onto a paid hosting plan.

3. Not like any other
When I say this, I don't mean we are completely unique. What I mean is, we have our own domain, a premium theme, hosting paid for 1 year and a dedicated/experienced staff team. Sure, there are others, but we are here to stay.

Now, you may ask, what is the purpose of this topic? Before we open, I'd like to get some input on what kind of articles or tutorials you would like to see us write. We offer support for MyBB, phpBB, XenForo, vBulletin and will be offering support for SMF soon. These can be anything from how to do something to why you should do it.

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If you'd like to know what is happening with Forum Den, please PM me. It has not 'gone', I had to take a leave of absence from the online world and would be happy to explain to anyone who wishes to know, through PM of course. I have a full backup before it went offline, so no posts or members have been lost. Please, if you wish to know, PM me, do not use this topic for that conversation.

Regards.

 

[J Greig]

Would anyone like to comment?

 

[Kaynil]

Sorry man, it may be that your topic sounds more like a 'wait for it' kind of advertisement that a genuine call for input, still it sounds pretty interesting project.

But anyway answering your question, I'd say I'd love to learn in more detail about your place, your practices and type of guaranties and compensations, what is your motivation as team and measures to show you are really here to stay. This kind of posts could help people trust better this new project.

That aside posts showing the best plugins for MyBB, phpBB, Xenforo, etc would be cool. Tutorial on how to start a community. Comparison posts between the software not to say an absolute best but to learn what each offer and thus as a read decide which is more convenient.

Well, I hope that could be of any help.

 

[J Greig]

That aside posts showing the best plugins for MyBB, phpBB, Xenforo, etc would be cool. Tutorial on how to start a community. Comparison posts between the software not to say an absolute best but to learn what each offer and thus as a read decide which is more convenient.

This I can definitely do. I already have some great articles on different plugins for each software and I can definitely put together the best for each.

 

[Dean]

1. Seamless Integration
This includes the theme/style. I have successfully integrated the blog design into the forum design, so it all looks the same website. I am also working on disabling the WordPress comment system altogether and using the forums as the base for discussion. Once a new article or tutorial is made, it automatically posts to the forum for discussion. This then leaves a link to the thread on the article/tutorial made on the blog side.

What's the point of that? You're just going to have duplicate content. It sounds like you're not sure which is your priority (main focus) - the forum or the blog?

2. Services
I am working on creating some great services which are not only free, but could save you a whole lot of time. We will be offering mod/plugin installation, theme/style installation, software upgrades and also offering a service for converting from free forum hosts onto a paid hosting plan.

Honestly, nothing is special here. There are bunch websites and forums providing these things - and they've been around a while too. But another question here is...if provide all these in-depth support services for completely free, where is your revenue coming from? What are you really trying to accomplish with such a site? What's your motivation?

3. Not like any other
When I say this, I don't mean we are completely unique. What I mean is, we have our own domain, a premium theme, hosting paid for 1 year and a dedicated/experienced staff team. Sure, there are others, but we are here to stay.

Having a domain, design and hosting paid for one year really is very minimal, there truly isn't much that's setting you apart. Sure those things will help your image as a website/forum but it really make your website a hit.


Constructive criticism, please don't take it the wrong way. I'm trying to help by giving my honest opinion. Only to help you grow.

 

[J Greig]

What's the point of that? You're just going to have duplicate content. It sounds like you're not sure which is your priority (main focus) - the forum or the blog?

What duplicate content? The blog article or tutorial is not duplicated on the forum, a link is placed to the original article. There is no duplicate content. The priority is the blog of course, why else would it be on the home page and not under a sub-forum, like the forum is?

Honestly, nothing is special here. There are bunch websites and forums providing these things - and they've been around a while too. But another question here is...if provide all these in-depth support services for completely free, where is your revenue coming from? What are you really trying to accomplish with such a site? What's your motivation?

Can I just say, I've posted this same thread on a few other forums, and a lot of people have also been suggesting articles/tutorials. This means I members who need support and they can't get it from anywhere else, so why shouldn't I teach them what they want to know?

Also, how come I am still assisting members from this forum with installing mods/themes and such services? If so many people do it, how am I so busy doing it here?

Why would I need revenue? The hosting is the only thing I pay for and that isn't much at all. I do not wish to gain revenue from the blog/forum.

My motivation? Well I see a lot of people needing support, not just here, but on many forums. I wish to help as many people as I can under one blog, while also using the forum to support individual support cases.

Having a domain, design and hosting paid for one year really is very minimal, there truly isn't much that's setting you apart. Sure those things will help your image as a website/forum but it really make your website a hit.

If you read what you quoted for this statement, you'd see I said we are not completely unique, but we are different from others in terms of design etc. Too many forums are using the same style/theme. Quoting you from another statement, many of these forums and even newer ones integrate so many ways to make revenue from their forum, it feels as if that's the only reason they have it.

Constructive criticism, please don't take it the wrong way. I'm trying to help by giving my honest opinion. Only to help you grow.

Any other constructive criticism, or do you wish to share any positive thoughts?

Regards.

 

[Dean]

I wish you luck. 🙂