Tips For Running A Forum

[Jerlene]

Let's start a thread that compiles tips from everyone on how to run a forum properly. I'll start...

1. As an owner, be present. Members like an active admin.

2. Use a forum software, free or not, that you're most comfortable with. Don't just move from one platform to another just because you can't fix something which can be done very easily.

3. Be patient, success doesn't happen over night.

 

[Bryn]

2. Use a forum software, free or not, that you're most comfortable with. Don't just move from one platform to another just because you can't fix something which can be done very easily.

 

[Jerlene]

2. Use a forum software, free or not, that you're most comfortable with. Don't just move from one platform to another just because you can't fix something which can be done very easily.

Added to the OP. But people do that?? Ridiculous.

 

[Bryn]

But people do that?? Ridiculous.

I know one person very guilty of it, but to be honest she shouldn't be foruming in the first place, when she went through like 30 forums for that reason I mentioned above.

 

[Mozzie]

Be patient, success doesn't happen over night

 

[Deleted member 32117]

But people do that?? Ridiculous.

I know one person very guilty of it, but to be honest she shouldn't be foruming in the first place, when she went through like 30 forums for that reason I mentioned above.

I agree but its probably cause free forums have more problems with hosting then free paid ones.

 

[Bryn]

I agree but its probably cause free forums have more problems with hosting

Not all I don't think, but certain servers under ZetaBoards had their constant bouts of outage, and nothing was done about it. At least Jcink is more reliable regarding uptime.

 

[Jerlene]

Be patient, success doesn't happen over night

That's a good one! A lot of people expect traffic right away and that's never the case. They tend to give up before ever really trying.

 

[DylRicho]

Don't hire useless administrators.

 

[The Hockey Forum]

I'd suggest finding a really good hosting deal and avoid 'free' hosted Forums.

I set up another unrelated Forum last year - one of those classic 'it seemed like a good idea at the time' things and a bit of a gamble if you like. I got unlimited webspace and data transfer, unlimited databases and domain registration for just £4.75 per month on a 12 month contract. Worst case scenario was that it wasn't going to cost me really that much regardless of whether it took off or not. It didn't take off as I'd expected so at the end of the contract I'll just close it down. No great financial loss.

I also think a Forum looks just a bit more professional without the word 'free' in the address.

 

[Eussbig]

Don't hire useless administrators.

Yup. I had a friend who made his own forum and started modding anyone who made more than 5 posts. I warned him not to do it, and he asked if I wanted admin role. I said "yes" and then immediately demodded everyone.

A few days later, one of the ex-mods tried to raid the forum. If it wasn't for me demodding him, his forum would've been burnt down.

But it looks like he learned nothing because after I left his forum due to inactivity, he once again modded a bunch of random people (on a new forum), and this time around i wasn't there to save him...

Today, he told me he's going to make a third forum. I wonder how that will turn out???