Tips on running a site after ownership change?
- Thread starter pandaa
- Start date
If you ever find out, let me know. 😛
I think the key is to be active, poll the staff and members constantly on what needs changing, and make sure that it's clear that you want to bring the community to new heights. That way, it's clear that you want to help make the community better, rather than just keep the website's profits.
I think the key is to be active, poll the staff and members constantly on what needs changing, and make sure that it's clear that you want to bring the community to new heights. That way, it's clear that you want to help make the community better, rather than just keep the website's profits.
It is not the same for every community. The biggest thing you need to know is whether or not the community liked the old owner and what he was doing. If the community does not like the previous owner, you have to make sure that they know you're going to take the forum in a different direction. If you decide to be exactly like a disliked owner, chances are you won't be liked either.
If your community liked the previous owner, you're in a very tricky situation. Most of the community will probably want the majority of the forum to stay the same. If you decide to change things people like, people will leave. You have to make the changes in baby steps, very slowly. It also helps to have the previous owner stick around for a while. Even if he doesn't do much.
If your community liked the previous owner, you're in a very tricky situation. Most of the community will probably want the majority of the forum to stay the same. If you decide to change things people like, people will leave. You have to make the changes in baby steps, very slowly. It also helps to have the previous owner stick around for a while. Even if he doesn't do much.
A) First impression.
B) Activity
A)
If people get the wrong first impression of you as an admin it's over. Your forum will die or you will be forced to work 10x times harder to change your image.
B) If you are buying a forum just to own it and are not active it will fall.
I never bought a forum but so far I think those are the two things that are important 😀
B) Activity
A)
If people get the wrong first impression of you as an admin it's over. Your forum will die or you will be forced to work 10x times harder to change your image.
B) If you are buying a forum just to own it and are not active it will fall.
I never bought a forum but so far I think those are the two things that are important 😀
D
Deleted member 1609
just be sure to provide transparency and honesty regarding your vision for the future of forum so that the members can provide feedback and help you become a successful owner... you definitely dont want them to feel that they have no idea whats going on
I agree with PoH. Taking ownership of a forum is very hard because you're not sure whether the community liked the other owner and their actions. Introduce yourself to them, and tell them what went on and why. If you go in there and you change everything, good luck getting out.
pandaa said:
I am probably in a good situation to comment on this. 😛 Well, I think the most important thing is to build a relationship with your members. You need to show/tell them that you are a good owner and won't be worst than the old owner. I think you should ask members about their thoughts and how you can improve the forum because if the members didn't like the change of ownership, then they already have a bad impression on you and you need to know about their thoughts to change the way they think. Also, bringing members what they want is a good way to keep them stay.
Joshua Farrell
FP's Housekeeper
I think that any new owner that drastically removes a number of the staff, and decides to change things without any notice, discussion, or posted public vision, after the transfer takes place, are owners that are on shaky standing from the beginning of taking over a forum. Generally speaking, unless there is something alarmingly wrong with the forum in some way or form, new or drastic changes shouldn't always happen immediately when a new owner takes over, since it can potentially damage the forum.
But, then again I have seen some forums rocket forth with new vigor when a new owner takes over, because the members and staff actually want to try to make things better with a new owner.
But, then again I have seen some forums rocket forth with new vigor when a new owner takes over, because the members and staff actually want to try to make things better with a new owner.
Communication is very important, I suppose. While doing a drastic change without notification may confuse existing members, if it has been communicated before hand it may not be as shocking. And more importantly new owners should also learn about the community he just bought; get to know the members, browse and post around, trying to settle in. Maybe that will ease the tension of existing members and make it easier for upcoming plans.
Like it's been said already, I think the main key to running a site or forum after an ownership change is asking people what they did and didn't like about the forum before you took over. If they liked everything for the most part, try not to make any major changes, but I think you have to add a wrinkle of your own some how to keep people there through the transition phase.
I think one of the major tips one can have when taking on ownership of a forum that already had a owner is to build a relationship with the members, so they know who you are and they don't start thinking you're some egotistical jerk or something.
However a few things I have found when that change of ownership does happen is the new owner starts to change right away and it's not something you can just do. It's like coming into a family as a mom/dad and suddenly changing how things work. If you want to change something then do it overtime, not right away when you get the owner position. 😛
However a few things I have found when that change of ownership does happen is the new owner starts to change right away and it's not something you can just do. It's like coming into a family as a mom/dad and suddenly changing how things work. If you want to change something then do it overtime, not right away when you get the owner position. 😛
I think everyone who has responded so far has some excellent pointers for those that have recently acquired ownership of a forum. I believe it's important to keep an open line of communication with current members and especially staff members (if any). Acquainting yourself with the current flow of the community and what members like and dislike are key to a successful transition. Also, as the administrator you should make it priority to post regularly in your forum and of course advertise and do your best to keep new members coming in. Showing that you are willing to be active in the community is a huge motivator for current members to stick around and be active as well.
Affiliates
