I've seen my fair amount of forums, either opening, closing, stalling their closure, or just left to die. We can't ignore it, forums aren't what they used to be. Recently I've been browsing a lot of forums and I see that most of the time, the board owner is online. If they're lucky some members were online the past 24 hours. But a real active forum like back in the days is hard to find.
Years ago, merging with another forum was a thing. Under the motto, if you can't beat them, join them.
Is this something we are to proud to do? Do you not think you could welfare better by merging with a board that has the same goal like yours ? There is nothing more frustrating than a board who receives very low activity and engagement.
What are your thoughts? What would you respond if someone asked you to merge together ?
That is a good thought on working together, but few like me start forums to enjoy the administration and see how fun it is running a forum. So many don't go well, if serious will definitely gather a team and work. About merging, if i am given an option i will see the benefit of running as one forum and take a decision.
What happens in a merger...do you then have 2 owners that both have an idea of how they want the site to be run and could butt heads? With Christianity Haven I know there is a certain way that members expect the site to be run and that's without a heavy hand in moderation. We aren't quick to ban but instead prefer to work with members to get them to change how they post so that they can learn to fit in better with the community. I don't know of other owners/admins that are willing to put up with so much?
It all really depends on the choices you make and agreements you make prior a merge. It can benefit both communities if performed well and thought out correctly. I’m a strong believer to merges for most board niches as I have undergone some in the past sucessfully.
Most forum owners have their own idea of how they'd like to moderate and operate their communities and what they expect the future of the community to hold, these thoughts and feelings could and in most cases likely would collide with those of a potential co-owner and I believe that to be one of a few reasons why most owners aren't interested in merging.
Personally, I believe merging with another community isn't in my best interest. However, that may not be the case for all!
