Message Boards - What Is The Problem?
What are peoples problems with message boards. Are they all illiterate, intimidated by the mechanics, devoid of thoughts, I cant figure it out. Everybody including me is always complaining about getting hits to their websites, but getting members on a message board is the epitome of all problems. WHY?.
AyntRyte posted this at 02:25 — 11th June 2005.
He has: 145 posts
Joined: Jun 2004
Yeah, that's a major head scratcher there. I've run a state civic orginization site for 4 years now and have never figured out why the chapters won't communicate and share ideas on the forums.
But, OTOH, once you get the members active on the board, then you would probably have to constantly reign in the flame wars
\\// Robert
The grass is always greener on the other side -- but that's because they use more manure.
steve40 posted this at 03:03 — 11th June 2005.
He has: 490 posts
Joined: May 2005
This is true. Contrary to the old saw "you can't win em all". I have a new twist on that "you can't win any of em".
demonhale posted this at 08:40 — 11th June 2005.
He has: 3,278 posts
Joined: May 2005
It seems so aint it??? I guess this moves again to site promotions...
When I made sites for businesses and make them a forum, I make it a point to make an about Forum page before going to the forums... I think thats where the following phrases Ive heard before apply... "Remember that most web visitors are lazy people tired to go to the library", "When making websites make it KISS (keep it simple stupid)"... Maybe its true aint it??? :martian:
dataNdesigns posted this at 14:07 — 13th June 2005.
He has: 79 posts
Joined: Jun 2005
I used to monitor a message board from a site that recieved about 30 000 hits daily, this was just a major pain as the flaming and abuse got out of control every few hours, and it wouldnt be the first time if they turned on the site owners.
That said, I have made a few message boards now and the successfull ones focus on a subject that people just cannot help to reply to, so to kick one off put up some thing semi controversial, and see what type of response you get. this at least will bring in the members or "flamers" depending on the topic, if intranet based, maybe it should be an open forum on an issue with in the business.
Maybe that you wish you never started one,
steve40 posted this at 11:04 — 17th June 2005.
He has: 490 posts
Joined: May 2005
Ok: I have made a couple of post according to advice, that should really get some response. They are something like asking "who said you could build a web page" here. Lets see what happens, I will keep you apprised.
Megan posted this at 14:06 — 17th June 2005.
She has: 11,421 posts
Joined: Jun 1999
What is the message board about? That's one key point. I've seen a lot of forums in the review section that really aren't condusive to discussion. Do people want to talk about this?? Is there a reason why they would want to join an online community on this topic? Or, alternately, is the market for communities on this topic saturated? Are there too many other (better) places for them to go?
Some people are just really resistant to online communication. When I bring up my online communities with real world people they often look at me like I'm a total freak. I don't know why they have such an aversion to it. They don't see to understand why anyone would want to communicate that way. So perhaps you need to show them why it's a good idea - share ideas and learn new things from others from around the world! Maybe the main page of the site could highlight some interesting discussions to draw people in.
Megan
Connect with us on Facebook!
demonhale posted this at 22:14 — 17th June 2005.
He has: 3,278 posts
Joined: May 2005
You hit it right in the head it seems too familiar, I guess they cant type that well
steve40 posted this at 12:08 — 18th June 2005.
He has: 490 posts
Joined: May 2005
Oh, but then they can send you an e-mail a yard long. Asking questions they should have on the forum. This would benefit the forum, as it would show some activity. But no, they would rather spam your e-mail.
I am seriously considering removing my e-mail address from my sites. On top of that! it would possibly relieve me from having to answer every question, and give other members something to do.
Want to join the discussion? Create an account or log in if you already have one. Joining is fast, free and painless! We’ll even whisk you back here when you’ve finished.