Cedric
published a new glossary
on November 12, 2023
Stands for “Ask Me Anything,” a Q&A session where members can ask questions to a particular expert or community member.
Community Advice and Snippets
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You might think I’ve spent way too much time outdoors, baking in the sunshine, only to return and write something like this. You can use {blog} or {site} instead of {forum}, the concept remains unchanged.
How can I possibly come here, to an admin forum, and suggest that you shouldn’t promote your forum when, for the last 10 months, all I’ve been doing is sharing ideas and tips on how to effectively promote a forum? The point is straightforward: you are promoting a website, but that website is always tied to your personal identity.
Your reputation is absolutely crucial.
After spending years (a total of 20 now) engaging on forums, sharing ideas, and being supportive, you’ll earn recognition and respect. People will know that when you launch something, it’s likely to be good, as you consistently create successful websites.
On the flip side, some admins have recently started multiple forums, but none of them have lasted more than 2-3 months. Consequently, when they attempt to promote a new community, the response they get is disheartening. People say, “Why should we trust you won’t do the same thing again? You keep opening forums and then closing or deleting them within 8 weeks.”
Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve done these stupid things.
This reputation is harmful, as instead of being recognized for creating thriving communities, they are known for a lack of dedication. The members of our forums invest their time in our projects, and while it’s understandable that some forums might not take off, repeatedly opening and closing similar forums within a year raises concerns about reliability.
It creates the impression that when things get tough, they simply abandon ship, leaving members frustrated and feeling like they wasted their time on their websites.
Now, I’ve closed down forums in the past and even sold a few, but this happened over nearly a decade of work. In the beginning, I had no budget and was learning the ropes. However, continually repeating the cycle of creating and closing forums will erode trust in you.
For those admins I mentioned, establishing a new community will be challenging. People won’t be as willing to jump in and help, given the past experiences of investing time into forums that eventually vanished. While it’s still possible to build a website with a tainted reputation, it’ll undoubtedly be harder.
And trust me, we don’t need any additional hurdles, as things are already tough enough today.
So, it’s crucial to ensure that you aren’t known as an unreliable admin. Instead, you need to project an image of a committed admin who is determined to make the website work.
In the end, even if you have a brilliant plan for the new Facebook, you might receive little to no response because people have lost faith in your follow-through.
The power of a positive image cannot be underestimated; it can truly propel a website forward.
It might sound weird to discuss personal image in the context of running a forum, but it has a significant impact on the forum’s marketing and overall success.
Nevertheless, when I started working on our new forum and began promoting it, I was genuinely amazed to see people who hadn’t seen me active in 2-3 years come forward and express excitement about my new venture. They remembered my past contributions and had faith in my ability to create something valuable.
On some forums, I had spent time posting, being helpful, and sharing what I had learned in various niches. As a result, I had gained recognition, even becoming a moderator or premium member on some of them. While I hadn’t taken care of those relationships for a long time, people still remembered and trusted my judgment when it came to websites.
My positive reputation among other admins had a tremendous impact on our new forum. Even if some people were initially cautious about joining yet another admin forum, they were willing to visit and observe from the sidelines. They knew that I didn’t typically create fleeting or low-quality websites, so they gave it a chance. As time passed, and they saw the forum’s serious commitment, their confidence grew, and they became active participants.
On the other hand, some individuals jumped right in without hesitation because they knew from my reputation that it would be a valuable and worthwhile community.
Having a positive image made a significant difference for AJ, especially in a challenging niche. While we’re not completely out of the woods yet, the fact that people expected us to deliver quality projects made it easier for us. Contrastingly, if they had anticipated a short-lived venture, we would have faced far greater challenges.
So building and maintaining a good image among fellow admins can greatly impact the success of your website. Trust and confidence in your ability to create meaningful projects will draw people in, making it more likely for your forum to thrive in the long run.
Websites come and go, it’s a never ending cycle. But your image stays forever.
If you become known as a spammer, unfortunately, that negative reputation will taint all your websites. Consequently, even if you eventually create something remarkable, people may express surprise rather than admiration. Instead of saying, “Wow, couldn’t expect anything else,” they might comment, “Weird, thought the guy couldn’t create anything decent.”
To avoid such reactions, strive to build a positive image that sets high expectations for your work. Even though websites may come and go, it’s natural for some forums to be closed or sold over time. The key is not to create and dispose of new forums at an alarming rate, as that can be concerning. On the other hand, many respected admins who run successful boards have had a few projects that didn’t quite take off. This is normal, and it doesn’t diminish their overall reputation for creating decent websites.
Your reputation as a serious and talented admin matters significantly. It affects how people perceive your new projects. If you’re known for consistently producing great content and websites, others will trust your judgment and eagerly support your latest endeavors. The trust you’ve earned over the years will encourage people to explore and contribute to your new forum because they believe in your capabilities.
If you’re respected among other admins, your announcements about new websites, books, or any other projects will pique their interest. They won’t expect you to achieve success in every single attempt, but they’ll have confidence that you’ve already produced noteworthy work.
Therefore, while promoting your websites, never forget that your personal image as a forum admin holds greater significance than any specific website you create. Be professional, helpful, and friendly, and people will respect and trust you. This will result in them approaching your new ventures with curiosity and warmth, creating a supportive community around your projects.
In the wake of recent events, we stand witness to the unfortunate decline of a once pioneering online forum. A once-thriving community is now on the edge of collapse due to a series of missteps and a toxic environment. As outsiders looking in, we can learn valuable lessons from this cautionary tale, understanding what not to do and how to counter such actions if faced with similar circumstances.
Firstly, it is crucial to acknowledge the crucial role that leadership plays in shaping the forum’s destiny. A dedicated and reliable team of staff members is the backbone of any successful forum. However, when staff changes become constant and a revolving door of moderators emerges, it is a clear indication of internal problems. The lack of support, inadequate training, or unresolved conflicts within the administration fosters an unstable and unsustainable environment.
For those who find themselves in a position mirroring this crisis, we have some counter-productive advice.
Assess and acknowledge! Take a hard look at the current state of your forum. Acknowledge any toxic behavior and leadership issues that may be causing discontent among members and staff. Honest self-reflection is the first step towards positive change. Your forum’s staff members are invaluable assets. You never disrespect them. Communicate with them openly, address their concerns, and provide the necessary resources and support to help them thrive in their roles. Empower them to contribute actively to the forum’s growth and development.
When a forum lacks a proper chain of command, miscommunication and confusion can prevail, resulting in the mishandling of issues that could have been nipped in the bud. Important messages might get lost in the noise, leaving staff members and users alike feeling disoriented and disengaged. So it’s very important to have a strong chain of command, because then online forums can mitigate the risks of communication breakdowns, promote effective decision-making, and create a safe and supportive environment for their members.
Create a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity within your community. Implement clear guidelines for acceptable behavior and swiftly address any disruptive or toxic elements. Make sure your forum remains a safe and welcoming space for all participants. As a leader, be transparent in your decision-making processes. Involve your community in important discussions and decisions that impact the forum’s direction. Transparency builds trust and creates a sense of ownership among your members.
Sooner or later, conflicts are inevitable, but it is essential to address them constructively. Implement effective conflict resolution mechanisms to encourage understanding, compromise, and reconciliation among involved parties. Recognize and appreciate the efforts of your community staff members. Positive reinforcement will encourage continued participation and strengthen community bonds. It’s not hard to say you appreciate them, right? Then do so.
Assess the forum’s history and learn from past mistakes. Identify patterns that led to the current situation and take corrective actions to prevent them from reoccurring. If the situation is particularly dire, consider seeking advice from experienced forum administrators, community managers, or leadership consultants. Their insights and expertise can prove invaluable in steering the forum back on track.
In conclusion, the downfall of this once-pioneering forum serves as a cautionary tale for all online communities. As outsiders, we must learn from their missteps, recognizing the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment. For those facing a similar crisis, the path to recovery lies in embracing transparency, empowering staff, and prioritizing community engagement. Take proactive measures and create a culture of inclusivity, forums can reemerge stronger, reinvigorated, and poised for a brighter future.
When you stumble upon a thriving online community, with its vibrant interactions and mutual respect among members, it’s tempting to assume it all happened organically. I’m here to tell you it’s not. Behind this harmony is an often-overlooked champion: the community manager. Contrary to popular belief, the role of a community manager is not about basking in the limelight of social media stardom, nor is it about nonchalantly engaging in idle chit-chat on platforms like forums, Twitter and Facebook. Instead, it’s a role entrenched in dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to the community.
Dedicated team behind the scenes
While visitors to online communities are often charmed by their ambiance and how members interact, the bedrock of such interactions is usually the unseen and un-celebrated hard work of community managers. These managers, often backed by a passionate team, invest countless hours behind the scenes. This investment is what allows the community to not only thrive but to also continually aspire for better.
Here’s a little-known truth: a majority of the tasks performed by a community manager might seem mundane or tedious. Yet, it’s these very tasks, often invisible to the average community member, that significantly influence a community’s longevity and success. For instance, instead of merely skimming through a forum thread and addressing violations superficially, a dedicated community manager delves deep, reading every post with care, ensuring that decisions made align with the greater good of the community. They work tirelessly to uphold the values and goals of the community, often without recognition or fanfare. Their work is not about collecting gold stars or accolades; it’s about a genuine commitment to the people they serve.
Countless hours to account for
I’ve always believed that the true essence of a community manager lies not in the brands they’ve consulted for, the established communities they’ve bought into, or the brand giants they’ve briefly worked with to amplify social media presence. Rather, their authenticity comes from their hands-on approach — being on the frontlines, managing and creating a deeply engaged community. It’s about showing up every day, paying attention to the finer details, and making the right decisions even when no one’s watching.
It’s crucial to understand and appreciate the value that community managers bring to the table. While they may not always be in the limelight, their influence runs deep. Through their relentless efforts, they shape the culture of online spaces, ensuring they remain welcoming, inclusive, and cohesive. Their work is foundational, even if it remains unseen. So, the next time you find yourself in a thriving online community, remember that behind its success is the dedication and commitment of a community manager, the unsung hero ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Navigating the dynamics of online communities often sparks one central question: “What’s the ideal moderator to user ratio?” In simpler terms, how many active users does it take to warrant another moderator? 20? 100? 500?
This question stems from a genuine concern for a community’s well-being. Yet, answering it directly becomes a dive into unpredictable waters. There’s no universally applicable answer; each online community is a unique ecosystem with its variables.
Several factors influence this ratio, such as:
- The number of active users.
- The quantity and size of user contributions.
- Community guidelines and their complexity.
- The subject matter and potential for controversy.
- Ease of reporting and handling inappropriate content.
- Tools available to prevent unsuitable content automatically.
- Services a community offers
With all these considerations, arriving at a definitive ratio feels more like a shot in the dark. Hence, I’d argue against putting too much stock in this moderator to user ratio. Whether you’re leaning towards an abundance of moderators or too few, either extreme can upset the balance.
The Volunteer Moderator Approach
Most communities predominantly rely on volunteer moderators, exemplary members who’s willingly to step up to ensure the platform remains beneficial for all. These volunteers usually have minimal time expectations, perhaps only a few flexible hours per week.
In shaping my moderator team, I prioritize quality over quantity. It’s a misconception that when a moderator departs, there’s an empty seat to fill. For me, there’s no fixed number; it’s all about finding the right people. I’d rather operate with fewer moderators than compromise on quality to hit a ‘magic number’. On the other hand, I won’t turn away exceptional candidates because of an arbitrary quota. True excellence, especially in moderation, is a rarity worth cherishing.
Treading the Waters of Paid Moderation
Some platforms opt for professional moderation, either through specialized firms or dedicated staff members. However, the ratio trap remains. Hiring decisions shouldn’t be made in haste. It’s essential to consider both the immediate needs and the long-term sustainability of the community.
Rather than aiming for an ideal ratio, focus on a conservative estimation of what your community can manage. It’s wiser to scale up gradually than over-hire and face the grim reality of layoffs. Budget constraints are real, and sometimes it’s more feasible to have a handful of diligent moderators than to risk the community’s future with unsustainable expenses.
In an ideal world, limitless budgets would enable every community to have a plethora of excellent moderators. But reality demands prudence. Safeguarding the community’s future sometimes means making tough calls today.
Prioritizing Quality: The Way Forward
In the end, it’s not about adhering to a predetermined ratio. It’s about making informed decisions based on quality. Whether you’re working with volunteers or salaried professionals, the goal remains the same: curate a team that enhances the entire community experience. Adjust, adapt, and prioritize the essence of your community over arbitrary numbers. And always consult your present moderators before hiring a new one.
How do you transform silent readers and lurkers into vocal contributors? Here are some tried-and-tested strategies to enhance engagement and get more replies on your forums, ensuring lively discussions and a thriving online community.
Keep Engaging
Engaging conversations tend to receive more responses. Isn’t that obvious? Reflect on those moments you felt urged to respond. What stirred that impulse? It was your intrigue, your admiration, or perhaps a counterpoint you wanted to share.
I’m not suggesting that you be recklessly provocative, fishing for any response whatsoever. Such approaches aren’t appealing to me. Instead, aim to present thought-provoking and interesting dialogues that naturally invite others to join in, primarily because the conversation’s depth is enticing.
Prompt a Reply
An old saying goes, “There’s no harm in asking.” This rings true here. There’s nothing wrong with nudging people to respond, pose queries, or encourage others to chime in. Include an invitation in your message. While you don’t want to appear needy, there’s nothing wrong with a single polite request. Send them a PM, tell them you’d like to hear their thoughts on some post. If anything, they will feel more involved and not just being member number #581
Cherish the Replies You Receive
Cherish your community, regardless of its size. Whether you have a trio or a trio of thousands, value them equally. This is the essence of community building.
So, relish every response that comes your way. It’s not just about seeking responses. More importantly, express gratitude to those investing their time and thoughts. Engage with them, inquire further, and ensure your appreciation is heartfelt.
Simplify the Reply Process
Consider this: in numerous platforms, forums, themes, etc, the “post reply” button is somewhat inconspicuous. How about making it more prominent? Perhaps a shade brighter or larger? In essence, make it more noticeable.
Personally Encourage Replies
Stumbled upon a topic and know someone perfect for it? Why not drop them a private note, inviting them to share their insights? Express that their viewpoint would significantly enrich the discussion.
Be cautious not to overdo this; you don’t want to become bothersome. The key is to genuinely reach out to those truly intrigued by the subject. It’s more about pairing the right minds with the apt topics.
Any Other Suggestions?
Do you have additional strategies to stimulate responses? Feel free to drop them in the comments. (Hint: Here’s a classic invitation for your input! Did you catch my drift?)
The journey of managing a forum is packed with challenges. However, where there are problems, solutions must follow. This piece sheds light on typical forum dilemmas and offers guidance on tackling them. We’ll touch upon member disputes, staff disagreements, technical hitches, downtime, and a few gray areas. Always remember, as a forum administrator, it’s crucial to address issues promptly and accurately, preventing unnecessary complications that could damage your forum’s reputation.
The burden of dealing with spam
Spam tops the list of nuisances for forum administrators. Automated tools, bots, incessantly plagues forums with spam, often making it feel like a never-ending battle – my personal “War on Spam”. Contrary to popular belief, behind most spam lies an emotionless bot, rendering punitive measures futile. But, as guardians of our forums, we must stand resilient against these cyber nuisances.
Unchecked spam can devastate a forum’s reputation. Hence, it’s crucial to combat it promptly. While regular members often report spam, encouraging a proactive community that aids in reporting can be beneficial. An alert and robust staff team, combined with an observant community, form the first line of defense against spam.
Various forum add-ons can significantly reduce spam influx. Tools incorporating StopForumSpam.com, for instance, can thwart most spam bots during registration. Q&A-based filters, tailored to your forum’s niche, can also be helpful. Don’t make them too hard though or it could cost you legit members. However, steer clear of CAPTCHA systems, as they’ve become increasingly obsolete. Cloudflare Turnstile is also one of the better spam prevention tools. But ultimately, human vigilance remains the most effective tool against spam.
Dealing with the Drama Lama’s
Conflict is inevitable. From minor disagreements to full-blown quarrels, drama can arise from member disputes, member-staff altercations, and more. The key is to curb drama early on. Or it will be the doom fall of your community.
Jumping in quickly and reminding members to value each other’s viewpoints can really help ease the atmosphere. It’s always better to promote healthy discussions instead of throwing around threats. Handling disagreements with a touch of diplomacy not only boosts your forum’s reputation but also protects it from any negative chatter.
Addressing annoying Unsolicited Advertising
Beyond bots, some members might indulge in unsolicited advertising. Even if they aren’t bots, their intentions might not align with your community’s ethos. Setting clear advertising guidelines can deter such behavior.
Look out for tell-tale signs: scanty profile details, irrelevant one-liners in threads, and more. Backend measures, like restricting link sharing to established members, can further curtail unsolicited advertising.
Navigating unfortunate Technical Hiccups
Forums aren’t immune to glitches. Be it a botched software update or a member struggling with a feature, timely assistance can significantly enhance user experience.
Consider setting up a dedicated forum segment for reporting bugs or seeking help. Timely resolutions, coupled with a well-organized interface, can reduce member grievances. Regular updates can further minimize technical issues, safeguarding your forum from potential vulnerabilities.
Managing the Staff Dynamics
Every online space needs its guardians. But bringing in staff can sometimes introduce new hurdles, like personality clashes or overblown pride. The key is in choosing your team wisely and communicating transparently.
A runaway ego can rip through the harmony of your forum. To counteract this, it’s smart to set clear boundaries early on, maybe with a comprehensive staff guide. This can lay out roles, code of conduct, and how to handle rule-breakers consistently.
In Conclusion
We’ve navigated the few troubles and issues that Community Managers frequently face. If this piece resonated with you, I’d love to hear your insights or any other challenges you’ve come across. If you think others might benefit, please share this article, making sure to keep its original essence. Thanks for walking this path with me!
Community management often revolves around issues that many might never notice. So, how do people perceive the community manager? Through their actions and involvement in the community. Being involved might seem like the fun, casual side of the job. After all, it’s just chatting about a film, sharing a story, initiating or joining a discussion. It’s what we do naturally when we connect with people.
You might already know that being active in your community is beneficial. But there might be some perks you haven’t considered.
Your Contribution Matters
Sometimes, you might forget you’re a part of this community too. Your comments, your posts, they matter just as much as anyone else’s. Your contributions spur more engagement, drawing more folks into the conversations.
By adding meaningful insights, you’re making the community richer and more valuable for everyone.
Leading by Example
Your fellow community members watch and learn from you. If you’re active, responsive, and kind, you’re setting a strong example. Whenever you help out, warmly welcome someone, celebrate others, or even create something visually appealing, you’re encouraging others to do the same.
Sure, not everyone will follow your lead. But many will. And as someone in charge, it’s essential to model the type of behavior you’d love to see. Your role isn’t just to set rules, but to embody the spirit of the community.
The less you post, the more you’ll become a stranger on your own community. Too often, have I seen Community Managers setting up a new forum and not interacting with their own community. For me, that’s a big red flag.
Showing Your Human Side
Absent leaders can be perceived as cold, distant, or even robotic. That’s not usually a good thing. There might be exceptions, like in communities where anonymity is crucial. However, for the most part, seeming like that can backfire. It might be harder for people to connect with or trust a figure they see as impersonal.
Being an active part of your community lets people see the person behind the title. It shows that you’re not just a faceless authority but someone who’s genuinely involved. Yes, some might take your approach for granted, but personally, I think there is usually far more to be gained by being human than there is to be lost.
