Does running a forum make you content?

[ZandraJoi]

At the start, most admins are gung-ho with running their forum. The adrenaline is pumping, they are excited about setting up their forum, doing themes, creating posts, getting members.
But here’s a question, does running it make you happy? Some people really have to take that step back & think if having a forum is good for them anymore. They may enjoy it but it feels more like a drudgery than anything for them. There are times I have gotten burnt-out but I still stick with it as I know, for now at least, having a forum makes me feel content.

 

[Aaron]

I never thought I would run a forum again and actually took a few years off forums except for the odd login on one or two but then an admin of another forum found me on Facebook and invited me back to their forum and I gradually started coming back and now no one can get rid of me anywhere lol

 

[Cory]

I think forums do make me happy, or at the very least, content. It's fun having your own world that you create to pursue a hobby or interest of yours. If you're very passionate about it, that makes it a plus! If people create forums just for the sake of boredom or a popularity contest, I don't think they'll be very happy with the end result. If you enjoy what you do, that's all that matters.

 

[Heatman]

This actually depends on the reason why you started running a forum in the first place. Some people run forums just because it's their hobby. Managing people who come together under their forum makes them happy. While some people run forums for the purpose of growing it and selling it for bigger profit. Once their different goals are achieved, they are happy.

 

[Ravenfreak]

Running a forum does make me happy. Yes it's hard work and you need to put effort into running your forum, but I find it fun and rewarding. You get to meet different people all from around the world. Plus I find people on forums to be much nicer than those on social media.

 

[joelr]

What happens when the passion runs out? What do you do then?

 

[Cory]

What happens when the passion runs out? What do you do then?

Find a new hobby? Hopefully, most people have more than one hobby that keeps them busy in life. Forums have always been my primary hobby, I imagine if my passion for forums died out I would probably be doing more average things like watching TV/movies or playing video games.

 

[Arantor]

What happens when the passion runs out? What do you do then?

The usual approaches are to either let the forums die or to sell them and move on.

 

[Reverie]

Running a successful community is definitely something that can bring enjoyment for me! It's not necessarily "running" but providing a community for those to come to and see people having discussions without me having to create all the topics/threads truly makes me excited! I enjoy being one that enjoys being the host for people. <3 I want everyone to feel welcomed as well. If I'm doing those things I feel quite successful and content.

Now it takes a lot of work to get to that point, but I remember my goal and I push towards it.

 

[Tracy]

The usual approaches are to either let the forums die or to sell them and move on.

or let them lay fallow for a bit and then come back to them later when the "passion" comes back.

 

[Jason]

With my drumming, math, coding forums, I can keep motivated by seeing other forums as well as watching online videos on drumming etc. Just like with physical exercise, motivation is very important.