Private Lounges on Communities

[Reverie]

Most communities have a special user group - VIP, Premium, Valued Contributor. Often time they get a special forum area to have private discussions that typical users do not get to see. What kind of content do you put in these areas? Should we be using it differently, do we even need these separate forum areas? What is your opinion on this?

 

[Aaron]

I will generally have a VIP area that is very rule relaxed. The only time I would really intervene in the VIP forum with the admin hat would be if they posted porn.

 

[The Raven]

At first I wanted VIP area but then realized it is of no benefit for my members because the forum is young and there is not enough people to go there. Imagine everyone is VIP. Makes no sense

 

[Reverie]

At first I wanted VIP area but then realized it is of no benefit for my members because the forum is young and there is not enough people to go there. Imagine everyone is VIP. Makes no sense

After a month perhaps you choose one or two. Could also do a member of the month type thing and they get VIP for a month or possibly longer?

 

[The Raven]

But, I have nothing to offer to them, to be fair. It is unfair to deduct forum coins for such thing

 

[Kane]

I do not make use of private lounges on my forums, but as staff on multiple forums, I see most of the time the private areas are designated to talk off-topics, site issues, as well as personal matters. If I ever make a private lunge, I would consider offering premium content.

 

[Frank]

Most communities have a special user group - VIP, Premium, Valued Contributor. Often time they get a special forum area to have private discussions that typical users do not get to see. What kind of content do you put in these areas? Should we be using it differently, do we even need these separate forum areas? What is your opinion on this?

It's fun to have these groups. I mean when you have sections where private discussions can happen, then you will see that it is always worth it. I will also say that having the adult section is pretty good on some forums too.

 

[Cory1]

I used to have these types of forums on a few message boards I've owned, but my current board doesn't have it since I see no benefit to it on the type of niche my board is. I'd rather offer different special perks than a forum where a select few members can talk.

 

[Ja sa bong]

If the special user group in your forums are paid for or given as a privilege, those who are making use of the groups should have access to certain areas the other members doesn't have. The user group of
VIP account upgrade is my favourite.