Strategies What's Your Forum About? The Power of a Clear Premise

[joelr]

One of the biggest challenges I’ve noticed as a forum admin is actually explaining what my forum is about. It's like, I know why I made it, but when someone asks, I sometimes stumble or get too detailed. And I’m learning that if I can't describe the purpose clearly and quickly, I can’t expect others to understand it either.

That’s where the idea of a premise comes in. A premise is different from just picking a niche. It’s more than just a “group for gamers” or a “community for anime fans.” It’s a clear, unique perspective that explains why our forum is worth joining. For example, imagine someone asking what your forum is all about. If you could answer them in one or two sentences that stand out and stick with them, you’d likely capture their interest way faster.

A great premise is legible, compelling, and differentiated:

• How would you explain the purpose of your community in one sentence?
• What makes your forum different from others in the same niche?
• Why should people be interested in joining and sticking around?

 

[Ravenfreak]

When I talk about my forum, Thee Zone I just explain it as a Hodge podge community where you can talk about whatever you want. As for something unique to my forum, I have a section for game challenges which was a remnant of one of the forums that make up Thee Zone. I haven't seen another general discussion forum have a section like this before!