Which method to convert Lurkers to Members?

[Cedric]

Every forum has their lurkers, non registered users reading posts and not interacting with other members. Do you lurk on other forums? What made you register on said forum after all? Do you use a method to convert lurkers to active members ? Perhaps you setup that non registered users can only view x amount of posts. I know Invision Community has a modification for that. Discuss.

 

[Shortie]

Turning lurkers into actual active members is always a really difficult one as it's giving them a reason to want to register and become a member. I know myself I make it so that they can not read posts unless they are registered but can see the title of the thread, however, this can either help or just make them turn away. Giving incentives for registering is also another good idea especially if you have forum credits that can be used around the forum for things. It's all about trial and error and finding out what works and what doesn't.

 

[Cory]

Owning a resource board, I make it where the codes and skins can only be accessed to registered members. All the rest of the board is viewable to guests, however. I have thumbnail previews of every skin in the skins resource forum on the board index for guests and members alike. I have the code and skin index where guests can see all of the names of the resources in their respective forums. So basically, those are the primary ways I try to lure lurkers into registered members. I think having a nice skin design really can help as well.

I mainly only lurk on the forums I actively post on, unless I’m searching something and Google brings me to that forum.

 

[Reverie]

I would create threads that could interest anyone. I would post threads of recent tv/media or current events. Topics asking for peoples opinions. I wouldn't let guests see images posted and etc, and perhaps not able to see all areas and thought this might motivate members to join. It's hard to keep even members from becoming lurkers though, which is why it is always important to post/create new content.