SoftWareRevue
06-20-2010, 09:18 AM
Whether you've built a forum community from scratch, inherited it or purchased it, you can make it your own by following a simple guideline. Just remember to R.I.P. F.O.R.U.M. These letters will make a forum your own.
R emember: Always remember your vision. You've got ideas on where the community should grow. Never lose sight of that. When members and staff tell you how they want to evolve, let them know in no uncertain terms that you have a vision and you're happy to grant their request, as long as it falls within your vision.
I mplement: If there's something you think would benefit the community and help you reach your vision, do it! Just do it. There's no time like the present to implement whatever tool will get your community to match your vision.
P lan: Stick to the plan. You've thought long and hard on what your community will be. Keep your plan concrete. Because the worst thing you could do is adjust your plan to meet your members.
F ortitude: Have the intestinal fortitude to realize your dream. Like Plan above, stick to your vision. You know where you want to go. Get there!
O penness: Be open to listening to new ideas. But as you listen, remember to forget. You don't need someone else's ideas clouding your vision.
R e-do: If you've made some agreement with members and/or staff, keep in mind that it's your forum. You can do what you want. And you may not want to follow through. It's OK! You're the boss
U ncompromise: It's been said and proven that a forum is a dictatorship - not a democracy. You can't allow things to be "voted" on by the majority. After all, they may not share your vision.
M aybe: This is one of your greatest weapons in making a forum your own. When members ask for something, answer with the single word of "Maybe". If their suggestion doesn't fit your vision, they'll forget about it soon enough if you give the illusion that your listening.
When you make a forum community your own, you'll be able to enjoy it all to yourself. RIP FORUM - You're all mine now.
*Discussion thread is available at http://forumuniversity.com/campus/showthread.php?t=2258
R emember: Always remember your vision. You've got ideas on where the community should grow. Never lose sight of that. When members and staff tell you how they want to evolve, let them know in no uncertain terms that you have a vision and you're happy to grant their request, as long as it falls within your vision.
I mplement: If there's something you think would benefit the community and help you reach your vision, do it! Just do it. There's no time like the present to implement whatever tool will get your community to match your vision.
P lan: Stick to the plan. You've thought long and hard on what your community will be. Keep your plan concrete. Because the worst thing you could do is adjust your plan to meet your members.
F ortitude: Have the intestinal fortitude to realize your dream. Like Plan above, stick to your vision. You know where you want to go. Get there!
O penness: Be open to listening to new ideas. But as you listen, remember to forget. You don't need someone else's ideas clouding your vision.
R e-do: If you've made some agreement with members and/or staff, keep in mind that it's your forum. You can do what you want. And you may not want to follow through. It's OK! You're the boss
U ncompromise: It's been said and proven that a forum is a dictatorship - not a democracy. You can't allow things to be "voted" on by the majority. After all, they may not share your vision.
M aybe: This is one of your greatest weapons in making a forum your own. When members ask for something, answer with the single word of "Maybe". If their suggestion doesn't fit your vision, they'll forget about it soon enough if you give the illusion that your listening.
When you make a forum community your own, you'll be able to enjoy it all to yourself. RIP FORUM - You're all mine now.
*Discussion thread is available at http://forumuniversity.com/campus/showthread.php?t=2258