How much negativity before a forum implodes?

[B33R]

I'm just about to start my first forum. It's nearly ready to be uploaded.

It's called "That Band Sucks" - you can guess what it'll be about. It sounds like it'll be a very negative place. I plan on having an off-topic, welcome and maybe even a "good bands" section but the majority of it will be bad bands and peoples least favourite music.

I'm hoping people like to complain (I know I do ;)) and that it'll encourage some good discussions, although it may turn into a mods worst nightmare! :discuss: :argue:

Do you think a forum can survive almost solely on negativity? Got any other opinions?
Thanks!

[vito]

Interesting question, B33R. I can only guess that unless you get a good number of signups, momentum may fizzle out earlier than later. You almost need to have fresh blood on a regular basis.

Just curoious - what are your forum titles going to be?

Vito

[SoftWareRevue]

I actually tried something similar several years ago. Just exchange hosts (http://www.yourhostsucks.com/forums/) for bands.

Although I first owned it, I sold it rather quickly to make room for other projects.

The interesting thing I noticed about it is, there are more registered members than threads.

Your idea seems a little different however because you're drawing on people's opinions, rather than their first hand experience using a product or service.

In that regard, I think the idea is solid and stands a good chance of surviving.

I doubt you'd have much problem moderating. A forum that encourages negative comments isn't likely to need the not negative comments moderated. :D

[vito]

I doubt you'd have much problem moderating. A forum that encourages negative comments isn't likely to need the not negative comments moderated. :DHahaha, you'll probably have to have a rule that says

"We do not allow positive comments in this forum. If you can't say something negative, don't say anything at all!"

:rofl:

Vito

[Scott]

There will be people who will obviously disagree with peoples opinions. This could lead to more insulting comments than negative ones. If there are mods who keep that under control, I think you'll get a good forum there.

There are a few bands I would be tempted to start with...*cough*McFly*cough*...sorry, bad cough today. :angel:

[Jan]

Hmmm, if I didn't like a certain band, I would simply not listen to them. I am not likely to search google for something that irks me to see if there was a forum for people that also didn't like them :S Something to think about ;)

[Scott]

Good point Jan. But if you knew such forum existed and then a new band forms which you don't like, wouldn't you then be tempted to post? I think I would, but I can only speak for myself.

[B33R]

I doubt you'd have much problem moderating. A forum that encourages negative comments isn't likely to need the not negative comments moderated. :DI never thought of it like that!!! :emlaugh:
Just curoious - what are your forum titles going to be?
I haven't really had a chance to think about them yet. I've been too busy making a custom skin for my board, making a logo and applying mods etc. etc.
I'll probably just start off with a general bad bands section, off-topic, welcomes, good bands (maybe) and then see what interest there is before splitting them up a bit.

I am not likely to search google for something that irks me to see if there was a forum for people that also didn't like themMaybe you need to be a certain type of person to post on that kind of forum.
Someone who likes to complain a lot, who likes to complain with other people and of course someone who hasn't got anything better to do. :D

It'll probably end up relying on word-of-mouth rather than any other form of advertising. Friends encouraging their friends - at least that's what I'm hoping.

[bear]

I'd have to wonder is there won't be flame wars when a poster disagress about the band's 'suckiness'. Will the discussion go like "yup they suck because.." or "they don't suck, you do..".

Never underestimate member's potential for conflict...and a forum based on negative opinion might just attract a fair share of this.
Interesting concept, though.

[B33R]

It's worth a try. If it all get's out of hand or too much, it can just be closed.

I've got the domain anyway and I can't think of anything else to put on it. Call it an experiment but for a couple of bucks a month and $9 a year, I can't really go wrong.

[Banana]

I would be afraind of not getting dedicated members...