Fun on a business related forum

[HostFrog]

We have some members of our forum asking for arcade games and other fun activity to be placed on our forum. I have been going back and forth on this subject several times before actually releasing something. I feel that a business related forum should stay on subject. If not, individuals may be distracted as to what they really come there for? However, on the other hand could having games and such on a forum improve anything. Please post experiences you have with this. Hopefully, I can come to a conclusion on this matter.

[B33R]

If they're askin' I suppose you should provide.

Not sure if it's such a good idea on a business forum though... :think:

Maybe you can have an off-topic section. Only link to the arcade through that section, keep the rest of the forum purely for business so only people looking for off-topic/fun get the off-topic/fun stuff.

Not sure how that'd work out but business and fun don't usually mix too well.

[Scott]

As I said in the other topic (not having seen this one :S) I think it's worth a shot. If it doesn't seem to be working and member are getting distracted, you can switch it off.

I don't see a reason why business and fun can't mix well. :)

[SoftWareRevue]

If I had a "business forum" and the members asked for an arcade, I'd give it a go.

Like others have said though, just separate it from the business aspect.

Nuthin' wrong with a little fun. Even in business. ;)

[WarpFactor]

Interesting perspectives. I'm one that thinks business should be purely business. You don't want to appear unprofessional to prospective customers. At the same time though, I can see that you may need this to keep interest in your forums alive. That is also important. If it were my forum, I don't think I'd do it, simply because I'm old fashioned when it comes to business -- I want to be completely professional with my customers and not extend it past that. But whatever works for you is what is right for you. Just let us know how it goes and what the reaction is.

[Jan]

I don't see a reason why business and fun can't mix well. :)
I totally agree! In the real world, if you can't have a laugh or two at your work place, it would be a sad place to work in. A bit of humour from the boss can relax the whole office/workplace. Kick your heals up! :pink: