TriPHP Blog

Ok so we all look round for ideas and inspiration for our website design and content, and we may use some of these ideas, that in itself is not a bad thing. You could even say that if you do get copied it is a form of flattery.

But when you get one site who no matter what you do then follows with the same, well thats just annoying to say the least.

It becomes worse when the ideas you come up with are to improve important areas that will increase visitors,members etc.

I am not about to say who it is, but the site owner in question has been contacted many times, I have contacted their host provider with the details.

Now you would think that would start some sort of ball rolling,however because the work done is via freely available software and scripts found easily on the internet there seems little I can do. The excuse every time is that they were just about to do the same anyway!

Next step? A “curved ball” I reckon! I have some ideas of what and how to do it I just need to decide the best way for maximum effect. It wont be a nasty thing, just enough to prove a point.

What Makes a Good Forum?

 

I have seen this same question posted before and to be honest have not paid a lot of heed to the answers.

I had the opinion that it was the number of members and the quantity of posts. Even when I launched the Forum at TriPHP last January I was still of the same mind. During the following months I began to buy posters, now this had a good effect on posting numbers but the quality of the posts dropped. At the time I did not realise that due to this I lost a few very good members, it was only later I found out. Luckily they have returned.

I always panic when the posting is quiet and still consider buying posters ,fortunately I see sense before I do. I have realised now that it a good forum is basically down to three key elements.

 

1)      Quality Members

2)      Quality Posts

3)      A good community spirit

 

You will notice I have put Members at the top of the list, that is because without them the next two can’t exist.

 

One other key element must be the hard work, dedication and a passion to make the Forum successful by the owner. I must also mention that a Forum owner needs a dedicated team of Moderators to help out, I am very fortunate to have a great team with me.

 

So for anyone starting or thinking of starting a Forum remember the three main points I have made, it may take longer for the Forum to grow but you will benefit more in the long run.