Hi, I've started a little forum, and we're getting new members consistently, but they are just not posting in the forum (which is the main point of the site currently). I don't get why they'd bother to join but not ever post. Anyone have thoughts on this? This is not a commercial site, at present, and I've had several UI designer friends look in on it as well as done some informal usability tests so I dont think it's solely, or even predominently layout issues. I've got about three regular posters, and I start new threads and add content regularly.
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teammatt3 posted this at 03:42 — 18th June 2004.
He has: 1,902 posts
Joined: Sep 2003
No such thing as a stupid question, well maybe
First off, what's the url to your site?
Maybe the reason the people are not posting is because they are not coming back to your forum, they just sign up and leave.
or
Did you set up your board so that you must be a member to VIEW posts? If so maybe people just want to read some of your posts.
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Suzanne posted this at 04:09 — 18th June 2004.
She has: 5,512 posts
Joined: Feb 2000
People HATE to start threads for some reason. Really really hate it. If you can find a frequent poster who likes to start threads that start conversations, you're golden.
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magicnumber posted this at 04:52 — 18th June 2004.
They have: 3 posts
Joined: Jun 2004
well, I'm shy I guess, but sure, why not.
underonesky.com
You don't have to be a member to read em. Members get additional perks like being able to put some pics up, send pms, submit links, and of course, post.
fusioncroc posted this at 21:21 — 19th June 2004.
He has: 154 posts
Joined: Jun 2004
cool
OtterBob posted this at 02:38 — 26th June 2004.
He has: 46 posts
Joined: Jun 2004
It looks like you're acknowledging (and if that ain't spelled right, eh) new posters, which is always a good thing. Especially since the same few folks keep posting. Sometimes that makes it feel like a "members only" club where you're either in the inner circle or you're on the outside looking in.
Consider drawing your posters out a little. For instance, if somebody says they went rafting on Horse Hockey River, post something like "How was the weather when you went? That's beautiful country when the weather is nice but cloudy days can get downright chilly." It shows that you're making an effort to include them in the conversation and, perhaps more importantly, in the community.
You might also want to move the General section to the top. That might get them chatting in the looser forum before they dive into the "meatier" sections. Kind of like how most clubs of any kind have an informal chit chat before the meeting so folks start to get comfortable with one another.
"In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is." -- Yogi Berra
magicnumber posted this at 03:51 — 27th June 2004.
They have: 3 posts
Joined: Jun 2004
OtterBob, do you think that just a general "Introductions" thread might be a good idea? I have had conflicting viewpoints on where the general section should be, as some I've asked said that's the boring part no one wants to be forced to look at. one thing I could do, is split up the forums more to have a "New user" forum or something.
OtterBob posted this at 17:30 — 27th June 2004.
He has: 46 posts
Joined: Jun 2004
An "Introductions" thread is definitely worth a shot. Encourage people to post an introduction whether they just signed up or have been there forever.
"In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is." -- Yogi Berra
Megan posted this at 14:01 — 28th June 2004.
She has: 10,288 posts
Joined: Jun 1999
I honestly don't think that design has much, if anything, to do with forum participation. Check out
Sort of kidding, but it might be very uncomfortable for some people to read at that size.
this site. One of the most hideous looking forums I've ever seen but it's really active. Yours looks great. That's a really good logo. I do think that the font size is too small. Maybe some people can't read it
I'm finding some of the headers to be rather cryptic. Especially the terra, H20, and 21percent headings. The water source is another one. People might see that and just not know what it means. Don't make people think about how to get around your site - that's a key to good usability.
One good way to get people to participate is to post threads with topics that everyone will have an opinion on. Most of your threads seem to be about particular events. Try moving those to a separate events folder and leave the main section folders for other discussion. You could post questions about where people like to camp, what brands of equipment they like, what their favourite piece of gear is, things like that. Think about things that everyone will have something to say about.
Megan
My web design blog
smegazlufc posted this at 14:45 — 11th September 2004.
They have: 29 posts
Joined: Feb 2004
I run a couple of forums and i have the same problem only about 10% of my members are regular posters. we get people who visit the forum but never pay it can get very annoying
Do you own a forum, why not add it to Forum Search?
danreturns posted this at 20:40 — 16th September 2004.
They have: 8 posts
Joined: Sep 2004
I've had a couple product related forums that I've used to build customer confidence. In the begining I didn't require registration to post. It soon grew into 10k posts from thousands of customers. After I built a community, I rolled out a new forum and required registration. I now have a hundreds of active members that answer most questions new customers have. Activity spawns more activity.
The major drawback is that you'll spend more time moderating posts if you do not require registration.