If you had your own forum, how would you run it?

[Mad Hatter]

I don't plan on doing that as frankly speaking, I lack the proper temperament to do so. Perhaps you don't feel qualified either. But let's put reality aside for a moment and pretend that you did have a forum. How would you run it?

As to me I would try to run it accepting that my members will come in all sizes and shapes. A forum really is a barometer of society. Will everyone you meet in RL be palatable to you? Of course not, that goes without saying.
What I would at least attempt to do would be to offer my members the benefit of the doubt. I would allow them to self regulate. Over moderating is a turnoff. As to mods they would need to be disciplined people who do not fly off the handle and resort to childish name calling. For example labeling a member as "immature" is one thing and that's o.k. Calling them an "idiot" would not be o.k.

Member issues as a rule will work themselves out given enough time and space. Sure resentments are real and last a very long time. But staying out of it is good policy for an admin methinks.

I do believe that there is a nice balance here. I think this place is run quite well if I'm to be honest.

 

[Crys]

I do have my own forum actually. It includes myself and other members I've known for years that were not satisfied with the constant trolling or immaturity of writing communities and so new home. Seeing how everyone is mature, I don't have to send the ban hammer down like that or run the site in an atmosphere anything other than relaxed. It's basically just a writing community but there are discussions. For example, if someone decides to ask a question to get opinions from others, everyone is respectful of one another. There's that understanding that while everyone has different opinions, you can have a nice discussion without tearing someone down or belittling their experiences.

I don't tolerate foolishness, however. The whole trolling or just general disruptive behavior I won't tolerate. It's just childish.

 

[Bawse]

I do have a forum, and making new posts daily is one way I run my community. I also like to add unique, cool things to my forum, so we're more than just a forum.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

I don't micromanage, I am not the thought police, I don't believe in being overly strict or overbearing. Let people say whatever they want to say and let other people respond to it however they want to respond to it. Providing a laid-back atmosphere makes people more comfortable and gives them an opportunity to open-up, express themselves, BE themselves. That's what we're doing here.

 

[PGen98]

I would be terrible at running a forum. Oh, wait...

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

I would be terrible at running a forum. Oh, wait...

 

[EllieCat]

Redirect spammers to a clone forum so they talk to the wall.
Call everybody forum members.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Redirect spammers to a clone forum so they talk to the wall.
Call everybody forum members.

Are spammers really a thing any more? I hardly see them these days.

 

[Crys]

I don't micromanage, I am not the thought police, I don't believe in being overly strict or overbearing. Let people say whatever they want to say and let other people respond to it however they want to respond to it. Providing a laid-back atmosphere makes people more comfortable and gives them an opportunity to open-up, express themselves, BE themselves. That's what we're doing here.

I can understand that and appreciate the atmosphere you've created here. I do have to ask. What if someone decides to be racist, homophobic, transphobic, and says things other members that are hurtful? What happens then?

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

I can understand that and appreciate the atmosphere you've created here. I do have to ask. What if someone decides to be racist, homophobic, transphobic, and says things other members that are hurtful? What happens then?

If someone is really being a disruption, lowering morale and causing emotional distress to other members then we'll have a little chit-chat privately with the offending member and go from there.

 

[InMyOpinion]

If I had my own forum I would run it by making it fun and exciting for my members to post. I'd have monthly competitions/games where my users could win Amazon gift cards. I'd reward those who were active and dedicated to the forum and encourage the other members to be as active.