Forum or Website?

[Caligo]

I'm not quite sure if this topic will fit into this section, so if it doesn't, feel free to move it where it needs to be. I just thought Forum discussions kinda fit it the best.



Anyways, I've put myself into a sort of dead end. Almost two years ago, I created a forum that would archive my fantasy novel and anything that dealt with it. I've worked really hard to try and get it active, but to no avail. So I've begun thinking that maybe it would be better off if I created a website for it instead. I have some experience with creating and managing websites, since I used to own a couple when the free geocities was still around. But recently I've been more into forums. Now, I'm considering going back to websites.



So I'm writing this because I want to hear some opinions on what you think I should do. There are pros and cons to each, and maybe hearing some ideas will help me make a decision. If I did decide to do the website, I would still keep the forum around as kind of a background thing for the fans (if any, since that seems to be my problem) that I might possibly accumulate.



Anyways, any comments and thoughts are much appreciated.

 

[Skillet]

For a fantasy novel, maybe also try considering using a blog. It might work well for you. Both have their ups and downs. In your situation, I'd go website.

 

[Caligo]

Thanks for the input Skillet.

I appreciate it! I actually originally started out putting it on a blog, but no luck.



Haha, I know that I'm not the best writer, but I also know that I'm not terrible either. I just have no luck with getting readers. XD Probably because I have no money to advertise with or make things super fancy.

 

[Skillet]

There are many different things you can do to advertise. Make sure to add your site to all major web searches.



http://www.addme.com/ --Adds to major web searches.



Also promote to other forums if a forum is the way you choose to go. Many forums have a *FREE* advertising section. It takes a minute to register, and a few to post and update now and then, but even if you get a few members this way, it still is free advertising.

 

[Caligo]

Haha, believe me, I've tried putting up advertisements all over the place! I've joined at least 5 promotion/advertise forums as well as advertising on probably around 20 or so forums across the board. It's just really hard to get exposed when the internet is so large!



I think another problem is that most people only want forums that have a more directed setting, as in an RP forum or general chat form etc. Not any are looking for a forum to read, although there is more than just that on mine.



Thanks so much for the link though! Any little thing really helps!

 

[Skillet]

Welcome, and good luck =]

 

[Caligo]

Thanks! I'm going to need it!

 

[alienS]

I recommend going to promotion forums to request post packages for a forum or even a review. Review will give you comments from a guests point of view and a post package will get you members and posts = activity. I own a promotion forum if you are looking for a place to advertise, the members and staff always reply to promotion threads so you may get some feedback that way.

 

[Kaczynski]

Fictionpress.com



Serious.

If you're just looking to put your story out there, then yeah, it's pretty good. If you review people's stories, they'll come see yours, it doesn't always work but it's better than one lone story blog floating out there. There are lots of ways to get your story noticed within that site.

 

[Caligo]

I recommend going to promotion forums to request post packages for a forum or even a review. Review will give you comments from a guests point of view and a post package will get you members and posts = activity. I own a promotion forum if you are looking for a place to advertise, the members and staff always reply to promotion threads so you may get some feedback that way.

That's a good idea that I might try, but the thing with getting a post package is that I might temporarily get activity but it won't stay permanent. I might give it a shot though. Thanks.

Fictionpress.com



Serious.

If you're just looking to put your story out there, then yeah, it's pretty good. If you review people's stories, they'll come see yours, it doesn't always work but it's better than one lone story blog floating out there. There are lots of ways to get your story noticed within that site.

Actually, I tried fictionpress.com. XD It didn't really work out. Thanks for the suggestions though.

And I agree with the lone story blog. A journal with entries of endless text scares people off. lol



I guess responding to all these suggestions with the fact that I've tried most of them and not succeeded is telling me something. Maybe it's just not meant to happen. ^^;

 

[Princess]

You might want to add some other things to your forum--If your story is about Vampires, you might want to add some minor role playing....maybe find forums that would compliment your forum--like something to do with Twilight, or Harry Potter (magic)--things of that nature. A blog, or website might help to draw more traffic to your forum.

Maybe a facebook page, or myspace page with the name of your forum....you might could get some other traffic from those sites.....

Good luck to you.

 

[Caligo]

I have a roleplay section, advertisement section, other, art and prose and recommended. I've got some affiliates with rp sites that involve vampires/fantasy stuff.



I think I am going to make a website for the story with a forum as a perk or something. Thanks so much for the comments and ideas though

 

[Caligo]

After a lot of thinking and looking over all of your guy's comments I just decided to create a website. The forum is still up, but is now an add on to the site. Thanks for all your comments and ideas everyone, I really appreciate it.

 

[Unknown]

Well, if I am correct you want to make a site about a novel. Then you be best with making a website with a few webpages, proply wordpress.