What Makes the Forums You Participate In So Great?
Participating in forums has many benefits which I’ve covered here in the past. There’s the knowledge, recognition, and backlinks that you can gain, as well as the satisfaction of helping others.
With all that said, there may be some other reasons why you choose a particular forum over others as your first choice. I think it’s safe to say that each forum has its own benefits, but what makes the forum you spend the most time in so great?
This topic came up just recently in the Evan Carmichael Entrepreneur Forums, and I thought it would be nice to get some of my readers’ feedback on the issue.
Most agreed, including myself, that our number one reason for spending the most time in a particular forum is due to the friendly atmosphere. Everyone is willing to help another out, including newbies. I was a newbie once, and still am in many areas. It feels nice to be treated like an equal and given help without facing ridicule and harassment from those more experienced.
The Bible verse that says “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” quickly comes to my mind here. I’ve been disrespected and spat upon in the past from forum members who thought they were the bigshot. It’ doesn’t feel good at all and makes me leave and go somewhere else for answers.
I would say that most people have been treated like this at some point in their lives, whether in real life or online. It’s no wonder why this subject comes up often when this same attitude is portrayed in various forums. People like myself usually avoid them at all cost, never to return.
However, those same forums are usually full of valuable information. Because of this, I will usually lurk around and gobble up as much of it as possible, but if I have a question about something I read, I’ll ask elsewhere.
You want to know what my favorite forum is? I have two favorites for two different reasons. One is of course the Evan Carmichael Entrepreneur Forums because of the very friendly and helpful atmosphere. The other is the PIPS Support Forum which is part of the Warrior Forum because I’m always on the lookout for new marketing strategies to build my online business. If you’re wondering what PIPS is, you can learn more about that here.
So, the question for you is, what makes the forum you spend the most time in so great? It can be for any reason at all. Feel free to also list the forums you participate in. 
Tags: atmosphere, attitude, backlinks, Bible, bible verse, entrepreneur, Evan Carmichael, forum members, helping others, knowledge, marketing, newbie, online business, pips, warrior forum
Related posts...
Filed under: Entrepreneurship • Forum Marketing • marketing • online business
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Twitter: DennisEdell
says:
Forums were the very first marketing method I ever learned and still remains one of my faves…even though I’ve been largely out of it for some time.
There were a couple I frequented quite often, truly enjoying helping those in need and bullying the bullies (with full support).
Unfortunately I had to leave some in disgust due to spam and garbage getting way out of control…usually after the forum was sold.
Dennis Edell’s last blog post..12 Tips To Increase Sales On Your E-commerce Website
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Dennis Edell, Forum posting was the first method I started out with as well. Now, it’s almost a habit, and plus I like helping others out.
It’s always easier bullying the bullies when you have the support of others.
Yeah, it helps to have moderators in place that keep a close eye on spam.
[Reply]
Alan,
I would have to say the two forums I find most enjoyable would be the Warrior Forum (Plug-In Profit Section) for help with my newbie questions and the logical extension to that forum is the PIPS Power Group forum for additional, detailed answers to my questions. Not only are the people open to sharing ideas and guide me through some of the steps to promoting my business, comments are always supportive and thoroughly thought out. It has been the best experience I could ask for and would advise any of your readers to find their way over to these 2 forums and soak in the great information!
Bob W.
Make extra money online at Our-Success.com
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Bob W., Hi Bob, yes, I agree that the PPG forum is excellent for getting additional help. Even though the forum is designed for PIPS members, they can learn how to start and build any online business.
For my readers, you can learn more about the PPG here: http://www.replaceyoursalary.com/pips-power-group.html. It is a sure way to start earning with the PIPS business: http://www.replaceyoursalary.com/pips.
[Reply]
forums are the best way to find help, and the chance to share and help others too.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Glass Beads, I totally agree. I’ve learned a lot from forums. It also feels good to be able to help others as I was once in their situation and had a lot of questions.
[Reply]
Glass Beads
@Alan Mater, it’s just like a doctor to me. I consult forums first before using, downloading or trying something, its the best way to seek for help.
[Reply]
Alan Mater
Twitter: AMater
@Glass Beads, Nice analogy, and I totally agree. Unlike a doctor, though, it’s completely free.
[Reply]
Whenever I am quite uncertain of something and want to get the insights of others, forums always come first to my mind. If there is something I want to know, I always search for related forums. And best of all, if I need help with something, forums are always my destination… Really, it can’t be denied that forums is now part of our daily surfing life…
[Reply]