Cedric

We weren't planning one, but I don't mind a chat thread myself. [mention=2]Al[/mention] usually has a problem with those, but if you want one, we can keep it. :P It's good for community bonding! ;) How are you today, Jake?

Let me know if the font is better now, [mention=51]Seeker-Smith[/mention] - I've increased it with 1px. :)

Welcome flower! :)

Howdy Peter! Thanks for joining. I’ll definitely check out your site, it sounds promising! And I had the same thought yesterday about the text. So I’ll see what I can do by either making it default big or having another version in the theme selection that is bigger and more bold! 😋 Welcome to Administrata. 🙏

Have you ever tried paid advertising? I’ve had some good results with Reddit and Facebook. Both allow you to set geographic advertising.

It's not fixed yet. Our in house designer [mention=36]BRANSOL[/mention] is creating the final version of our logo, so as soon as he's done, I'll let you all know when the new logo is up. :P

Banning a member is often a last resort when managing a community, something we normally don't look forward to - but the question of whether to allow ban appeals can be a tough one. As community leaders, it's essential to strike a balance between enforcing rules and offering second chances. [HEADING=2]What are your thoughts?[/HEADING] Do you allow members to appeal bans in your community? Has allowing appeals been beneficial, or has it caused more problems? How do you handle the process, and what guidelines do you set for appeals? We’d love to hear how you manage ban appeals (or why you don’t) and how it's impacted your community! Share your experiences below.

Howdy Nomad, it's great to have you. ;)

Howdy Jake. Great to see you on board! ;) I see that you've received my email... :P Thanks for joining!

Thank you! (test)

I'm looking to rebrand my company logo. (test)

Welcome to Administrata dude. It's wonderful seeing you back. Glad you're okay after your horrible accident.

Yes, I was trying the design out - we'll have a new one up later today. :D

1) In your opinion, how important is it for staff to stay active and consistently engage with the community? Can a forum thrive without active staff participation? It's crucial to have a dedicated staff who genuinely love your community and are motivated by passion, not obligation. Member engagement is difficult to sustain if the staff themselves aren't active and setting a positive example. 2) Do you believe a warm welcome from staff can positively impact new members’ experience and encourage them to stay active? Absolutely. Welcoming new members should be a priority for staff. A friendly and personal greeting can make a big difference in helping new members feel at home. Don't let a new member feel ignored. 3) What level of activity do you think is ideal for staff members to maintain on a forum? While staff members have lives outside the community, ideally, they should be active 5 out of 7 days and contribute a few posts per day, depending on the activity level of the community. 5) Do you reward staff based on their activity levels, or do all staff members receive equal recognition regardless of how active they are? Equal recognition isn't always fair. It's important to acknowledge standout contributions individually. Giving shout-outs to those who go above and beyond can motivate others to step up their efforts.

Yes. I believe they should have some good knowledge of the subject. I don't see myself starting a pharmaceutical website since I literally know zero about it. You wouldn't be able to passionately post or manage the board if you don't know anything about it. On the other hand, you also don't want to get cocky thinking you're a know it all. Stay humble, and know you can learn every day.

Hello Vipul, welcome to Agora. :)

Hi Nayeem. Welcome to Agora. :)

Hi Bryan! Welcome to Agora. :) Enjoy your stay!

Hey [uSERGROUP=2]@everyone[/uSERGROUP] A few weeks ago I launched ForumDir.com - initially a promotion avenue focused on the Topsites and the Directory with no intention to have a community. After some good conversations with [mention=2]Al[/mention], it became obvious we both wanted to do something more. We started brainstorming, talking to other people, gaining feedback and insights. Soon, we had a plan, a mission and a vision. So after a few more weeks of rebranding, setting things up correctly, etc.. Well.. We’re incredibly excited to officially introduce Administrata! This platform has been built from the ground up with one goal in mind: to empower community leaders, moderators, and owners with everything you need to help your communities grow and thrive. Whether you’re just starting out or managing an established community, Administrata has the tools, resources, and support to guide you at every stage. You'll see that we've decided to start differently than most admin communities by focusing primarily on empowerment.. We've tried to hold the same consistent design throughout the forum as much as possible. [HEADING=2]What You’ll Find Here[/HEADING] Support & Technical Discussions: Strategies for building and growing your community, discuss platform optimization, and explore long-term sustainability solutions. Resources & Growth Tools: This section houses essential resources like guides, tutorials, and networking tools to enhance your community-building skills. From Resource Articles to the Growth & Exchange Marketplace, we provide the infrastructure for leaders to trade services, collaborate, and grow their communities together. Community Showcase: Share your community, discover others, and find inspiration through mutual promotion. Whether you’re seeking feedback or simply want to connect with like-minded leaders, this is your go-to space. Content & Design Orders: Need professional content or custom graphics for your community? You’ll find services that cater to your needs, from SEO-optimized articles to eye-catching designs. (Coming soon) Growth & Exchange Marketplace: Engage with other community leaders through peer-to-peer exchanges for posts, services, advertising, and more. Looking to hire staff or find new roles? The Job Board will connect you with talent or opportunities in your niche. [HEADING=2][/HEADING] We’re just getting started! Administrata is built with flexibility and growth in mind. As the needs of community leaders evolve, so will we. [HEADING=2]Get Involved[/HEADING] We encourage all members to dive in and make the most of Administrata. Introduce yourself in our Introduce Yourself forum, participate in discussions, or share your community in the Community Showcase. As we grow, we look forward to building a thriving network of community leaders who support, learn from, and inspire one another. Let’s work together to turn your community vision into reality! Thank you for joining us – Welcome to Administrata!

Hey Shortie! Pleased to see you. Welcome to Administrata!

Thanks for sharing - and using the button! 😋

We have designed this forum to help community leaders exchange services, collaborate on projects, and find or offer jobs to enhance their community’s growth. To ensure smooth and successful exchanges, please read and follow these guidelines carefully. [HEADING=2]Marketplace Rules & Guidelines[/HEADING] [HEADING=3]1. Be Honest and Transparent[/HEADING] Always provide accurate and truthful information about the services or roles you're offering or requesting. Misrepresentation, whether intentional or not, can lead to negative outcomes for both parties involved. [HEADING=3]2. Do Your Part in Exchanges[/HEADING] If you agree to a service or post exchange, follow through on your commitments. Exchanges are built on mutual trust, and it’s vital that both sides honor their agreements in a timely and professional manner. [HEADING=3]3. Avoid Scams[/HEADING] Scams are not tolerated in the Growth & Exchange Marketplace. If you're offering or receiving services, always proceed with caution. Ensure clear terms are agreed upon before any transaction, exchange, or hiring takes place. [HEADING=3]4. Report Scams or Fraud[/HEADING] If you believe you've been scammed or misled, please report it immediately to the staff. Provide any evidence (screenshots, conversations, etc.) that can help us investigate the situation thoroughly. [HEADING=3]5. Hiring Staff – Proceed with Caution[/HEADING] When hiring for your community, vet potential candidates carefully. Always conduct interviews, ask for references, or request examples of their work before bringing anyone onto your team. If you are applying for a job, ensure you are qualified for the role and be clear about your skills and experience. [HEADING=3]6. Respect Privacy & Confidentiality[/HEADING] When engaging in exchanges or hiring, respect the privacy of others. Don’t share private messages, personal information, or sensitive details without explicit consent. [HEADING=3]7. Clear Communication is Key[/HEADING] Whether you're trading services, posting job opportunities, or applying for a role, clear and open communication is essential. Be specific about your needs, timelines, and expectations. [HEADING=3]8. No Spam or Irrelevant Listings[/HEADING] Only post genuine opportunities or requests related to community growth, services, and jobs. Irrelevant, off-topic, or spam posts will be removed, and repeated violations may lead to disciplinary action. [HEADING=3]9. Payments and Transactions[/HEADING] If a service or exchange involves payment, discuss and agree on terms beforehand. We recommend using trusted payment platforms to minimize the risk of fraud or disputes. [HEADING=3]10. Follow General Forum Rules[/HEADING] In addition to these marketplace-specific guidelines, please ensure that all general Administrata forum rules are followed when participating in this forum. [HEADING=2]Safety Tips for Participants[/HEADING] For Service Providers: Ensure clear terms are in place before delivering services, and always request partial payments upfront for larger projects to protect yourself. For Employers: Verify the credentials and experience of applicants. Don’t rush into hiring without a clear understanding of the person’s skillset and work ethic. For Service Seekers: If you are hiring or requesting services, ask for portfolios or past examples of work. This helps you verify the quality before committing. [HEADING=2]How to Report Issues[/HEADING] If you encounter any suspicious activity, scam, or dispute during a service exchange or job hiring, please reach out to a moderator with as much detail as possible. We will investigate the issue thoroughly and take appropriate action. We encourage everyone to use this platform responsibly and respectfully to build strong, supportive partnerships with fellow community leaders. Let’s work together to ensure the Growth & Exchange Marketplace remains a positive and productive environment for all! Thanks, Administrata Team

Every community has several times where you'll encounter slow periods. Slow periods are something we cannot avoid, but they don’t have to be a cause for concern if managed effectively. As a community leader, it’s good to have some strategies in place to keep your members engaged and maintain momentum, even when things slow down. So, how can you encourage participation when activity wanes? [HEADING=2]Create Special Events or Challenges[/HEADING] One way to re-energize your community is by organizing special events or challenges that bring members together. Whether it’s a themed discussion week, a friendly competition, a giveaway or a collaborative event, offering something fresh can draw members back to the platform and get conversations flowing. [HEADING=2]Highlight Existing Content[/HEADING] Sometimes, members simply need a little nudge to re-engage. Slow periods are a great opportunity to shine a light on past discussions, articles, or resources that newer members might have missed. Re-sharing this content can spark interest and lead to new conversations or insights. Don't be afraid to bump old topics. Most people won't notice it's old. [HEADING=2]Personal Outreach[/HEADING] As a leader, reaching out to members individually can work wonders. Whether through personal messages, shoutouts, or recognizing their contributions, a bit of one-on-one interaction reignites interest and make members feel valued. Sometimes, just knowing their presence is missed is enough to bring them back. [HEADING=2]Experiment with New Features or Formats[/HEADING] Use slow periods to test out new content formats or features, such as polls, surveys, or live Q&A sessions. Breathe life into conversations and give members something exciting to look forward to. [HEADING=2]Encourage Member-Driven Content[/HEADING] Consider handing the reins to your members by inviting them to start their own discussions or create content. User-generated content not only encourages participation but also gives members a sense of ownership over the community. [HEADING=2]Final Thoughts[/HEADING] Slow periods don’t have to signal stagnation for your community. With proactive strategies, you can keep engagement high, even when things quiet down. What tactics have you found most effective for keeping your community active during these slower times? Share your experiences and insights below!

It’s being completely rewritten, making it more easier that ever to create additional plugins by the community. I don’t want to “leak” too much as it may bring the source in danger. 😅 But I’ll ask if there’s anything else I can say.

As a community leader, you’re undoubtedly passionate about the vision you’ve created and the members you serve. But part of leading a successful community goes beyond internal management—keeping an eye on external factors can be equally crucial. One key aspect to consider is your competition. While every community is unique, understanding what others in your niche are doing can provide valuable insights, both as lessons and inspiration. I hear you, why should I pay attention to my competitor? The idea of competition doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in a battle for survival. Rather, it’s about staying informed. Other communities may be experimenting with new features, content strategies, or engagement techniques that you could potentially learn from or adapt. By observing what works (or doesn’t) for other community leaders, you can evaluate their strategies through the lens of your own community’s values and goals. Do they offer a feature your members might benefit from? Have they introduced a new type of event or reward system that drives engagement? Awareness of these trends helps you stay innovative and responsive to the evolving needs of your community. Great! What shouldn’t I do? While keeping an eye on competition can lead to growth, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constant comparison. No two communities are identical. They differ in structure, culture, and the types of members they attract. What works for another platform may not work for yours, and that’s perfectly fine. Instead of focusing on competition with the mindset of outdoing them, use your observations to inspire innovation within your own unique community framework. Don’t get lost into copying them. I should offer something different then? Yeah, look at your competition for gaps in their offerings. Perhaps they lack the personal touch your community prides itself on, or maybe they haven’t yet delved into certain content areas or features that your members are asking for. These gaps can present an opportunity for your community to stand out by filling those unmet needs. I get it, work together, not against each other. Exactly. Interestingly, competition doesn’t always have to mean rivalry. Some of the most successful communities find ways to collaborate with others in their space. Whether it’s cross-promotions, shared events, or even simply a mutual support network between community leaders, competition can foster collaboration that benefits everyone involved. Some final thoughts Staying aware of what other communities are doing allows you to remain dynamic, competitive, and responsive as a leader. But, it’s essential to stay true to your vision and remember that what makes your community special is what will ultimately keep your members engaged. Keep an eye on your competition, but never lose sight of your unique strengths. Do you actively monitor other communities in your space? How has it shaped your approach as a community leader? Feel free to share your experiences below!