InMyOpinion

Okay so new challenge has arised! lol My biggest challenge so far has been trying to get OG posters on board before launching the forum to the public. I really want to create that welcoming, active vibe right out of the gate but finding people who are willing to join and actively post on a niche forum before there's any visible activity has been a bit of a mission. It's tough convincing people to jump into what essentially looks like an empty room and start talking, even when they love the concept or community niche. So far, I haven’t fully overcome this obstacle yet but I’m working on it! I'm experimenting with a few things like: Reaching out to people I’ve connected with in similar communities and explaining the vision of the forum Offering early access perks like featured member spots, or the chance to win $50 Asking friends or peers to help kick off a few threads even if they aren’t from the exact target audience just to get the ball rolling Posting a "Coming Soon" teaser thread with a signup form so I can build anticipation while quietly building some content in the background I’d love to hear how others have tackled this stage! How did you get that initial spark of life into your community?

You're definitely not alone in that feeling. I think every forum admin hits a point where things slow down or the day-to-day starts feeling repetitive. It's easy to slip into that funk when the spark just isn't there. For me, I’ve found that revisiting my original vision for the forum helps. I go back to why I started it in the first place and what inspired me, what kind of community I wanted to build. That often gives me a bit of a reset and reminds me of the bigger picture. Another strategy that works well is switching up the type of work I’m doing on the forum. If I’ve been too focused on moderation or behind-the-scenes tasks, I’ll carve out time for something creative, like planning a new event, writing a fresh announcement, or refreshing a section of the layout. Even small changes can make the space feel new again, both for me and the members. I also think connecting with other admins and having those honest conversations, like this one, is hugely motivating. Sometimes a quick brainstorm or venting session is all it takes to feel re-energized. Letting someone else take the lead for a bit, like you mentioned, is such a good idea too. A little distance can really bring perspective. Thanks for opening up this conversation. It’s something more of us should talk about.

I do click on some signatures if I find them interesting or I'm feeling curious. Other signatures just don't peak my interest so I don't end up clicking them or checking them out. I think having a signature is definitely beneficial as even if only 1 or 2 people click that still 1 or 2 more exposures than I would have had. I must say though if people have too cluttered of a signature or it looks poorly done I won't click on their signature.

I will take the last and 5th spot

I'll take the 5th and last spot

Yes. I remember I worked for Postloop for a bit and I had to submit a few samples of my writing/posts. It was very popular and I even used it on my forum but I don't remember if it really helped my forum long term, though most posting packages are only helpful short term.

I had used Postloop a very long time ago and I think I only ever used it once. It's been so long that I honestly don't remember whether it was helpful or not ;/

It's a nice sunny day today =)

What's the weather like where you live? Right now it is hailing/raining/snowing with thunder and lightning. It's been a crazy stormy day today.

Great topic! It really is easy to set up a forum and just post into the void but getting people to care is the real challenge. I’ve found that personal invites and engaging with niche communities have been the most effective ways to bring in active members. Just throwing a link out on social media doesn’t cut it anymore and people need a reason to join and stay. For me, building relationships in other spaces (without being spammy about it) has worked best. Having a strong onboarding process also helps. New members should feel immediately welcomed and know exactly what value the forum brings. That said, I’m still experimenting! I’ve wasted plenty of time on things that didn’t work such as paid ads that got clicks but no real engagement.

Getting people to sign up for a forum is easy enough. But getting them to stick around and actually feel like part of the community? That’s the real challenge. I’ve always found that a welcoming atmosphere doesn’t just happen—it’s something you build with intention. Some things that help: Actually welcoming people. A generic “Welcome to the forum!” is fine, but taking a second to respond to their intro thread, tag them in a relevant post, or ask them a follow-up question makes a huge difference. Giving them an easy way to jump in. A lot of new members lurk because they don’t know where to start. Icebreaker threads, “question of the day” posts, or even a fun challenge can help them get involved without pressure. Making sure they feel seen. If someone takes the time to post, especially early on, acknowledging them is huge. Even just a simple reply like “That’s a great point!” or “I’d love to hear more about that” can make them feel valued. Encouraging connections. People don’t stick around just for content—they stay for the relationships. Whether it’s casual off-topic chats, a mentorship program, or just fostering a culture where members actually talk to each other, building real connections keeps people engaged. What’s worked for you? How do you make sure new members don’t just sign up but actually feel like they belong?

I have never done anything like this before, I think it would be a great idea if you are good at creating a popular and active forum/website.

Hi Robert! Welcome to Administrata :D I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay and we look forward to seeing you around the forum!

Ah great advice thanks! However, thankfully enough I've found someone who can help with graphics. I appreciate you telling me about Fiverr though!

Laundry :P Weekends and every other day I do laundry but this week was incredibly busy so I didn't have the chance to do it so today is laundry day.

It's Always Sunny =)

This is such an important conversation! The 90-9-1 rule is definitely something we all have to work around, but the good news is there are ways to shift the balance. I love the idea of making members feel included with little personal touches like check-ins. A simple message can go a long way in making someone feel like they belong. I also think structuring discussions in a way that invites participation helps a ton. Open-ended questions, fun challenges, or even a "What’s on your mind?" type thread can give lurkers a reason to dip their toes in. For me, engagement isn’t just about numbers, it’s about creating a space where people want to participate because they feel valued. A forum should feel like a warm, welcoming spot to hang out, not just a place to consume content and leave.

I think a post requirement before allowing members to post in the off-topic section can be a good idea, especially for niche forums. I also like that you reasonable threshold of 10 posts. I think if it was too high it may discourage new members and if it's too low it wouldn't be as effective. Exactly! It’s all about balance. A little off-topic discussion can help build community, but if general chat starts overshadowing the niche content, that’s when it becomes a problem. Keeping the focus on the niche while allowing just enough general discussion to keep members engaged seems to be the best approach for growth.

So exciting that we made it to the final four! I've voted and I hope we win this :D

I think it really depends on the community and its members! Some niches thrive on staying laser-focused, especially when people join with a clear purpose—like learning a skill or discussing a specialized topic. But if a forum feels too rigid, it can start to feel like work instead of a fun, engaging space. I’m personally a fan of balance. A little off-topic chatter can be great for community bonding, making the space feel more welcoming and keeping people coming back. But if it overshadows the main niche, it can dilute the identity of the community. The sweet spot is having room for casual engagement while still keeping the niche front and center.

Glow Up, I love to watch what people can do with makeup, prosthetics and props! I also love to see all different types of makeup.

My boyfriend just got a loan for his new business and honestly I don't think it's a bad idea if you've really thought the business through and stay realistic. Usually the opening of a new business is the most expensive time because it's when you have to buy a lot of one off purchases and you aren't really getting any money in from your new business. In my boyfriends case I really didn't have an issue with him getting a loan for the business because he has been thinking and working on this business for years and years and is very clear on what he needs to do/get done in order to start his business and work to get it successful. He needed to also get a patent done, buy some equipment and make some models/protocols of what he will be selling. One of the reasons I was so comfortable with my boyfriend taking the loan is because he has been very open and honest with me on what he is going to be spending his money on and what he needs to have/get in order to start selling his products as how much everything will cost. I also believe in his business a lot and feel like he will be very successful with his business. I think before anyone even thinks about getting a business loan they should have a business plan in place, know exactly what they need in order to start/open their business and be realistic as to when they will be able to pay off the loan and when the business will start to make an income. I think a lot of people start a business without having a lot of direction or knowledge as to what it will entail to create a successful business and so that's why most businesses fail. Getting a loan isn't necessarily a bad thing, but you also need to be realistic and honest about whether or not it is a good idea.

I don't mind doing my boyfriends and I's laundry. I wouldn't pay anyone to do my laundry unless like you said [mention=150]KatBookTrailers[/mention], I wouldn't be able to do it myself due to old age.

That’s such an interesting take, and I totally get what you mean! It can feel a little weird to react twice to the same thing, especially when it’s already had its “real” moment in private. But at the same time, forums are all about creating those shared experiences in a bigger space. Personally, I think engaging with him on the forum still has value, even if you've already seen the joke or meme. Your reaction doesn’t have to be a full-blown re-enactment—it can just be a more natural way of keeping the energy going for the community. Like, instead of pretending you’re seeing it for the first time, you could reference your inside joke history or add a little twist that keeps it fresh. As for whether it feels inauthentic—I wouldn’t see it that way at all. If anything, it helps set the tone that the forum is a fun, interactive space, not just a dumping ground for posts. And even if some people do know you’re friends, they’ll probably just see it as you both keeping the momentum going rather than faking anything. So yeah, I’d say go for it! Keep engaging, keep having fun with it, and if you ever feel weird about a reply, just tweak how you interact so it feels natural to you. What matters most is that you’re fostering activity, not whether every reaction is brand new.

I always go through my Facebook friends list and take people off who I am not really friends with. I work as a model and actress as well as a makeup artist and sometimes I work with people and we add each other of Facebook and then years go by and we never talk again so I tend go through my friends list and take off anyone who I'm not actually friends with.