Strategy Do you get bored with your forums? (4 Viewers)

[Cedric]

Being a forum admin can be tough - and honestly, it can get pretty discouraging at times. When things slow down, it’s easy to fall into the same routine every day… and that routine can start to feel really boring.

Do you ever find yourself feeling bored with your forums? And if so, what do you do to break out of that funk?

One thing that’s worked for me is letting a fellow moderator or admin take the reins for a little while. Stepping back can help recharge your energy. Then, when you come back, you might feel a bit more refreshed - maybe even inspired with new ideas.

If you’ve got any strategies or suggestions that help you stay motivated, I’d love to hear them.

 

[Senkusha]

Taking a break. This is especially true when you don't have anybody else to fall back on. The forum will still be there (assuming the bills are paid), and maybe, somebody will show up to stir some conversation. But don't take too long of a break.

Pivoting in topics. Open a new section, explore a new angle to old topics, start conversations involving other hobbies in your Off-topic area. I feel these aren't too in-depth, and probably seem like common sense, but they're what helps me out as a Lone Wolf, as it were to persevere.

 

[InMyOpinion]

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.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Not really.

In the past, I was anxious about forum growth and would spend every waking moment on them.

Now, I see them as a hobby and while I try to check on them daily, I'm fine being not as active here and there as I juggle things in my life and commit to other obligations.

TBH, spending every waking moment on my forums burned me out and made me hate forums,

 

[Senkusha]

The burnout is a real threat..not to just forums, but everything! I've learned through experience, "Moderation in everything" is the way to live. A little here, a little there. Taking breaks, shifting focus, really does help prevent the burnout monster from rearing its ugly head! Luckily, I'm old enough now that I tend to identify the warning feelings/thoughts that lead up to burnout, so I know it's time to pump the breaks on whatever activity I'm doing when I feel it.

 

[Cpvr]

No, I don’t get bored while running forums. I always find something to do that keeps me entertained. Whether it’s working on backend things, updating old content, marketing or doing seo.

Running a forum isn’t like a game to me or watching a movie, it’s really hard for it to
Cause boredom.

Taking a break, spending time in nature or reading a book can help spark renewed interest if you ever find yourself getting bored with your forum.

 

[Ravenfreak]

I used to get bored at times in the past. I think that's why I ended up shutting down so many throughout the years and then starting new ones later on. Now if I feel burnout I take a break and come back when I'm recharged. Forums are a hobby for me, I enjoy having my own space with my own rules where I get to talk to likeminded people without being criticized or having to worry about posts being deleted.

 

[Senkusha]

I enjoy having my own space with my own rules where I get to talk to like-minded people without being criticized or having to worry about posts being deleted.

OMG! This, so much. Just having your own space to vent and play. Your rules, no worries about censorship, and if people wanna come play on your playground, well, you're da boss! (Don't mind me, I'm writing wiki pages on my site...)

 

[Cory]

I think if there was enough inactivity, I would grow bored with my forum eventually, but I often read previous posts and look at previous codes I've posted on my board. With hundreds of codes posted, I can always reminisce when I first built them and even tinker with them if I wish.

 

[Shortie]

I wouldn't say that I have become bored with my forums, but I know I have suffered burnout from not taking breaks when I needed to.

Over the years I have learned that if I start to lose interest or feel as though being on my forum is too much, it's time to take a break!