Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

rogermugs · May 18, 2008, 11:16 AM

I created a forum and i'm interested in growing the community... anyone have any suggestions besides "publicize"? We've done some publicity... sit at 13 members, most of whom are fairly active... but what do i do to make it grow... its only about a week old...

we all are members here... so what keeps you coming back here? how i could i do that there?

Theologer - a theology forum

design219 · May 18, 2008, 11:29 AM

Who is your audience? Is this just for Christians, or do you want to invite opposing views/debates?

I, like most people in the MacNN forum, have used Apple products and that's what got me here, but I rarely ever go to sections other than the lounge area anymore. I stay because I like the wide variety of opinions, the good moderation and administration, and the quality of people (for the most part).

Good luck.

besson3c · May 18, 2008, 11:29 AM

What do you have at your site that somebody couldn't find anywhere else? Why should people care about your site?

These are some old-fashioned marketing-type questions...

turtle777 · May 18, 2008, 11:30 AM

You gotta spread the "word" in the same target markets.

E.g. post in other forums, and have a signature link to your forum.

Try to abstain from posts in other forums that might look like spam.

-t

design219 · May 18, 2008, 11:34 AM

It's still new.

Laminar · May 18, 2008, 11:34 AM

You're missing something every good forum needs - a Dakar.

design219 · May 18, 2008, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by Laminar

a Dakar.

Give it a week.

Or till Monday.

turtle777 · May 18, 2008, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by Laminar

You're missing something every good forum needs - a Dakar.

A snide remarks bot ?

I'm sure there is a vBulletin plugin for that...

-t

Laminar · May 18, 2008, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

A snide remarks bot ?

I'm sure there is a vBulletin plugin for that...

-t

Yeah, I think I found it on the same page as the bot that acts like a jackass to everyone.

rogermugs · May 18, 2008, 03:22 PM

wow... these are all really great suggestions... i'm not sure what I think about having a dakar tho...
hmm...

i suppose what i'm going for is a community for the biblio-blogging folks, but i definitely want non-christians there to make the discussion interesting.

anyone know where to get a snide remarks bot? turtle777 seems to be a bit of a disappointment (turtle's "homepage")....

maybe time is the most important... getting people to talk about it is just going to take time... i also need one REALLY spicy topic to get things going... and cant think of anything spectacular yet...

we'll get there.

keep the suggestions-a-comin.

besson3c · May 18, 2008, 03:29 PM

Maybe run your forum from Lotus Notes?

design219 · May 18, 2008, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by rogermugs

i also need one REALLY spicy topic to get things going... and cant think of anything spectacular yet...

Try something like this.

rogermugs · May 18, 2008, 03:43 PM

excellent call... but seeing as you started it here...
maybe it would be best if you started it there....
hmm.....

turtle777 · May 18, 2008, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by rogermugs

turtle777 seems to be a bit of a disappointment (turtle's "homepage")....

Oh, come on, I poured many precious seconds of my life into this page

-t

rogermugs · May 18, 2008, 03:57 PM

turtle... - more than obvious

design - thanks yo. hope that helps...

design219 · May 18, 2008, 03:58 PM

Hey Roger, hope it doesn't hinder. It does look like an interesting forum. I hope it takes off.

ebuddy · May 18, 2008, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by rogermugs

I created a forum and i'm interested in growing the community... anyone have any suggestions besides "publicize"? We've done some publicity... sit at 13 members, most of whom are fairly active... but what do i do to make it grow... its only about a week old...

we all are members here... so what keeps you coming back here? how i could i do that there?

Theologer - a theology forum

You need me, but I only have time for the NN's. I'll stalk around and see what comes of it. You need witty, insightful, non-role model type Christians that aren't afraid to not only turn the other cheek, but to at times expose their opponent's cheek to the rest of the forum participants.

As to the draw to the NNs; This is a Macintosh enthusiast platform. Some people came for the latest updates and product releases and related info. Others came for help with their iPods, macbooks, and G5s. When they were told to reset PRAM and repair permissions, they became enraged. They learned at that time that most Mac users are hopelessly liberal. As such they have good intentions, but little by way of real solutions. They were about to exit the forum altogether when lo and behold their eyes caught THE POLITICAL WAR LOUNGE!!! No friggin' way! What's that all about??? Politics, war, religion, party bickering, strawmen?!? That's for me! Flames were stoked and I've been hooked ever since.

Just teasing about the lack of technical help here on the NNs. I've gotten some good info too.

My advice? They did not come here originally to discuss theology or to enlighten and/or change the world. They just came here for Mac info. Start a mountain biking forum or other such enthusiast-type platform. People aren't generally excited about theology, but they friggin' love their mountain bikes, sheet/music, scuba-diving, quilting, gardening, motocross, anything auto, iPods, etc... Use one of these as your draw and latch your otherwise boring philosophical, theological, sociological, and pathological discussions onto it. Start small with very few forums. Just like NN, you can add as your growing community dictates.

I should start my own mountain-biking forum!

turtle777 · May 18, 2008, 07:09 PM

One more forum about Jesus ?

We all know Jesus is for loosers. That's why I need him

I might sign up sometime and pull some splinters out of people's eyes

-t

rogermugs · May 18, 2008, 09:51 PM

design - thanks me 3...
I dont suppose it will ever be an nn replacement... but even 50 regulars would make for interesting discussion.

all these people have blogs and they're all decentralized... it will be nice to have one place to talk

just gotta get a few more ideas for those next 25-50 peeps

e-buddy... i understand. the reason I joined NN is pretty sad, basically I decided that every computer enthusiast has a life somewhere on an internet forum (one of buddies bleeds red vs. blue), and decided if I was going to be an enthusiast of any sort, I needed a serious online presence... so I set out to gain some status on a forum... sad but true... (then I liked it).

anyhow... you'd be surprised at just how enthusiastic people are about theology... just take a look at my blogroll for a start (theologer.com)

but turtle and ebuddy... love to have you both come by... even if only occasionally... and feel free to pull all the splinters out of eyes you can stand. we need all the folks we can muster.

MacosNerd · May 19, 2008, 06:12 AM

Originally Posted by besson3c

What do you have at your site that somebody couldn't find anywhere else? Why should people care about your site?

Originally Posted by turtle777

One more forum about Jesus ?

I think Besson and Turtle hit the head on the nail. There are a lot of Christian forums out on the net. All bring something different to them mix and all have different targeted audiences. Each forum that seemingly succeeds does so by providing something specific not being everything to everyone.

What segment of the Christian community are you trying reach. Baptists, Congregationalists, pentecostal, non-denominational. What is the theology, conservative, ultra-conservative, liberal. Finally what message are you trying to promote, that is why are you doing this. Discuss end-time prophesies, discuss evangelism, or Old Testaments scriptures, etc.

By knowing who your intended audience is, and the type of discussions that are important to you, then you can better market your forum on the intarweb.

btw, I checked out your forum and it looks nice. I might join. Maybe its me but I do find it odd for a Christian site to have "Forum God" as part of someone's post count

rogermugs · May 19, 2008, 09:52 PM

yea i thought that odd myself... my fellow admin set that up.... maybe i'll look into that...

or maybe... i'll allow the controversial name become the topic of a good thread at a later date.... both so tempting.

MacosNerd · 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by rogermugs

or maybe... i'll allow the controversial name become the topic of a good thread at a later date.... both so tempting.

It doesn't bother me one way or another but why make it a controversy for later. Either you think its not appropriate and have it changed, or you don't think its a big deal and let it be. Keeping it just to spark a controversy doesn't seem like a move I'd want to do but that's just me and its not my forum.

Dakar the Fourth · May 20, 2008, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by rogermugs

suggestions for growing my own forum

Shift some paradigms, revolutionize outside the box.

rogermugs · May 20, 2008, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by Dakar the Fourth

Shift some paradigms, revolutionize outside the box.

What does that even mean?

And just for the record MacosNerd... I sent him a link to this thread, he read it, was embarrassed, and then changed his avatar and the rank/name...

Welcome! - see nathan.

design219 · May 20, 2008, 09:30 AM

He looked like a nice guy before. Now, I'm not so sure.

rogermugs · May 20, 2008, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by design219

He looked like a nice guy before. Now, I'm not so sure.

i dont even know a xenophobe is
but it looks bad. i mean... dont let near my children but might take out to dinner bad.

MacosNerd · May 20, 2008, 10:20 AM

So how do you classify the general theological stance of the forum. I've been lurking around there for a bit, I'm getting an idea but I'd like to know what you consider major doctrine and what you don't. Maybe I'll join and post this question there.

I've been to a number of Christian sites and on a couple of instances I found that they were really out in left field with some generally accepted doctrine.

rogermugs · May 20, 2008, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by MacosNerd

So how do you classify the general theological stance of the forum. I've been lurking around there for a bit, I'm getting an idea but I'd like to know what you consider major doctrine and what you don't. Maybe I'll join and post this question there.

I've been to a number of Christian sites and on a couple of instances I found that they were really out in left field with some generally accepted doctrine.

dude... its a forum... i dont know how to qualify a general stance when its made of individuals I cannot speak for... you should definitely join and pose the question. I'm curious to find out myself.

i'd imagine it would be like nn where most people are mac-enthusiasts but you have your occasional windows lover who comes by just to be obnoxious... its probably the same with all kinds of weird views and the occasional atheist...

also.. we like squirrels... if that helps.

MacosNerd · May 20, 2008, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by rogermugs

dude... its a forum... i dont know how to qualify a general stance when its made of individuals I cannot speak for... you should definitely join and pose the question. I'm curious to find out myself.

and that's what I said I'd do. Jeez chill man, I was just asking what your majors are since you created a forum to discuss theology and Christian topics, I didn't know it was a touchy subject.

design219 · May 20, 2008, 11:27 AM

Hey, I joined and present an opposing view. (I think Roger may regret opening it up.)

If more people join, it looks like a really interesting place, especially since it is new. I actually find the subject fascinating, although I'm an agnostic.

rogermugs · May 20, 2008, 05:49 PM

wow... apparently i sounded angry...
my bad... and no... not a touchy subject.

i dont think i'll regret opening it up... happy to have all we can... its always been open... and will continue to be so. thats the only way to get interesting discussion.

also... didnt my squirrel comment actually lighten the mood if there was any question?

did i mention I look good in tights? But thats probably more fit for this forum than that one... but we'll see how it evolves... hehe, pun intended.

design219 · May 21, 2008, 07:21 AM

Looks like you've picked up at least three of us. Interesting how average Joes find theology as interesting as theologians.

MacosNerd · May 21, 2008, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by rogermugs

wow... apparently i sounded angry...
my bad... and no... not a touchy subject..

No problem, I probably read your post after getting reamed by the boss and so I was in a bad mood

rogermugs · May 21, 2008, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by design219

Looks like you've picked up at least three of us. Interesting how average Joes find theology as interesting as theologians.

yea... apparently coming by here wasn't a bad idea. funny because I went to the forums at forums.christianity.com recently to ask for help with something else and after a good amount of discussion about it I got this response:

Moving to the Directory.

Further posts promoting this link/item will be deleted and reported as spam.

Thanks!

Tricia
Forums Moderator

Please do not reply to this message within the forums or chat.

Please email Community@salemwebnetwork.com with questions, comments, or concerns.

Please do not send me PMs regarding this message.

you mac guys... so much more loving than us christians... so sad sometimes. (its a wonder more people dont convert from windows given the way ya'll live your lives... hehe)

MacosNerd · May 21, 2008, 11:57 AM

You gained a track record here, how long have you been a member of forums.christianity.com? If you just registered there and then posted things about your forum that could be why. Heck the same thing would probably have occurred here.

rogermugs · May 21, 2008, 01:50 PM

thats true..... what can you do?

Laminar · May 21, 2008, 06:14 PM

If you want to see a pro at work, search for posts here by "Angelababy." (That was her name, right?)

MacosNerd · May 21, 2008, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by Laminar

If you want to see a pro at work, search for posts here by "Angelababy." (That was her name, right?)

In what way do you mean see a pro at work

design219 · May 21, 2008, 06:53 PM

Ha, I searched and saw her photo and wonder the same thing.

(she's probably some 50 year old PC user)

Laminar · May 21, 2008, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by MacosNerd

In what way do you mean see a pro at work

I mean someone that's doing work for money. It's pretty obvious that AngelaBaby was getting paid by a website to post random "I agree" or "I've experienced a similar situation" posts to get links to their website posted everywhere.

turtle777 · May 21, 2008, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by rogermugs

you mac guys... so much more loving than us christians...

Gotta love those n00bs. Full of idealistic optimism

-t

Rumor · May 21, 2008, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by rogermugs

you mac guys... so much more loving than us christians...

I's cause we are all secretly liberals.

*ducks and runs*

rogermugs · May 22, 2008, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by Rumor

I's cause we are all secretly liberals.

*ducks and runs*

i have the wisdom to see through such lies.

design219 · May 22, 2008, 11:37 AM

I think a good deal of us are out in the open.

rogermugs · May 22, 2008, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by design219

I think a good deal of us are out in the open.

name ONE of said "us" who you could qualify as 'out'

besson3c · May 22, 2008, 03:42 PM

Well, I'm openly heterosexual.

design219 · 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Well, I'm openly heterosexual.

That's acceptable, but are you a liberal?

rogermugs · May 22, 2008, 04:04 PM

at a grocery store. do you pick paper? plastic? or are you bisackual?

rogermugs · May 22, 2008, 06:19 PM

p.s. thanks for letting me suck 4 of you in. i'm enjoying having you... ya'll are good at starting lasting discussion. and brassplayer has some good top5 lists...

design219 · May 22, 2008, 07:25 PM

So you didn't like my top five? Sheesh. I think I want my money back.