starscream
11-06-2005, 12:26 PM
My personal views: (Long Read)
Objective:
The end in mind must be clear. Does it want to be a one-stop centre for collectors that provides news, exchanges, reviews, tie-up with retailers, auction / sales service etc ? (Site Administrators) Taking on too huge a project will only achieve less impact in all areas.
A popular trend is to take on a forum-centric approach to contain news, updates, reviews, sales / exchanges on the forum. The other way is to start with a one or two crucial areas then branch out into the non-crucial ones. A provision for all segments should be planned ahead. IE. There should be constant short-term and mid-term planning by the (Site Planners)
* Site Administrator, Site Planner
Resources:
People expect fresh content on every visit. The site needs something that will encourage not just visits but participation. Participation will only come when the visitors reach a certain comfort level. Care should be taken to make them feel part of the site, and to inculcate a sense of belonging (PR Dept - Welcome Party). Other than the customary welcome PM (private message), the PR chaps could make it an effort to know newcomers individually and it is often friendships that keeps a site going.
Funds. You need funds to run a site, most likely from the very own pockets of the administrators or hobby enthusiasts themselves. With more funds raised, more can be achieved not only with site enhancements but for publicity materials, lucky draws, tokens for submitting reviews etc (Fund Raisers)
* PR Dept, Fund Raiser
Content:
Fresh content would come from your dedicated individuals appointed in (news reporter for different segments) to keep up the momentum, especially vital in the early days of any site. A good idea is to breakup the segments for different specialists EG. for food, for movies, for comics etc.
Content Management usually stems from a standard FAQ for forum etiquette and through appointing Moderators. Additionally, it is suggested that a culture of self-moderation and impartiality be encouraged throughout.
* News Reporter, Moderator
Pull Factors:
Community is the basic block of a site that is thriving. Information by itself, is not enough, processed information gives rise to knowlege and this is what keeps visitors interested - in learning or sharing. Having many such knowledge providers (Star Players) are a true mark of a successful forum, where a forum is concerned.
A fair amount of effort should be made to distinct itself from the rest of other similar sites. Who are your target groups, all typical young male adult aged from 20 - 40 from Singapore?
Easy to say let's include the spouses and everybody else but not so easy in real terms. The multiplier effect. Think along the lines of selling a Family Day Children Art Competition ticket to the kid, naturally the parents (possibly grandparents) will tag along. One ticket -> Five participants!
* Spouse, Star Player
Publicity:
Generated traffic is important but sustained traffic is more so. Priority will change as the site matures. Outreach is usually limited by the budget. Site awareness should not be restricted to the roles of administrators or supporters, but from the intent of every visitor who feels part of it and then becomes part of their interest to promote the site (Comradeship)
The idea is to have visitors feel part of the team, part of the the growth and part of an exciting new development. If that can be achieved, the rest will just fall into place. A site who is unclear about its own development and stagnant for extended periods will fizzle like the thousands before it.
Fun. Life is tough as it is, so a place for distress, sharing and fun would be most appreciated. Mass orders, gatherings, parties or outings would be good. You need Event Organisers to carry out such duties successfully.
* Comradeship, Event Organiser
Objective:
The end in mind must be clear. Does it want to be a one-stop centre for collectors that provides news, exchanges, reviews, tie-up with retailers, auction / sales service etc ? (Site Administrators) Taking on too huge a project will only achieve less impact in all areas.
A popular trend is to take on a forum-centric approach to contain news, updates, reviews, sales / exchanges on the forum. The other way is to start with a one or two crucial areas then branch out into the non-crucial ones. A provision for all segments should be planned ahead. IE. There should be constant short-term and mid-term planning by the (Site Planners)
* Site Administrator, Site Planner
Resources:
People expect fresh content on every visit. The site needs something that will encourage not just visits but participation. Participation will only come when the visitors reach a certain comfort level. Care should be taken to make them feel part of the site, and to inculcate a sense of belonging (PR Dept - Welcome Party). Other than the customary welcome PM (private message), the PR chaps could make it an effort to know newcomers individually and it is often friendships that keeps a site going.
Funds. You need funds to run a site, most likely from the very own pockets of the administrators or hobby enthusiasts themselves. With more funds raised, more can be achieved not only with site enhancements but for publicity materials, lucky draws, tokens for submitting reviews etc (Fund Raisers)
* PR Dept, Fund Raiser
Content:
Fresh content would come from your dedicated individuals appointed in (news reporter for different segments) to keep up the momentum, especially vital in the early days of any site. A good idea is to breakup the segments for different specialists EG. for food, for movies, for comics etc.
Content Management usually stems from a standard FAQ for forum etiquette and through appointing Moderators. Additionally, it is suggested that a culture of self-moderation and impartiality be encouraged throughout.
* News Reporter, Moderator
Pull Factors:
Community is the basic block of a site that is thriving. Information by itself, is not enough, processed information gives rise to knowlege and this is what keeps visitors interested - in learning or sharing. Having many such knowledge providers (Star Players) are a true mark of a successful forum, where a forum is concerned.
A fair amount of effort should be made to distinct itself from the rest of other similar sites. Who are your target groups, all typical young male adult aged from 20 - 40 from Singapore?
Easy to say let's include the spouses and everybody else but not so easy in real terms. The multiplier effect. Think along the lines of selling a Family Day Children Art Competition ticket to the kid, naturally the parents (possibly grandparents) will tag along. One ticket -> Five participants!
* Spouse, Star Player
Publicity:
Generated traffic is important but sustained traffic is more so. Priority will change as the site matures. Outreach is usually limited by the budget. Site awareness should not be restricted to the roles of administrators or supporters, but from the intent of every visitor who feels part of it and then becomes part of their interest to promote the site (Comradeship)
The idea is to have visitors feel part of the team, part of the the growth and part of an exciting new development. If that can be achieved, the rest will just fall into place. A site who is unclear about its own development and stagnant for extended periods will fizzle like the thousands before it.
Fun. Life is tough as it is, so a place for distress, sharing and fun would be most appreciated. Mass orders, gatherings, parties or outings would be good. You need Event Organisers to carry out such duties successfully.
* Comradeship, Event Organiser