Forum help

[stewie22]

Ok People I have had my forum for just on 2 years, at the start I was slowly getting members and they asked or suggested that I should set out some rules so we got together and made what I thought was simple rules, once the rules were up to read over time members left , a couple I removed for abuse



I have a Domain which I believe has done nothing for the forum. could any one give me a hint or just tell me what they think I am doing wrong

just a note: I have never rum a forum before and I am pretty much computer illiterate where I am now is because of help form the helpers and a bit of experimenting on my part 

my forum is www.Grey-members.com

Thanks Stewie22

[Former Member]

Jan 22, 2019 1:45:50 GMT -8 stewie22 said:

Ok People I have had my forum for just on 2 years, at the start I was slowly getting members and they asked or suggested that I should set out some rules so we got together and made what I thought was simple rules, once the rules were up to read over time members left , a couple I removed for abuse



I have a Domain which I believe has done nothing for the forum. could any one give me a hint or just tell me what they think I am doing wrong

just a note: I have never rum a forum before and I am pretty much computer illiterate where I am now is because of help form the helpers and a bit of experimenting on my part 

my forum is www.Grey-members.com

Thanks Stewie22

For one the design of the default theme isn't too good. Kind of too much like proboards' default forum theme, and admin home built in options. People want to see new stuff like new layouts, pictures, styling, etc. So as far as theme changes, I would change the banner's background design, the board's designs, the background, the legend, and the info and statistics to make them look better and more original. You need a new icon too. I would add some more categories and boards since it looks like there are very few of them. 

People like joining active sites that look like there are many users, and not a lot of random people would join a site with 6 people, so I would advertise to people you know and would join regardless of how many people are on there. Once you have a lot of members, then you can advertise to the public, and people will be more willing to join your forum. 

I would also recommend you to affiliate with active sites.

[Retread]

Jan 22, 2019 1:45:50 GMT -8 stewie22 said:

could any one give me a hint or just tell me what they think I am doing wrong

Hi stewie22

It might not be so much about what you're doing wrong as much as what you aren't doing. But one thing I noticed was a category (Announcements) that has no boards listed.

Also, what is it that makes your forum special? Why would anyone be motivated to join and participate? Why is it called Grey-members? What does that mean?

You might consider putting that kind of information (and perhaps rules/guidelines) in your Main Header.

Some of that can be found in a thread, but one needs to look for that:

www.grey-members.com/thread/791/welcome-grey-members

Welcome to Grey-members.com


Grey-members is a new Australian site, we welcome new members to join from all over the world. We have a small membership and would like to increase that by having members from other countries join and share information about their home country. Guests can visit and post in the shoutbox (chat room) and a new room (Guests Room) but will be required to become a member to post in the forum

*** Our rules are very simple please read before applying for membership ***

1 The administration has the right to either edit or remove any offending posts

2 Members are to be addressed by there Avatar name unless a member gives permission to call them by there personal name

3 Members will show Mutual respect towards each other.

4 This is an Australian site so expect a bit of Australian Slang, Abusive language towards a member is not accepted or tolerated on this site.

5 Grey-Members is a use it or loose it site members are Asked to post at least once a month or will be regarded as having no more interest and will be removed. Just logging in to read and not Posting is not regarded as having a interest.

6 If you can live with these simple rules you are welcome to join Grey-Members.com

You might want to rethink that list of rules.  You have 6 items but there really isn't all that much being said.  That makes it look more daunting than it really is!

Save #1 for the closing statement.

Maybe dump #5 completely and consider whether any of the rest are even necessary.  If you link to the ProBoards ToS and mention a few other items as Guidelines, that might seem less off-putting.

Later in that post, you have this:

We currently have 10 rooms for you to visit


Announcements: Here you can post things of a personal nature you wish to share

Politics: Saying it as it is: A non political correctness room so it can offend some, be warned

General Discussions: This is a open room where you can post your opinion on many topics

Idiot Of The Week: This is where you can post about the Idiotic things you have seen, Have fun with it

Music & Jokes: Here you can posts your jokes or your favourite piece of music

Travel Memories: This room is for you to share your holiday pictures and tips on where is a good place to visit and stay over night

Our pets & Wild life: This room is for posting about your pets and wild life

Tech Talk: For general information on any problems you may need help with, and to share any hints you may have on computer use

Our History: Here you can post your old photos.

Guest Room: This room is for GUESTS to post in and gives access to Grey-Members rules It is NOT a room for general chat by members. General chit chat by members in this room will be deleted

I don't see all those boards. Also, do you really need a Guest Room if you have the Shoutbox available where guests can leave comments?

Also, consider creating a Banner/Logo with an image or artwork that sets the tone for the forum.

---

@smithj mentioned affiliates and advertising. Both of those will help.

[stewie22]

Thanks Retread & Jonathan I appreciate your feed back you have both given me some thing to work on some I can do some I will have to work on
thanks again Stewie22

[stewie22]

Jan 22, 2019 10:56:37 GMT -8 @smithj said:

Jan 22, 2019 1:45:50 GMT -8 stewie22 said:

Ok People I have had my forum for just on 2 years, at the start I was slowly getting members and they asked or suggested that I should set out some rules so we got together and made what I thought was simple rules, once the rules were up to read over time members left , a couple I removed for abuse



I have a Domain which I believe has done nothing for the forum. could any one give me a hint or just tell me what they think I am doing wrong

just a note: I have never rum a forum before and I am pretty much computer illiterate where I am now is because of help form the helpers and a bit of experimenting on my part 

my forum is www.Grey-members.com

Thanks Stewie22

For one the design of the default theme isn't too good. Kind of too much like proboards' default forum theme, and admin home built in options. People want to see new stuff like new layouts, pictures, styling, etc. So as far as theme changes, I would change the banner's background design, the board's designs, the background, the legend, and the info and statistics to make them look better and more original. You need a new icon too. I would add some more categories and boards since it looks like there are very few of them. 

People like joining active sites that look like there are many users, and not a lot of random people would join a site with 6 people, so I would advertise to people you know and would join regardless of how many people are on there. Once you have a lot of members, then you can advertise to the public, and people will be more willing to join your forum. 

I would also recommend you to affiliate with active sites.

[stewie22]

Hi Jonathan the suggestions you made all sound great however they are beyond me. I like what you are saying but liking and knowing how to do it is another thing

Stewie22

[Former Member]

Jan 24, 2019 3:04:11 GMT -8 stewie22 said:

Hi Jonathan the suggestions you made all sound great however they are beyond me. I like what you are saying but liking and knowing how to do it is another thing

Stewie22

So, you can do one of two things.

1. If someone on your site knows how to code HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then you can hire them as a designer.

Or

2. You can go to support.proboards.com/board/86/request-theme and explain what you want your theme to look like and someone might be nice enough to code it for you.

[Radrook]

I like the idea of a place where the elderly can share their thoughts! Not so sure about identifying with being gray though. 

One Suggestion:

Reduce the size of the typing. It jumps out at the reader and makes reading difficult by being distracting.

[jeannerene]

First, you need to decrease your font size.  Such a big font feels like you are screaming at people and it is very off putting.

What is grey-members?  No where on the site do I see an explanation of what "grey-members" means?  Is is for senior citizens?  If it is for senior citizens I would certainly try to come up with a more attractive name. Is grey-members an Australian term or slang expression?

Also, if you are looking for a world-based membership you might want to emphasize less that it is an Australian site, at least in your opening statement.  Of course, nothing wrong with a forum being based in any one country's culture and history, but it you want others to share the history of their country your might want to flip your opening statement. 

Grey-members is a new Australian site, we welcome new members to join from all over the world. We have a small membership and would like to increase that by having members from other countries join and share information about their home country. Guests can visit and post in the shoutbox (chat room) and a new room (Guests Room) but will be required to become a member to post in the forum

How about ...

Grey-Members welcomes people from all over the world and invite you to share information, customs, literature and history about your home country.  Our Grey-Members forum is based in Australia and you will find colorful Australian slang and references in our posts.  We look forward to our members sharing the uniqueness of their home country or country of current residence.

You really need to explain or change or give a sub-title to your forum name though ... that along with changing the font size would be my first and second step.

On the positive side I think a forum for members from around the world to express and share history and ideas is great ... and needed. 

Best wishes to you,

Jeanne

 

[Retread]

Apr 16, 2019 8:06:14 GMT -8 Radrook said:

I like the idea of a place where the elderly can share their thoughts! Not so sure about identifying with being gray though. 

One Suggestion:

Reduce the size of the typing. It jumps out at the reader and makes reading difficult by being distracting.

Apr 19, 2019 9:21:40 GMT -8 jeannerene said:

First, you need to decrease your font size.  Such a big font feels like you are screaming at people and it is very off putting.

Since the forum is targeting older folks, the slightly larger font in most areas is a good idea.

However, the font size and weight in the posts is really in-your-face big. Scaling that back seems like a change stewie22 should consider.

[stewie22]

Apr 26, 2019 11:09:06 GMT -8 Retread said:

Apr 16, 2019 8:06:14 GMT -8 Radrook said:

I like the idea of a place where the elderly can share their thoughts! Not so sure about identifying with being gray though. 

One Suggestion:

Reduce the size of the typing. It jumps out at the reader and makes reading difficult by being distracting.

Apr 19, 2019 9:21:40 GMT -8 jeannerene said:

First, you need to decrease your font size.  Such a big font feels like you are screaming at people and it is very off putting.

Since the forum is targeting older folks, the slightly larger font in most areas is a good idea.

However, the font size and weight in the posts is really in-your-face big. Scaling that back seems like a change stewie22 should consider.

Thanks folks for your input on the font size we have a member that is partly blind so font was increased so he can read and remain a member.  At this point in time due to the lack of knowledge in  how to improve the site I am now letting it run its cores when the few members decide to move on I will reluctantly close down the site. it has been fun but one has to know when its over Cheers Stewie22

 

[Former Member]

Apr 27, 2019 2:36:22 GMT -8 stewie22 said:

Apr 26, 2019 11:09:06 GMT -8 Retread said:

Since the forum is targeting older folks, the slightly larger font in most areas is a good idea.

However, the font size and weight in the posts is really in-your-face big. Scaling that back seems like a change stewie22 should consider.

Thanks folks for your input on the font size we have a member that is partly blind so font was increased so he can read and remain a member.  At this point in time due to the lack of knowledge in  how to improve the site I am now letting it run its cores when the few members decide to move on I will reluctantly close down the site. it has been fun but one has to know when its over Cheers Stewie22

 

So... I can give you code which makes it that the font size is different for this partially blind member.

[stewie22]

Thanks Jonathan but this is where my problem is. I don't have the talents to know where to place the code. am surprised I have been able to bluff my way through this far with the site and that has only been possible because of the help I have had from support

[Former Member]

Apr 27, 2019 19:26:06 GMT -8 stewie22 said:

Thanks Jonathan but this is where my problem is. I don't have the talents to know where to place the code. am surprised I have been able to bluff my way through this far with the site and that has only been possible because of the help I have had from support

I can tell you where to go.

[stewie22]

 Jonathan I have been told where to go many a time  but go ahead I can always try it in the practise site I have (as I call it)