Who Is Running Your Online Community Forum?

Running your own online community forum takes a lot of hard work and patience. These days you have to practically baby sit your forum to prevent trolls, cliques and spammers from taking it over.

One problem I often see with online communities is the formation of clique groups who like to take over control and tell the owner of the group what to do with his/her forum.

As a forum owner, you need to remember that it's your group and you should run it as you see fit. Sure, its a great idea to ask the members of your group for their opinions and ideas but ultimately its your decision. It is your job to lead your group, not let your group lead you.

Another problem I often see with these cliques is that they enjoy chasing off new members who join the group. I have seen them belittle the new members because they are not as experienced as them when it comes to networking on message boards. When this behavior occurs, a lot of group leaders look the other way because they don't want to upset their long standing members. Frankly, this is the wrong approach to have.

It is your job to make your online group welcoming to all new members who wish to join and to contribute to the ongoing activities. If the clique group doesn't respect your guidelines and rules, then they don't respect you.

When it comes to leading your group, you need to make it clear that you are in charge of any and all decisions regarding your forum. When problems arise, you need to address them quickly and professionally. If you set the standard as soon as you start your forum, the members will learn really quickly that they can not get away with bullying others who join.

So as a forum owner...step up to the plate and take charge of your social networking group and lead it as it should be lead. You are in charge!

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Shelly Hill has been leading her own online networking group for moms and home business owners since 2003. You can visit Shelly's online community at www.classybusinesswomenforums.com/index.php Where we welcome all new members who join our group.

Print This Article Comment on Article Email to Friends Ezine Ready

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated