Hidden costs of running a long-term forum

[Shawn Gossman]

Is this a topic that you think about?

The hidden costs of running a forum for a long time can be overwhelming. I'm not just talking about money but that can definitely be a part it. I'm also referring to your time, motivation, creativity, and commitement to ensuring your forum stays relevant and active. That takes a toll on us, too, right?

I'd love to see what you all have to say about this topic.

 

[Cedric]

It definitely takes a toll on us. But if the passion isn’t there, the time and energy spent will never feel worth it. Passion is what makes it sustainable - it’s often about doing something with little or nothing in return. If we counted every hour spent like a job, most of us would never start in the first place.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

it’s often about doing something with little or nothing in return.

I love that you mention this.

That's really the mindset that forum owners need to have these days.

Expect to do a lot but to get little in return. We'll definitely give away more than what we "sell" in the forum operator world.

I think those who don't get that are the ones who burn out fast.

 

[Cpvr]

Is this a topic that you think about?

The hidden costs of running a forum for a long time can be overwhelming. I'm not just talking about money but that can definitely be a part it. I'm also referring to your time, motivation, creativity, and commitement to ensuring your forum stays relevant and active. That takes a toll on us, too, right?

I'd love to see what you all have to say about this topic.

Sometimes our creativity takes a dip, and we focus on other things, which is perfectly fine. There's also slower seasons, especially during the fall compared to the summer. However, this is when our persistence and consistency is tested on our fronts.

It doesn't take a toll on me persey, but when members are being dick heads tbh, that's the main thing that takes a toll on me. There's no reason to act like a child when you're an adult.

Also, staying relevant is one of the things that tough in this day in age. You have to be everywhere to compete, but you necessary don't have to if you don't want to. You can survive without being on social media. It's just a bit harder if you're not everywhere. Being commited is easier when you love what you're doing and are passionated.

That's the key thing, we're the last of a dying breed(forum owners wise). There isn't too many passionated owners around, nor dedicated owners. If there was more of us around, the forum world would be a lot bigger and more successful.


All we can do is, is keep pushing, stay on our pee's and quee's and do the best that we can. For me, being motivated comes from listening to music. Somedays, I have more motivation than others, but one thing is for certain, when I'm locked in, I'm locked in.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

It doesn't take a toll on me persey, but when members are being dick heads tbh, that's the main thing that takes a toll on me. There's no reason to act like a child when you're an adult.

Yeah, but you're dealing with the internet, man.

While the internet of things is awesome and such a grand tool for the generations that have been able to take advantage of it, being childish on here is almost a "God given right" whether it's a good thing or not.

There is no other platform where adults act like this and live a reasonable life of being respected.

In front of us, I would like to get physical with them over stuff they would say if they said the same stuff they do online. But online, they're keyboard warriors, and they can do it without being stopped.

That's the internet. If we take that ability away, then there goes internet privacy and freedom. I mean @Cedric can probably talk on this over UK laws concerning stuff you can say online that results in prison time whereas me and you can freely say those things in the US without fear of being locked up.

I'm not sure what Cedric's position is on the UK laws but personally, I find them pretty offensive and tyrant-like.