I'm doing the website for theTx. Taxidermy Assoc.and have a had couple of people ask if we are going to have a forum again of some sort. The last couple we had were terrible, the person that was over it then was constantly deleting pornand spamso they shut it down, can't say that I blame them, not a lot of people were really using it anyway, just the same handful and about a bazillion spammers. I know this topic will come up again at our next meeting (Feb 15) so I want to be prepared.[/align]
I have NO experience whatsoever on setting one up and maintaining it. If anyone has any experience, suggestions, advice, anything, I'm all ears, er, eyes.
Thanks.[/align]

 

Use tactics to keep it out of the eyes of the search engines. This may bring traffic, if you're main goal is product directed advertising, but it does bring the spammers as well.

Use the 5 post minimum for photos/links. It wouldn't anger me, if I signed up for a website with that restriction. Ever see the sites that upload the pic, and you have to decode some squiggly letters? Why do sites still have that? it works! That's worth a try too. I mean eventually it's going to get to the point where your turning traffic away because your forums are that difficult. I've seen sites like that, and trust me, if the individual is seeking an answer they'll join. Why do you think so many ppl are first time posters with questions? Yes it's annoying, but 1 out of maybe 5 times it should generate an enthusiastic, contributingmember.

Disclaimer: I've done nothing of the sort. but i've participated in several forums throughout the years, and I've seen what works, and what don't.

 

The purpose of this particular forum would be for the members of the association to post questions/concerns, sale/trade/wanted items, services like wholesale, things like that. It wouldNOT be geared towards the general public, I'd just as soon keep the general public out of the forum, they can pay their dues and join the assoc if they want to participate. (not trying to be ugly here, that's just how I feel - I pay my dues and then some )

I've heard just the word "forum" is enough for the search engines. But I was thinking if I can set it up where they must register and be approved before posting that should stop it, I would think. They shouldn't be able to post if I don't approve them, right?

We had a yahoo group for a short time but some of the "old timers" didn't understand that they had to have a yahoo account first. From what I was told by the previous person over the site, it was a nightmare and I know people were griping.

Thanks.