The Biggest Thing You've Learned

What is the biggest thing you have learned as a result of your forum administration career? Maybe you learned quite a bit of SEO tricks and techniques? Maybe you've become better at dealing with people? Or maybe you got into designing through forums?

Share your experiences and the biggest thing you've learned.

 

I think I've become a bit better at making small talk with strangers. It's a useful skill.

 

You can never please everyone

 

That it is surprisingly cheap and easy to start up a forum once you know how. Even with buying vB on a shared hosting plan it is only $250 for the first year, and much less after that.

The ability to have full control over the forum, instead of being a moderator on a different forum owned by someone else. = priceless. Should have done it years ago.


In summary: I have learned 'just do it' is good advice when considering putting up a forum.

 

Hmm... To be honest, there are so many things I've learned. Forum skills, I've learned the passion within' me, learned how to at least try to be very eloquent, improved my grammar skills. I learned so many characters across the internet, so I could be ready for the next~

 

FullMetalBabe, you forgot to mention your graphics and template designing skills

 

XD That too!!

 

I have learned alot of stuff and some of the biggest is probobly php coding, css coding, template coding even if I can't make plugins like all thoose big plugin makers I am pretty good for my own stuff

 

walk & talk X_x?

 

I have learned that you can only please your self and all your members.

 

I'm sorry, but... what?

 

Yeah... what?

 

You can not please everyone

Backup your site on a regular basis

Have some really nice modifications installed that make your site stand out

Create a helpful community that treats new members with respect

 

Always remember that your forum is a community. Control the forum but do not control the community. It's a fine line but if you can define it things will grow.

Be selective about moderators. Very important.

Always continue to surprise your members with new features. Don't just add 10 new features in a day...dole them out over time. They will be constantly appreciate of the work you place into the forum.

Be decisive and fair.

Don't allow yourself to get into personal wars with members.

 

We're getting some nice tips here! I plan on eventually making an article out of this. Perhaps "101 Important Things to Always Remember."