What demographic gives you the most trouble?

Discussion in 'Managing Your Online Community' started by Soliloquy, Jul 1, 2009.

  1. Soliloquy

    Soliloquy Regular Member

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    Whether it's young members starting fights or computer illiterate elders who can't figure out how to use the forum, what demographic causes you the most trouble? On the other hand, what demographic has turned out to be the best supporters of your site?
     
  2. Chris

    Chris Regular Member

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    Generally...

    • Those who are less than 15 years of age.
    • The members who feel as if they know everything.
    Dealing with the younger members tends to a bit of an annoyance - or it can be. Due to their age and general lack of maturity (in most cases), it is sometimes difficult to assist them in understanding what is right and, on the other hand, what is wrong. Many of these individuals also tend to resort to childish behavior, and in turn, action ultimately has to be taken to maintain order. Don't get me wrong - there are many individuals in this age range that show maturity and intelligence. Typically, however, this is not the case (and it also depends on the niche of the discussion forum at hand).

    The "know it alls"... where to start? These members vary in age, but are generally 15 years of age or less - I have yet to come across an individual who possesses these qualities that is older. Nonetheless, these individuals will drive me to a level of annoyance that is sometimes unbearable. I also tend to grin uncontrollably upon dealing with these members - it's a natural reaction.
     
  3. Michael

    Michael Regular Member

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    It seems anyone who is in competition with us, weve had 25 year olds act like theyre a child on our forums. The cheekiest ones seem to be the know it alls who believe they could do a better job of running and creating our forum.
     
  4. FullMetalBabe

    FullMetalBabe Zealot

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    Philippines..... x.x those Pinoy....
     
  5. Soliloquy

    Soliloquy Regular Member

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    Say a few words to them in Tagalog and they'll love you :)
     
  6. Nick

    Nick Regular Member

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    Definitely the younger ones.

    Most of my forum is an older audience (which is obviously my best group), and therefore computer illiterate. Let's put it this way: I posted a how-to guide on the "View First Unread" post feature (simple link to jump to first unread post in a thread) and they all are thanking me as if I'm their savior. They weren't aware of such a simple thing on their own.

    But I'm used to it. My forum wouldn't be successful without these members, so I don't mind helping them every little step of the way. :)
     
  7. FullMetalBabe

    FullMetalBabe Zealot

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    ... I don't know Tagalog, teach me?
     
  8. tryfuhl

    tryfuhl Champion

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    17-19 year old white males whom attend well ranked universities

    go figure
     
  9. Soliloquy

    Soliloquy Regular Member

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    I've had trouble with them too, tryfuhl... specifically, pre-law students.
     
  10. DarkWarriorXII

    DarkWarriorXII Addict

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    Teenage girls have caused the most problems with my forum. So much drama.

    Our best demographic? Probably mid-aged people.
     
  11. Soliloquy

    Soliloquy Regular Member

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    Are the teenage boys on your forum any better, DarkWarrior?
     
  12. tryfuhl

    tryfuhl Champion

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    haha, really analyzing huh?

    we only have one pre-law guy who causes a bit of trouble/trolls, his dad has gotten him out of any sort of trouble he's ever been in (and he's been in some big stuff).. he's a genuinely good guy, sounds strange but yeah
     
  13. DarkWarriorXII

    DarkWarriorXII Addict

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    There really aren't a whole lot of them, so they aren't noticed quite as much. Two of them are mods though.

    Our male-female ratio heavily favors females, in all age ranges.
     
  14. tryfuhl

    tryfuhl Champion

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    brb joining your forum
     
  15. Soliloquy

    Soliloquy Regular Member

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    No, they were just stupid enough not to cover their tracks (and use their .edu email addresses). I have enough evidence on two to get them kicked out of school.
     
  16. FullMetalBabe

    FullMetalBabe Zealot

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    ROFLMAO.
     
  17. tryfuhl

    tryfuhl Champion

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    Hope you don't do that
     
  18. Soliloquy

    Soliloquy Regular Member

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    Not unless they're stupid enough to return. Besides, you never know when you'll need free legal services.
     
  19. Nick

    Nick Regular Member

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    Me too. I'm sure it's because we are in the same niche and have extremely-related forums. :)

    *Off to create a thread just to discuss demographics :D*
     

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