Do You Like Doing Post Exchanges?

I'd only do post exchanges on a dieing or dead forum, since they're not worth all the effort IMHO.

 

Well, YES. It helps me in 2 ways: 1. I get some content going on my site and can control this (most my 'exchengees' were amazing posters) and 2. I actually get to find some pretty nice new forums. I don't have the time to look for forums myself and sometimes, when doing exchanges I get to know some new nice communities. In some cases, I stayed there more than the exchange's duration.

 

You need to understand this is not the cure. It's a way to boost activity on a brand new forum, so that you're not talking to yourself. People don't like empty forums and the forums are empty because no one joins. I have used in the past posting packages and I was VERY pleased. Of course I was very strict with my quality demands and the provider understood this. These are good to get some activity going and then, once you reach that point, your community will pick off by itself.

 

I do post exchanges occasionally. I think it's somewhat necessary when starting a forum now. You definitely need something to draw the first load of posters in. Some people prefer competitions and other prefer buying posts ect.

The reasons I think post exchanges are an effective way to get started have already been stated.

The obvious: you get posts on your forum - potential members don't signup to empty forums.
Secondly: most places allow a signature link (some disallow competing forums). This allows you to get the name of your forum out there, whilst also gaining posts in return.
Thirdly: You get talking to other forum owners. This can be a great foot in the door for things like affiliation.
Fourthly: Like Dojo said above: you come across little gems of forums you may not have seen otherwise. If the community is nice enough, you may want to stick around after the exchange is finished. - This is a positive for you as you've found a nice community and the owner will be glad of a new member.

 

They definitely have their place but certainly relying on them isn't a good move. I've used them when starting a new forum and its a great way of kickstarting discussions and ensuring you don't have any empty (ghost) forums. I'd definitely check out a paid posting company thoroughly first though before purchasing any content.

 

*threads merged*

 

It is wrong to presume that those who talk too much tells the truth and vice verse. But I see the trend among forum owners not appreciating those who are brief for reasons of their own. Even though I admit one word responses are not conducive.

 

It's a very good idea. I like the forum post exchange and(or) blog comment exchange. The benefits as I can see them are:
1. More unique content
2. More unique visitors
3. More popularity for your forum and (or) blog
4. Possibly more new friends

 

Well, you can rely on them for a while - until you have enough content to make a bigger push. Nobody wants to join an empty forum, and post exchanges and Postloop help new owners, and old owners by giving us the opportunity to add more content to the community without actually paying for posts.

So honestly, if you're using Post loop or post exchanges to build your content - make sure you're also adding fresh content that way, when the users eventually trickle in, your community will be able to hold them, or get them to stick around because of the amount of content.

 

They get different members with different opinions posting on your forum and for the most part they should be targeted posts so they can't hurt. As long as they are on topic and not regurgitated posts that they person does elsewhere. I just had a posting package for a forum and the person was using the same old crappy posts that they posted elsewhere so it was a waste of time.

 

Had a similar experience myself recently. Actually asked them to stop before they even got halfway through.

 

Ya, when they do that, I usually search their username and see where else the username has been used, then since its spam, I move the posts to my trash can. That's one thing that most people think about post exchanges though - that you won't get a quality poster.

The thing is if you do some searching, you can of course, find some quality posters to help you in those exchanges. I know I've done a few in the past, and I'm always open to do some with other forum owners. I'm all for that. I'm just not up to engage in a post exchange with someone who doesn't make quality posts, but its all good.

And also - how often does everywhere here do post exchanges? Couple times a week? Couple times a month? Once a day? Or, I'd love to know as well because I remember I used to do it everyday.

 

I don't necessarily "like" doing them per se. But if you're a new, upcoming forum, sometimes you have no choice. Forum communities take a LONG time to build. So at times the help of "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" is needed.

 

It's quite a good idea to help each other out. But you don't want to do too many otherwise you will start to not care about each forum. If you could, try to have a relationship with one or two sites. That is better.