This is Day 9 of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog, a group project 60+ of us bloggers are doing together in an effort to help each other become better bloggers. You can read an overview here.
Today’s assignment is to join a forum and start participating. Some of you participating may already be involved in a forum which means you are ahead of the crowd. If you already belong to a forum spend 10-15 minutes today on the forum asking and answering questions. If you do not already belong to a forum it is important for you to participate in at least one. We all have to remember that aside from the technical stuff that all of us struggle with, blogging is about relationships, and forums are a great place to build those relationships.
Here are a few benefits to joining a forum:
- You can ask questions. All of us have questions that need answers. We need technical help, we need topics to write on, we need to know where to find experts, etc… Forums allow us a place to ask questions where people are gathered around a common purpose. (Keep in mind not to limit yourself to forums centered on you niche. If you have tech questions join a forum for techies. If you need ideas join a forum that discusses issues related to your topic.)
- You can answer questions. The best way to build respect and gain trust is to help others solve their problems. If you don’t know the answer then help them find someone that does. When others know that you are not just there to score a sale or recruit readers then they will be more open when you have the opportunity to point them to your product or blog for answers.
- You get free ideas. Joining a forum allows you to see the problems and questions that people need answers to. This gives you an unlimited supply of post ideas. If you can solve problems then people will turn to you for answers and also refer their friends.
Discussion
- What are some other benefits of joining a forum?
- If you are already a forum member, how often do you participate and how has it helped you?
- Can you recommend a forum that has helped you with technical support or site development?
The Extra Mile
A few other things you can do to take your blog, other bloggers, and this project even further today…
- Reply & give other bloggers feedback on the little things they do.
- When other bloggers include a link to a new article they’ve posted today, click, read, and comment on it.
- Check previous posts in the series for new comments.
- Tweet, share, & bookmark this post.
Larry Westfall is a husband, father to two children, and serves as a youth pastor near Charleston, WV. His passion is to help those around him to pursue a life of significance. You can follow him on twitter @LarryWestfallJr or read his blog at http://larrywestfall.com.
65 Comments
I think today's assignment took longer than 10 or 15 minutes–unless you were already part of a forum. After reading L.L.'s post, I realized I am part of a forum of sorts–High Calling Blogs. I won't use the words "nice" or "fun" but I will say that I am getting to know some of the writers there and I like the creativity and depth in their articles. I have also participated in their Photo Play feature which gives participants the opportunity to check out other blogs and leave comments there.
In addition, I have posted to Christian Women Online a few times and I am getting to know the people there as well. http://www.christianwomenonline.net/blogs/janis%4…
It makes the world of blogging real as we share common values and interests.
If you haven't seen my post from yesterday yet, take a look at: http://openmyearslord.blogspot.com/2010/05/sweet-…
It has been a busy day!
In Him,
Janis
Some of the comments posted so far have given a fair evaluation of forums. Some are useful and some are self serving. I find that if I want a forum to be worth my time I have to spend some of my time interacting with those involved. Also, the forum has to relate to some particular area of interest or expertise.
I spent some time on forums today to discover how to fix my website. It crashed earlier today. After a few hours I was able to find the answer I needed and it is now up and running.
The idea of Forums are new to me. I'm not sure if I'm a part of other forums or not, but I joined the one here athttps://ourchurch.com this morning. I've interacted in a few of the ones already started and think that it can be a great way to learn from others, interact, meet new people, and have another online family. It's beneficial because if you have questions you can ask, and it may be something others are wondering about too; and if no questions you can help answer other peoples questions.
For sight development and help I asked people that I knew had blogs or googled what I needed help with.
Blog post for today is coming, I'm running behind.
Hahaha–that's great! Only they probably wouldn't know what an abacus is. It never occurred to me to link twitter and facebook. I still haven't figured out whether twitter has any point at all. 😆
I used to be part of a golfing forum, but seriously, it is addicting, since it is a live conversation, in essence, so I have weened myself off forums forever.
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1. I use forums to reach others in my niche and get needed advice
2- As a homeschooler and mom I spend time seeking tips and advice in forums,I also share posts if therey are relevant to topics
3.Twittermoms helps me with marketing tips.
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is magnificent, as well as the content!. Thanks For Your article about 31DBBB Day 9: Join A Forum And Start Participating | Christian Web Trends Blog .
Great job Larry! Thanks for writing for us.
Believe it or not – forums are a new experience for me. Looking at some and deciding to join one [I chose the OCC Community] has reminded me that one reason I got involved in blogging was for a chance to develop relationships. Tips so far have been very helpful. Thanks everyone!
Now to the task of finding more appropriate forums to explore. Am I missing something about how to find them?