[Dream]

Originally Posted by Rapscallion

I've read your post, Mr Eyes, and my main problem is that I'm trying to work out why you're running a forum.

If it brings in money and you can tolerate it, then it's a job.
If it costs money and you enjoy it, it's a hobby.
If it brings in money and you enjoy it, you're very fortunate.

Rapscallion

I have to agree with Rapscallion here. When I decided to turn my forum into business (in my head), I stoped caring, and don't take stuff personally anymore. Why can't you make a profit with your forum? Ask your members that.

I banned a member on my forum 10 times in 6 years. He annoyed me to no end, but he was friends with most the rest of the forum. Your forum, unfortunately, is not a place for you to make friends, it's for others to do so. You don't control who and how your forum is going to be used, and what for, and tweaking it is never going to end.

I like forum democracies too, but you need a set of rules, and point out that you are the owner of the forum, you pay, you manage, you spend time setting it so it works, it's private property, not a public one. So letting everyone discuss is nice and all, but it's your call in the end, and if people are not happy, they need to look for another place to go, simple as that, tell them that.

Just tell them, yes I want to make a profit with the forum, I decide stuff here but you are free to discuss and suggest everything, and I'm the Administrator first and your friend second. Think objectively, not emotionally, don't it personal, and it won't get to you. The guy is being a ++++? You can call him names or let the community work it out. They are the community, so it's their damn problem. As long as everyone clicks the ads, it's all fine and dandy. And if they ask you to ban him, ban his ass out.

When playing Civilization, democracy is the most PITA form of government for the player. Let them kill each other and evolve at their own pace, just delete the spam and ban the porn posters. Try to put some sense in their heads, and they will listen even if they don't agree, because of your position, and discuss it among them. Tears will roll, and it will work itself out. Think of poking a germ culture with a stick. Don't put your finger in it.

If nothing else works, pull the plug. But as you are going to pull the plug anyway, why don't you try putting some ads in there? You don't have anything to lose but members which you were going to anyway by pulling the plug!

If you want to have a forum to make friends and be admired for your hard work, forget it. They will hate you and ask for more to be done. You will get some thank yous some times, but not as many as you would deserve. Don't depend on your forum.

All communities are different, so take my advice with two grains of salt.

(oh, and don't let your ego inflate for being an administrator... MANY MANY communities are filled with "the superior forum staff" usual suspects. being an administrator and moderator sucks, there's nothing to feel proud about.)