Forum becoming unusable?

[Aiden Roberts]

I have been here for about 12 months or so, I have committed all of the newbie sins and probably then some. The reason I am still here is because of the tolerance and support offered by most Acorners. I didn't join to flog hopeless domains because I didn't own any domains, granted I have since bought some and attempted to sell them but this is part of the learning process.

I have started and participated in many interesting threads which I believe add value to the forum as golden nuggets of information always come out, that said these threads do seem to be currently overshadowed by the influx of sales threads by new and existing members and appraisal requests, I choose which threads I read and which I ignore and for me that's all the censorship I need!

I think we have to be careful and avoid knee jerk reactions as not every newbie is here to sell loads of useless domains and ask for appraisals that they can ignore or challenge in fact many actually spend months reading before even registering and participating.

I guess what I am saying is if you don't want to read endless sales and appraisal threads "don't", if you can't be bothered, have nothing to say or are sick of repeating yourself "don't respond to a thread" or once you have recognised that the poster wants an argument or is going to dismiss your valuable advice, get out of the argument as you have the knowledge not them.

Apart from that why change a successful forum and push it down the elite route when non of us know how successful the next sign up will be.


Just my tuppence

 

[namealot]

Can you really make a logical case for allowing more than 365 sales threads/year/user? Because that's what you're in effect defending.

They may sell more than 365

 

[Brassneck]

Apart from that why change a successful forum and push it down the elite route when non of us know how successful the next sign up will be.


Just my tuppence

I wouldn't want it to become an elite forum, however you have to recognise that a fair few experienced people don't bother posting any more. That is a shame because we are losing out on their knowledge and expertise. Many of those guys have moved on from domaining purely and are spending time developing great sites, doing web marketing etc.

The forum is so swamped with people trying to sell that there actually is very little content at the moment. Where are the discussions about sales techniques, valuing domains, Nominet, monetising, etc. There used to be quite a few of those....

Stephen.

 

[retired_member22]

I wouldn't want it to become an elite forum, however you have to recognise that a fair few experienced people don't bother posting any more. That is a shame because we are losing out on their knowledge and expertise. Many of those guys have moved on from domaining purely and are spending time developing great sites, doing web marketing etc.

The forum is so swamped with people trying to sell that there actually is very little content at the moment. Where are the discussions about sales techniques, valuing domains, Nominet, monetising, etc. There used to be quite a few of those....

Stephen.

I prefer www.warriorforum.com

Alot less attitude and more freindly

 

[cc976a]

What does everyone want from the forum - apart from more sales? Seems we've all got so negative as of late.

I posted this in another thread yesterday, but think it is time to liven things up and attract others who are willing to buy - rather than just a bunch of people looking to sell (which demand vs supply is always going to drive down prices)

******************************************

Some ideas to help:

- People to post their entire portfolio's in a separate (well promoted on home page) area. Imagine new domainers, developers and even end users being able to see and search everyone's domains on here. Thousands of good (and yes some bad) very easy to see and search on etc.... creating a mini Sedo. Doesn't need to take away some of the forum areas, as these can be used to Market specific names with a sale price, clear-out etc....

- Articles and content written by members which are search engine friendly trying to catch some of those searching for content about domains, buying domains, getting the right domains, benefits of buying generic domains (sure Edwin could make a post or two!)

- Promotion on the home page of some of the names in the new portfolios area or sales threads;



I know these ideas take the site a little away from a generic forum, but we all know how to grow and adapt with our own businesses. If we are all willing to help with knowledge, ideas, skills etc... perhaps it will benefit us all.....

******************************************

 

[fabpack]

I prefer www.warriorforum.com

Alot less attitude and more freindly

I'm no expert, but I think your post is off topic, unhelpful and possibly out of spite.

 

[boxerdog]

I guess what I am saying is if you don't want to read endless sales and appraisal threads "don't", if you can't be bothered, have nothing to say or are sick of repeating yourself "don't respond to a thread" or once you have recognised that the poster wants an argument or is going to dismiss your valuable advice, get out of the argument as you have the knowledge not them.

Exactley, I dont want to add any more to this thread so I wont......simples

 

[woopwoop]

Can you really make a logical case for allowing more than 365 sales threads/year/user? Because that's what you're in effect defending.

I don't think that that is the intention of the rule (to allow someone 365 sales threads). I think it is to limit 1 per day. I don't think that anyone has got close to 365 sales posts a year have they?

Economy's bad, people are rethinking, and in my case I'm selling off a huge % of my portfolio to focus.

Many people have moved on because business changes and life happens.

 

[Brassneck]

I have been here for about 12 months or so, I have committed all of the newbie sins and probably then some. The reason I am still here is because of the tolerance and support offered by most Acorners. I didn't join to flog hopeless domains because I didn't own any domains, granted I have since bought some and attempted to sell them but this is part of the learning process.

I have started and participated in many interesting threads which I believe add value to the forum as golden nuggets of information always come out, that said these threads do seem to be currently overshadowed by the influx of sales threads by new and existing members and appraisal requests, I choose which threads I read and which I ignore and for me that's all the censorship I need!

I think we have to be careful and avoid knee jerk reactions as not every newbie is here to sell loads of useless domains and ask for appraisals that they can ignore or challenge in fact many actually spend months reading before even registering and participating.

I guess what I am saying is if you don't want to read endless sales and appraisal threads "don't", if you can't be bothered, have nothing to say or are sick of repeating yourself "don't respond to a thread" or once you have recognised that the poster wants an argument or is going to dismiss your valuable advice, get out of the argument as you have the knowledge not them.

Apart from that why change a successful forum and push it down the elite route when non of us know how successful the next sign up will be.


Just my tuppence

What does everyone want from the forum - apart from more sales? Seems we've all got so negative as of late.

I posted this in another thread yesterday, but think it is time to liven things up and attract others who are willing to buy - rather than just a bunch of people looking to sell (which demand vs supply is always going to drive down prices)

******************************************

Some ideas to help:

- People to post their entire portfolio's in a separate (well promoted on home page) area. Imagine new domainers, developers and even end users being able to see and search everyone's domains on here. Thousands of good (and yes some bad) very easy to see and search on etc.... creating a mini Sedo. Doesn't need to take away some of the forum areas, as these can be used to Market specific names with a sale price, clear-out etc....

- Articles and content written by members which are search engine friendly trying to catch some of those searching for content about domains, buying domains, getting the right domains, benefits of buying generic domains (sure Edwin could make a post or two!)

- Promotion on the home page of some of the names in the new portfolios area or sales threads;



I know these ideas take the site a little away from a generic forum, but we all know how to grow and adapt with our own businesses. If we are all willing to help with knowledge, ideas, skills etc... perhaps it will benefit us all.....

******************************************

I agree - I think it might be a good idea for the forum to become a part of Acorn Domains rather than the sole content. Of course, it's up to Alan but I am sure there are a few people around here who would be more than happy to help given the opportunity.

Stephen.

 

[Aiden Roberts]

I wouldn't want it to become an elite forum, however you have to recognise that a fair few experienced people don't bother posting any more. That is a shame because we are losing out on their knowledge and expertise. Many of those guys have moved on from domaining purely and are spending time developing great sites, doing web marketing etc.

The forum is so swamped with people trying to sell that there actually is very little content at the moment. Where are the discussions about sales techniques, valuing domains, Nominet, monetising, etc. There used to be quite a few of those....

Stephen.

I agree and in the last twelve months I have noticed people disappearing which is a loss but as you say they have moved onto development and probably frequent development focused forums. I think the current state of the forum is down to the wider issues going on in the country, resulting in domainers offloading endless amounts of names to cut renewal fees, people who have lost jobs trying to find a way of earning some easy cash but I think it will pass and normality will resume.

Edwin mentioned earlier on in the thread about newbies missing the boat or words to that effect, well these newbies are the best chance of selling bloated portfolios and the shrewd newbie can pick up some real bargains in these lean times so let's not discourage them. Trolls for the most part stand out like a sore thumb, admin can ban them quite easily or we can put them on our ignore list. I genuinely feel the forum will sort itself out without any further rules.

Aiden

 

[BREWSTERS]

I prefer www.warriorforum.com

Alot less attitude and more freindly

Are you kidding? I've seen some real flame threads on there.

 

[BREWSTERS]

How about a joining fee for newbs, say £10 - they then get 20 credits which they can use; 50p per sales or appraisal thread. After that they can post like everyone else.

Oh yeah, and naked ladies in the margins and header / footer please.

 

[Marcoose]

Suggestion, from someone who joined to build a portfolio!

-appraisal section only for .co.uk domains minimum 6-12 months of age!

Catches are fresh reg though!

 

[Sam]

+ 1

I'm no expert, but i think your post is off topic, unhelpful and possibly out of spite.

 

[Marcoose]

I actually think that is a worthwhile idea. There are a lot of domains which are worth low XXX which are usable but on Sedo the commission takes a big dent. Also, dealing directly with buyers / sellers gives more opportunity for negotiation and I have found in the past you can build up business relationships which might have other spin-offs.

Stephen.

Like^ Anything that helps to keep the money in the country and in our pockets rather than SEDO is good with me.

 

[Marcoose]

I prefer www.warriorforum.com

Alot less attitude and more freindly

I before e, except after c!

 

[SF]

Where has my post gone?

 

[Blossom]

I like the idea of the database. To be honest there just needs to be more people posting discussions that aren't domains for sale/wanted because otherwise the forums would be practically dead. But people complaining could easily be starting discussion threads to dilute the number of sale threads

Or maybe Acorn needs to expand a bit further beyond mainly domain discussions into business, marketing, entrepreneurial and freelance stuff. Some domaining topics are cycled endlessly and there's only so many times you can read practically the same discussion.

 

[Brassneck]

Or maybe Acorn needs to expand a bit further beyond mainly domain discussions into business, marketing, entrepreneurial and freelance stuff. Some domaining topics are cycled endlessly and there's only so many times you can read practically the same discussion.

Agreed. And I am pleased this is turning into a potentially constructive thread.

 

[Rob_F]

I reckon it is mobile access that is causing the slow down. Have you tried listing a load of domains for sale from your mobile/smartphone? Nightmare.

- Rob

Sent from my HTC, from the pub.