United we stand, Divided we Fall.
United we stand, Divided we Fall.
Developing a forum, is like fighting a war! (Exaggerated)
Let me define the title of this article;
“United we Stand” - If your forum staff and members can get along with each other, eliminate as much disputes as possible and create a warm community, your forum will stand and be successful.
“Divided we Fall” - Just like a human pyramid, if we lose each other (separated), we will collapse, same as a forum, if the staff or/and members can’t get along with each other, the forum will slowly die out.
There are many small factors which cause the dis-functioning of a forum. In regards to this topic here are the following:
- Staff abusing position/power.
- Disputes between staff and members.
- Disputes/Disturbance within the Staff team.
- Due to status and power, ignorance and keeping a line between staff and members.
Staff abusing position/power which causes Disputes.
Many inexperienced staff members will sometime abuse their position/power. To be honest, i have as well (back when i first joined a gaming forum). The abuse of power comes from inexperienced members or a members character.
Abusing position or power is when a member of staff gives out warnings without consideration (unfairly), changes situations towards their favor or any act which gains them power by influencing members because of their rank.
These acts causes disputes between members and staff and may cause members to leave the forum. This has happened at quite a few forums i use to visit. As a reminder, act fairly, only make judgments over evidence and never have an bias/opinionated thought over disputes etc.
If you sense a member is abusing his power, warn them or if needed, drop them from the team or it will cause a significant impact on the forums activity.
Disputes within the Staff team.
Disputes within the staff team are extremely common (depending on how well you select your staff). Disputes may be caused by the following reasons.
- The firing of a staff member.
- Favoring.
- Character/Personality/Egotistic Clashes. (A main factor)
- Promotions of New Staff.
- And many more.
To prevent or eliminate as much staff disputes as possible is to take the time to select quality staff. Not all judgments are made on their forum performance but also you need to take into consideration their offside activities/hobbies/interests etc. You can read one of my previous entries; Choosing your Staff, Your Future.
Also as an administrator, try to even out your staff members. Keep them motivated and try to encourage interaction between themselves so they slowly build up a friendship. This will allow them to understand each other a lot more and can reason with each others disagreements etc.
How can you? Invite them to regular mass MSN chat conversations, let them add each other, create a chatroom etc.
Good luck with your forum!
© MESKOS Forum Development Blog 2008
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