thelerner Posted May 14, 2015 I don't have much experience with other sites. Originally I was active on the Healing Tao USA site, but ultimately the lack of moderation and even more the lack of conversationality, ie the structure made it more for talking at people then carrying on indepth discussion. So pieces, some of them brilliant were quickly lost down stream. Over the years I've seen good sites as well as bad disappear. We've been lucky with the Dao Bums. What do you think keeps a site healthy? What balances do we need? How do attract new members and retain old ones? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apech Posted May 14, 2015 I think: 1 ) no overall orthodox view or dogma (all views count) 2 ) gradualist approach to moderation i.e. evolving what works instead of sudden strict rules. 3 ) good humour and banter 4 ) the members of course! most people come here to contribute and learn 5 ) plenty of screen names and avatars with feline references 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Songtsan Posted May 14, 2015 Birds of a feather tend to flock together....some birds don't like other birds- i once saw a crow punk some ducks at a stream apparently out of sheer malice. Some birds don't like cats, and cats chase birds. Dogs chase cats, some cats like to sneak attack dogs and then run and hide...all sorts of animal shenanigans go on in the wilderness. I liken forums to a wilderness of sorts. Now me, I am a fox-cat-bird-snake and more chameleon. I like everyone most of the time. Some people only like a small percentage of people most of the time. I like demons and angels both, saints and sinners both. As much as I complain about my childhood, I wouldn't change a thing, because it has made me wise beyond measure. Out of great suffering, comes great healing, and great realizations. I think what makes a forum last is: 1) all accepting 2) no special interests 3) community involvement, I.e. member support (still haven't donated much, but I have a plan) 4) continual cultivation (don't let things stagnate...keep updating and improving things) 5) Eye appeal (take for example, godlikeproductions allows you to change the way the forum looks on your end, choose colors, etc...)- one thing that drives members away is dissension... Take for example, how when certain members are banned, then their friends leave too...the loss is felt heavy...this can destroy a forum...I am outright against banning for that reason...never throw out babies with dirty bath water. If this is supposed to be a place to come and learn and heal, then this is inadvisable. That's what self - cultivation is all about- healing your way back to original spirit. No one is ever healed by being thrown into some cosmic garbage dump. Also, what would make this place thrive is more members sharing their skills freely- non materialism...like post videos of yourself doing what you love best and know best, to teach others...if its all about promoting this or that instructional video, this or that teacher/system, etc. Then that is just commercialism, and doomed to fail in the long run.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RiverSnake Posted May 14, 2015 (edited) DP Edited May 15, 2015 by OldChi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Songtsan Posted May 14, 2015 I would also add that the root intent of the owner/operators is what matters most. Who does own this place anyways? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apech Posted May 14, 2015 I would also add that the root intent of the owner/operators is what matters most. Who does own this place anyways? Almighty God owns it ... he goeth by the name 'Sean'. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Songtsan Posted May 14, 2015 To be honest, I'd like a forum that had absolutely no moderation whatsoever, except moving inappropriate posts/threads to their respective areas...true anarchy is true expression...neat things would happen there, I imagine...hell, maybe have not even the moderation I suggested. How much does it cost to run a site like this anyways? Maybe I will actually get off my ass and start mine one of these days... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apech Posted May 14, 2015 Doth he post here? Verily, he dooth. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Songtsan Posted May 14, 2015 What pseudonym useth him good sir? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Songtsan Posted May 15, 2015 Also, there is health in sheer numbers....I will refer to GLP www.godlikeproductions.com as an example... Its the only other forum besides Bluelight that I use...the reason they are so popular is that they allow more shenanigans there, thus there is way more traffic... Honestly, I think that this site being named one thing (I.e. Tao bums) makes it less approachable.... Clearly, there are people from many divergent paths coming here, so its obviously not just about Taoism...if you wanted it to stay small like a manicured bonsai, then keep it super focused...but it will need lots of attention... If you wanted to let it grow big and crazy, then relax the controls...the Tao that can be named is not the Tao... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spotless Posted May 15, 2015 (edited) I don't actually know the backside format - but something I did notice many moons ago was more activity (from I think moderators) engaging in very hollow positives. Lots of Hehe and "that was good" "very interesting" (these are not actual examples). I actually have one mod on my "don't view" list not because I do not care for them but because I do not feel they ever comment with content of any depth, pith or real thought. So it seems supportive of what is often playful chat room stuff but in many posts that did not start that way. Taomeow suggested changing the Like button to something like "memorable" - I think this speaks to my concern. One can LIKE a cute crack about something but it would not receive a MEMORABLE on most occasions. The Likes are a bit like a slot machine - intermittent positive reinforcement - a very very strong force. Perhaps have a Like button and a Memorable button. I like both buttons - I do think the Like button is something that h olds people here and brings them back to a particular thread. This is a good subtle motivator and it certainly feels good or at least engaging when you open the door and a bunch of likes are at the top of the page. Perhaps though if there were only a Memorable button people would strive to think more deeply and write better in order to get that precious "Memorable" stamp of approval - this might be a very good thing. Unfortunately if it is the only button many games of jealousy or rivalry would hinder some from granting a memorable button push. I have enjoyed the interviews - the questions have been very good and all of the ones I've read have had good guests. Bye the way - I do want to thank all of you for the work you put in - this is quite a site! Edited May 15, 2015 by Spotless 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apech Posted May 15, 2015 What pseudonym useth him good sir? His name cannot be spoken for it is Sean. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blue eyed snake Posted May 15, 2015 well, a 'to be expected answer from me...' more fems... less genderbashing 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Songtsan Posted May 15, 2015 Yeah, I've seen enough gender bashing from both sides...still, people should express what they feel, just maybe in more neutral terms... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
idiot_stimpy Posted May 15, 2015 The reason I visit is beneficial content. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian Posted May 15, 2015 No one has mentioned the excellent beverages served at the tiki bar? The excellent beverages served at the tiki bar. Oh, and the occasional flashes of Light... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
