Are Forums Really A Waste Of Time?

by Jason Moffatt

Posted: 12 years ago 33 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

I've often heard gurus and fellow internet marketers tell people that forums are a waste of time and that they should avoid places like the Warrior Forum and other places because they are a time suck and keep you from the activity that you should be most focused on.... MAKING MONEY!

While I do agree that you shouldn't spend 99% of your time dinking around on the forum and never making offers or creating funnels that actually bring in the money, I think it's a bit of mistake to neglect just how much advice, motivation and partnerships that you can gain from spending a bit of time in a active and helpful forum.

Over the last couple years I have not engaged in this forum or any forum for that matter for more than a few minutes. I've been off surfing, traveling in a RV, and generally enjoying life and reaping the rewards of having a successful online business. However, when I think about it, I have to admit that by being disconnected with fellow entrepreneurs it has done very little to help my business.

When submerged in a community like the Warrior Forum with like minded people, getting feedback from some folks who think a bit differently than I and offering advice to those who are in need, it spurs a lot of creativity within for me personally.

Admittedly, I haven't engaged much at all with many marketers for the last few years. And while my business has always been healthy and prosperous, I haven't done myself any favors by the absence or staying within my own bubble.

After spending a bit of time tonight reading through threads I realized how much I actually miss interacting with folks here. There's always been a solid group of people here that have lasted for many years. Folks that have been good friends, folks that I've made a lot of money with, and folks that have taught me a good strategy or two.

Basically, I just realized I sort of miss this place. I miss writing silly posts and jokes, the occasional helpful tactic and sending Kevin Riley dirty pics.

I have so many fond memories of this place motivating me in ways that I'm not sure any other place could do.

So, I just wanted to say I miss y'all. It's been fun reading posts and catching up with some old friends.

Peace

Jason

PS: I just realized this is going to be my 3000th post! What a long strange trip it's been

#forums #time #waste

locke815 12 years ago

Well welcome back
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- Jason Moffatt 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by locke815
  
  Well welcome back
  
  Thanks. Lots of new folks whom I don't recognize. Gonna take a bit to catch up.
  
  Thanks
  
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JEasy 12 years ago

Welcome back and grats on your success . This place is surely a goldmine for a number of reasons.
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- Jason Moffatt 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by JEasy
  
  Welcome back and grats on your success . This place is surely a goldmine for a number of reasons.
  
  I wonder if anyone ever referred to a place as a silver mine or a diamond mine? Why is it always a gold mine? And yes, it surely has been a gold mine.
  
  Thanks
  
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  JEasy 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt
  
  I wonder if anyone ever referred to a place as a silver mine or a diamond mine? Why is it always a gold mine? And yes, it surely has been a gold mine.
  
  lol I Should've said platinum . Awesome 9/16 post btw. When you find that answer post it here. Cheers.
  
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  Jason Moffatt 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by JEasy
  
  lol I Should've said platinum . Awesome 9/16 post btw. When you find that answer post it here. Cheers.
  
  I had a hard time figuring out what you were talking about, then realized I link to my blog in the sig. Yes, finding my soul purpose has been quite the adventure. I think I'm getting really close. I'm 99% sure it has little to do with marketing, and a lot more with making people smile and laugh.
  
  Thanks man.
  
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  salegurus 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt
  
  I wonder if anyone ever referred to a place as a silver mine or a diamond mine? Why is it always a gold mine? And yes, it surely has been a gold mine.
  
  It's a gold mine if you are looking for answers to questions that have been asked 1000 times before...
  
  Thanks
  
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  Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
  
  ― George Carlin
  
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Mark Singletary

12 years ago

Jason,

Welcome back. I hope you are sincere in your desire to be part of the community again because you have a lot of experience you can offer.

However there will be skeptics that believe that you or one of your buddies is about to have a big launch and that's why you have this change of heart. Face it - that's what typically happens. No one has time for the WF until they need to get the word out about something.

I, for one, have enjoyed and benefitted from some of your advice here before. Like I said I hope you are sincere and not playing a game. Being sincere also means taking the negative with the good - like any family. Unfortunately, what many of your friends do is come, get offended, and then pout off.

Mark

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Jason Moffatt

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Mark Singletary

Ha, Mark.

I feel ya. No agenda. I just logged onto the forum and read a few posts that made me smile. Nothing more. Thanks for the kind words.

I personally could give a rats ass about any skeptics. I have little time for such things and I'm not here to convince anyone of anything.

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IMSince2003

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Mark Singletary

However there will be skeptics that believe that you or one of your buddies is about to have a big launch and that's why you have this change of heart. Face it - that's what typically happens. No one has time for the WF until they need to get the word out about something.

Hmm... actually that happened just recently with a well known guru with an English accent (or was it Australian?). BTW, that's not a slur on Jason.

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Les Blythe

12 years ago

I, for one, have found my time on the WF absolutely invaluable. Quite honestly, when I was brand new to IM, I could have saved myself many thousands of dollars if I'd know how to use the forum properly.

I take Mark's point about using the forum for gain but we are (mostly) marketers in any case. My take is that as long as we are adding value and not just making crappy one line posts for the sake of it (don't you just hate that) there is nothing wrong with trying to make a couple of bob to keep the lights on!

My logic goes something like this - here's something for free that is valuable (I have spent time and effort putting it together) - here's a chance to buy something (also valuable) if you want - your choice.

I do feel there is a tendency for us to almost be ashamed to be internet marketers - I say be proud of the fact.

Remember if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck - it probably IS a duck.

Cheers

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Jason Moffatt

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Les Blythe

I, for one, have found my time on the WF absolutely invaluable. Quite honestly, when I was brand new to IM, I could have saved myself many thousands of dollars if I'd know how to use the forum properly.

I take Mark's point about using the forum for gain but we are (mostly) marketers in any case. My take is that as long as we are adding value and not just making crappy one line posts for the sake of it (don't you just hate that) there is nothing wrong with trying to make a couple of bob to keep the lights on!

My logic goes something like this - here's something for free that is valuable (I have spent time and effort putting it together) - here's a chance to buy something (also valuable) if you want - your choice.

I do feel there is a tendency for us to almost be ashamed to be internet marketers - I say be proud of the fact.

Remember if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck - it probably IS a duck.

Cheers

Totally.

I feel you 100%.

I never take offense to people that are trying to push their stuff. If I don't like it, no one is forcing me to click on their link. In fact, I'd think some people were a bit weird if they weren't trying to drum up business around here.

To be honest, I've dropped tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in this place by not being an aggressive marketer. The fact I've only done a handful of WSO's in my life is almost stupid when I look back.

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IMSince2003

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt

To be honest, I've dropped tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in this place by not being an aggressive marketer. The fact I've only done a handful of WSO's in my life is almost stupid when I look back.

I'm with you 100% on this one. There are people here who are serial WSO creators who are simply KILLING it. There's a guy here who pulled in over a million dollars in the last 18 months (you know who you are) whose name I'm not going to mention here.

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IMSince2003 12 years ago

I recognize your name well. Hello! And yes, I've not seen Kevin Riley for a while. Maybe I just missed his posts. Maybe he's having too much fun in Osaka
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RPaige

12 years ago

I just want to say, I am new to the forum but I really appreciate all of the experienced people on here who share helpful information. I have been around for awhile, but just recently joined and looking forward to learning from you and others with your level of experience.

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Jason Moffatt

12 years ago

Originally Posted by RPaige

Right on buddy. I remember how this place blew my mind the first few months on here.

My advice to you would be make sure you are writing at least one ad a day. I don't care if it's just a free classified ad or selling that old chainsaw in the garage on eBay.

ABWA or... Always Be Writing Ads!

Seldom do people just send you money to Paypal for wearing cool looking Nike's or having a pretty haircut.

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kenzik 12 years ago

I think answering questions on forums helps you learn. Additionally, you get quick feedback if you are in left field with your answer.

When you actually type out your thoughts about what you think you know, you frequently find out what the gaps are and/or realize how wrong you are about what you typing.

Additionally, people all learn differently. I suppose what people are trying to say when they say forums are a waste of time is that:
1) It takes a bit of energy to separate the meat from the bones
2) If you get sucked into it and only spend your days in the forums, you aren't actually accomplishing anything.
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nasuryono 12 years ago

Welcome back Jason! Yes, forum can be quite addictive, but hey, you don't live alone right?

Even if you have a lot of money, it would mean nothing if there are no people on this earth
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- MissTerraK 12 years ago
  
  Welcome back, Jason.
  
  I'm not quite sure if we met before your extended vacation, so I'll just go ahead and say that I'm pleased to make your acquaintance.
  
  Terra
  
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George Wright

12 years ago

Jason,

It's great to see you.

I'm looking forward to your insights.

Welcome back.

George Wright

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Paul Myers

12 years ago

Theo,

It's a gold mine if you are looking for answers to questions that have been asked 1000 times before...

That's true, if that's what you look for. Even if you're only looking for it because you think it's common and a pain in the asterisk.

Try asking a new question some time. It can be a wild ride, if you get the right people into the discussion.

Jason,

Those "gurus" are right, in one way. It's unhealthy to spend too much time in any forum, or any other single part of your life. And if you come in here, or any other forum, without a plan... WHACK! There goes a bucketload of time you'll never get back, and nothing to show for it.

But, as you've said, they can be a huge asset, personally and professionally, if you have the right approach.

I should point out that some people are sufficiently advanced in their skills and experience that the real value of a place like this lies in the behind the scenes networking.

There's another point those "gurus" don't often discuss publicly, at least in online media. This place, and a lot of other open forums, are dangerous psychological traps for many people who've reached "celebrity" status in the business. There is a very small, extremely persistent, and unbelievably vicious contingent in the IM field who derive great satisfaction from being destructive. And they fixate on their chosen targets with a seriously sick level of obsession.

I have friends who are true experts in their fields, and who could contribute massively to this place, but who I've told to avoid it at any cost. There are personality types that are magnets for these freaks, and that aren't well-constructed to deal with the mindless viciousness.

If you care much at all what other people think of you, the small cadre of psychos in this place can do you a world of lasting hurt.

That's true of many forums, though. The culture of each group sets the tone, and they usually all have different "preferred targets," but no large collection of people will be without them.

And then there are the perfectly normal, reasonable people who lose it in forums. Those people should stay away from anywhere that encourages open group debate and discussion.

So, as much as I think forums can be great places, and know that most of the people here are cool, it's not for everyone.

If you have a thick skin and a thick skull, though...

Paul

PS: Welcome back.

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Jason Moffatt

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

Theo,That's true, if that's what you look for. Even if you're only looking for it because you think it's common and a pain in the asterisk.

Try asking a new question some time. It can be a wild ride, if you get the right people into the discussion.

Jason,

Those "gurus" are right, in one way. It's unhealthy to spend too much time in any forum, or any other single part of your life. And if you come in here, or any other forum, without a plan... WHACK! There goes a bucketload of time you'll never get back, and nothing to show for it.

But, as you've said, they can be a huge asset, personally and professionally, if you have the right approach.

I should point out that some people are sufficiently advanced in their skills and experience that the real value of a place like this lies in the behind the scenes networking.

There's another point those "gurus" don't often discuss publicly, at least in online media. This place, and a lot of other open forums, are dangerous psychological traps for many people who've reached "celebrity" status in the business. There is a very small, extremely persistent, and unbelievably vicious contingent in the IM field who derive great satisfaction from being destructive. And they fixate on their chosen targets with a seriously sick level of obsession.

I have friends who are true experts in their fields, and who could contribute massively to this place, but who I've told to avoid it at any cost. There are personality types that are magnets for these freaks, and that aren't well-constructed to deal with the mindless viciousness.

If you care much at all what other people think of you, the small cadre of psychos in this place can do you a world of lasting hurt.

That's true of many forums, though. The culture of each group sets the tone, and they usually all have different "preferred targets," but no large collection of people will be without them.

And then there are the perfectly normal, reasonable people who lose it in forums. Those people should stay away from anywhere that encourages open group debate and discussion.

So, as much as I think forums can be great places, and know that most of the people here are cool, it's not for everyone.

If you have a thick skin and a thick skull, though...

Paul

PS: Welcome back.

Yeah Paul,

I've never had much of a problem with the small group of people who like to antagonize or rip people down since like yourself, I've been fairly skilled with wielding the pen like a sword and found that killing them with kindness, wit and humor often deflects them pretty well.

In fact, I was just speaking about this yesterday to a friend. I think anytime someone posts something hateful or spiteful it's a perfect chance to take the high road and not join into the type of banter that is going on and instead use it as motivation to set yourself apart and help shift the sideline readers to your side.

I actually used to welcome haters and debate because my ego loved to try and squash them. In my slightly (very slightly) more mature days, I prefer to not go into those battles but am always equipped to do so if needed.

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icoachu 12 years ago

Welcome back, Jason. Forums aren't a waste of time. In fact, they are a great source of ideas for both traffic AND content.
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mmntv 12 years ago

Forums are only a waste of time if you let them be. Yes, they can be a huge time suck / time sink. You just have to know when to focus and get things done.
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Johnny Slater 12 years ago

Welcome back Jason. While I haven't been nearly as active over the last year as I used to be I still come around to see what nuggets of wisdom the old timers like yourself might drop into a post. Great to see someone with so much to share coming back instead of leaving for once.
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Marhelper 12 years ago

Yeah miss your posts Jason. I also miss Carlsbad, PB ... Life in the midwest isn't the same as S.D.. Good to have you back.
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wushumaro 12 years ago

I see your points. I think the problem with WSO is that it can be a distraction from your real goals by constantly being bombarded with a the new "shiny" object.

At the end of the day, if you already have the ability to create and produce results, then there are definitely a million amazing nuggets to be learned from here.
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franktwin 12 years ago

Welcome Back.. I am new to the forum, but I can honestly tell you if you were going to spend time on a forum... this would be the one..
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FrozenEyes 12 years ago

It would be a waste of time if you happen to know everything and if you are selfish enough to share your knowledge.

For me it is a goldmine diamond or whatever mine that is and sometimes it is a landmine for newbies like me coz of those scammers.
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Green Moon 12 years ago

Like a real goldmine, you have to dig through a lot of useless debris to find the nuggets, but if you find them it can be very rewarding.
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HamSandwich 12 years ago

Welcome back! Hoping to have as good of a time here as you did.
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Robert X 12 years ago

In the words of the great Daniel Tosh.... "whatever, queer"

Robert X

San Diego too
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- Jason Moffatt 12 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Robert X
  
  In the words of the great Daniel Tosh.... "whatever, queer"
  
  Robert X
  
  San Diego too
  
  Wanna go out on a date? Beer is on you!
  
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Are Forums Really A Waste Of Time?

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