9 things I learned after 6 weeks as Head of Warrior Forum

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43 replies
Oh... it has been 6 weeks... 6 weeks since I accepted to become Head of the Biggest Internet Community in the planet

1.3 Million users.
and here I am... me: the guy responsible of GROWING THIS ....

so as I announced the 1st day I started, I want to be honest, I want to be transparent and document what I have learned so far...

Ready?

Here we go.


1. WE ALL LOVE TO ROMANTICIZE THE PAST

Romanticizing the past makes us feel bad about the present. We all do it. In different ways. In different forms. But the reality is that everything changes. And with changes come challenges ... and from challenges is when new projects are born.

The Warrior Forum today is not the same as the one 6 weeks ago and the Warrior forum of 6 weeks ago is not the same of the one 6 years ago.

I promise you the Warrior Forum in 6 months time.... will be different than the one you witness today.

And guess what? That's fine.
Sites grow and sites evolve and not evolving is a sign that things are not okay.

We are evolving . That means we are doing great.



2. CONTENT IS KING and QUEEN ... and the BACKBONE OF EVERYTHING


Content is what makes us a forum and that's why it's so important for me, for the team of Warrior, to improve the content, to bring our new content, to introduce a new alternative to learn new things, in a new format.

Video.
Podast
Guides
Courses
Articles

You name it.
Any channel it's a the perfect channel... if it brings quality to our members.

3. EMPOWERING HUMANS PAYS OFF

I'm a believer in humans. I'm old fashion. I love people.
I prefer people to software.
Software can impress me.
But humans can bring different options... some crazy. some stupid... some simply awesome.

Empowering you, the Warriors to make the Warrior Forum the best way possible is my best solution.

We can do many changes, but only when you are empowered to trust the Forum like your own forum... this will work.

I'm looking ahead to have more moderators, with more powers, and empower and give more freedom to anyone that is willing to provide value in improving the community.

4. CODE SUCKS (sort off)

We are limited by code. And although good code is poetry, bad code can make life difficult.
Out job is to make the code we have... not poetry but at least not a bad romance

So yes, we are limited by code, and sometimes I wish that we could change anything at any time... but is just NOT possible.

That's why giving time to what is CODE arena... it's required.
We have no other option

5. EDUCATION IS KEY

I see the Warrior Forum as a point of education. Education for the newbie with silly billy questions and education for the Advanced warrior ready to go the next level.

That's why we are working in producing courses and content.
Education material that you can trust and that you can use to empower yourself to apply to improve your own path.


6. HATERS ARE GOING TO HATE AND THAT'S FINE

Some have left, some have returned.

I believe hating is a waste of time and the more you hate the more energy you waste.

I have received an insane amount of positive messages and a lot of negative ones.

I feed from the positive ones and the negatives really don't mean a lot.

Everyone hates change and when we over-react we expose our own insecurities.

I believe that the true core Warriors understand that moving towards a better community and experimenting different strategies, it's vital to improve the Forum.

7. TRANSPARENCY PAYS OFF

Rules need to be implemented and it's important to be transparent.
Lying in 2017 it's more complex than it was in 2007.
Buyers are wiser
Sellers need to step their game
Buyers need to be accountable of their own investment
and the Warrior Forum needs to help you protect buyers and sellers in a wise way.
not an easy process but we are starting to make changes.
Small changes.
not perfect
But moving to the right direction.

HONESTY IS THE NEW CURRENCY


8. THERE IS NO HEAD OF WARRIOR FORUM.

The Warrior Forum needs to become a Forum that survives without a head.
Without moderators ....
Without bad cop or good cop....

This may sound idealistic ... but I want to allow you , the community to help me guide the Warrior Forum....
I want you, the new members to tell us what you need
and i want to empower the old members, the core Community Moderators to have the freedom required. The freedom they have been asking for years.


9. LISTENING PAYS OFF

And when we listen we can understand better what the community needs.
we may not implement everything. But trust me... your comments, your posts, your suggestions, your rants, your emails. I HAVE READ THEM.... and I understand where we need to put more effort... and my team knows that.

I just want you guys to understand that this is a a heavy machine that is pushing hard to become faster and more agile.

We will get there. Why?
We have an epic team working in Sydney , Manila, Community mods from all over the world and 1.3 million Warriors that each day make this forum stronger, and better.


#IAMAWARRIOR....

#forum #head #learned #things #warrior #weeks
  • Profile picture of the author LionHeart93
    Love it G!
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  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    I know there are Haters and always will be in any type of environment like this. But it seems a lot of the Haters have left that wee here 1 or 2 years ago. (Definitely NOT all, though)

    That's refreshing but they will be back. Sometimes operating in chaos is mandatory.

    And we must learn to thrive in this chaos and we will

    Thanks Gabriel for the post and the commitment and work you have taken to make this Community better


    - Robert
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    Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Singletary
    Gabriel, you rock.

    If anyone can turn this thing around, I believe it's you. Of course, I know you have a lot of people on your team that are working their tails off as well and their efforts are all apreciated.

    It is so refreshing to see this transparency and what you are trying to do.

    Keep it up man - you are doing great.

    Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author nicenet
    Thanks and congrats.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bizopboost
    I love what i read
    And i am proud to be part of this community
    Content is king and queen, let s make every post and every comment bring the best to the community.
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  • Profile picture of the author .
    Thanks all
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  • Profile picture of the author nickyz1
    This Forum is grate, i personally take it as one of the best places to get new ideas. it has really helped me
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Originally Posted by Gabriel View Post

    ... 6 weeks since I accepted to become Head of the Biggest Internet Community in the planet

    Thanks Gabe, your openness and sincerity are refreshing.

    Groucho Marx said only one man in 1,000 was fit to be a leader . . . the other 999 follow women.

    The very best to you,

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Ged3
    Gabriel,


    you have made some very good points here.


    As you have mentioned good content is always the important thing.


    The basics of sales and marketing never change - just the medium in which they are delivered.


    I remember before we had the internet as a sales tool - and how lucky we are now.


    The Warrior Forum has been a great resource for me over the years and the fact that it is still here shows how good it is - some internet forums disappear after a few months but this one has been here for countless years!


    Keep up the good work.


    Ged
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  • Profile picture of the author Ben Scott Jr
    I had stopped lurking the forum for about a year and started again a month ago and I see a huge improvement in the quality of post and positive energy. I think you are doing a great job and many of the members providing great posts.
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  • Profile picture of the author nicheblogger75
    Gabriel, I love everything you wrote.

    It's refreshing to have someone that is energetic and has a vested interest in correcting some of the mistakes that have been made and also wants to move forward in a positive direction.

    I don't like haters either, but sometimes what we perceive as a "hater," is not a hater, but simply someone who is putting out the cold, hard truth.

    I would advise you not to lump people who are just giving constructive criticism in with the "haters."

    I know things change, and I'm not one to live in the past, but sometimes it's necessary to look back into the past to see what mistakes have been made so that they are not repeated.

    Sometimes I know I can come off as a hater, but the reality is that I'm the type of person who likes to "tell it like I see it." Of course, it's only my opinion, and people are allowed to agree or disagree, and that's fine.

    I respect the opinions of everyone, even if they are different than my own.

    In the past 6 weeks, I've seen a lot of great improvements, and your energy is certainly having a much needed positive impact on the forum.

    That said, one thing I disagree with you on is that we don't need moderators.

    I think we definitely do.

    In my opinion, the forum was much better off when it had experienced marketers like Paul Myers and others as moderators.

    I understand that the WF is a place for newbies and pros alike, but moderators are necessary to keep all of the repetitive threads like "How should I spend $100," or "I Need Help" under wraps.

    I also think that members should take a lighter stance on resurrection of older threads. As long as the thread subject is still relevant, I think it's much better to resurrect an older thread than to start a brand new one. This keeps more pertinent information in the same place, and makes it easier to find when using the "search" function.

    We always encourage members to use the search function before creating a new thread, but then we they do, some of the members come down on them. That sends somewhat of a mixed message I think.

    Other than that, you are doing a great job.

    Rock on Gabriel!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Berg
    Great read and you are totally right, transparency for clients is as important as ever these days. Long gone are the days where you can provide a half arsed report at the end of the month and call it a day...buyers are learning as quickly as sellers...makes it much harder to stand out!
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Meaney
    Lots of positive progress has been made, and I'm optimistic.

    I've asked every new admin this, and all of them have ignored it.

    Maybe you will too, maybe you won't.

    It's no secret that the traffic levels are in free-fall.

    No traffic = no buyers = no sellers = no paid staff.

    Do you have a plan to restore traffic to its previous levels, and if you do, what's your plan?
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    • Profile picture of the author .
      Originally Posted by Michael Meaney View Post

      Lots of positive progress has been made, and I'm optimistic.

      I've asked every new admin this, and all of them have ignored it.

      Maybe you will too, maybe you won't.

      It's no secret that the traffic levels are in free-fall.

      No traffic = no buyers = no sellers = no paid staff.

      Do you have a plan to restore traffic to its previous levels, and if you do, what's your plan?
      I will ignore this message

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      • Profile picture of the author nicheblogger75
        Originally Posted by Gabriel View Post

        I will ignore this message

        Gabriel, as I said earlier, I think you are doing a great job, and I love the energy.

        But, I have to point out to you that I think what made some of the members in this thread a little "hot under the collar," is that you (when I say "you," I'm referring to all Warrior Forum admin & staff) don't seem to want to hear the truth sometimes when it's negative.

        This is what I meant when I said earlier that "sometimes what we perceive as a 'hater,' is not a hater, but simply someone who is putting out the cold, hard truth."

        I love the fact that you want to take the forum in a new direction, but there are a good many members who at some time or another became disillusioned and left the forum.

        Now, you can't just sit back and put all the blame on them, and it seems like that's what is happening.

        The way I'm perceiving some of the things that have been said is that basically the members were to blame for everything and if they left the forum it was because they were wrong and they were haters, and the forum and forum management had nothing to do with it.

        Please don't take offense to this, because that's NOT what it's meant to be, but let's face the facts. Freelancer had NO CLUE what they were doing when they purchased the WF from Allen.

        I think they thought it was just going to run itself, and it would be something that would be a "low overhead, high revenue" type of business model. I also think they saw it as a built in customer base full of people who would rush over to Freelancer.com and start buying and selling services. I think that they now know that's not the case.

        Now, I'm not trying to live in the past, but we need to look at the past in order to get on the right track for the future.

        In the months following Freelancer's taking over of the forum, it went into total free fall. Traffic dropped dramatically and thousands of longtime members walked away (or were pushed out for speaking their mind). I don't think I'm stating anything there that everyone here doesn't already know. I know that there are "1.3 million members," but I'd venture to say that around 1% - 2% of them are actually active in the forum.

        Many changes were made without polling the forum members, a critical mistake. Then when they did start asking for the members' input, if they didn't like the answers they got, they just did what they wanted anyway, another HUGE mistake.

        4-5 years ago you could post a WSO and make dozens of sales from organic forum traffic. That's not the case today. And that's important, and that's why one of the your main goals must be to bring in new members and also to try and bring back some of the older members. You can't make them come back, that's true. However, it certainly wouldn't hurt to reach out to all of them and let them know about what you've been doing.

        I'm not suggesting that the WSO section is the most important part of the forum. I was simply using that as an example to show how much traffic and engagement has dropped off. We also need an influx of new members, experienced and not experience, so that we can see lots more people putting out amazing content in the main forum.

        That's in the past, and like you said Gabriel, there really isn't too much that can be done to change that.

        You're here now, and many of us are willing to put our faith in you to turn this forum around. You seem to genuinely care and be personally invested in taking the forum to new heights, and I'm behind you 100%.

        However, when someone says something you don't like or don't want to hear, you can't just say "I will ignore this message "

        You do realize that's not going to win anyone over, right? And if you don't care what people think, then I guess that's fine, but I don't think that's true.

        I think you care greatly about the forum. That's the message you've been sending, and most of us have been hearing that loud and clear. Please don't ruin it by ignoring members that have been here a long time because you don't like something they have said.

        I know you said that there is no "head" of the Warrior Forum in the first post in this thread, but that's not true, either.

        YOU are the head of the forum, whether you think so or not. You have accepted a position of leadership, so that makes you the leader.

        I personally believe you are the right man for the job, and I think you can turn things around, but first you need to realistically evaluate just where the forum is at right now. Things are not going to change in 6 or 12 weeks. You are looking at a long stretch before the forum returns to it's former vitality.

        I believe you can do it, and I'll do whatever I can to help you.
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        • Profile picture of the author .
          You know my answer was a Joke huh?
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        • Profile picture of the author .
          Thanks mate , some valid points.

          I'm doing what I can. Please keep in mind I don't have green light or ultimate powers to change everything.

          I wish I had.
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by Michael Meaney View Post


      No traffic = no buyers = no sellers = no paid staff.

      Do you have a plan to restore traffic to its previous levels, and if you do, what's your plan?
      Yes, I have been thinking about this as well in the last few months, actually more like the last few years
      Signature

      Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

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  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    I don't like haters either, but sometimes what we perceive as a "hater," is not a hater, but simply someone who is putting out the cold, hard truth.
    If all you can accept is the "warm and fuzzy" what chance do you have of surviving when things get tough?

    Listen to only one side of the story and there's a 50/50 chance you are getting the wrong information.

    Brent
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    Get Off The Warrior Forum Now & Don't Come Back If You Want To Succeed!
    All The Real Marketers Are Gone. There's Nothing Left But Weak, Sniveling Wanna-Bees!
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    • Profile picture of the author .
      Originally Posted by Brent Stangel View Post

      If all you can accept is the "warm and fuzzy" what chance do you have of surviving when things get tough?

      Listen to only one side of the story and there's a 50/50 chance you are getting the wrong information.

      Brent
      not sure if this message was for me..

      I'm living in Australia, and I'm an ex Colombian Soldier mate... so I'm sure I can take things that are not so warm and fuzzy....

      Bring it one.
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  • Profile picture of the author hnrindani
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It means a lot to us. One point that catch my eyeballs is about content and it is fascinating to see how vital a content is. This has been the case from long and Search Engines gives too much respect to the content. Forum sites can also use the power of content to make it a better place.
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  • Profile picture of the author Enfusia
    Well, I like it here or I wouldn't keep coming back.

    So, I look forward to your improvements.

    One suggestion if I may.

    People that are real marketers, that have been here for a while are who teach those coming up how to live their dreams.

    A while back, older members were really nervous about what looked to be nearly a purge. I'm sure you know what I'm referring to.

    It would be nice if you could find a way to strongly encourage retention of the older members. Otherwise, why would new members come, what to learn from people who don't know either?

    It's my feelings that a really strong forum is built on quality content as you said. I see you've started Warrior of the month, that's a great idea.

    But, without the experienced marketers, where is that quality content supposed to come from?

    Don't shoot the messenger, just my 2 cents and I'm stickin to it.
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  • Profile picture of the author .
    No traffic = no buyers = no sellers = no paid staff.

    I think using this post to make statements like this is a bit crazy.

    You kids don't need to worry about that. for real.

    But the issue about Quality is in fact an issue.... so we are working on it.

    Can we push top marketers to come back? No

    Can we bring new people? Yes

    Are the new people always newbie? No

    Can we bring quality in other formats that is not only posts ? Yes --> and that's the goal

    Possible? I'm willing to give it a go....

    Hit me up in week 12 ... and let see how we are going
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Meaney
      Originally Posted by Gabriel View Post

      No traffic = no buyers = no sellers = no paid staff.

      I think using this post to make statements like this is a bit crazy.
      Why is it crazy? Your sales are weak.

      And, if I want an answer, it's best to ask the question in the place I know you're looking.

      To be fair man until a few weeks ago we didn't really know who was in charge, or who could answer that question. Heck, it could have been Matt Barrie or someone secretly sat behind an admin username for all we knew.
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  • Profile picture of the author Maxxx333
    great post sincerely
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  • Profile picture of the author zaifaf
    Great Post
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  • Profile picture of the author mizesean
    Glad to hear this . . . the Warrior Forum can be a great place to get information and learn, and hoping folks take it to the next level by contributing! Sean
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Hi Gabriel,

    What you are doing here is brilliant. I love it.

    After being interviewed by Marcus for the podcast - so excited to see it debut - I had a little chat with him about the inspired direction or Warrior, and how I gravitated back to the forum because of its positive leadership, along with rocking users like John, Steve and Robert, who are always there sharing content and helping folks.

    I vibe with each of the lessons for my blog, too. People get so caught up in the past but only the present matters because hey, time is an illusion anyway. Only the moment exists.

    Love the idea of empowerment. Marcus stressed this during our call and I intend to do the same thing on my blog and everywhere I help folks online.

    It is easy for unhappy, fearful people to try to down people, and to pick fights, but caring, genuinely helpful folks always pick people up, help with love, and are super generous in serving others. We are seeing more of that than ever these days on Warrior.

    As for the Fearful Ones aka Haters, seeing some is always evidence that you are doing something wonderful because haters are confused admirers, as Rev Run says. So you have awesome Warrior fans, and other awesome Warrior fans who are unclear with their life due to resisting some deep fears, and that lack of clarity manifests as criticism.

    Keep on rocking it out bro.

    Ryan
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Interesting thoughts. Keep doing what you're doing, it's appreciated!

    One thing that I would likely to add is the devil is in the details. Lately I've been seeing more and more people asking questions (which is great) but often many details are missing. I don't know if it's on purpose or by accident. But in the end the more that people give and provide the better everyone can help. Maybe that is off topic but it felt relevant.
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    • Profile picture of the author Marcus W K Wong
      completely relevant Chris! I agree that the forum is hungry for details and that's precisely what we need to have participating from some of our WSO Sellers. I think that the reservation of information, only restricts their traffic, and reduces their capacity to build authority. We're all for openness -- so thank you for pointing this out Chris!
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  • Profile picture of the author affiliatesinn
    Really Impressive. i will follow these experiences.
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  • Profile picture of the author jaimegm
    This is a collection of simply almost obvious things, that most of us, keep forgetting and is necessary to recall them, thank you for remind them.
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  • I'm a warrior too. awesome post Gabriel, I have already seen improvement in the warrior forum, in the first week you started "running the show"
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    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by Internet Trillionaire View Post

      I'm a warrior too. awesome post Gabriel, I have already seen improvement in the warrior forum, in the first week you started "running the show"
      Yep... of course we will have to wait to see how it pans out long term, but I agree he has brought in a renewed spirit and enthusiasm and commitment that I have not seen here in years
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      Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

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  • Profile picture of the author connections
    Well I will be keeping an eye out for the upcoming changes, sounds intriguing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bryan Zazz
    Great pep talk, Gabriel.
    May it be so.

    Your OP reminded me of that time when Hillary presented some Russian dude with a big red "Reset" button.
    Hopefully "this" reset will bring a different outcome ...
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    • Profile picture of the author .
      Originally Posted by Bryan Zazz View Post

      Great pep talk, Gabriel.
      May it be so.

      Your OP reminded me of that time when Hillary presented some Russian dude with a big red "Reset" button.
      Hopefully "this" reset will bring a different outcome ...
      hahaha, you compared me with Hillary... that is strange, and funny at the same time
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  • Profile picture of the author Alangile
    Cool! You're doing fine!
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  • Profile picture of the author xeniux
    Number 6, is a great insight !
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  • Profile picture of the author Sofor Ali
    Waoo love for you, you wrote damn true. I agree.
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