What Is The Future Of Forums in Internet Marketing?

by Medon
81 replies
Pals, I am sitting here and thinking that forums are hammering the final nail in their coffins. A few years ago, they used to be a good marketing tool. But I doubt if they still are. Most of them do not allow the basics such as posting links or even mentioning the name of a company. They will delete the post before you finish typing it. In my opinion, this should not be the case. So my questions are:
1. What is the future of forums in Internet Marketing?
2. Do you think they need to change strategy and give marketers more space?
#forums #future #internet #marketing
  • Profile picture of the author Odahh
    Originally Posted by Medon View Post

    Pals, I am sitting here and thinking that forums are hammering the final nail in their coffins. A few years ago, they used to be a good marketing tool. But I doubt if they still are. Most of them do not allow the basics such as posting links or even mentioning the name of a company. They will delete the post before you finish typing it. In my opinion, this should not be the case. So my questions are:
    1. What is the future of forums in Internet Marketing?
    2. Do you think they need to change strategy and give marketers more space?
    All social media platforms that includes forums . Will block any attempts at free promotion .

    Meaning if they make money from advertisers paying to advertise. they are not going to allow people to advertise for free .

    The main problem for forums is they are kind off anoyying to go through on a cell phone . And if I didn't know how to set the forum to classic view . I would have given up on the forum three months ago when I shifted to using my smart phone.
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by Odahh View Post

      All social media platforms that includes forums . Will block any attempts at free promotion .

      Meaning if they make money from advertisers paying to advertise. they are not going to allow people to advertise for free .

      The main problem for forums is they are kind off anoyying to go through on a cell phone . And if I didn't know how to set the forum to classic view . I would have given up on the forum three months ago when I shifted to using my smart phone.
      I agree with you that they need to make money from advertisement. But you see you can only make money from people if they can see direct benefits. When I start my forum, I will allow say 5 free ads and charge the next 2 ads.

      Originally Posted by King Manu View Post

      You can promote yourself on forums as you can promote yourself on social media. But like any online community, you need to participate and give something to others before trying to advertise yourself.

      Spamming it's not working regardless of the platform.
      So the methods they are using now will certainly drive them out of the market. Which suggestions do you have for them?

      Originally Posted by dave_hermansen View Post

      It sounds more to me like they are hammering the final nail in your coffin.

      Forums were never intended to be places to market to people. They were set up so that people with common interests could share experiences and help one another out. The fact that so many people decided they would be excellent places to spam does not mean it should ever have been part of a marketing plan. Many people are idiots who ruin things for the rest of the world out of their own self-interests.

      Use forums the right way ... help people, share your knowledge, develop a reputation for being helpful and an authority. Add a signature link to your main site, if allowed. People from the forum will find you and seek your services if they respect you in the community.
      Assuming that you are respected, how will these people find you when it is almost impractical to share your details on some forums?

      Originally Posted by spartan14 View Post

      Well i am thinking that trying to add as much value it will help a lot
      So you view is they need to get out of their current comfort zones and add value to what they offer right?
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      • Profile picture of the author NetMan
        Originally Posted by Medon View Post

        Assuming that you are respected, how will these people find you when it is almost impractical to share your details on some forums?
        Have you never tried to click on a USER's name on the forum ???

        Cheers!
        Andy
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesandersonicb
        Exactly, You are right
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      • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
        Originally Posted by Medon View Post

        Assuming that you are respected, how will these people find you when it is almost impractical to share your details on some forums?
        As I and others have mentioned, most forums have a place for your signature.

        I'm not sure what is impractical about that, assuming it is not also impractical to spam a link.
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        • Profile picture of the author Medon
          Originally Posted by dave_hermansen View Post

          As I and others have mentioned, most forums have a place for your signature.

          I'm not sure what is impractical about that, assuming it is not also impractical to spam a link.
          What is your position do you think they are attracting more new people each passing day?
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    • Profile picture of the author shajidurrahman
      Odahh, You are absolutely right!

      120% right King Manu!!!!!

      Yes,,, and you are the right person!

      Shami, you are right.
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    • Profile picture of the author SalimSheikh
      Originally Posted by Odahh View Post

      All social media platforms that includes forums . Will block any attempts at free promotion .

      Meaning if they make money from advertisers paying to advertise. they are not going to allow people to advertise for free .

      The main problem for forums is they are kind off anoyying to go through on a cell phone . And if I didn't know how to set the forum to classic view . I would have given up on the forum three months ago when I shifted to using my smart phone.
      Yes Medon, you are right here. In coming days it will be paid.
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  • Profile picture of the author King Manu
    You can promote yourself on forums as you can promote yourself on social media. But like any online community, you need to participate and give something to others before trying to advertise yourself.

    Spamming it's not working regardless of the platform.
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  • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
    Originally Posted by Medon View Post

    Pals, I am sitting here and thinking that forums are hammering the final nail in their coffins.
    It sounds more to me like they are hammering the final nail in your coffin.

    Forums were never intended to be places to market to people. They were set up so that people with common interests could share experiences and help one another out. The fact that so many people decided they would be excellent places to spam does not mean it should ever have been part of a marketing plan. Many people are idiots who ruin things for the rest of the world out of their own self-interests.

    Use forums the right way ... help people, share your knowledge, develop a reputation for being helpful and an authority. Add a signature link to your main site, if allowed. People from the forum will find you and seek your services if they respect you in the community.
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  • Profile picture of the author spartan14
    Well i am thinking that trying to add as much value it will help a lot
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  • Profile picture of the author Shami qah
    Forums are a great place to learn from geeks here ,share knowledge and help other which give us ultimate satisfaction.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    Do you think they need to change strategy and give marketers more space?
    Nope.

    To be active and viable, forums needs members who interact with others - who do more than target forum members for their purposes.

    In the past five days you have posted about 50 times - mostly 1-2 line posts. That's fine - there's no limit on posting as long you are posting within the forum rules. That's 50 times you could have been advertising your service or your site in a signature. Why wouldn't you spend $5 to do that?


    You have a bigger problem here -

    You are not required to list a location in your profile - listing a false location gives the appearance of deception. Moderators like myself watch for stuff like that.

    So - when you list a location of 'las vegas' and you are posting from Kenya...you might want to rethink your approach.
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  • Profile picture of the author NetMan
    Originally Posted by Medon View Post

    Pals, I am sitting here and thinking that forums are hammering the final nail in their coffins. A few years ago, they used to be a good marketing tool. But I doubt if they still are. Most of them do not allow the basics such as posting links or even mentioning the name of a company. They will delete the post before you finish typing it. In my opinion, this should not be the case. So my questions are:
    1. What is the future of forums in Internet Marketing?
    2. Do you think they need to change strategy and give marketers more space?
    Forums are still a good, even excellent, MARKETING (not self-promoting) tool!

    Now, the question is WHAT do you expect from forums as a "marketing tool"?

    What's different today than "a few years ago", that used to be such "good" tool that is not anymore?

    Do you have any real clue of what PART of marketing a forum can be used for? (besides of advertising, promoting yourself, or selling whatever)

    Your two questions:
    1. Bright! If you do things right! But, that depends on if you understand HOW forums really work, and their number one purpose. And, how marketers can take advantage of this (again, it's not selling nor advertising at all).

    2. What strategy are you talking about? As you've already been told forums aren't meant for marketers, self-promoters, and spammers. Not even a MARKETING FORUM as this one. So, as a "marketer" what would be YOUR strategy to use this in your marketing plan? Answering this might help you understand more, plus a few more insights here above from other fellows.

    Yep, read, reply, ask questions, be part of the conversation, participate and LEARN... Unfortunately, THAT is almost already in the "coffins" ...

    Regards,
    Andy
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by NetMan View Post

      Forums are still a good, even excellent, MARKETING (not self-promoting) tool!

      Now, the question is WHAT do you expect from forums as a "marketing tool"?

      What's different today than "a few years ago", that used to be such "good" tool that is not anymore?

      Do you have any real clue of what PART of marketing a forum can be used for? (besides of advertising, promoting yourself, or selling whatever)

      Your two questions:
      1. Bright! If you do things right! But, that depends on if you understand HOW forums really work, and their number one purpose. And, how marketers can take advantage of this (again, it's not selling nor advertising at all).

      2. What strategy are you talking about? As you've already been told forums aren't meant for marketers, self-promoters, and spammers. Not even a MARKETING FORUM as this one. So, as a "marketer" what would be YOUR strategy to use this in your marketing plan? Answering this might help you understand more, plus a few more insights here above from other fellows.

      Yep, read, reply, ask questions, be part of the conversation, participate and LEARN... Unfortunately, THAT is almost already in the "coffins" ...

      Regards,
      Andy
      Andy, your observations are right. the idea is marketers need to do things right and find better ways of taking advantage of forums.
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  • Profile picture of the author mzonas
    I think well established forums will remain alive for a long time ... however, starting a new one is going to be very difficult ... next to impossible unless you have a huge budget for marketing and content creation.
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    • Profile picture of the author NetMan
      Originally Posted by mzonas View Post

      I think well established forums will remain alive for a long time ... however, starting a new one is going to be very difficult ... next to impossible unless you have a huge budget for marketing and content creation.
      No, not at all what are you talking about?

      First, budget side there are tons of available forums apps that FREE and OPEN SOURCE, which requires not much more than your hosting account to start one.

      Why would it be difficult and (worse) "nest to impossible to start one", please explain that to us (once you make a conrrection to your sig file).

      The reality is, to start a forum, it's as easy as having your own niche site with a crowd or a tribe of followers. Then, install a forum using fantastico in your cpanel (as I describe above) and start inviting your tribe to participate in it.

      Done. That was not too much "impossible" to start, let alone budget intensive right?

      Thought so...

      Andy
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      The way to start a forum, these days, is to first start an email list...build it up into the thousands. Build a forum, and send them all to it at once. Give yourself a good start that way.


      Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

      ... Dear WF, Thanks for letting goofballs of all shapes and sizes into your "community", we really appreciate, by the way, please allow us to spam." then sign your name to it.

      GordonJ
      ..............Lol
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      • Profile picture of the author Medon
        Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

        The way to start a forum, these days, is to first start an email list...build it up into the thousands. Build a forum, and send them all to it at once. Give yourself a good start that way.




        ..............Lol
        Lol that is Gordon at his best. Any way as they say every market has......... the rest is history.
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  • Profile picture of the author myob
    When used as intended, forums can be an extremely powerful marketing platform. It's interesting to know that the art of conversation is still a much favored way of attracting loyal customers to your business.

    In my not so humble opinion, forum marketing should be an integral part of any business marketing strategy. There are viable forums for just about every niche imaginable.

    It's all about quality strategy on forums and how to build your brand and site authority by connecting with the people/members who may be your future customers.

    Your contributions and longevity on targeted forums are perhaps the most critical factors in maximizing this huge leveraging potential for driving quality traffic.

    Combining forum marketing for example with article syndication, blogs, social media, email, SEO, and offline promotions synergestically provides a formidable advantage in even the most hotly competitive niches.
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  • Profile picture of the author MShiv In Making
    I do believe forums should change their strategy towards the marketers I just asked a question regarding my website and they removed my post.

    And the irony is it was not ever a link.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Singletary
      Originally Posted by Medon View Post

      Most of them do not allow the basics such as posting links or even mentioning the name of a company. They will delete the post before you finish typing it. In my opinion, this should not be the case.
      What would you have happen? Let them be overrun with spammers and scammers so no one would want to visit but said spammers and scammers?

      Originally Posted by MShiv In Making View Post

      I do believe forums should change their strategy towards the marketers I just asked a question regarding my website and they removed my post.

      And the irony is it was not ever a link.
      Most mods consider 123abc.com a "link", whether it's live or not, because it's designed to get someone to go somewhere else. It's no different than a link in that sense.

      Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author myob
    A key forum marketing strategy is your posts should never have even the appearance of being self-serving. And, never ask marketing questions; post succinct, authoritative answers/comments. You can certainly learn by asking questions but for marketing purposes, consistency in providing useful answers and content is where the money is.
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  • Profile picture of the author JPs copy
    I use forums like this one and reddit to cut through any bullshit out there.

    They'll definitely be around for a while.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    I just asked a question regarding my website and they removed my post.

    And the irony is it was not ever a link.
    I deleted that post for two reasons....

    1. in that (first) post...
    I have started a website named (namewashere).com
    Not ever a link? Just the url?

    2. Very general question of how to get traffic to a site not even a month old....and you were advised to use forum search to find threads on traffic generation.

    This forum is full of good info threads about advertising and optimizing your site - about getting links and generating traffic.... but the information won't help you if you don't use search to find what you need.
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  • Profile picture of the author Evelyn Thomas
    Balance is the key, as long as it is maintained all is good.
    I personally find the links useful most of the times since they usually lead you to some content or website. Now if it is relevant then all is good, but sometime marketers do not know the difference between spamming and creating useful links. In my opinion if done right the content that gets share on forums, blogs or comments can actually get you relevant traffic.
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    • Profile picture of the author NetMan
      Originally Posted by Evelyn Thomas View Post

      Balance is the key, as long as it is maintained all is good.
      I personally find the links useful most of the times since they usually lead you to some content or website. Now if it is relevant then all is good, but sometime marketers do not know the difference between spamming and creating useful links. In my opinion if done right the content that gets share on forums, blogs or comments can actually get you relevant traffic.
      Evelyn,

      You have totally nailed down why it will NEVER happen. MANY marketers do not know the difference, among which a bunch of them know it too much. very well. Any serious forum will never ever allow their forums to become like the old days "free for all links pages" crap.

      Some useful links you could find in some posts, in some rare cases, but most of the time you will see those are posted by experienced users who know very well what they are doing. You may find some other in the users' sig file, but as with anything online you must be careful and make sure you know who you deal with at all time.

      The CONTENT of a forum is ON the forum, NOT in links to send users elsewhere.

      Best regards,
      Andy
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  • Profile picture of the author AlextheG
    Everybody thinks forums will lose their mojo in this new era but i don't think that's ever gonna happen, forums are great for getting educational data, and good place for promotion, i'm positive that forums will remain important part of digital marketing in future
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  • Profile picture of the author Megan Green
    Topical forums will never die as people always have questions about different kinds of things. But there is no place for Internet Marketing on forums any more. So many sites are created right now and even more links are posted to promote them. It is called spam.
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  • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
    It would seem the OP has his answer ... forums aren't going anywhere, they serve a definite need and they can be used for intelligent, non-spammy marketing of your brand. In other words, there isn't a single nail in the coffin, let alone a final one.
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  • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
    Originally Posted by Medon View Post

    Pals, I am sitting here and thinking that forums are hammering the final nail in their coffins. A few years ago, they used to be a good marketing tool. But I doubt if they still are. Most of them do not allow the basics such as posting links or even mentioning the name of a company. They will delete the post before you finish typing it. In my opinion, this should not be the case. So my questions are:
    1. What is the future of forums in Internet Marketing?
    2. Do you think they need to change strategy and give marketers more space?
    Forums and Internet Marketing? Well, you seem to think a forum should be for public to put up anything they want. Even the bulletin boards at the grocery store are monitored, or say they are, some are for not for profit only. Who owns the forum, the guy who pays should get to make the rules, and if you don't like his rules, don't use his forum, pretty simple, eh?

    Speaking of Bulletin Boards, I go back to 300 baud modems and BBS. Right before the www (what you call the Internet) there was an active ONline community, thousands of people COMMUNICATED on one of the thousands of BBS communities. The earliest commerce, or marketing, was mostly computer parts, pieces and some simple software.

    That all changed in 1994. And the gold rush was on.

    Here is the thing about forums, many of them from 20 years ago are dead, defunct or ghost towns, because the COMMUNICATION and interaction was lost as more and more wanted to make a buck.

    A decent forum, with a long track record creates an exchange of information, now a blog can be similar, albeit, a blog mostly puts forth the blogger's thoughts, and the comments allow (or don't) allow for the interaction.

    Message boards from the 80's, forums in the 90's, blogs, and then social media...the common thread is: communication. And whenever it becomes mostly marketing, with everyone shouting as if in a Bangkok open market BUY THIS, LOOK AT THIS, etc. then the purpose is lost.

    A forum which respects its members and doesn't cave to the would be, wanna bee make a buck Marketers will become self sustaining and continue as long as it is visited.

    Same with a blog, a Facebook Group, or any social media. I would prefer to keep guys like you as far away from my forum as I possibly can. Thank god for the WF, where they let anyone have a say. YOU should thank them too.

    I'll help you out: (copy and paste to admins)... Dear WF, Thanks for letting goofballs of all shapes and sizes into your "community", we really appreciate, by the way, please allow us to spam." then sign your name to it.

    GordonJ
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    • Profile picture of the author NetMan
      Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

      Speaking of Bulletin Boards, I go back to 300 baud modems and BBS. Right before the www (what you call the Internet) there was an active ONline community, thousands of people COMMUNICATED on one of the thousands of BBS communities. The earliest commerce, or marketing, was mostly computer parts, pieces and some simple software.

      GordonJ
      Yeah, I use to run a Renegade BBS, though I started at 1500 baud speed! That means you are older than me? And talking about software at the time the rage was SHAREWARE remember?

      Ah, the good 'ol days... hehe

      Andy
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      • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
        Originally Posted by NetMan View Post

        Yeah, I use to run a Renegade BBS, though I started at 1500 baud speed! That means you are older than me? And talking about software at the time the rage was SHAREWARE remember?

        Ah, the good 'ol days... hehe

        Andy
        And the amazing new thing, the 5.25 single sided floppy disk. We were pioneers, eh? Later on, came the wonderful Sanford Wallace, who gave us SPAM. I had two computers early on, Apple II and the TSR 80 and before that a typewriter with a memory and a little screen of about 60 characters. HA. We's be oldens for sure.

        I worked at Olson Electronics, then MACE, then Radio Shack, and I sold computer parts and pieces, and shareware, was like manna.
        GordonJ
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        • Profile picture of the author NetMan
          Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

          And the amazing new thing, the 5.25 single sided floppy disk. We were pioneers, eh? Later on, came the wonderful Sanford Wallace, who gave us SPAM. I had two computers early on, Apple II and the TSR 80 and before that a typewriter with a memory and a little screen of about 60 characters. HA. We's be oldens for sure.

          I worked at Olson Electronics, then MACE, then Radio Shack, and I sold computer parts and pieces, and shareware, was like manna.
          GordonJ
          LOL

          And, hold your breath those were able to hold up to 360KB of data, impressive isn't it?

          My first comp. was a 286 16MHZ "IBM Compatible"-as we called them back then-with, hold your breath again, 1MB of RAM and a 40MB hard drive, can you imagine? That's silly!

          Okay, we're getting off-topic now loll

          Andy
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          • Profile picture of the author Mark Singletary
            Originally Posted by NetMan View Post

            My first comp. was a 286 16MHZ "IBM Compatible"-as we called them back then-with, hold your breath again, 1MB of RAM and a 40MB hard drive, can you imagine? That's silly!
            You younguns and your fancy-schmancy new computer doohickeys! TRS-80 all the way!!

            Mark
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          • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
            Originally Posted by NetMan View Post

            LOL

            And, hold your breath those were able to hold up to 360KB of data, impressive isn't it?

            My first comp. was a 286 16MHZ "IBM Compatible"-as we called them back then-with, hold your breath again, 1MB of RAM and a 40MB hard drive, can you imagine? That's silly!

            Okay, we're getting off-topic now loll

            Andy
            In 1974 I was in San Francisco and my friend Carl Stevens was in Berkeley. We used what some say, was the very first ONLINE thing called Community Memory, it was terrible, hardly ever worked, but it was used to literally print out bulletins to be placed on one of the scores of real (cork) bulletin boards in Berkeley and in the Haight Ashbury area, where I was spending a lot of time and at that time, it wasn't much to speak of. But San Francisco and Berkeley were happening then.

            My first computer encounter was in 1969 (real operating one) on a nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine. The fire control techs were the computer geeks and I befriended one of them a surly old fart named Charlie Green who gave me my first real education on computors, and funny thing a small laptop has more computing power than the big room full of christmas tree lights blinking and whirring.

            To have a discussion about FORUMS, and whether or not they will fade away, they may change shape, form, and whatever but the idea goes way back.

            In fact, didn't Aristotle start the first forum, THE LYCEUM, which was student run, like most forums are run by the members. But even ol Ari had to kick out one of his students for trying to sell new sandals to his barefoot members.

            No, I wasn't that guy, but not far away.

            GordonJ
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            • Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

              In fact, didn't Aristotle start the first forum, THE LYCEUM, which was student run, like most forums are run by the members. But even ol Ari had to kick out one of his students for trying to sell new sandals to his barefoot members.
              GordonJ
              Gotta hope Stottlepops visyoolised angels tradin' discourse with demons on a myootyooly accessible soapbox array don't got nowan's specific name on it -- like they all got equal platform for valuin' life's toss.

              Any othah kinda dialog is super selective -- which is what happened when a weirsdy BUG flew up the legendary philosopher's nose an' he went

              NICHE!

              NICHE!

              NICHE!

              an' started shoppin' round for antihistamine stuffs gonna stop him sneezin'.
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              Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.

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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

      Forums and Internet Marketing? Well, you seem to think a forum should be for public to put up anything they want. Even the bulletin boards at the grocery store are monitored, or say they are, some are for not for profit only. Who owns the forum, the guy who pays should get to make the rules, and if you don't like his rules, don't use his forum, pretty simple, eh?

      Speaking of Bulletin Boards, I go back to 300 baud modems and BBS. Right before the www (what you call the Internet) there was an active ONline community, thousands of people COMMUNICATED on one of the thousands of BBS communities. The earliest commerce, or marketing, was mostly computer parts, pieces and some simple software.

      That all changed in 1994. And the gold rush was on.

      Here is the thing about forums, many of them from 20 years ago are dead, defunct or ghost towns, because the COMMUNICATION and interaction was lost as more and more wanted to make a buck.

      A decent forum, with a long track record creates an exchange of information, now a blog can be similar, albeit, a blog mostly puts forth the blogger's thoughts, and the comments allow (or don't) allow for the interaction.

      Message boards from the 80's, forums in the 90's, blogs, and then social media...the common thread is: communication. And whenever it becomes mostly marketing, with everyone shouting as if in a Bangkok open market BUY THIS, LOOK AT THIS, etc. then the purpose is lost.

      A forum which respects its members and doesn't cave to the would be, wanna bee make a buck Marketers will become self sustaining and continue as long as it is visited.

      Same with a blog, a Facebook Group, or any social media. I would prefer to keep guys like you as far away from my forum as I possibly can. Thank god for the WF, where they let anyone have a say. YOU should thank them too.

      I'll help you out: (copy and paste to admins)... Dear WF, Thanks for letting goofballs of all shapes and sizes into your "community", we really appreciate, by the way, please allow us to spam." then sign your name to it.

      GordonJ
      Gordon, you are entitled to your argument, but the fact is that if forums do not reinvent themselves, they are headed the BBS way. I don't see them being around 10 years from now.
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      • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
        Originally Posted by Medon View Post

        Gordon, you are entitled to your argument, but the fact is that if forums do not reinvent themselves, they are headed the BBS way. I don't see them being around 10 years from now.
        You have your opinion, why bother asking us for ours? And thanks for allowing my "argument". Also, there is NO "fact is", time determines facts, not opinions.

        GordonJ
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        • Profile picture of the author Medon
          Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

          You have your opinion, why bother asking us for ours? And thanks for allowing my "argument". Also, there is NO "fact is", time determines facts, not opinions.

          GordonJ
          It is an opinion, but I wanted to hear what other people think. I may be wrong or right. But 50 people will not be wrong.
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          • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
            Originally Posted by Medon View Post

            It is an opinion, but I wanted to hear what other people think. I may be wrong or right. But 50 people will not be wrong.
            50 people?? Here, at WF?? Will not be wrong??

            Alllllrighty then, good luck with your IM ventures.

            GordonJ
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    Assuming that you are respected, how will these people find you when it is almost impractical to share your details on some forums?
    Wrong....you can share your details....you just can't do it for free.

    $5 for a signature - which allows you 3 lines to promote your site

    $60 for a larger signature to use an image to promote your product/service

    $20 or so to place a qualified classifed ads, or run a Warrior Special Offer ....or post offering your services to members here.

    Respect is earned - by what you post, how you address others, how helpful are, and how open to advice you seem to be.

    You did not respond to my advice above - so let me be CLEAR. Listing a false location is not acceptable on this forum. You need to either change to your TRUE location or remove that information completely.

    kay
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  • Profile picture of the author Mickypio
    I think we should rather border on how to add value to people's lives. The problem is not lack of resources but been resourceful. In conclusion
    Give value to people in the group and other things will follow, know that we are here to help each other. Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by Mickypio View Post

      I think we should rather border on how to add value to people's lives. The problem is not lack of resources but been resourceful. In conclusion
      Give value to people in the group and other things will follow, know that we are here to help each other. Thanks
      Great thinking, the focus should be on making others better off. I love it and the rest of the things will fall in place automatically.
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  • Profile picture of the author George Flm
    More interactivity which leads to the fruitful symbiosis of all parties involved (like video chat rooms, push notifications and the whole shebang.)
    Signature

    George Troy Marketing on Youtube

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  • Profile picture of the author Tanya Singhania
    very great future. forums have socialize platform to engage with people.
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by Tanya Singhania View Post

      very great future. forums have socialize platform to engage with people.
      Yes I agree but they must get out of their comfort zone. Have you not come across statements like ...I was here a few years ago..... it was a great place. All people that are here are new.... so the question is what went wrong if it was a great place. Then what happened to the old friends that used to visit the forum etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author sanjanasingh
    Forums are the great platform to share your views, ideas and participate in an important discussion. Well, to prevent from spamming all the forum admin take such steps to not add link or company name in the post.

    Firstly you need to become an active member of the forum and also need to participate in every discussion. After that just try to market yourself.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ivan Pupyshev
    Though, ads are inevitable, I see forums as an ads-free space, like a private, intimate one. Usually, threads are already have too many words and information and not enough space for reasonable ads. So, there should be another way to get money from forums other than put heavy display ads between messeges.
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by Ivan Pupyshev View Post

      Though, ads are inevitable, I see forums as an ads-free space, like a private, intimate one. Usually, threads are already have too many words and information and not enough space for reasonable ads. So, there should be another way to get money from forums other than put heavy display ads between messeges.
      What if they limit the number of words you can type so as to create space for ads? Will it make sense?
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  • Profile picture of the author Reddevil007
    Forums are here to stay and they are way better than fb groups where people are just blatantly spamming the hell out of their services.

    Not just IM but other niches as well...
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  • Profile picture of the author sophiamia
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
      Originally Posted by sophiamia View Post

      Absolutely, You are right.
      To those who say Forums are dying out, or it is difficult, where is your proof, and how many forums have you all started, any? Maybe forums are best left for people who have something to say, and want interaction, otherwise, a blog will do just fine, where you can turn off comments.

      What experience do you offer with your forum knowledge? I doubt much.

      GordonJ
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  • Profile picture of the author James McAllister
    It's not really any different than it used to be. The only difference that comes to mind is that forum posting is completely pointless now for SEO / link building, whereas before there was a tiny benefit from it.

    Anyway...

    By acting as a valued and participating member in the community, you'll have the opportunity to become known, brand yourself, and if the forum allows for it, to direct attention to an offer, page, website or company that you want to promote.

    Traditional forums may not be used to the same extent or in the same way that they were in the past, but there is still a lot of activity going on in forums as a whole - and in certain markets where anonymity is particularly important, forums are doing just as well as they have always been.
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by James McAllister View Post

      It's not really any different than it used to be. The only difference that comes to mind is that forum posting is completely pointless now for SEO / link building, whereas before there was a tiny benefit from it.

      Anyway...

      By acting as a valued and participating member in the community, you'll have the opportunity to become known, brand yourself, and if the forum allows for it, to direct attention to an offer, page, website or company that you want to promote.

      Traditional forums may not be used to the same extent or in the same way that they were in the past, but there is still a lot of activity going on in forums as a whole - and in certain markets where anonymity is particularly important, forums are doing just as well as they have always been.
      Great to hear that. But I think they are under utilised. Owners should think outside the box and come up with strategies that can revolutionise them.
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  • Profile picture of the author Scam Recovery
    Forum Posting will be a big thing in coming days. As per the latest link attribute update, Google will give more weightage to Forums, postings and backlinks from forum postings. Jan 2020 here I come
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by Scam Recovery View Post

      Forum Posting will be a big thing in coming days. As per the latest link attribute update, Google will give more weightage to Forums, postings and backlinks from forum postings. Jan 2020 here I come

      You have said something that can help . If google gives them more weight , they will remain at the top. But if he chooses to ignore them then they will die a natural death.
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by Scam Recovery View Post

      Forum Posting will be a big thing in coming days. As per the latest link attribute update, Google will give more weightage to Forums, postings and backlinks from forum postings. Jan 2020 here I come
      Interesting to hear that. But the trouble is that these could just be your opinion. Has google announced that he will be giving forums more weight?
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  • Profile picture of the author webcontent
    Your question clearly says you see forums as promotion, though they are meant for helping people get the answer of their queries. Actually, forums have not gone commercial, rather we have commercialized even knowledgeable platform to promotional. If we actually start putting on our queries or start answering others without OUR promotion in mind, things are going to work. That's the reason why Wikipedia keeps a watch on promotion.
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by webcontent View Post

      Your question clearly says you see forums as promotion, though they are meant for helping people get the answer of their queries. Actually, forums have not gone commercial, rather we have commercialized even knowledgeable platform to promotional. If we actually start putting on our queries or start answering others without OUR promotion in mind, things are going to work. That's the reason why Wikipedia keeps a watch on promotion.
      What about if we say that they should stop pursuing the traditional route (informational) to becoming promotional platforms. After all , there is Wikepedia, Reddit, Investopedia doing the informational stuff.

      Originally Posted by PatrickTaylor1 View Post

      Just to add my two cents here....

      One of my favorite quotes is from Earl Nightingale:

      "We will receive not what we idly wish for, but what we justly earn. Our rewards will always be in exact proportion to our service." - Earl Nightingale

      Now I know many who use forums as a spammy way to promote their own products without providing any real value to those asking questions in the forum.

      On the other hand, there are many who provide good, solid, valuable information. I truly believe that those who do will be rewarded with a good reputation and interest in their paid services.

      One thing that this particular forum provides is the ability to insert your signature. You can both provide top quality information and promote your services.

      But don't think that people are going to flock to your signature if you're not providing the highest quality of information in your responses on the forum.

      It has ALWAYS been this way. This has not changed in the history of forums.

      So, the simple answer is, provide quality information and be a genuine, honest, giving, caring person of integrity on any forum and the benefits will also come your way.

      All the best,

      Pat
      I hear you, so in a nutshell what you are saying is that forums will be here to stay as long as people stick to providing value to their followers right?

      Originally Posted by GordonJ View Post

      50 people?? Here, at WF?? Will not be wrong??

      Alllllrighty then, good luck with your IM ventures.

      GordonJ
      Thanks a lot I look forward to summarising the ideas I am gathering here soon.

      Originally Posted by ryanbiddulph View Post

      Those rules arose buddy because marketers got too much space to begin with. Forum marketing has never been better. Honestly. Oodles of value gets shared daily. Little spam. People police sites better than ever. You get what you see. Scanning posts, using the search feature, dynamite, in-depth answers exist. Also understand you will always get the best content by paying pros for their courses, eBooks and services. Like free food versus food you pay for; the freebies serve as nice samples but you need to pay up for a full meal.
      Great, it is clear. Anyone who intends to use forums for promotional activities must be ready to pay for the services. Point noted.

      Originally Posted by ravijayagopal View Post

      I think Forums have a great feature as a part of a marketer's and site owners' assets. People are heavily invested in Facebook groups right now - just wait till Facebook makes it easy to advertise to a specific group. So you spend years building your community, and a marketer can just swoop in and advertise to your hard-built and super-targeted community for just a few bucks.

      Facebook groups are also more like a flowing stream of consciousness. No real organization to the content. No separate threads, side-discussions - everything's one big, continuously flowing feed. Just like a Slack group.

      That's why really good forum platforms will win out in the end, at least for those who put in the time, money and effort to build a community outside of Facebook, on their own platform, and build something that can grow and thrive over they years, and be their own asset that can add tremendous value to their own online business, especially if you have any intentions of selling your business some day.



      Just imagine how much the Warrior Forum sold for. There's no way you're getting that kind of a value selling a Facebook group (if you ever sell it off as part of your business).

      [promotional links removed by moderator]


      Hope this helps.

      Cheers!
      Hold your horses, we are coming there soonest. It is just a matter of time before it is becomes possible to sell a fecebook group. Just continue investing your time and knowledge there.

      Originally Posted by AR RIZVI View Post

      Forums will be around. People will always share opinions and experiences. It's really up to so called marketer's to do their marketing right using platforms.
      But are they doing enough to retain readership? Look at what Reddit is doing. Don't you think they will kill forums with time?

      Originally Posted by Elisa Martin View Post

      Forum must be given some space to the marketers so that they advertise their products at least some extent. No doubt, forums make money from the paid advertisements but they must be given some reliability to the others who are unpaid.

      Marketers should participate in the forum discussion and share some valuable information besides advertising their own products.
      You have hit the nail on the head. Forums must charge advertising fee but also give space for free advertisers. Point taken.

      Originally Posted by SalimSheikh View Post

      Yes Medon, you are right here. In coming days it will be paid.
      Point noted, so they must evolve if they want to remain relevant..

      Originally Posted by webcontent View Post

      The future of forums is great as now the best are going to be listened. Yes, unlike past when forums were struggling to get traffic, today the scenario is exactly opposite. Now, the users are not allowed to promote themselves, they are required to follow the rules and pass on only the relevant information.

      All this is going to take the standard of forums to the next level. I guess, forums are going to be the most preferred source to get known to like minded people.
      I hear you. But do you think they need to do something to make the platform better?

      Originally Posted by speedylikesKJ View Post

      With introduction of Social Media they are alowly dieing , All forums I am member of ( Including paid, free and this one ) are dieing a slow death...
      I wish Gordon got time to read this. I wait to read his comments.

      Originally Posted by webasha View Post

      thank you for that information
      So what do you say about it? Do they have a future or we are seeing the last of them?

      Originally Posted by rnepixer View Post

      there is no future of forums in internet marketing. it's not working a long time its just a waste of time.
      So you support the idea that they are driving the very last nails in their coffins right?
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  • Profile picture of the author PatrickTaylor1
    Just to add my two cents here....

    One of my favorite quotes is from Earl Nightingale:

    "We will receive not what we idly wish for, but what we justly earn. Our rewards will always be in exact proportion to our service." - Earl Nightingale

    Now I know many who use forums as a spammy way to promote their own products without providing any real value to those asking questions in the forum.

    On the other hand, there are many who provide good, solid, valuable information. I truly believe that those who do will be rewarded with a good reputation and interest in their paid services.

    One thing that this particular forum provides is the ability to insert your signature. You can both provide top quality information and promote your services.

    But don't think that people are going to flock to your signature if you're not providing the highest quality of information in your responses on the forum.

    It has ALWAYS been this way. This has not changed in the history of forums.

    So, the simple answer is, provide quality information and be a genuine, honest, giving, caring person of integrity on any forum and the benefits will also come your way.

    All the best,

    Pat
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Those rules arose buddy because marketers got too much space to begin with. Forum marketing has never been better. Honestly. Oodles of value gets shared daily. Little spam. People police sites better than ever. You get what you see. Scanning posts, using the search feature, dynamite, in-depth answers exist. Also understand you will always get the best content by paying pros for their courses, eBooks and services. Like free food versus food you pay for; the freebies serve as nice samples but you need to pay up for a full meal.
    Signature
    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11545445].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ravijayagopal
    I think Forums have a great feature as a part of a marketer's and site owners' assets. People are heavily invested in Facebook groups right now - just wait till Facebook makes it easy to advertise to a specific group. So you spend years building your community, and a marketer can just swoop in and advertise to your hard-built and super-targeted community for just a few bucks.

    Facebook groups are also more like a flowing stream of consciousness. No real organization to the content. No separate threads, side-discussions - everything's one big, continuously flowing feed. Just like a Slack group.

    That's why really good forum platforms will win out in the end, at least for those who put in the time, money and effort to build a community outside of Facebook, on their own platform, and build something that can grow and thrive over they years, and be their own asset that can add tremendous value to their own online business, especially if you have any intentions of selling your business some day.

    Just imagine how much the Warrior Forum sold for. There's no way you're getting that kind of a value selling a Facebook group (if you ever sell it off as part of your business).

    [promotional links removed by moderator]


    Hope this helps.

    Cheers!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11545502].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WF- Enzo
    Administrator
    Forums are still integral.

    Links to be posted depend on what kind of link you're trying to post, and if it's a setup for a promotion or purely informational. Heck, even if you're a member of a Facebook Group and try to post unrelated links there is a chance the group admin will also delete said link.


    Originally Posted by Medon View Post

    Pals, I am sitting here and thinking that forums are hammering the final nail in their coffins. A few years ago, they used to be a good marketing tool. But I doubt if they still are. Most of them do not allow the basics such as posting links or even mentioning the name of a company. They will delete the post before you finish typing it. In my opinion, this should not be the case. So my questions are:
    1. What is the future of forums in Internet Marketing?
    2. Do you think they need to change strategy and give marketers more space?
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author AR RIZVI
    Forums will be around. People will always share opinions and experiences. It's really up to so called marketer's to do their marketing right using platforms.
    Signature

    complete affiliate marketing blueprint
    access training webinar

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  • Profile picture of the author Elisa Martin
    Forum must be given some space to the marketers so that they advertise their products at least some extent. No doubt, forums make money from the paid advertisements but they must be given some reliability to the others who are unpaid.

    Marketers should participate in the forum discussion and share some valuable information besides advertising their own products.
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  • There is a small part of me that figures IM forums featurin' Moi will thrive, whereas forums lacking my presence will wither an' die -- like baby spider eggs cast into the void beyond Plooto.

    By "Small Part", Are You Referring To Your Ego Here, O Princess?

    No. The little toe on my left foot is especially dinky and has served me well over the years as a lucky talisman.
    Signature

    Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.

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  • Profile picture of the author webcontent
    The future of forums is great as now the best are going to be listened. Yes, unlike past when forums were struggling to get traffic, today the scenario is exactly opposite. Now, the users are not allowed to promote themselves, they are required to follow the rules and pass on only the relevant information.

    All this is going to take the standard of forums to the next level. I guess, forums are going to be the most preferred source to get known to like minded people.
    Signature
    Thoughtful Minds - Offering Content writing, Copywriting that Search Engines and user both love.
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  • Profile picture of the author swetatay
    forum is the place in which different states of people are connected and speak what they want for that topic share there knowledge and experience about the topic. They can share a new idea to promote all social digital business views. That's why fourms future is very vast in the internet marketing
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  • Profile picture of the author webasha
    thank you for that information
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  • Profile picture of the author rnepixer
    there is no future of forums in internet marketing. it's not working a long time its just a waste of time.
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    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
      Originally Posted by rnepixer View Post

      there is no future of forums in internet marketing. it's not working a long time its just a waste of time.
      Hmmm then why did you join this forum ? Just asking.
      Signature


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  • Profile picture of the author speedylikesKJ
    With introduction of Social Media they are alowly dieing , All forums I am member of ( Including paid, free and this one ) are dieing a slow death...
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  • Profile picture of the author tommen
    I see forums as a place to learn and share. The more you participate, the more you are also advertising your brand through the signature file. Blatant advertising on forums has never been allowed.
    Signature
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by tommen View Post

      I see forums as a place to learn and share. The more you participate, the more you are also advertising your brand through the signature file. Blatant advertising on forums has never been allowed.
      You are right Tommen, blatant advertising is never allowed. That is why I am thinking they need to think out of the box and kind of allow some sort of free advertising on forums. My worry is that the number of people visiting and reading conversation is going down.
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  • Profile picture of the author Wyku21
    In the future, it will be possible to replace many people who are now analyzing the target audience, competitors, drawing up a brand promotion strategy, optimizing the site for search engines, creating content and so on. All this will replace the neural network.
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  • Profile picture of the author pumicefluff
    Everyone is dying for traffic because there are plenty of blogs online, and the traffic has been divided among them. This is the reason that it takes too much time for a blog to get decent traffic and returning visitors. Forums can fulfil this need because if you are active in the forums and helping people all the day then some people will come to your blog to see what actually you are doing and some of them will be turned into loyal readers. Being active on forums will give you reputation identity.
    Forums will have a great influence on internet marketing and boost up the traffic.
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by pumicefluff View Post

      Everyone is dying for traffic because there are plenty of blogs online, and the traffic has been divided among them. This is the reason that it takes too much time for a blog to get decent traffic and returning visitors. Forums can fulfil this need because if you are active in the forums and helping people all the day then some people will come to your blog to see what actually you are doing and some of them will be turned into loyal readers. Being active on forums will give you reputation identity.
      Forums will have a great influence on internet marketing and boost up the traffic.
      Yes I agree with you. But the trouble is that they are not doing much to take up the position.
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  • Profile picture of the author DURABLEOILCOM
    I feel like most forums are very toxic and have many trolls/flaming making them a very uninviting advertising avenue.
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by DURABLEOILCOM View Post

      I feel like most forums are very toxic and have many trolls/flaming making them a very uninviting advertising avenue.
      I agree with you. That is why I think they must reinvent themselves if they want to compete with other internet marketing tools.
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  • If you're not self promoting, then you have nothing to worry about!
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    • Profile picture of the author Medon
      Originally Posted by AffiliateZebra100 View Post

      If you're not self promoting, then you have nothing to worry about!
      Sure I am not that is why I decided to read all his comments and respond to them appropriately.
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