Day 26: How Not to Be Popular in 13 Easy Steps

This entry is part 26 of 32 in the series CBB Challenge July 2012

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There are few things that people dislike more than forum trolls but I think drive by linkers are one. (yes I just made up a word)

A forum is a group of like minded people gathering to chat and share about a certain topic. You’ll want to find forums that cater to crochet, handmade business, working from home, and blogging to help you in your crochet business. But before you start I’d like to give you some tips.

First, always introduce yourself. You can do this easily in the ‘Introduction’ thread that is usually at the top of the forum.

Second, be friendly and don’t saturate the board like you’ve been there forever. Take it slow, comment on other threads making sure to add value to the conversation. If someone has a question, answer it as best as you can offering links to additional resources if needed.

Finally, be consistent when you join a forum. Don’t just show up every 6 months and expect there to be a welcome party for you. Choose one forum, visit often and get to know it. Forums are like little communities – homes if you will – it takes time to get to know new people in real life and even more so with those online where you can’t meet face to face.

How Not to be Popular in 13 Easy Steps

Post your link and leave aka drive by linking aka spam
Post only about YOU aka not an active part of the community
Never answer questions aka not an active part of the community
Never participate in the conversation aka lurker
Post your link and leave aka drive by linking aka spam
Post your sale and leave aka drive by linking/promoting aka spam
Always mention your shop, sale, opportunity aka excessive promoting aka spam
Argue or be a Troll aka just plain mean
Never reveal anything about who you are aka suspicious
Post your link and leave aka drive by linking aka spam
Share someone’s pattern and claim as your own aka theft, illegal and just plain wrong and rude
Post your etsy shop, artfire shop, or other shop in the wrong thread aka drive by linking aka spam
Post your link and leave aka drive by linking aka spam

I think all of us have done one or more of these at one time but now we know better. If you find someone who does these things, first be kind and let them know where to read the rules for the forum – because sometimes people are new to the whole community thing and really don’t know etiquette.

What forums do you enjoy? Crochet? Wahm? Blogging?

Today’s Assignment:
Read the post Crochet & Handmade Forums. Join some forums and introduce yourself.
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