Hey guys. I own a website, http://asian.tv-soap.com, and it is a forum. I'm having trouble getting members to post new content and contributing to the site. I have decent number of members, and get decent new members to join on a daily basis. It feels like I am the only one posting new content - news, video, etc - and I only wish there was a way to get them posting. Anyone want to partner up with me and my website. I'm getting good hits, and clicks. I'm willing to share profit. The reason why i need a partner to help me with this site is because I'm really busy. contact me if you're interested.
Depending on the type of visitors you get, getting them to be vocal can be tough. I have the same problem.. Nearly 20,000 active members, but less than 500 ever post on a regular basis.. One thing i've done is to allow anonymous visitors to post new threads and comments - it get's more content posted, and converts a few anonymous visitors to members, BUT, it gives a whole new dimension to fighting spam.
You must convince people to post in one way or another. Give them something they're really interested in.
agree with promoting to niche myspace groups, like above said. Also, consider incentivizing posting with contests and such. People won't really participate until you take initiative, especially for newer forums.
Give incentives for posting like whoever post most 'll get a USB drive or a T-Shirt people love gifts.
Careful with that one.. I've actually done/tried that - and ended up having to sift through hundreds of crappy, worthless, one-line posts like "great!" or "i agree!".
create fake users, post valuable thread (I think the reason people dont want to join a forum is because your forum is lack of threads)
Incetive option is a good way to have your members contribute, We had a point system in VB for every post made they gained some points in which they can then use to buy special features on the forum like a colored username, custom user titles, or vip status.
I kind of agree with Lauriejones on this one. You might have to make up some fictitious conversations to get the real dialogue going.
Cheatting yourself, sensless. That's the key. You should start threads that you know that will cause several kinds of thoughts. Start threads related to one popular news that's in the today newspaper that deals with your niche. The more controversial the news is, the better!