Hundreds of blogs, membership sites, and forums are launched every day. My inbox is full of invites to join discussions. How do you choose?
Really, I’m asking your opinion, because as a web developer, blogger, mother, and wife, I’m left with very little time to engage. Many of my friends have fabulous communities they’d like me to join, but I can’t say yes to them all. I need for the places I frequent to be worth my time, and money if I’m paying.
Currently I’m a on-again-off-again member of the ProBlogger.com forum. I love it there. I learn things, I help people out. I’ve made some great connections, and when I’m active in the forums I see a huge increase in traffic to my site. I’m only paying $1.95 a month for this, and to me, it’s totally worth it.
I’m also a part of a private community run by Collective Bias. It’s pretty much a study/testing grounds for their marketing agency that pairs companies with bloggers, does market research, etc. I enjoy their ning site because a lot of my friends are there, I get to provide input on brands I enjoy, and hear about cool new things that are coming out. This community takes up very little of my time, is free, and has landed me some fun opportunities.
So, I’m pretty sure I want to stick with both of those. I also pop in at Blog Engage every so often. And, other random sites…
My questions are:
- What makes a community worth your time?
- Are there some that are worth paying for?
- What communities have you tried and liked or disliked?
Adarsh,
I appreciate your comment. You're right; the forums have quieted down a lot since they first opened. But, I still get my money's worth when I have a question I need answered. The people there are helpful and very quick to respond.
It probably depends on the person and their knowledge level as to whether or not the price is worth it. I would not pay more than the $1.50/month (introductory rate) that I pay to be a part of the forum. It isn't worth $7/mo to me.