I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and I think it’s about time to ask the ChurchCrunch Community:
Should we have a Forum here at ChurchCrunch for more topical discussions, etc?
4 Reasons (from my perspective):
- Connecting with each other to pursue interests, conversations, projects of personal interest.
- Provide a persistent and managed feedback loop for suggestions on how to improve ChurchCrunch, topics to be covered, etc.
- General Q/A and other fun nonsense.
- To provide a place for Vendors and Service providers to advertise their skills. Also, a place for ministries and businesses to seek help for any web-related needs.
What do you think?
[Image from Night86mare]
I would participate in a church crunch forum for sure.
cool. thanks for the vote.
A Churchcrunch forum would be great because it would allow a group of people who face similar challenges (i.e. Web 2.0 skills, strategies, ministry) to interact and learn from each other. It would allow all of us to improve as we share and see how others address similar challenges.
But… I find that unmoderated, unlead message forums usually fail. You need mentors, coaches, friends to give guidance, ask the right questions, get the conversation going. Once a Churchcrunch forum has matured I’m sure you’ll have grown an organic leadership that will do all these things. But at the beginning, it will be a lot of time and dedication on your part (unless part of your secret plan – is a team in mind). Love to see this as a great addition.
My 2 cents.
I like teams. that's where i'm headed.
i'm going to need some moderators…
Think it is a great idea. More community, more interaction, has to be a good thing.
Great idea.
Communication is a key to sucess.
I would be quite willing to participate. I also agree with @chrisdat that moderation is critical.
i love the idea…a trusted place + great moderation = a good resource!!
I would be involved!
I think that it would be brilliant.
that way we can do not have to wait for a post to engage or connect, we can initiate it thru the forum.
I like what is happening over at probloger; Darren started forums recently and it appears to be very successful
Although you run the risk of a lot of people using it as an opportunity to pink their links and miss the point.
moderation FTW.
We'll have it tightly monitored at first…!
john
I vote YES!
Interestingly, I went looking for an active, vibrant Church Ministry, Technology, or Marketing forum this week (as part of a Problogger 31 Days to Build A Better Blog assignment). I was having a hard time finding one that seemed relevant to these topics. So, I would be happy to participate and encourage participation. Hey, if you do it it saves me from starting one!
I'm in. I vote yes!
How 'bout partnering up with an existing forum that has a great Technologies for Worship section?
http://www.theworshipcommunity.com/forums
(hint hint)
Wouldn't coincide.
we'll just have to promote whatever you do on our end, then!
we'll find a way to provide “synergy”…!
works for me! I would definitely use something like this.
+1 for forums
I would definitely hang out and participate. I love what you're doing here.
I too think it would be great. I told you of the group I'm trying to reach that lacks resources of any sort and like David, there's not much out there. That's why I started a resource blog in the first place and this would be a great help! If it gets off the ground well, the IT volunteers forum will be helpful too and the two will compliment well … for my purposes/audience anyway.
I think it would be fantastic. It gives an interactive avenue that goes beyond blogging and helps discuss more deeply the things inside our twisted minds. Next step for social networking. A Tribe within our Tribe kinda a tribal council.
fo’ sho’ I think it would be an absolutely splendid addition to our community.
cool. thanks for your feedback.
You know I'm in. I'll give ya all the help you need…say the word.
Brandon,
They are using BBPress, which is what i'm using. Vanilla forums are great, but can't do what i want to do.
They are a bit “heavy” too at times, especially with modding.
Yes