We currently have a poll going on the blog about how many forums you own. It shows that 23% of the voters own 4 or more forums. As many of you know I have numerous forums that I run as well. Yesterday I had a new idea of a niche to target with a new forum, but I got to thinking about the time involved and what I would need to devote to it. Have you faced this before?
The only reason I am able to have the number of forums I currently run is due to the team of volunteer moderators that are around me. While I know that forums require more time and dedication than other sites, I really enjoy running them and feel they have great value when successful. I have recently sold several forums and have seen the sell price hit 2-3 years revenue each time as a minimum. I feel that since I felt a need to sell a few forums, that I am playing with my comfortable number of forums that I can realistically run. If that is the case then the number is going to be around 5-7 for me. I have owned more, and that is the time when I feel I should sell one or two to lessen the load.
What are your thoughts?
You know I’ve faced the same issues, lol. I’ve actually sold off about half of my forums this year, just because it gets to be too much. Even with a great team of moderators, owning a forum is a big responsibility and takes time out of your day. If you want to do the community justice that is, and if you don’t, you may as well sell. I think I’m moving generally toward having one forum. But, it’s got to be a remarkable one.
I have too many and will probably sell at least one at the beginning of next year. I’m trying to get rid of ones that are outside of my niche and keep and possible start new ones that are in my niche.
I think when sites are all centered around a loose niche they are easier to handle.
I’m running two and for me, I’m at capacity. When I’ve tried to run more than 2, I’m in over my head and can’t manage many of the day to day issues with the same passion that I devote to my main site. In fact, if I could find a buyer for my newest site with enough revenue, I’d sell it since my time is limited. My biggest/oldest site requires so much more since I have an online store and some offline activities.
I think the number of forums a person is capable of juggling would depend not only on the individual but the needs of the forum, its size and other variables.
BTW, I also have a great idea for a niche forum….but will not move on it as my time is limited.
I know what you mean Lee. I can barely keep up with my 1 forum let alone multiple forums. I have had many ideas for niche sites, but never had a chance to dedicate time to them because the current large forum I have keeps me pretty busy. I don’t know how you or others do it sometimes