Hi all,
Penni,
If I may offer a bit of advice (and a few words of encouragement)...
As you know, I've visited (and still visit) your forum occasionally. I've also posted there. The welcome was warm and the members friendly. There's nothing to say there.
Perhaps one difficulty is simply that you emphasize the fact that your forum is run out of Perth and is, in a way, attached to the Chameleons Club. While that, in and of itself, is not a problem, maybe you'd stand a better chance of increasing membership by downplaying the geographical aspect and highlighting the more universal aspect of your forum. When I first heard of your forum in the way that you'd spoken of it, I didn't go visit right away because I was under the impression that it was geared mainly to Australians, first, and to the Chameleons, specifically. I now know that this isn't really the case (even though some threads are, indeed, of more or less local interest).
I think a large part of the success of this (Sharon's) forum is attributable to the very strong and unifying direction given it by its admin team in its early days. Shannon and Sharon gave members a clear idea of their goals and set clear rules and codes of conduct whereas Gracie (back then called "Beauty") was present every single day as the only moderator. Gracie never hesitated to nudge members who needed to be reminded of the goals and rules of the forum. She infused this forum with her personality, her wit, and her wisdom. I think people were drawn to that. I know I was. Although Shannon is now rather more absent than in those first months, Sharon continues to guide the forum with the help of a trusted team of moderators, all of whom are longstanding members. No case was ever made that it was a specifically American forum (even though it is); its mission has always been to welcome English-speaking crossdressers and their spouses from all over the world (and even a few of us frogs who can wield the Anglo-Saxon tongue
).
While you, Penni, are doing an awesome job as a pillar of your own forum, it inevitably remains, for the moment (and even in my own head), "the Australian forum." Your idiosyncratic brand of downhome wisdom and truth-seeking is a huge asset, as is your über-compassionate stance (even in the face of your own troubles). That, for me, is a huge draw. But you need a "Gracie" of your own. I sometimes get the feeling that your mod team is somewhat disjointed and/or uncoordinated, even though each individual moderator might be excellent at what he or she does. Get a strong presence on board, a unifying presence, and this feeling might dissipate somewhat.
Other than that, there isn't much to say except maybe... be patient. Building up membership can take time. Also, like you're doing here, don't be afraid to mention your forum's existence on other boards. This is how I first heard about Sharon's forum, by spotting a post concerning it on the CDDF.
A big attraction of this forum (well, for me, anyway) is the presence of SO's in what seems to be higher numbers than usual for this type of board. SO's have been made as welcome as is possible and I think the juxtaposition of views, as well as the (usually friendly) back-and-forthing between CD's and SO's, creates a dynamic atmosphere that's fruitful in the extreme for all concerned.
Again, Penni, patience will be your ally here. Don't get discouraged. I, for one, think you have a great place on the web. It shows much promise. Especially if you can broaden its horizons such that it be inviting to non-Chameleons as well as to Chameleons. Good luck!
Love,
CJ
Hello all within this great forum,
