How to Grow with the Community

They're saying it's lost it's personal touch

[spaceylacie]

Some of my site members are complaining that they want to make the club more exclusive. Too much "noise" among the newcomers as some would phrase it. I'm planning to start by creating a separate area for only members that have reached a certain number of posts. It's sort of like a swap site, so in that area, anything posted can only be downloaded by other "active" members. They will have to have posted a certain number of times in a certain time frame to access that area.

They want tighter knit groups where they can make friends and really get to know each other. Perhaps user galleries that other members can comment on, that might help them form mini groups? Any suggestions on how to get a large group to start branching off? Thanks in advance for any help.

P.S. I'm already dividing topics into specialized areas as needed, hoping those with similiar interests will naturally navigate and "hang out" in those areas.

[treeline]

creating a separate area for only members that have reached a certain number of posts

I think this is a good idea. The Supporters Forum here on WebmasterWorld works pretty much the way you envision (except you buy in) and seems to be quite a success.

Would also encourage people to be active enough to "earn" their way into the exclusive club.

[rogerd]

A private forum for "senior members" is a good idea. Very focused special interest forums might be good, too - they could either be public or private.

I think it's kind of a balancing act - you don't want your best contributors hiding away and talking only to each other, but you want to give them some recognition and meet their need for community.

[wmuser]

"creating a separate area for only members that have reached a certain number of posts "

Good idea,a lot of forums has excluise areas where only VIP members can access