Question for Fred.

[threeputt]

I was wondering if you could say a few words about the actual job of administrating a forum such as this?

(Understand you're busy with day to day stuff), but I thought it might be enlightening for us members to get a better handle on how complex the job is, some of the challenges you face, if you have helpers, etc.

I for one greatly appreciate the effort and the resulting quality product that you're putting out.

 

[WildWestDesigns]

Here Here.

I think how wonderful this site is is a testament to that.

 

[Mike F]

I've admin'ed & modded for a few forums/communities over the years (nothing nearly as big as this), and it's definitely a lot of work. +1 on appreciating everything you do for the site Fred, can't even imagine how full your hands must be with a forum & community this big.

 

[Fred Weiss]

I could probably write a book.

How I spend my day (when I'm not doing something else).

• Reviewing and checking new member registrations before approval or rejection ... about 2 hours a day including angry emails from builders, real estate brokers and others over their rejections.
• Responding to emails and PMs from members and visitors ... about 1 to 2 hours a day.
• Posting banner ads, Our Merchant Listings and thanking subscription purchasers ... about 30 minutes a day.
• Managing the site, maintenance, troubleshooting etc. ... about 1 hour a day.
• Sales and Q & A with merchants and advertisers ... about 30 minutes a day.
• Reviewing posts for rule infractions and dealing with same ... about 1 to 2 hours a day.
• Actually responding to posts and sometimes helping someone ... time available.

Bigdawg and Bradster941 and my Mrs. assist me on a volunteer basis when they have time. Otherwise I pretty much run the site by myself. As such, it is really appreciated when members take the time to report rule infractions and to otherwise follow our rules.

The thing to keep in mind is that I choose to run Signs 101 in a certain way. We moderate new member registrations and only admit those who meet our criteria. I think the content quality of the site reflects that. Most sites do not and anyone can join and will only run into problems if their behavior warrants it. The downside being a lessening of meaningful information being shared. We also do things like require all images to be hosted here so that our archives remain as good as possible.

 

[HulkSmash]

I could probably write a book.

How I spend my day (when I'm not doing something else).

• Reviewing and checking new member registrations before approval or rejection ... about 2 hours a day including angry emails from builders, real estate brokers and others over their rejections.

• 
  
  I'm curious how many you reject a day. Thanks for all your hard work! Is there somewhere we can donate other than premium?

 

[Fred Weiss]

I'm curious how many you reject a day. Thanks for all your hard work! Is there somewhere we can donate other than premium?

I've never been comfortable with accepting donations, so it isn't offered. I would certainly love to see more premium subscribers though and that allows me to provide some additional value in return. Rejections vary and seem to run in spurts. We average around 20 to 30 registrations a day. Of those, about 1/4 never respond to the activation email and probably 3 to 4 are rejected for not meeting criteria, failure to answer questions or filling in false information. We also get about 5 additional registrations from bots a day with gibberish filled in.

 

[Tim Aucoin]

for all you do Fred. I for one truly appreciate this place and have made some amazing friends. I hope the day comes when I can thank you in person and treat you to a cold one!! And yes... if ever there is a donation option available outside of premium membership, I'm all in!

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Wow that is at least a half your day is spent on this if your lucky other wise up to a full day .

Well I know you get a big thank you from me Fred, knows I'm not much help since I enjoy hand lettering and so do my customers still want me to continue, but I still get a wealth of information and enjoy seeing others improve and talking with each other freely like you have kept this outstanding website, freedom rings load here, and is great to see.

Thank You Fred for doing such a fine job also BigDawg, Braster, and your partner Fred

 

[Tim Aucoin]

also BigDawg, Braster, and your partner Fred

Of course... we cannot forget to thank your supporting staff! HUGE thank you BigDawg & Bradster.

 

[Fred Weiss]

Wow that is at least a half your day is spent on this if your lucky other wise up to a full day.

What makes that possible is that I am simply available to Signs 101 from the time I get up until the time I go to bed. I'm at the computer all day and after TV late nights anyway. In all, I'd guess that half my work time gets spent tending to Signs 101.

 

[petesign]

I would also like to say thanks, I spend a lot of time here, and have learned a LOT in the past year and a half. Thanks Fred, your forum is a godsend.

 

[WrapperX]

Is this your Job - your source of income or is this your second job/hobby?

 

[Barber]

I too would like to thank you Fred. I don't post as often as I should but I read and learn every day.

 

[Fred Weiss]

Is this your Job - your source of income or is this your second job/hobby?

It started out as a lark ... something to do for the fun of it and because it seemed worthwhile. It has evolved with the recession into significant source of income among the several sources of income I have.