Managing Online Forums by Patrick O'Keefe::

Patrick O'Keefe was kind enough to send us a review copy of his new publication 'Managing Online Forums'  - also available on Amazon.  It describes itself as having "everything you need to know to create and run successful community discussion boards" and really lives up to this description. 

Patrick O’Keefe is a writer, web developer, and community administrator who has been professionally developing websites since 1998 and managing online communities since 2000. Beyond just being the administrator, however, he’s spent substantial amounts of time contributing to communities from all angles, as a member, staff member and owner. He founded and owns the iFroggy Network .

eModeration recommends this 'must-read' to anyone involved in the management of online communities, whether experienced or a newcomer.  Written in refreshingly uncomplicated language, Patrick shares his experiences in a straight forward, honest fashion and shows readers how to make the right decisions about every aspect of their forums, including:

• Creating an organizational structure
• Designing and launching their community
• Deciding on user options like avatars and private messaging
• Promoting and attracting members
• Utilizing technology to their benefit
• Developing and enforcing guidelines
• Choosing and managing moderators
• Shutting down users who disrupt and harm the community
• Involving their users and keeping the site interesting and inviting
• Generating revenue

What is talked about this book is not hypothetical - it consists of in use, battle-tested theories and solutions, making you better equipped to deal with these issues when they arise on your own forums.   Real life examples are cited throughout, including the actual user guidelines, staff member guidelines and more, from real communities. 

Most usefully - and generously! - Patrick has also included his hand-crafted User Guidelines that can be used free on your own forums, and all the contact templates that can be used when members break the guidelines.

A selection of glowing reviews can be found here ... and here ... and here.   In our opinion, reading this book is a small investment of time and money that will save you much, much more and help you create happy and flourishing communities.