[Damn True]

Hey there, I have recently started a new (non-bike related) forum. Looking for ideas on how to promote it and get it to hopefully be something like RM is to the Mtb community.

The community it is directed at has been relying on email list-serves for years....which as you know is a huge pain, the question is, how to get them to see the benefit of a forum?

Any ideas would be welcome.

 

[stinkyboy]

What's the forum?

 

[JRB]

You have a challenge, since you are not as cool as Ridemonkey.


*kidding of course. I have no suggestions other than, don't put the forum up here or mack and the montashu might show up.

 

[stinkyboy]

It's a double secret forum? Will you make an animated banner that says "No gurls allowed"? Kewl.

 

[binary visions]

Um, hard to give suggestions when you haven't given us the slightest inclination as to what the forum is about...

 

[Echo]

Probably spamming other forums that are on a similar topic. I have to admit I hate it when asshats do that here, but it's mostly because they are wannabe's and their forum doesn't offer anything new or interesting. If your forum does, your spam might be slightly less annoying

 

[riderx]

Spamming other forums sucks. Put a link and a brief description in your signature. Then become an active, useful member (if you already aren't) in existing forums and mailing lists. Answer questions for newbies, etc. People will follow the link in your sig. I'd also recommend checking out selfpromotion.com, this will help a lot.

 

[Changleen]

Quit being wrong about everything, then you'll be cool, and your promotion will work.

 

[Damn True]

The forum is for the Hash House Harriers. Most people exchange info about their local hash events using things like yahoogroups, regional and international information is usually distributed via websites that are aften difficult to locate or via a list serve called hash-L.

This forum is intended to provide a central clearinghouse for hash info on global, national, regional and local levels.

 

[BikeGeek]

Sounds like it would sell itself when compared to list-serv, yahoo groups, etc. Is there something like a newsletter you could advertise in? Not sure of the structure of hash groups, but what about enlisting regional organizers, if there is such a thing, to moderate regional forums and let it spread word of mouth?

 

[Damn True]

Hash is a term for bad food. Its a running club.

Hashing . . . it's a mixture of athleticism and sociability, hedonism and hard work; a refreshing break from the nine-to-five routine. Hashing is an exhilaratingly fun combination of running, orienteering, and partying, where bands of harriers and harriettes chase hares on eight-to-ten kilometer-long trails through town, country, jungle, and desert, all in search of exercise, camaraderie, and good times.
Hashing, as we know it today, began in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1938, when a group of restive British company men started a hare & hounds running group. They named the group after their meeting place, the Selangor Club, aka the "Hash House." Hash House Harrier runs were patterned after the traditional British public school paper chase. A "hare" would be given a short head start to blaze a trail, marking his devious way with shreds of paper, soon to be pursued by a shouting pack of "harriers." Only the hare knew where he was going . . . the harriers followed his marks to stay on trail. Apart from the excitement of chasing down the wily hare, solving the hare's marks and reaching the end was its own reward, for there, thirsty harriers would find a tub of iced-down beer.

Hashing died during World War II (Japanese occupying forces being notoriously opposed to civilian fun), but came back to life in the post-war years, spreading slowly through Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, then exploding in popularity in the late 70s and early 80s. Today there are thousands of Hash House Harrier clubs in all parts of the world, complete with newsletters, directories, and regional and world hashing conventions.

Despite its growth, hashing hasn't strayed far from its British and Malaysian roots. A typical hash "kennel" is a loosely-organized group of 20-40 men and women who meet weekly or biweekly to chase the hare. We follow chalk, flour, or paper, and the trails are never boring. When forced to, we'll run the occasional street or alley, but in general we prefer shiggy . . . fields, forests, jungles, swamps, streams, fences, storm drains, and cliffs. And although some of today's health-conscious hashers may shun a cold beer in favor of water or a diet soda, trail's end is still a party. Perhaps that's why they call us the "drinking club with a running problem!"


So . . . if you'd like to spice up your running program with fun, good company, new surroundings, and physical challenge, try hashing. Just remember one thing . . . never wear new shoes to the hash!

 

[Damn True]

I think you'd dig it Mark.
I recomend this group in S.F. http://www.gypsiesh3.com/gypsies2.html

 

[MudGrrl]

I'll promote it!!!




and as a side note... If you haven't ever hashed, find your local group and go... As soon as possible. Be gone with you!!!!

Check out my sig..