All you new folks, may we ask a favor?

I believe I stumbled onto the forum while doing a Google search for some firearm-related topic.

If it were my job to market the forum and I had limited funds, I'd consider taking tables in the most important Gun Shows where I'd set out some cheap flyers. The table rental is usually quite inexpensive and the table wouldn't even need to be staffed. The nice thing about this idea is that you could test this once or twice for almost no money (table rental, a banner or two and photocopied fliers from Staples).

I'd put a unique url (i.e. cffshow.com which is currently available) on the flier that would allow me to identify when a new member comes to my site. From there, I'd be able to tally the number of new members who came to me from the flyer and then I could track how many of them become active (number of posts), who pays up, etc.

Yeah, I was a marketing guy long before becoming a gun guy.
I like this idea...its at least worth trying.
I looked up table rent for the Dixie Shows and the site said $65 in advance. It didnt specify if this was for one day or both, but it doesn't really matter.
I will foot the bill for the table for both days at two different shows (one ENC, one WNC)if the Forum Staff thinks this is something worth pursuing.
Maybe get all the site sponsors to send in their own business cards/flyers for the table...if a PAID member has a business, maybe let them send in advertising materials as well. Show potential new members we are more than just the proverbial gun nuts. We are a part of their community, too. At the same time, get all who want to send in promo materials to pay a couple of bucks (except for actual site sponsors, they already pay enough to the site) to help underwrite the cost of the banner.
All the coordination is a bit beyond me, so I'm just kickin tires here to see what happens...
We did the Lumberton Dixie show. We have a 8 ft table banner for shows, and business cards made up. We'll also foot the bill if someone is volunteering. Pm me, we'll see about sending some things.

Thanks!
 
Awesome of you. I'll man one both days if it's near me. And we have a couple banners. One of the eastern side of the state and one here centrally I think


You're right sir................and we can always have more banners made by our very own @DesignMine . We need more than just two.
 
Awesome of you. I'll man one both days if it's near me. And we have a couple banners. One of the eastern side of the state and one here centrally I think
We can get you the banner. The bad news is you will have to go to @Chdamn 's Basement to pick it up. I think he has it.
 
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Since I opened my mouth, I'll be glad to participate any way I can...as long as we're talking about a show (or shows) in or not too far from the Triad.

Notice the number of people who joined this forum just in the past few days; since "the other site" began to implode. Most of them were probably unaware of CFF's existence. I proposed participating at shows because that's where the "target" new forum members are. 100% of the people wandering around the shows are profoundly interested in firearms, anxious to pay to be around other enthusiasts and willing to drive and "waste" part of a day for the pleasure. If the objective is new forum members, I'm guessing you would be shocked by the number that would join once they "discover" CFF. And, who knows, you might also capture a sponsor or two with the opportunity to meet them FTF. I can't think of a better way to be in front of people who are absolutely potential members and sponsors.

I'd like to make one more suggestion, although this might be a tough one. I'm thinkin' that, after CFF participates in a show or two, at least one more similar forum might want to try the same thing. When I first asked for the space, I'd try to negotiate a "forum exclusive" with the show's sponsor. In other words, I'd ask for..."As long as CFF continues to support your show by buying a table, we want you to agree not to sell tables to any other competing forums". Can you get it? Maybe not. But "you don't ask, you don't get" is always my approach.
 
Someone posted about BACON and here I am.

Seriously I was reading posts at the "other place" and came across some disappointing things taking place. Not a fan of censoring posts and also hiking rates for sponsors. It is hard enough fighting for our rights and trying to be profitable, why would we want to support those we are fighting against.
 
If possible though various members, try to get the word out to many of the ranges around the state (s). Many are receptive to leaving business cards in there offices and counter tops where their customers come to visit.

They also may entertain partnerships or agreements to hang banners along their fences. Try hosting events under the forum name at the ranges, too. It's a good way to gather friends and get the word out :)
 
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May I ask what is the purpose behind trying to grow the forum membership so aggressively? Is it driven by financial matters or other considerations?

(I simply ask because unless you have enough steady hands on board to keep the ship righted, it can get rather unwieldy. I speak from experience as a super mod on a knife enthusiast site for near twenty years where we have had membership in the six figures. There is a lot to be gained by a large and diverse membership, but it is not without its issues.)
 
May I ask what is the purpose behind trying to grow the forum membership so aggressively? Is it driven by financial matters or other considerations?

(I simply ask because unless you have enough steady hands on board to keep the ship righted, it can get rather unwieldy. I speak from experience as a super mod on a knife enthusiast site for near twenty years where we have had membership in the six figures. There is a lot to be gained by a large and diverse membership, but it is not without its issues.)
There's plenty of guys on here that would be happy to take up Mod duties if asked. Growing the membership and spreading love for shooting sports is a great thing.
 
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