Some people are just plain stupid. I’m sorry, but that’s the most tactful way that I can put it. Forums can be a gold mine for you if you simply behave yourself and contribute to the community. I’ve been doing it for years and have a pretty solid reputation at the forums I attend. But some people, like I said, are just plain stupid. This article is going to share a true story that just happened. This is one person with whom I will never do business with under any circumstances.

As of this writing, it’s April Fools Day. I understand that all the harmless little jokes are going to come out today. I expect it. Nothing wrong with a little clean fun. So what does this one person do? He posts a link in the forum to a site that essentially takes over your browser and won’t let you shut it down unless you go through task manager. One guy lost 2 hours of work because of this. Now, let me ask you a question. Do you think that I would ever do business with this person after pulling such a thoughtless stunt? I was ready to ring his neck after I finally got control of my computer again.

You need to sit down and think…is what I’m doing for the benefit and good of the forum community? If it’s not, don’t do it. Otherwise, you’re going to have quite a few irate people who will probably not want to do business with you either. Think it doesn’t matter? Think you don’t need them? Let me tell you something. I have made some of the best business contacts through the forums I participate at. One guy is now my web host and he gives me the absolute best service in the world. Another guy I did a JV with that made me thousands of dollars.

Too many people do first and then think later. That is a sure recipe for disaster. Look, I’m not perfect. I’ve made my share of mistakes. But I’d never intentionally do something that I knew was going to tick a lot of people off. That is just not smart business.

So, if you attend forums and want to become a respected member, watch out for the welfare of others and don’t do anything that’s going to get you hung by your toes.

To YOUR Success,

Steven Wagenheim