One thing which most small forums which wish to grow include is an off topic forum, where the discussion of politics and anything whatsoever is encouraged. Usually, this generates a lot of discussion, as those who are interested in a specific topic (such as chocolate) almost always share a large set of marginally related interests. This discussion increases the frequency at which members visit the site¸ which leads to an increase in on topic discussion throughout the forum.

Take a look at the following forum: http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/index.php . This bourbon related forum is very active and has a large population of knowledgeable active posters. I see no reason why bourbon should generate more discussion than chocolate, as I know many more people who enjoy chocolate than bourbon.

They have a bourbon of the month forum: http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=38 . They choose a bourbon for discussion, and then the members re-visit the selected bourbon (or purchase it for the first time) and discuss it. I think that something similar could work well here for chocolate. I am not very familiar with the Chocolate Connoisseur’s Club, but perhaps seventypercent could simply add a sub-forum in which the bars featured each month are discussed.

I really like ChemicalMachines suggestions. I have often wondered why there doesn’t seem to be much discussion of the connoiseur’s club in the forum. I have considered joining the club but have held back because I would really like a little more information about the club, especially specific bars that have been included in past months collections. It would also be good to know how many other forum members subscribe to it and what they think of it.

The off-topic section to the forum also really appeals to me.

Great ideas ChemicalMachine!

Should we have one, generic off-topic forum under the ‘General’ category, or should we create an ‘Off-topic’ category and have separate forums withing that, like ‘Confectionery’, ‘Other foods’, ‘Politics’, ‘Leisure’, ‘General chat’, etc.?

Martin Christy
Editor
http://www.seventypercent.com

I’d agree. Maybe along with Confectionary, Food and Drink, “Chocolate Business” or something along those lines? There do seem to be quite a lot of people on the site who do/are looking to run their own chocolate business. Maybe an area for them to discuss startup plans, marketing, equipment etc?

gap, we had the same thought at the same time! Maybe a ‘professionals’ category, with ‘Business’, ‘Techniques’, ‘Equipment’ forums?

Martin Christy
Editor
http://www.seventypercent.com

Martin,

you have done a fantastic job with the website. It must have taken a while but I think it provides a great resource on bars and also on chocolate in general. Thanks for your efforts.