[Patriot]

If you started a new community, would you post about things like religious beliefs, views on a war, certain people or even the type of music you listen to?

I know it seems like a crazy question, but I think there are some people out there who will judge the admin based on what they believe. If there is a "what is your religion?" thread and an admin posts they are christian, for example and a guest sees it who happens to be of another religion and decides they don't want to join because it is run by a religion they may not be too fond of? Not just religion, your views and opinions on war too. If you said somewhere you were pro-war, an anti-war guest may decide youre an idiot for your opinion and not join.

This brings me to another point, posting your views on a forum can be great, as said in another topic here asking if controversial issues are good for discussion on forums. it can trigger a guests curiosity, and start a friendly debate about your views on certain things.

My opinion on this issue:

As a member (or owner) of a forum, you are allowed to post whatever you wish so long as it is allowed by the forums TOS. If you have a Guest who doesn't agree with your religion, or your views on war and decides not to join than who needs them? If they are so critical of your views than they best stay off as you wont want to deal with them pestering you about if they do register in the end.

[Chris]

I agree with your opinion completely. No use restating it, but I think you are spot on with that.

[Edwin]

I would become more open as the forum develops.

[roleplaying]

Try not to be too close to your members, especially if you want to grow and become larger. The more members you get, the more assholes you will encounter. It's just a part of life really, because you are exposing yourself to people all over the world. I think it's safe to watch over the community at a arms length. You can be present in your forum , without being close enough to allow harm to come your way.

I hope that made sense.

[talk2me]

I think it depends on why you started a forum in the first place.

If the forum is part of your business and will be making you money, then you will want to be a lot more diplomatic on the boards. Just as the owner of a brick&mortar store would generally not spout off about his politics with a room full of customers, a forum owner should be more professional in his dealings.

If, on the other hand, you started a forum because it's a subject that you are passionate about and you wanted to interact with others more than make money, then go for it. At that point, who cares if someone doesn't join if they don't like your views, right?

[fanceydog64]

If I would thinks that my beliefs is right I will try to promote them in other case no.