Improving Bigger Pocket Experience for everyone

[Henry Clark]

This is not about the recent changes in the forums.

I get a kick out of the following types of posts.  I've changed the details, to protect the guilty.

1.  I'm 8 years old and what should I do to start in Real Estate?

2.  I'm broke, don't have a job, and owe $5,000; what should I do to start Real Estate?

3.  Who is the best Plumber in Podunk, USA.  Keep in mind "I" grew up 20 miles away from Podunk, USA in a national forest.  And I know who the best Plumber is.  But the other 500,000 towns in the USA, I don't know.

4.  I came into $500,000 and want to know what is the best place to invest?

5.  I sold and have $1,000,000; where should I invest for the best return, liquid, and I need the money back in 1 month?

6.  I need this service, but the quote I have is $750 and can't get to me for 4 weeks.  Is this normal?  Responder- google and call to get more quotes.  Response- I already know how to google and do a phone call.

7.  I can't disguise this one.  Its hotter upstairs than it is downstairs, what's wrong with my HVAC?

8. I'm starting SFH, what is the best city to start?

Situation:

As Bigger Pockets continues to grow:

There will be a greater disparity and frequency between levels of questions, info requests, how to search for info, usefulness and enjoyment of the BP site, etc which will need to be restricted.

Countering that, there should be a general hesitancy to restrict forum activity both from a financial standpoint, advertising standpoint, etc.  

There is always a pivot point as a company grows where it has to decide whether it stays true to its Grass roots development or switch to a Corporate business model.  Very few companies can do both well.

Recommendations:
I'm going to assume all of these are legit questions and not just someone yanking our chain. Thus my suggestions come from both sides of the fence.  To actually get these suggestions to take root, they have to help BP or its channels make money.  

Self Governing:

1.  Develop a "New" investor info module, they have to go through to gain Post access.  Present info, ask questions, they have to select answer.  If your not familiar with this type of program, google concussion learning test, sexual issue prevention, etc.

2.  Develop an "Existing" investor, New to BP info module, they have to to through to gain Post access.  Present info, ask questions, they have to select answer.

Wading through the info:
3.  By investment type, have a "package" for New investors.  Don't have them have to ask or search for forum posts, podcasts, or calculators.

4.  Start holding "ongoing" online seminars for New Investor topics.  

Wading through the Posts:

5.  Advertisements.  Start marking Advertisements with Views.  If an advertisements only gets "X" views per week or month, take it down, even if your making money.  It makes for a bad experience.

6.  Forums, also do a View count just like in the Education, members section.  This gives both the poster an indication if their posts are noteworthy and also to viewers if they are popular.  "Votes" don't cut it.  Most BP viewers don't vote.

Divide your "Content" into categories.  Make sure each one is a good experience.  Example:  I don't watch podcasts, thus if your doing a great effort for Podcast viewer satisfaction, it does nothing for Forum viewers.  If Forum viewers don't enjoy themselves, wading through why does hot air go up and cold go down, and go away, they are your Content providers.