Forum Posting is Still Effective

There's definitely an element of that.

Another directory tried using a logo very similar to ours, and a lot of the wording on the site was taken directly from ours. After contacting them, I got told where to go, tried a cease and desist with the ISP, who were unhelpful.

So finally did a forum rant about it... hey presto, after telling me where to go, got a humble email saying they had removed the offending logo, and could we take down the forum post

Instead left the post, as it's a cracking example, but updated it to remove any names.
http://www.mylocalforums.com/hr-h-s-insurance-all-things-legal/1598-we-have-been-ripped-off-update-now-resolved.html

But I think most forum regulars like the sense of community, as opposed to just doing it for marketing reasons or looking for a direct return. Most people have a few forums they frequent, and you get used to seeing familiar faces.

It's nice to be able to pop in and ask a question, float an idea, or just have a sounding board without getting flamed. You give answers more weight from someone who you know posts regularly, rather that single line pigeon English replies, from some fly by night SEO bod passing through

When you look at some of the forums and threads, you suddenly realise there are plenty of people out there who are willing to genuinely help out and share experiences, which is what makes forums such a valuable resource. Signature links etc really are just a bonus.

It can be a powerful tool. Sometimes, the main thing that bothers me is that guests can read what you're writing about. Sometimes, its ok, especially if you are trying to make a point or get an opinion out. But with the protective measures in place to protect the community from bad apples, what is going to stop them from trying to take an idea you spoke about in the forum. I know, you have private forums etc. but even that is not perfect IMO. IF I wanted an honest opinion about a design I created, I would feel uneasy about adding it to a forum, only to see it being used by another person before I even got feedback.

Besides that though, I love forums. It gives me the opportunity to make friends all over he world, it helps me broaden my horizons and even help someone every now and again. It's a lot like making friends and then going down to the pub every now and again to just relax and have a chat and some fun. It's just minus the beer, pretzels and music

Steve, this is one of them, I have made friends, I don't feel stupid, I am learning and without any doubt, the best thing that ever happened to our small buisness. I even get drunk and join in, how cool is that?

Just got back from holiday, Had an awful day at work becuase I have just been told that I "narrowly" missed out on a promotion becuase......can't remember the exact phrase used but it started with "bull". Anyhow, told to re-apply in 6 months. My cunning plan..going to build my buisness empire so that I can resign before they give me the job..ha ha ha Oh I am drinking..
Good to be back, come see us at the Hornsea Ink Shop

Do it! Take the leap, its a terrifying rollercoaster ride, but wouldn't swop it for the world

Now drink up

Bizzare, I went to work today thinking about what you said, determined to resign and put 100% into the Hornsea Ink Shop however, sat at my desk making plans and doing the math. I get a call from senior management asking if I would be intersted in an even better promotion! Oh decisons decisons..I want the shop to suceed so that I can be in control of my future and my wife gets to have more time off. The only issue, the market is so unpredictable, Google moves the goal posts too often and you don't get gurantees...

I'm afraid that's the reality. I think it's down to personality, safe versus risk, risk versus reward.

Employees are safe
Business owners are controlled risk takers

When risk pays off, you get big rewards. If you get it wrong, you can lose it all.

But you read a few autobios, and you soon realise that half the household name business people went bust at least once, then bounced back again. Certainly not for the faint hearted though!