Starting a forum on politics

[WallaceCleaver]

You could approach it in a way that encourages mature debate and discussion, and throttle the trolls when they barge in. I once started a poltical forum and it started out pretty well but I accidently deleted the database and didn't have a backup.

Oh well.

Wow, that must have sucked. I have to say that backing up files was a lot easier when you were just dealing with straight HTML. Now with MySQL databases and everything it is a pain in the ass.

 

[$5 Submissions]

You can always run a POLITICAL TROLL BOARD. Those get mad hits! 1 serious post with serious info then follow up with trolls to get some drama going.

 

[WallaceCleaver]

You can always run a POLITICAL TROLL BOARD. Those get mad hits! 1 serious post with serious info then follow up with trolls to get some drama going.

But I think that that would kill any hope of repeat visitors.

 

[donn]

But I think that that would kill any hope of repeat visitors.

Not really. People love to argue about politics.

 

[MisterX]

Post controversial comments on political blogs and have your link in your user name.

This is an interesting piece of advice. I like. You could also start controversial topics that others usually like to avoid or attack popular opinions, but you have to have thick skin to pull that off.

 

[ltn1dr]

Can I get some advice on how to start a political forum?
Where do I begin?

I bought a european (.eu) domain that has the word politics in it. It's short and sweet. I also have a license for a vBulletin forum, but that's all I have.

Definitely know about the theme of your site or find an admin who does.

When I started my first debate/politics forum, I joined related sites and posted with my sites signature in the thread and got around 100 members within 1-2 weeks.

Of course, I was horrible at politics and still am, so I sold www.debatehq.com for really cheap, and I don't think its done much but sit since I sold it.