Would you...?

[JSteele]

Start a forum on a topic you don't know or understand a whole lot. Like say you started a scripting site and you knew HTML and a little php but nothing else (if you're wondering this is NOT going to be the topic - I just don't want to give away my idea...).

The web idea is a passion of mine. So I like the idea but like any other topic is filled with a lot of information and some of which I couldn't offer my users. I understand no one can know everything about one topic. Where I have a problem is the fear of the idea "Well this guy has NO IDEA what he is talking about. Why should I come here?!".

The reason I want to make the site is to help people like me who don't know a lot about the topic connect with those who do. Granted I can regurgitate information that other people have established. But if I don't understand the principles of the idea why would I expect them to understand me when I repost them?

Would you do it? Or did you do it? How successful have you been?

Thanks
Josh

[SaintElGrouch]

I'm usually hesistant to ask people for help, and usually only do if i've searched and searched and searched, and still don't have the slightest clue what i'm doing wrong. And when I do ask, sure i'm waiting for someone to make me look like an idiot for asking.

[HAWK]

I guess it depends on how active you are going to be in the forum...

You could act as just a moderator and I guess it would be fine.

I wouldn't offer opinions etc on something I knew nothing about.

[john2k]

You don't need to be an expert in the specific topic area in order for your forum to be successful. What you do need is to be skilled at is with the management, marketing and technical aspects of running a forum. Most of that can be outsourced to others, if you don't mind spending the money, but you will still need to make sure everything is organized at least to your requirements.

Having a strong interest in the topic area should be fine. I agree with HAWK in that you should focus on giving advice only on what you have knowledge in.

If you really have "no idea" about the topic area, as you mentioned. That's alright as well. But do your best to get some knowledgeable people using the site as soon as possible. Or, you could always learn more about the subject and also get answers via other sources and pass that info along to your site members when they have questions. Doing that you would be both educating yourself at the same time as helping your members.

[dchapman]

John2k brings up very good points. At the same time, I am of the opinion that it is always a strike against you if you are not passionate and knowledgeable about a particular subject. Because when that is the case, running your site becomes work instead of fun.

[whydna]

Yes, of course I would. You don't need to be an expert in the area to make a site about it. If there is a large enough audience, and there is money to be made, then there is no reason not to.

For example, I don't need to be an expert fisherman to be able to make a forum about it and make money. Think of yourself as an entrepreneur, not a fish enthusiast.

Additionally, running a site can be a great learning experience that will allow you to research and learn more on the topic.