I'm brand new, btw. Hello.

I manage a forum I don't own (no, not the one in my sig). I have been put in charge of everything but have no access to upload (outside of template modifications) hacks, styles, etc. I have been assured and re-assured by the forum owner (who put me in charge because he has not the time himself) that he is in the process of upgrading the forums and giving me access to all that is necessary to have complete control over the site.

My problem is that he has been saying this for months and when I email him about it, he just says the same thing-that he's running short on time and will get to it asap. It was the same deal with the free stuff he sent me. He promised me one thing way back when I took over (which was in 2005) but I ended up getting something totally different only 2 weeks ago.

This position has other 'perks' so I would like to keep this going if at all possible, but the members are getting restless about styles, hacks, etc. and I know if we did a bit of customizing, the site would draw in (and keep) a lot of members. It is just the default vb right now.

Anyway. My question is how can I get it through this guy's head that he either needs to stop dragging his feet or take over management of the site? Like I said, I don't want to let it go but I'm getting frustrated and feel caught in the middle (of him and the members).

He tells me he's going to upgrade. I post the announcement. Nothing happens and then the members complain to me like it's my fault.

WHAT can I do about this? Anything?

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Babble Buzz

That's a tough one. I don't think there's much you can do if you don't own the forum. In the end it's up to him if he wants to updrage, change styles etc.

Have you tried explaining to him how to feel caught in the middle of him and the members when things don't go as planned? I'm not suggesting you go off on a rant, but if you explain in a neutral and calm way, he might understand the position he's put you in and be more inclined to change.

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How much does he rely on you in particular to keep things going and how much does he trust you? If it's a lot and you are a betting man explain to him in a calm, non aggressive manner that you feel you can't continue running the site without the necessary access to make upgrades etc yourself as you feel the site is going nowhere or something along those lines. Also mention how much time it's going to save him in the long run.

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This is indeed a tough situation, and I'm sure it's put a lot of pressure on you. If I were you, I would contact him again (via e-mail), and kindly explain to him that, without the proper access and control, you cannot successfully manage the forum. Also, to back up you're concerns, be sure to include links to some of the threads that contain the many complaints made by the members (about the skins, modifications, etc).

Good luck.

Chris

Thanks everyone. I talked with him over the phone yesterday evening and he upgraded last night and will be implementing a new style today, along with giving me access to all the controls.

He also kind of dropped a bomb over the phone. He has offered me the same position on more forums. He has offered full compensation this time and wants me to have all access.

The problem is that I don't know what I'm worth, as I've never done anything like this as a paid job but that's exactly what it will be.

I know it would pay really well even if he gave me a figure (he asked for me to give him one). I also know he trusts me a lot to handle any situation. And this would open the door to even bigger, better paying opportunities.

I think what I need to do is just sit down and like you all have said, explain myself to him so we are on the same page (so to speak). I can't get a forum off the ground if I have no access to do what is needed, and he can't do anything with a dead forum.

Has anyone ever made up a contract or sorts for something like this? Do you think that would be wise? Who has ever hired a forum admin before? Like I said, I've never actually been paid for it. And now I need to come up with a figure.... Help?

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Babble Buzz

First of all, what software script do you use? I am going to assume vb since you are an expert at vb according to your profile.

If you are going to be in charge of installing skins, editing templates, admining, finding staff, advertising, ... you are worth at the minimum $25 a month, per forum.

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Your figure depends a lot on how much he makes from the sites. If they are very active and monetized you may be able to up your price.

btw what sites are they (if you are able to post the urls)?

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Hey, get your own adsense on the forums, and then if they succeed due to YOUR efforts, then you are entirely responsible for the clicks, and should get paid.

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