I think the name originally selected for this forum just plain sucks now. "Open IT" was apparently intended to indicate an "open" information technology forum (as in completely unregulated, like Usenet.) I have departed considerably from the creator's initial vision as such by imposing civility standards on the discussion, banning or driving out undesirable elements, and by creating some "private" sections for the longtime user base of the forum. It's anything but "open" now, I'll readily admit.
But there is no way to really change the forum name (in the URL), except for attaching it to a domain (Yuku has this option now.)
I asked a successful freelancer that I know who has visited here occasionally. He pointed out two things: 1) the discussions tend toward the negative and there is a negative vibe here (his words) and it has sort of a "private club of regulars closed to outsiders" feel. 2) He said that the layout is REALLY ugly and looks very dated. Although he could not point to a superior look.
As far as "only 50 contractors"... that sounds like Janet Ruhl taunting us a few years ago with her "you're 15 guys" line.
I think the main issue with respect to this point is that we're literally not cool and cutting edge enough to get visibility. And most of the shallow viewing public confuses presentation with substance. I don't think discussion boards are the force they once were.
Good ideas about the mISVs section and perhaps some free advertising.
PS: what do you mean by, "the private ASP forums?"
