About a week ago, I was reading a piece that offered up the suggestion that WAHM forums aren’t very helpful. In fact, the author further suggests that you could get lied or scammed, by the regular members if you aren’t careful.
Is that possible? I know that as a writer new to the online markets and venues, I joined a lot of WAHM forums and writer forums. Not once did I feel scammed or that I was being deceived. The writer of this piece tells you that regular members to WAHM forums can be cynical – their opinions of WAHM opportunities will be jaded because they’ve been burned one too many times before.
If you’re a new to the WAHM lifestyle, you are considered someone who will take anything you can get OR out to use someone and take advantage of someone who can help you.
Anyone who “lurks” meaning is on the boards all the time but rarely posts; they don’t have anything useful to offer you or only have their own questions that need answers. They may want you to join their business (so may the regulars as well) but they won’t actually help you find the work you need.
Meh… I can’t speak for the author but my experience has been nothing like this. In fact, I’ve found WAHM forums and message boards to be helpful and supportive.
If you find a forum that you think is going to help you find the right kind of WAHM job you want, then it’s like anything else, do your research and talk to some of the members privately. I know you’re not going to always going to find the golden ticket… HOWEVER, you will get out of it what you put into it. Not only that but WAHM forums and message boards can be great tool for networking and finding leads.
Personally, if you can’t find what you need at a WAHM forum or message board, perhaps you aren’t utilizing them correctly.