LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

WoodBuzz

Tags
business
14K views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  pashley 
#1 ·
Still thinking about my own website...

I am still in consideration of making a woodworking website, since I am well versed in web work…and wood work. Please understand, this would not be anything like LJs; it would be more of a resource/reference/news site. The possible exception is a forum, but just about every community website must have one.

I think this niche is under served - with the possible exception of Fine Wood Working - but you need to be a member there to get any of their articles.

I won't off any false pretenses; this site would be a for-profit venture - not through membership fees or donations (very few donate) - but ad based, as is LJs.

I'd appreciate any feedback on this endeavor.
 
#2 ·
When I lived in NC, I frequented the NCwoodworkers website. It was only for NC residents. It was nice being able to actually meet and have functions with LIVE people. I have often thought that a person with the right web ability and motivation could create a series of state by state woodworking sites. You could probably find a moderator for every state fishing LJ's.
This way you can interact with state locals, visit shops and so forth. I know that through the NC site, I not only met fellow ww'ers, but I bought a nice drum sander, sold a bench and alot of wood. I also got heads up on local deals. Seems like you could get tons of money from adds since you could target 50+ sites. Just remember me when you make your first million.
 
#4 ·
Features to include on Woodbuzz?

So, what features to include on Woodbuzz - my possibly upcoming woodworking website that is focused on reference, news, and other stuff? Here's some ideas; I'd like yours.

• Plans. A picture of the piece, a brief description, indicate whether it's free or paid, and a link to the site.

• Sketchup Plans. Your plans that you'd like to share with the community for free.

• Woodworking software. Planning software, like Sketchup, and related plugins; layout software; cost estimation software, etc.

• Style guides. What is "mission style", and what shapes or materials do you usually see in it? What are Krenovian influences?

• Marketing help. Articles on how to market yourself, both on the web and at craft shows or showrooms; setting prices; ideas for things that sell, etc.

• Encylopedia. An alphabetically ordered description of terms - scarf joint, rabbet, Sam Maloof, and so on.

• Multimedia. Helpful videos or podcasts that entertain or teach.

• News. New woodworking products or recalls; news of woodworking schools, trade shows.

and of course, a forum.

Again, I think you can see the distinction from LJs. LJs is a community driven site, whereas mine would be content driven.

Are there any other features you'd like to see?
 
#5 ·
I think it would be neat to collect content - techniques/jigs/projects - based on a combination of skill level and available equipment.

Popular Woodworking has an "I can do that" series that requires a very small set of tools and is great for someone just getting started (although I suspect the info they provide on sharpening is not really enough for someone to end up with a block plane iron that is sharp enough to work well).

But what about someone that has a few pieces of equipment - including a portable or contractor table saw, and a router with a very basic table - but hasn't stepped up to planer/jointer or bandsaw? "Woodworking for mere mortals" website done by Stevinmarin seems geared for those that have moved up to a bit more equipment, and I'm looking forward to see how his site develops. Still, I think there is room in this space for more content providers.

Then, of course, there is the shop that includes a planer/jointer, or another that has a significant investment in hand tools. How does one go from a tool collector to someone that can use these beasts with some level of skill?
 
#11 ·
WoodBuzz is now open on Ning!

I've finally opened WoodBuzz, a woodworking community website, that pays more attention to articles of information (how to market, getting good deals, pricing your work, etc), than being strictly community driven.

It's just getting up and running, so come on over, join, and contribute. I think you'll like what you see.

Just a note: all pictures and videos posted are moderated; they don't go up unless I've seen them.

Also, WoodBuzz is smartphone friendly, no app needed. Just open Woodbuzz on your iPhone, and a phone-friendly version comes up automatically:



You can join Woodbuzz here: WoodBuzz
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top