Post by Camoon on Apr 18, 2010 15:46:07 GMT -5
If you're wondering exactly what kind of things goes in this section, or how to make a succesful project that won't fall to the depths of the forum before being complete, then just read through this thread. Here are the 5 most important steps/things to keep in mind when starting a project.
1. Have an idea. This is obvious, but some people find it hard to come up with an idea on the spot. Simple remedy? Don't think about an idea on the spot. I tend to carry around a mini notebook which I write my ideas in.
2. The two sections. The PROJECTS section is for projects that you're unleashing. Projects that you have completely planned to the max, and that you know exactly how they will work. The Project ideas section is for you to post your ideas for projects, either for varification that it's a good idea, or so that you can discuss and plan how you will go about it, or even so you can throw your awesome idea out there for someone else to take control (but that isn't recommended).
3. Have a measurable goal. If you don't have a goal, then how can you ever tell whether your project has succeeded or not? So set a measurable goal. It gets a bit more complicated when you intend to have an ongoing project, or if your project's goal is almost unforeseeable. In these two cases, you may want to come up with an initial goal that seems possible to achieve, and once you've reached that goal, come up with a new goal to reach from there.
4. Have a deadline to reach the goal. Deadlines are the best incentive to getting things done. NEVER use phrases like "As soon as possible". People (including yourself) need deadlines to get things done, and "As soon as possible" is not a deadline, since it's subjective.
5. Follow through. Ew. But seriously, if you post a project, don't expect it to be self sufficient from the day you post it. Keep talking about it to members of SPOTM, to friends, etc., update it where it needs updating, and just do all you can to keep it running. If you need something from the people of SPOTM for it to work, then sometimes a thread isn't enough to make your project work. Tell people personally. I don't mean spam, but talking to people about it in the Skype chat doesn't count as spam, since we're there to talk about the projects.
Any other tips
* Remember that it is your project. Run it how you want, don't let anyone else tell you how to run it but...
* Be open to feedback.
* Don't get annoyed if somebody uses your idea because you weren't doing it very well. It happens.
* Need people with certain skills? Check out this amazingly helpful skills list.
So many times I've seen projects fail because they didn't set a goal, or because they just posted about it, then kind of expected it to happen on it's own.
That was my take on how to make a project. If you have any questions, or have anything to add, please post below!
1. Have an idea. This is obvious, but some people find it hard to come up with an idea on the spot. Simple remedy? Don't think about an idea on the spot. I tend to carry around a mini notebook which I write my ideas in.
2. The two sections. The PROJECTS section is for projects that you're unleashing. Projects that you have completely planned to the max, and that you know exactly how they will work. The Project ideas section is for you to post your ideas for projects, either for varification that it's a good idea, or so that you can discuss and plan how you will go about it, or even so you can throw your awesome idea out there for someone else to take control (but that isn't recommended).
3. Have a measurable goal. If you don't have a goal, then how can you ever tell whether your project has succeeded or not? So set a measurable goal. It gets a bit more complicated when you intend to have an ongoing project, or if your project's goal is almost unforeseeable. In these two cases, you may want to come up with an initial goal that seems possible to achieve, and once you've reached that goal, come up with a new goal to reach from there.
4. Have a deadline to reach the goal. Deadlines are the best incentive to getting things done. NEVER use phrases like "As soon as possible". People (including yourself) need deadlines to get things done, and "As soon as possible" is not a deadline, since it's subjective.
5. Follow through. Ew. But seriously, if you post a project, don't expect it to be self sufficient from the day you post it. Keep talking about it to members of SPOTM, to friends, etc., update it where it needs updating, and just do all you can to keep it running. If you need something from the people of SPOTM for it to work, then sometimes a thread isn't enough to make your project work. Tell people personally. I don't mean spam, but talking to people about it in the Skype chat doesn't count as spam, since we're there to talk about the projects.
Any other tips
* Remember that it is your project. Run it how you want, don't let anyone else tell you how to run it but...
* Be open to feedback.
* Don't get annoyed if somebody uses your idea because you weren't doing it very well. It happens.
* Need people with certain skills? Check out this amazingly helpful skills list.
So many times I've seen projects fail because they didn't set a goal, or because they just posted about it, then kind of expected it to happen on it's own.
That was my take on how to make a project. If you have any questions, or have anything to add, please post below!