This, obviously is directed to anyone new to the IM business and have begun
to apply some of the traffic techniques they are being taught.

There's nothing wrong with using forum posting to generate traffic... most do it. And as said, there's nothing wrong with it.... as long as your posts are something of value to others. Many people have joined a handful of forums for the sole purpose of back-links and getting their site seen—and have been taught this by their learning source. But this doesn't mean to abuse... that lessons the quality and usefulness of a forum. Here are some Ideas, thoughts and beliefs of mine for you to juggle around in the hopes that we an make all the forums we contribute to better.

We've All Seen And/Or Experienced This...
Have you noticed that in many forums you can't show you signature, that of course contains your website link until you've made in some cases at least 25 posts. That can be discouraging to some because they've come to that forum to get links only. Then you say to yourself, "my G_d, I've got to come up with 20 0r 25 valid, useful, helpful, posts before I can even get my sig seen"? Feels like a job, right? Well it is... but while you're building up those 20 or 25 posts, you're getting you're feet wet as to how the forum operates and the kind of folks and ideas that are part of it.

"Wow, Thanks For That Great Info."
And if you just make a bunch of simple, nothing of real value type posts, just to get your numbers up, you look spammy and of course, you will not be taken seriously down the line... you know the kind of posts I'm talking about.... "wow, thanks for that great info". "I agree with so and so". "I'll give that a try". etc.

Quick Trick... but a legitimate one.... I believe
A way to get post numbers up a much faster without looking spammy, is to ask for a review of your site. Just ask for a review, a critique of your site. Make a post saying something like, "Hi folks, I'm trying out a new type of squeeze page that's a bit different then what I've done in the past". I would be grateful if I can get an honest critique and some first impressions. Here's the link. Thank you" (That's 1 post) And, you might learn something about how to improve your site. Most MODS will let you post your site link if you're asking for help with it. But.. be honest, if you sound like your FOS, you'll be discovered real quick.

A Lot More Posts Comin...
When you get your first answer....something like.... "it seems a little busy", you reply, thanking them and asking if they could explain further, or if they might have any suggestions. (That's 2 posts) If you continue to reply to all answers in this manner, (with real questions) you can have 10 posts completed on just one thread... without being spammy.... and... this does something else. Because you're asking for help, you are putting up in the post, your link.... which you were told you could not do until you've posted x amount of times. And... you just might learn a thing or two about site design as well as other site related topics... see.... you're already learning.

Some Other Ideas....
Don't post to the same forum everyday needlessly. Pop into different forums at different times during the week. Posting everyday to a particular forum could feel and looks like a 'panic' attack to get links rather than contribute.

Also, when you get to a forum, just relax, do a 'look around' and read posts to see if anything strikes your fancy. If you find one, post. If not, don't post, and take off. Never post for the sake of posting. If you can't offer something real, don't offer anything. After 3 to 5 minutes of glancing, and nothing feels right, leave! Don't post for 'small talk'... It's a waste of everyone's time and does not contribute. I would rather find something that I feel is a valid post that I could contribute to, or I'd rather not post.

If you do it this way, you'll gain time to do other things. IMO, when you, all-of-a-sudden, start showing your face everyday and posting, posting, posting, especially if the posts are not particularly helpful, you will not be taken seriously. You'll just be a "wow, thanks for that great info." and an, "I agree with so and so." type of poster. Not a pro.

Think About This...
When someone just joins a forum, and within a weeks time they have 20-30 posts. Isn't it kinda obvious what's going on.... they can't possibly be, all of a sudden,'THAT INTERESTED' in that forum and it's members. They can't possibly be reading and getting a feel for that forum in order to become a valid contributor, especially they're so busy posting... it becomes obvious that they're just working toward getting their links up. People can spot this... and again, won't take you serious down the road. So, go slow, (accept for my little trick) and post just a couple of times a week, and increase your posts with time. It's more natural to others. It's like 'building' on a friendship.

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder
You've heard that "absence make the heart grow fonder" I would rather make some super valid/helpful post and disappear for a few days, then, go back in a couple of days and do it again. If you make a great post, and disappear for a while, and repeat that kind of thing, I believe that the 'perception' created of you will be one of value. People will be looking for your posts... and when that happens... look out?

I Can Prove This To You...
What happens when we see a post by a veteran of a forum? Think of the names in here that we jump to read when we see their name. That's right! Everybody wants to see it. When we see a certain name, we go "OH, so and so posted", and we jump right over to it.

Anyway, the short tip would be.... just like the lottery, make some 'quick picks', and get on to something else. Don't get mentally over-involved with any 'one' thing.... make your post and 'Let It Go'... Hit and Run...But, have that 'Hit', mean something!—mean something for you, as well as others.

Regards

Cliff Michaels