Development forums - should I? When? What do I share?

[Zrr]

(my L key is sticky and im in a rush, sorry for missing Ls)

I've been wondering this for a little bit now. The only rea reason I can think of opening a deveopment type forum is to get ideas and feedback on a site, maybe to help find volunteers or staff willing to help out. But when is the right time to start something like that? Is there ever a right time?

For example, on the site I'm coding, I've gotten a login system done and a basic ayout but that's about it. As soon as I'm finished coding something for work, I plan to get right back at it, but unfortunately I've had to put it on hold for now. If I have every intention of sticking with this project, is that too soon to open up development forums?

And how much information do you actually put out there? I'm not saying my ideas are totally original, but I like to think they're at least a little bit original. How much is safe to share?

I should note that I have absolutely no intentions of asking for any sort of money - donations, 'pre-alpha' accounts or whatever. It would be purely for discussion, idea sharing and updates.

[kami]

You can start a development forum whenever. It's a free (if you go the free route) and easy way to organize your ideas, WIPs, art, writing, etc. I wouldn't start advertising/asking for help until you have a lot of what you want done (aka - planning). You're not going to find many people willing to work for you if you have no direction.

If you'd like, you can check out my guide here: http://www.virtualpetlist.com/showth...-Started-Guide

There are other helpful guides on the forum as well that hold a lot of useful information.

[cpvr]

I'd say go for it as @kami has posted. It gives users the chance to talk about your site, give your ideas, and everything else. One thing though, post sneak peaks of your game on the dev forums, and users like it, ask them to spread them as well. A dev forum can really help set your site up for success in the long run - especially once it opens because you've built the fan base on the dev forums.