User blog comment:Brandon Rhea/Turning Readers into Editors/@comment-1038387-20140321211017

I definitely agree on the active forums. Just a simple "ask us" thread for new readers, or trivia quizzes, has gotten us several new editors already.

Our main newbie problem(s) are that we cover a franchise of 75 years, and we rely kinda heavily on templates, strict naming conventions and categories. Both can be offputting.

We also have recommended reading pages for characters and teams. Because if you want to get into 75 years of Batman... where do you start? It's not just about getting more editors, but also more fans. You don't start at Detective #27.

Another piece of advice we tend to give new editors is "edit what you know". So, you really like that new TV series or video game, but know nothing of 70s Aquaman or 90s Titans? It's not a problem that you only know a particular niche. It's a start. Many of us got into comics that way.

Also take into account that there's no such thing as a true fan. Everyone is a fan in their own way, and that may not be your way. Yes, there are people that like that really bad dark era in the 90s you loathe. Or people that favor subs over dubs. Or just like it for the pretty girls or boys. It doesn't make them lesser beings. Don't scare them off.