Reply to thread

Yes.  It can work out very well if handled right.  John is correct that you have to tread cautiously because the entire forum can turn against you.  If you sponsor the forum, offer events, discounted prices, and general advice (meaning:  participate), then you can earn some lifelong customers.  If you sponsor a forum simply to combat a complaint, you'll be crushed.  Better to create an individual account and talk things out with the complainer - then say that you've enjoyed your time here and sponsor at that time.  If you sponsor before the dust has settled you could be setting yourself up for a really bad start.

With any social media site, you want to start your own personal account first - learn the rules/personality of the site and then bring the business in.