The main comment I see towards those that dont use TLD's is that they should buy one. I don't see why a TLD should encourage you to join, it does show they have put more effort into the forum but if its a good community why not join it and post? Really I have always thought its another way of saying that they don't like the forum.
Does a TLD encourage you?
- Thread starter Zenrer
- Start date
I think in the long run, for a "today" website, any form of second level domain will benefit the forum owner in the long run, if they choose to keep up advertising and/or posting. It's a beneficial addition to their site. I'd remember some for of TLD/SLD then some long subdomain. When it comes to communicating, I'd prefer a TLD/SLD. I don't really see people say that because they have a TLD/SLD, then they will join; it just helps in terms of getting noticed and remembered.
To me, I always get a TLD before starting any forum, blog or website. If the site doesn't work out, I usually got a good domain, good enough to sell. Then I get some of my money back, but I feel when you have a sub-domain such as mysitename.mywebhost.com, it doesn't look nice, It also means they will probably close, and the owners aren't really interested in it, because they haven't put any money into it.. Thats just me though, I rarely join a non-TLD site, unless they say they are getting one in a week or so, then I may join..
I've never been able to afford my own domains, so really in essence it's never bothered me whether a forum is www.yoursite.com or www.yoursite.prophpbb.com for example. Yes, long domains can be hard to remember, but when I find a forum I like, even if it doesn't have a TLD, I still save it to my favorites so that I can alwaysa go back later. If I end up getting my computer professionally cleaned out to where I need to save my favorites all over again, that's no problem, I'm not afraid to search for the advertisement topic I found the site on in the first place, or either that or I hope and pray that I saved my email activation notice from when I signed up with the forum in question in the first place.
fantanoice
Madly Diligent
It helps give a nice first impression (encouraging people to join), helps with SEO and they're usually easy to remember. It also shows that money has gone towards the forum, which makes the staff look dedicated. So in that sense, yes, it is encouraging.
But the thing is, people probably won't stick around based on a TLD alone. There are other things, like content, that need to be addressed as well.
But the thing is, people probably won't stick around based on a TLD alone. There are other things, like content, that need to be addressed as well.
the creator
Up-and-Coming Sensation
TLD encourages me to join the forum only if it have matter of my interest but if the site is just a TLD with no good info I just don't register.Whereas if site is on non TLD but easier to remember domain and have good content then I don't think it will stop me from joing it.
juststeven
Madly Diligent
I think that some people don't have any money and they can't help it! So anyone who thinks that people aren't dedicated if they don't have a TLD then you need to think again. I have had many sites under a subdomain and have shown dedication to it!
Always Hope said:
Quite honestly, I don't really think you need that much dedication to make $10 online. Nowadays there are many money-making opportunities out there. The age/PayPal issue might be the only blockage, though.
Unknown Bliss
Resident
Mr. Green said:
Same here. I find it shows that they dont put the effort in and the domain is so long to type etc.
Honestly the domain or whatever does not matter to me. IT is a domain, for goodness gracious most browsers now just require the title of the site or 2 characters of the url and you are there. I don't know the url of half the sites I am on, I just remember the title.
All that matters is the community, sheesh.
All that matters is the community, sheesh.
I mean to me, It depends. YES your official website should have it's own TLD. However a website like mine where we host our clan websites for example on3.clanwrt.com however we only put 3 letters and or numbers.
Never really mattered to me, if I like the place I'll join, if I enjoy my time there I'll stay. If I need to remember the url I'll search around my email or google. I've many times learned a long url when I enjoy the place so much I will seek it even when not at the home computer.
For me what is inside the forums speak a lot more than the fact of spending a few bucks in the TLD. I've seen people doing this, preparing a community and then sell it apart, so I can't even feel a guarantee that the admin is passionately interested in the community itself just by that.
I guess depends what are your intentions for joining, if you are looking for a service (for example host per post) I understand you seek for the sites with effort in details like that, but for most of the forums, where i just join out of having a good time, the url address doesn't mean much to me.
For me what is inside the forums speak a lot more than the fact of spending a few bucks in the TLD. I've seen people doing this, preparing a community and then sell it apart, so I can't even feel a guarantee that the admin is passionately interested in the community itself just by that.
I guess depends what are your intentions for joining, if you are looking for a service (for example host per post) I understand you seek for the sites with effort in details like that, but for most of the forums, where i just join out of having a good time, the url address doesn't mean much to me.
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