On some forums that I go to, the forum theme is dark or black and the lettering on subforums is so faint that it's hard to read the names of subforums. And, this goes for tiny fonts used and lettering for board names that nearly matches or blends in with the background color. And, maybe that's just how my screen is reading the colors, but these sites are just not easy to view. I don't know why the forum owner didn't take time to get feedback from others on the forum theme. When I see these type of sites, it makes me want to click away and leave.
As a forum owner, I can understand being in love with a forum theme and liking how the forum looks, but if it doesn't work for the members or site visitors, then really what use is it?
I like having at least three or four themes for members to choose from on my forum. This would mean having a couple of light themes and a couple of dark themes. As for other forums that I'm a member of, I'll kindly make a feedback thread and while I wouldn't go as far as asking if they'd take the theme that was too dark down, I would ask if they could please put up at least one light theme to choose from. The font, same thing. I would just explain that the font is somehow too hard on the eyes (depending on what the circumstances are) and ask if they'd be so kind to change the size up a bit so it's easier to see.
I've seen a lot of forums like that too, especially roleplay forums. They use very small fonts that are so faint I have to highlight it if I want to read it. Needless to say, I don't join. On my forum I have a few dark and a few light themes so members can use what they like.
I don't mind dark themes, I usually prefer them. But if I can't read anything on it, then having another option is nice.
I don't mind dark themes if they're usable. The issue with being unable to read the text due to the colour or size isn't really exclusive to dark themes. I could make a light theme and still make it a pain in the ass to read anything on it. It's not so much the theme being light or dark that is the issue. It's having themes with poor usability and legibility that are to blame, regardless of being light or dark.
I prefer dark themes, but sometimes the text can be hard to read. There's a forum that I visited recently that the quick reply background is black and so is the text so it's hard to read what I'm posting. Light themes are bit too bright for me, but I have both available for my members.
I agree, some forums use too dark of a theme and not bright enough or thick enough writing so it's difficult to read certain things on the forum. I love dark themes because I have sensitive eyes, however there are times where things are too dark and my eyes have to go into overtime to be able to see what's going on which really makes me want to just not visit the forum again.
