If you have to ask others what kind of forum to make, DON'T make a forum yet. You need to think of something yourself; something you know you will love being a part of a year later. Don't ask others, it's all about you.
I agree. While it's nice to ask members what THEY want to see, the bottom line is it's your forum. If you don't like contests on forums, you don't have to hold one. One thing I've also learned the hard way is not to let negative feedback get to you. Hearing negative feedback and then reacting to it, or overreacting to it, can only add on to the stress of forum owning and will only want to make you give up ten times quicker. This is one thing I've been very bad at in the past but I'm trying not to let it get me down now. Base your forum on what YOU want it based on. Sure, it may be the most popular genera out there, but that's good on your part, because they always say that you should promote your sites at the same genera of a forum that you're running. Sites like this one (Forum Promotion) can only take you so far in the long run.
You gotta admit, topics like, "what should my forum be about?" are getting out of control. Honestly, if you don't know what you want your forum to be based on, don't make one, or hold off on making one until you know what you want it to be about. It's that simple.
Topics like "What theme/skin should i use?" and "What forum software should i use?" are just as pointless. You should be able to find a theme yourself that you like and you should be able to test out the different softwares available and decide what one you like the most. At the end of the day, you are going to be the one using it the most and no doubt the people who suggest the software or theme probably will not become an active member of that forum anyway.
These are all things i feel users should know and do (+ think about) themselves and should need anyone one else to help them out.
One will always find members criticizing that they don't like one thing or another about the forum but If the admin knows his way the forum will attract serious members anyhow.
Especially, as a forum is a labour of love anyway so if you don't absolutely love it just for what it is you won't be able to take it to success. Prepare to bust your balls for it just to keep it going! You got to love it or you're sunk before you start. So pick something you love to make a forum on, always!
I agree with fantanoice, you should start a forum on something you like discussing and are passionate about. On the other hand it can be helpful to get opinions from others as regards a specific niche or approach for your forum.
For once I'll disagree with Fowler, re asking for suggestions on themes. Personally I don't see any harm in that, someone might suggest a theme that you love, that is applicable for your type of forum but that you have never see before.
Totally agreed. I just hate it when people make a forum just to show off and tell their friends that they're an "admin". Having a successful forum is not a game!
