Well it seems the only thing my site really needs to start is a few active role players, I noticed on other Rp sites that once you got a small little core group going you can easily attract more platers. But I need some ideas on how to get some role players started on my site, suggestions anyone please?
You should try creating an account in an active Role Playing forum, after you've done that, put the link to your site, or a nice image which links to your site when you click it, in your signature. After you're done doing that, post a few messages or even threads / topics here and there, and when a member of that forum reads your message, chances are they will also take a look at your signature and click the link. If they like your site enough, they might join... That's one way to get more Role Players to your sites, but there are plenty of other ways. :]
You've picked a hard niche, but I think you need to find out why other sites (including big companies) have succeeded.
They tend to have some product or TV show, or related. Some businesses have trading cards or have some sponsor behind them. If you can get that, you've got a great chance.
If you cannot achieve that, then not to worry. Acorn's forum has succeeded and that is because he was persistent and never gave up. I think every once in a while, you need to revamp your forum, maybe get a domain the first month, and then give out T-Shirts the next month etc.
People want ideas that aren't necessarily unique. If it's too unique then they won't understand it. If it's not unique and seems like a copy then people won't join because they may as well join the bigger sites.
You could have things like a database of graphics like wallpapers and userbars which users can download if they participate well. Having incentives for participating does increase participation in the long run. On this Web Development forum I am on, they have user made tutorials and snippets, each worth a different value and a moderator approves them. The user with the highest amount of points that month gets $25. I was lucky to get that during the first month I was there and so I feel compelled to stay and help others.
Anyway, I think you will need to keep trying until you find what's right. I think with the right idea, you can really get your forum going. Good luck.
