Is a good theme important?

[Deleted member 49125]

Do you think having a good theme equals a successful forum? Or is it more about the activity? Members, Staff perhaps?
I think we need a good theme & while it is what first draws somebody to a forum, I feel in order to keep them there, you need the activity.
What are your views?

 

[Deleted member 57615]

There are many successfully forums that still use default themes. So no, a good or custom theme does not predict a solid future. But a nice theme makes browsing much more fun for me. 🙂

 

[Ravenfreak]

A custom theme looks nice but isn't a way to predict if the community will be a success. I do enjoy seeing custom themes on forums rather than default themes. I understand though it can be expensive to get a good theme and not many people may know how to make css edits to make a theme.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

A pre-made theme is the best choice starting out.

I'm a big believer in branding. So, the more you can make it your own, the better.

After you've been around long enough to commit to sticking around, I think getting your own custom theme made is the best thing to do.

 

[Page]

Paid for a theme and made edits to that theme to look outside of that box 😉 Custom is way to much to even think about getting

 

[MrDawn]

A forum needs to look stylish and presentable. Not this. if I click on the link and see this, I won't even bother registering. I'll go join the next guys.

 

[Moonface]

A good theme will only impact the success of a board by making the site enjoyable for people to use. If a forum has a theme that hurts to look at, it doesn't matter how good everything else is because nobody will likely stick around long enough to see it.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

A forum needs to look stylish and presentable. Not this. if I click on the link and see this, I won't even bother registering. I'll go join the next guys.

I think keeping a default theme is only useful if your forum concentrates on that particular forum software.

That's because it is easily identifiable as being about that software.

But other than that, I agree with you! I might still join but I'd be bored with the theme for sure.

 

[Page]

yes

 

[Katrina]

If the forum has information I want then the theme doesn't matter to me at all. But for the most part, the forums I enjoy visiting have themes that are relevant to their content.

 

[zappaDPJ]

Many of the largest, most active forums run on the default theme with just a few tweaks. In fact a lot run on really old software versions. That says to me style and to some extent even function won't compensate for a lack of substance.

Branding has already been mentioned and I do think that is important but it is defined by a logo more than anything else.

 

[Eclipse]

Themes are definitely important in my opinion as they add distinction from forum to forum. I think most sites using a default theme are ones that focus in a particular niche, such as support for a product, service, etc.

I like to keep the default theme as an option for my members. In the end, style is subjective. What some people like, others may oppose

 

[Nomad]

Yes, it is important. However, I will rather give more importance to content than the aesthetic appeal of the forum.

 

[Shortie_]

When it comes to a theme, the look of it is definitely important but I wouldn't say it's the most important. I personally would not join a forum that has a very messy set out and does not look even the slightest bit professional if I am honest. When I join a forum or look at a forum I like to see a clean layout and it looks inviting. Activity is also an added plus and the care taken to provide good discussions is also very encouraging. The theme isn't the be-all and end I do not think but I do like to see a clean-looking forum.