Is basic/simple better than complex?

[TechWiz18]

As a former Website/Forum/Blog owner myself, I have nearly always gotten caught up with how much I can try to add to the site in terms of add-on's, plugins or extensions.

However, looking back, I wonder if I tried too hard to lure people in with arbitrary features when the site didn't even have sustenance for people to consume or engage in.

When you are starting out especially, would you say that the more simple and straight forward you make your site to be you'll be better off? What have you found to be true?

 

[Ravenfreak]

I would make things simple and straight forward at first. As your community continues to grow, determine which plugins will be appealing to your members as well as staff and install the ones that will benefit your website. A few unique ones could possibly bring in new members, but don't go overboard.

 

[Cedric]

Less = more.
Simplicity = key.

 

[jweb]

I'm starting out with less features this time around. Looking back, I added a bunch of features that were not needed and only made the site harder to maintain.

 

[Nomad]

My primary aim is to build valuable content. I want users to share their views, I want users to learn from my community. Therefore, I do not care about introducing various features. I keep it pretty simple.