It Doesn't Matter

[Japanese Metal Forum]

When it comes to running a forum, a lot of factors aren't necessarily important.

It doesn't matter how many programming languages you know, which forum software you're using (free or paid), whether you're using a domain name or a free forum host, how many posts or members you have, a spiffy theme, or how "exclusive" your content is.

All that matters is if there is a healthy community that feels united through the message of your forum. You could invest into all of those neat plugins and other forms of validation to keep a few people hooked for the time being, but those are all just cosmetic.

People have to actually WANT to be a part of your forum in the first place. FIRST IMPRESSIONS will say it all. If you don't appeal to them on first impression, then chances are that they may never come back.

 

[Golddisk]

All that matters is if there is a healthy community that feels united through the message of your forum. You could invest into all of those neat plugins and other forms of validation to keep a few people hooked for the time being, but those are all just cosmetic.

True. Some of the communities which are currently the strongest have some of the most basic cosmetic mark-ups and little "fanciness". They just simply get the users right to the content and work well while looking basic.

 

[Japanese Metal Forum]

Even some really thriving forums to this day haven't even updated their forum software, but I've seen many members angrily protest such an idea, too. Basically, don't fix what isn't broken.

 

[John]

I wouldn't say that forum softwares don't matter. It's a lot easier to get members on a XenForo forum than it is a Discuz! (yes, that's a legit software... don't use it).

 

[Deleted member 1609]

I can't even tell you how much I agree with this post. All the sexy graphics and flashy scripts in the world won't make people join your site if the community and/or content isn't up to par.

 

[Japanese Metal Forum]

Exactly. You just have to offer something that no other forum would. Gaming, tech, and general discussion are three of the most difficult genres to shine through. The market is saturated beyond belief with those kinds of forums, so dare to be more than just that.

Also, the less forums that try to ape social media's aesthetics, the better. May as well just create a Facebook group.

 

[Deleted member 1609]

I completely agree. The biggest benefit of forums is precisely that they are not social networks. Social networks are pushing for people to have to give more and more information just to be able to use them, yet forums are about as anonymous as it gets on the Internet. You are also far more likely to interact with people outside of your geographic area on forums, which is a blessing in itself.

 

[Jason76]

The graphics can make a big difference (nice themes etc.) but the type of software usually doesn't matter. Anyhow, possibly the advantage of XenForo would be quick support - due to the fact you're paying for it. Also, you have to be a little tech-savvy to fight spam on free software, but premium services normally have better spam control built in.

However, nonetheless, some makers of premium phpBB themes won't make them for XenForo so that's an encouragement to go to phpBB.

 

[cyimking]

You're absolutely correct but I will take it a step further.

It does not matter unless you have Special Wanted Content. You can have the best design website of 2017 but have a weak community if you can not offer unique content.

People are lazy and will not join a community unless they have too.

HOWEVER, it's best to have a well-designed website with modern features instead of an older outdated website.

 

[Jason76]

I have to backtrack a bit on what I've said. I've seen some major errors with free software lately. Some forums won't display and others have bad linking and paragraph spacing mechanisms.