Only few websites can get away with using outdated forum software, and that's generally ones that have been around for ages.
Changing forum software for such a huge database is extremely painful, and may bother all the core/regular members compared to what they're use to.
Try using a more modern forum software.
sassy21, thank you for posting a reply in my thread. I would like to point out a few things though:
(1) My forum is not outdated. Just because not many people use this system doesn't make it outdated. I've have already explained why I believe this software is the best for me to use in this thread.
(2) I made the mistake of switching to phpBB3 and have restarted multiple times. Comparatively, I thought phpBB3 was hard to use as far as adding new features. Also the spambots were wreaking havoc there as well. It's amazing how some simple lines of code can deter those spambots. 🙂 I wish I hadn't started over, but I don't reflect on that.
(3) If you can find forum software that blocks out spambots, have post layouts and have an RPG system already in place without the use of MODs, then I will switch.
(4) Besides, why say it's outdated if you've never used or posted on the system before yourself?
It just looks outdated, what you need is at least a modernized theme.
My first impressive looking at it, I felt fairly disgusted and wanted to leave. So I'm sure I'm not alone in that, improving the overall look is what you should be aiming for right now.
Thank you for your advice sassy21, I will take your advice into consideration. I am open to any more specific suggestions on how to make the current forum better and easy to navigate. 🙂
115,900 views | 14 members | 210 posts | 17.756% Member Usage
Even though there hasn't been much activity lately, I will not give up or change forum systems again. This system is easy to navigate and have plenty of color schemes to choose from -- you won't be bored here.
117,500 views | 14 members | 210 posts | 17.8% Member Usage
I have changed the default theme to something different -- I can change it to about 25 different ones. You will always find something to do here and have fun -- come and join us. 🙂
118,600 views | 14 members | 210 posts | 17.887% Member Usage
Yep, still here -- I'm confident this year I'll be able to bring the activity that I want. Realistically to about 30 to 40% member usage instead of the current rate of barely above 18%.
119,800 views | 14 members | 210 posts | 17.994% Member Usage
I have been averaging over 800 views over the last 5 days. More people are viewing the board, just not registering yet. It looks like NFF will have a few more posts this month than last month. 🙂
128,700 views | 15 members | 230 posts | 18.564% Member Usage
The forum has been upgraded to VGVersion 1.3 after the installation of the admin panel. (If I make enough posts in here, someone will make a reply eventually.)
139,500 views | 17 members | 245 posts | 18.878% Member Usage
Two more members have joined in the last two days -- hopefully one of you will be the next one! You will have fun -- cool features, post layouts, and more! Any questions, please let me know. 🙂
141,400 views | 19 members | 258 posts | 19.275% Member Usage
Two more members have joined in the last three days -- which brings the member count to 21. Thank you to those who have joined so far. Hopefully one of you will be the next one to join. 🙂
143,800 views | 21 members | 265 posts | 19.518% Member Usage | 31 posts so far this month
Wow, it's been a week since I've updated anything in here, but I will continue to do so until I get my goal of 15 to 20 posts per day. Here are various stats from the board:
148,500 views
21 members
271 posts
19.577% Member Usages
37 posts for the month
about 548 views per post (not very good)
Umm, why don't you try to contact your old members who came from your very first forum and persuade them to register, and tell them that there's something more in your forum? I think that in that way, the activity that you had in your past forum will be revived. :3 just a suggestion, anyway ^_^
The layout of your forum is pretty good, too, but I think that it needs more "touch". It's quite plain.