Private Vs Public Forum

[KittyPaws]

Thanksfor your posts. We do have some private folders that JohnQPublic ever sees.

 

[Abdul Raheem]

A public forum is a place that has, by tradition or practice, been held out for general use by the public for speech-related purposes.
A Private forum is not specially designated as open to public expression. For example, jails, public schools, and military bases are nonpublic forums.

 

[ddoesmc]

Both are great! Private forums however, will not get a lot of unique member content. Public forums are the most popular.

 

[marcbryant301]

Public Forum are better because you get more traffic to your blog or site

 

[Mikaya]

public forums are better. If guests see more content which manages to interest them, they're most likely to join. I personally would be put-off from a forum which requires you to register to see posts/threads and sections.

 

[KittyPaws]

Hi Mikaya -- that is what I finally decided as well. So now, one can come to our forum and see all of the forum; however, to make a post, then they must register. At least they get a chance to see whether they want to join or not.

 

[Cody]

I have never once joined a forum where I couldn't see the forum first. As soon as I see a forum that forces me to sign up to see anything, I just hit that little red X in the top right corner.

 

[FootyFan]

Everyone has different views on this. I personally would never join a forum if I could not see it's content. For instance, if I couldn't see any content, how would I know for sure what your forum content was?

 

[MasterA]

It depends on the situation I guess. If you have something great that everyone needs, then having it private will be beneficial as you can get members to register and stay around to obtain that. However, this may also annoy people which would stop them from staying active on your forum. Generally, I think public forums are better unless you have some unique to offer.

 

[CM30]

Private forums can work... if your site is either extremely niche/respected in a very small but 'professional' niche or if you sell it as the next 'hot' thing. But for the most part, public forums are the only kind that get traffic. Especially if the forum is about a mainstream topic.

 

[Geoffrey]

I usually let guests view and read most forums, though if the forum has something like resources or member perks (or steal-able material) then I'll make it so you have to join to see the contents. That's a very rare thing though.

 

[Reverse Flash]

I allow guests to see everything. (except the staff forum, obviously)
It only deters them from joining.