For every forum/site made, there has to be a reason as to why you, the creator/owner of it, has it there for everyone to see in the first place. Whether it's to bring something different or just like having a community in general, say your reasons here.
Well to start, I made my forum only for the reason for me to try again at foruming, following the success and popularity I had with my much older one in the past (RX Community) and to try again from the mistakes I had with it too, even for a place called The Hideout which had failed to live up to its legacy. Also that I wished to run and maintain a forum better from last time and so far, I'm pleased with its progress. And yes, I liked having a community of my own too 🙂
I think this is a very important question forum owners should ask themselves because the answer will help determine what kind of forum you'd like to have.
I tend to always relate forums to businesses because I find the way you treat them and how you view them should be the same.
If you want to create a forum because you want to have a very popular forum with a huge member base and thousands of threads and posts then you'd definitely take different steps creating and running your forum than someone who is wanting to create a forum to share knowledge, opinions and to ask questions. (Such as a forum for mechanics, nature or anything specific.)
When I owned my first few forums I remember being so excited to have my own forum that I would forget the purpose and the reason why I created the forum. It's very important to remind yourself why you want a forum and what then come up with a detailed plan on the steps you need to make in order for you to reach your goal.
If I were to own my own forum now, it would be because I'd want to share and discuss documentaries with the facts.
Very good question, thank you for posting this Bryd0
Might be ideal for me to bump this, to explain as to why I have my new current forum... well, I like all things tech and, as an alternative to the much bigger ones that exist (such as BleepingComputer, Computer Hope, etc). Also to live up to the legacy of the forum of a site called WinWorldPC where everyone had a bit of fun there until one day, the disgruntled co-admin removed the off-topic section because it was abused a lot, by the newbs that is. Actually, that was when I could've made that kind of place right when that happened, and that was three years ago.
Wanted to own my own forum and able to offer things that no other forum has and also make members and people feel more at home. Been members on forums before I gt baysidegamers started and as time goes one I moved with it and moved on. But as title says. I went with what I know best and just love doing it
Most people start up a forum because they want to own their own forum, kind of like having a place to call home. Everyone has a different idea of what they consider to be interesting or fun. Also everyone has a different idea of how a forum should be run by themselves and the staff.
I have my forum because I'm a fan of the specific niche`and because I like owning my own forum.
I'm sorry to disappoint, if you're expecting an awe-inspiring answer involving additional revenue streams, expanding my business, pursuing my hobbies or being dissatisfied with the status quo.
I usually do it because I'm bored.
Custom plugins? Simple. Custom theme? Simple. Promotion? Good chance to make more friends. No downsides, no cost, just pure fun.
Even a custom software is only a month's work or less, any intern can do it, although generic bog standard garbage is never any fun.
What annoys me is that I started getting into forums in the 2000s, but I could never get them going because spambots would eat them up and I didn't know about forum promotion/post exchange sites.
I think I tried to open my first forum around 2005 or 2006, when I was 10/11 lol. Just was super interested in the internet as a kid and forums opened my eyes to so many cool new things.
