What Makes A Forum Successful?

**Contra Fates** · 04-16-2009, 01:22 AM

As many of you know, RSF is not my first forum, but running forums is one big learning experience. So, with that, I ask you:

What do think makes a forum successful? Why do you decide to stay and be active at a particular forum? Is it the staffers, or the subject matter, or the layout, etc? I want to hear what you all have to say, and I hope that one day I can make RSF a community like you all describe. =)

**Master Yoda** · 04-16-2009, 01:38 AM

Well, was never into these forum things, but as I slowly got on more and more, I started to be more active. And to be honest, in order for forums to be successful, it has to be the members. Members make the site. There are times when there are people that are just making fake profiles just to spam or just be rude or ignorate. (Sorry about the spelling error, that's if I spelled it wrong)

**DK Dong** · 04-16-2009, 03:02 AM

Appearance is pretty important. If a forum is lacking in organization and isn't aesthetically pleasing, then I don't tend to stick around. No one likes having to search for hours to locate the introduction section.

Available discussion topics also come into play. For me personally, there has to be a general gaming section (preferably one that has multiple sections encompassing the different gaming companies and their consoles) and general discussion section. They're both standard, but you never know. Forums that focus entirely on role play, a single gaming series, or anime, don't typically appeal to me. It's good to have a wide variety of discussion topics.

The statistics box is also essential. I've been on several forums where the thing randomly disappeared, making it more difficult to browse forum topics, discover new members, and gauge activity.

Some sort of chatbox/shoutbox is also necessary. Members like interacting with each other. Having one around is beneficial.

Staff members should be polite. There's nothing worse than being treated like a peon by someone who delights at being in a position of authority. I'm more likely to respect and listen to someone who kindly asks me to stop spamming than I am to someone who demands I stop with a threat of punishment. It's a forum. I'd rather leave than obey some random kid who doesn't have it in him/her to be courteous.

That's what I look for anyway. haha

**Aleister Black** · 04-17-2009, 08:09 PM

I think it's really important to have a simple yet effective layout, not too wide and complicated (people would get lost) but certainly not too much focussed on just one thing (the target group would be too little).

Most important things are the topics and the members. Topics because I just can't stay on a site that is about things I don't care about. Members because you need to be in a friendly environment, you need to feel welcomed and respected.

And what I found also counts for a lot is the leniency of the staff. A forum I'm sometimes on has VERY strict staff, and the only thing the forum has going for it is that it is the official forum for a game. My main forum on the other hand is very lenient and we keep drawing people.

EDIT: But I'm basing my experiences on smaller forums, because I like smaller forums anyway.

I get lost on big forums, posting goes too fast, just can't keep up!

**Doaj** · 04-17-2009, 11:23 PM

I think there are three primary things necessary: Casual Staff, Consistency, and memers

1. Casual Staff - The staff on any site needs to have a very strong balance between authority and understanding. Everyone knows that there are rules set in place, and most people abide by the rules. If someone makes a mistake and accidentally double posts or links to an image hosted by another forum r something, then it isn't necessary to freak out. Mods can edit posts- take out the link, and drop them a PM letting them know what they did, that it's been handled, and to have a nice day. Don't tell them how close they are to an infraction or some stupid shit. It's unnecessary and rude. However, on the flipside, I think the staff would need to be people that are capable of punishment as seen fit. If somebody makes threads about what bullshit something is in relation to the site itself or the staff, or a member, then that's a problem. I'd say to lay an infraction out (ElvenAngel should've gotten one for posting that thread about being pissed off that she can't have 1-sentence posts that don't relate to the topic. That was immature and irresponsible. She also shouldn't have gotten in trouble for the post, but she still handled it the wrong way). Someone who is a repeat offender honestly may need to be banned, but that wouldn't happen often.

2. Members. The people that show up to a site are going to be drawn there by two things. Friends and content. However, one must be careful. You aren't going to get the most members by having no theme, or by having too strict a theme. Personally, I don't read manga or watch much anime at all, so I'm pretty limited in the forum bulk to post in. However, I'm here because of the members (I love you guys), and because I need a forum with the above and below criteria (both of which my previous forum was lacking in).

3. Consistency. While I may like the people at a forum, generally those who I really like will end up moving with me to another forum (nifty

). So, if things seem to never pick up and the members are unmotivated and lethargic, then I'm out. You can usually tell how the consistency on any given site is by the shoutbox activity. Sometimes, it seems as if a site would work better without one, because people wouldn't be distracted by it. Doesn't seem to be much of an issue here, although I think it would be more active if people could see recent posts at the top of the page. I love being able to see the most recent posts while I chat so that I can go post should I have been waiting for a response or see that an unfamiliar thread has made its way up there.

I hope I've helped. =D

**Mellusia** · 04-18-2009, 05:01 AM

I think having an organized layout is important. It doesn't need to be flashy or whatever, but if it's cluttered, disorganized, and links are not in plain view, it's real turn off as a member. You can't enjoy the site if you're spending half the time trying to figure it out X_x

I'd say you need a focus for the site. Even if the site you make is about something where hundreds of other sites already have done, making it on too broad of a topics doesn't give out enough attention to all of them and people interested in certain aspects will feel jilted.

As well, members are important. If a newbie comes in, and no one gives them a welcome, then they'll feel rejected and not wanna be part of such a place. People need to feel welcome and know that they're coming is appreciated.

Something to engage the members of the site is important as well. Discussion can only get you so far, but sometimes doing little weekly competitions, SOTWs being the most common I believe, can put on display the members' skills and lets the members of the site let their voices be heard on what they like.

Not a total necessity, but incentive is nice. I know one forum I've been a part of for almost 3 years now has a huge, huge, HUGE media download section pertaining to what the site was about, so it tided me over when I had not social activity in the site.
And it's lame to say, but you need a balance with authority. It's true that you can't just let members have total free roam on a site, but if you come off as a hard ass who picks on every small little mistake a member makes, usually in the public eye, that isn't going to make anyone happy.

**Fuyumine** · 04-21-2009, 10:15 PM

Cake. People love cake, man.

But in all seriousness, I think what makes a forum successful is the ability to "stay in one's lane," and strive to be the best at what they're doing. I've seen so many forums that crumbled because the administrators had no idea what their focus was.

**Sephiroth** · 06-26-2009, 02:13 PM

People like being occupied in forums so a big variety in games is a plus. Also rude members tend to make every forum a little less popular.

and Cookies people love cookies especially oreo's "Milk's favorite cookie" ^^

**Jimmeh** · 06-27-2009, 07:43 PM

What makes a good forum...hmmmm.

For me: staff who're down to earth and not constantly power-trippin'; active members (aka not me); people who can take a joke (members and staff)...

I'm inclined to say "an honest community" ie where the staff aren't sneaking about and coming up with ridiculous ideas to control the members (yes all of them) who're obviously such a hindrance to the running of their amazing website etc etc.

I think you've got it with this forum, Kendra, but the chatbox is always dead and I'm only good for chatbox conversation...if that. D:

**Fuyumine** · 06-28-2009, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Jimmeh

What makes a good forum...hmmmm.

For me: staff who're down to earth and not constantly power-trippin'; active members (aka not me); people who can take a joke (members and staff)...

Amen.

Nothing is worst than a forum moderator that can't seem to get it through their heads that they're not God Almighty.

**VxM Edgeworth** · 08-12-2009, 11:11 AM

I honestly think that a forum is successful for many-a-reason; however, I don't think anyone wants to read a novel-like manuscript. If anything, I'll try to shorten this dialogue.

1. Members. If there's anything I've learned, it's the members. Of course, the complexity of each member is different. There are those who believe kind, amiable words could be fighting words. There are those who spam, use 'leet' speak, and swear they are omnipotent. There are also those that are willing to lend a helping hand, share their experiences, and may become your best online friend. Yes, members come in all shapes and different sizes, but that doesn't make them un-enjoyable. [...preferably, I would like to dodge 'leet' speak.] But all in all, I honestly think if the community is quite active, friendly, and tolerant, then I'm sure the forum would always be the victor.

2. Criteria/Layout. There are a few statements on this particular thread that makes sense, and I agree with you. If the forum isn't somewhat attractive, then I'm sure no one will really remain active for too long. It does sadden me a tad bit if I can't seem to find my way around the forums; i.e., not knowing where to post introductions, where to ask for help, etc. I don't have a problem regarding this forum; however, there was a forum I was a part of that lacked in up-keeping for the forum; henceforth, it closed down a few weeks after I left. In conclusion, I think a few updates wouldn't hurt.

3. Staff. Now, this is something most people would either take too seriously, or not too seriously. There's nothing more I dislike more than a Moderator who wishes to take his or her anger out on a member who messed up once. It's unfair, it's rude, it's unprofessional, and it will do nothing more than heat someone up. There's no need for baseless arguments, and selfish opinions. With that being said, any staff member should be fair, but just.

These are a few opinions of mine, but thanks in advance to those that took the time to read them.

**Sephiroth** · 08-12-2009, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Michelangelo

Amen.

Nothing is worst than a forum moderator that can't seem to get it through their heads that they're not God Almighty.

yea that's Kendra's job t be God Almighty :P

**Shiduri** · 08-12-2009, 06:09 PM

Staff - Staff members are suppose to cater to members, provide members a pleasant environment, be active within the community, and be ready to provide service for members. What makes a forum are the members. They're customer. It's the staff's job to encourage members to post and provide them a pleasant environment.

Staffers are not suppose to be attention whoring, being elitists, or banning/infraction members because they feel like it. That is a big turn off. A mistake where I often see on forums. If one member leaves because of that, that forum might have lost a few more members as well. Every member count, even if a forum has 300 active member. Forums do fail for a reason.

Staffers should never make members feel ashamed of themselves or embarrass them in front of everyone. That's what PMs are for. ;(

In addition to staff...

Members - Members are everything but it is the staffs responsibility to keep them in place. Members who are actively in cliques and are able to break rules because they're friends with staff is a big turn off. It is the staff's fault. Staff should be more controlling of cliques and encourage members to welcome new members. Friend or not, staff should treat all member equally.

Layout/Updating - Layout/skin is everything. It attracts new members. The more eye popping the skin is, the more members will sign up because it's "pretty". Also, no one wants to join a forum that has not been updated for a while. Not updating vbullient is a sign of lazyness.

**Fuyumine** · 08-13-2009, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by Andrew Jackson

Layout/Updating - Layout/skin is everything. It attracts new members. The more eye popping the skin is, the more members will sign up because it's "pretty". Also, no one wants to join a forum that has not been updated for a while. Not updating vbullient is a sign of lazyness.

Rejoice, friends. We are in the process of getting more skins done. It's just taking some time. But they are comin'! So hold tight.

**Shiduri** · 08-13-2009, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by Michelangelo

Rejoice, friends. We are in the process of getting more skins done. It's just taking some time. But they are comin'! So hold tight.

I already knew that. ;D My post wasn't pointing at you guys. Just shit forums in general. I can't really name any here. That would be rude. =(

**Sephiroth** · 08-13-2009, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by Michelangelo

Rejoice, friends. We are in the process of getting more skins done. It's just taking some time. But they are comin'! So hold tight.

Yay new forum skin's =D

Happy pickle dance.

**Aleister Black** · 08-13-2009, 08:03 PM

I don't think a skin has to be all that flashy as long as it doesn't hurt the eyes and does the job it is supposed to do. Layout is only important for a first impression, but usually it's the members and the topics discussed that make a forum worthwhile. A forum I've been on for over 2 years now hasn't changed its layout for about 1.5 years. And it doesn't bother me at all. It's the members and the topics that make it interesting to me, not the skin.

Of course, new skin's aren't BAD! They're a very cool extra!

A pretty good benchmark is this: if you can get ME to post, you know that the atmosphere is alright

The more comfortable I feel, the more I post.

**Daesy** · 08-17-2009, 10:44 PM

What do think makes a forum successful?

The activities, topics, people, staff.

Why do you decide to stay and be active at a particular forum?

The rp section, The activity. The staff.

Is it the staffers, or the subject matter, or the layout, etc?

All of the above actually.

Staffer have got to be open minded. Closed mindedness shouldn't be tolerated. Opinions, yes. Hitlerism, No(Yes i just made up a word). I was part of a forum and if you expressed you liked Rap music...you were persecuted. If you didn't write in proper British English, you were persecuted. If you were black and admitted....persecution. Also favoritism isn't kool.

To get responses, subjects have to be interesting. I do know believe that is up to the staffers and owner. I believe its up to the members.

Layout. Its up to personally preference. My eyes can't take bright colors. So i am using a darker skin. Someone might like light bright colors. So maybe have choices in that matter.