One thing all forums should have.

If a new admin asked you what is the one thing all forums must have before opening, what would it be and why?

 

forums should have members
Because without them forums would mean nothing..

 

They should have a nice theme/layout. That will determine alot for its future.

 

Not always, forums that we're from 2004, has its same design (eeerrr crap design) and yet they end up with 60k members.

 

Well yea because most of their members have been with them from the begining, and dont mind the theme. But communities starting around the past 2 years they have to attract people.

 

You have a point tbh,

 

Yea because im the man

 

The Man you are. I would say its themes as well and activity from the admin. That's also important.

 

Yea, thats the main reason a site stays alive.

 

Themes are nice but some of my favorite forums either have none except the basic one adding a logo or is a mild variation of the default. A niche, activity and caring from the admin/owner, and members make a forum.

 

A forum needs a admin, that knows how the software works, be able to listen to feedback good or bad and have the ability to market their site to new members.

 

Bravo Bravo! Post of the day right here. Taking advice as well.

 

Content. A forum full of "yes i agree" is useless.

 

A crazy guy. It makes everything interesting.

And content is key too. Why join a forum with nothing on it?

 

Haha A crazy guy

 

Content is the most key aspect in my opinion, so if you, as an admin are not active, then you may not attract new members because your forum may look dead.

Design/Style also has a small aspect in this, but as long as it's readable, who cares? We all have different tastes in styles, including the forum admin. After all, you go to a forum for it's contents, not it's looks!

Fair moderation might also play a part in this, as tough/unfair moderation, e.g. going OCD over some small spelling mistake, and replying and yelling at the member in the thread about it might just put potential new members off. But again this I say comes under content.

In short, content is key and is by far the most important aspect when running your forum, as without it, there will be nothing to reply to, nor to attract new members to your forum.

 

Well explained. I agree with all of it.

 

Isn't content what matters though? Design isn't everything

 

I agree with all of that as well! As long as the style's not hard on the eyes, and everything's easy to read, then I could care less what style a forum is using.

 

Well yea, I guess you right, but having a nice looking theme is must or members might not be attracted to your site.