What makes a forum die?

[Cuethelaugh]

I think I'm currently dealing with forums that are opened/ran out of jealousy. Like they leave a site and then put all of their focus on making this site better than where they came from and make it a competition as opposed to something to get joy out of. I know a site right now that is DEAD (aside from maybe 2 posts a day) because an admin is making people feel like they need to choose sides and as a result even admins have left meanwhile the sites they are targeting with their hate are flourishing. It's tough but at the same time you just need to move on. It's rp for fun not high school! Ha!

[Former Member]

When the Administrator neglects the forum. For example:

1. Not participating in discussions/threads
Being an Admin or staff member means that you should participate in the community content. That will give members reassurance that you're still around.

2. No updates
If there aren't any updates then nothing will keep members from staying. Personally, I love checking out new features and just overall giving suggestions and such.

3. No advertising?
Well, this one is kind of self-explanatory. Because...if you don't tell people about your forums, then sooner or later it'll just die. No one will join or stumble upon it if you keep it to yourself. So shout it out to the world![/b]

[Former Member]

I have to say it, but clashing colors right from the start just kills it.


I've no idea about a dieing forum because i've never seen one, but i'm sure there's tons and tons of factors and some really obvious ones.

So one reason could be the fight between the bigger forums (not sure what i'm talking about) but the ones with 500k+ all fighting for the cool spot at the top being the most popular site in its genre.

Thats one reason one can die i suppose.

But without doubt, dieing from the start would be lack of bothering to promote, or not understanding how to imo.

There's loads of reasons which could be personal as well, colds, flu and death which could be bad for a forum and kill it.

[♥ ℒʊ√ ♥]

Members and posting activity. Without either, there is no board.

You don't need a lot of members to be an active board, but you need active members to be an active board.

Colors/design ~ all are subjective, just like art.

I see a lot of boards who promote and advertise and yet they have little to no members and little to no posts.

And I do agree that an active admin is necessary. I know too many who don't think their participation is necessary and that it may stifle the community. I don't agree. Just because one has the title of "admin" doesn't mean you are any better than your members. Without your members, your title is meaningless. 

[Former Member]

I have seen some forums with good themes,empty boards and a few non-active members.
That forum is not living.
I have seen some forums with an unappealing background/theme; that has updated content with active members.
That forum is living.

An active admin with active members give life to a forum.

[Former Member]

Jan 4, 2016 20:19:07 GMT -8 ♥ ℒʊ√ ♥ said:

Colors/design ~ all are subjective, just like art.

Not if they clash though, its terrible to read stuff.

The arts subjective though.


Clashing colours can kill a site from the get go in my eyes, but i'm always willing to give it a go before i shut off.

[Former Member]

Jan 5, 2016 4:26:35 GMT -8 @joecool111 said:

Jan 4, 2016 20:19:07 GMT -8 ♥ ℒʊ√ ♥ said:

Colors/design ~ all are subjective, just like art.

Not if they clash though, its terrible to read stuff.

The arts subjective though.


Clashing colours can kill a site from the get go in my eyes, but i'm always willing to give it a go before i shut off.

Yes I agree with @joecool111; I get deterred from a site or forum if the colours clash or if the design is really rough.

[Former Member]

Jan 5, 2016 4:41:54 GMT -8 @silenced said:

Jan 5, 2016 4:26:35 GMT -8 @joecool111 said:

Not if they clash though, its terrible to read stuff.

The arts subjective though.


Clashing colours can kill a site from the get go in my eyes, but i'm always willing to give it a go before i shut off.

Yes I agree with @joecool111 ; I get deterred from a site or forum if the colours clash or if the design is really rough.

Like i say, i've never seen one die so theres a ton a reasons why this could be.

[Former Member]

I named a few reasons in previous posts. I've seen plenty of forums die over the last 2 years - most are forums for WIP mmo's

[Vennom]

In my experience over the years i have seen many forums die, usually cause of the lack of interest in the staff, they or her or she makes it with expectations of it going well, and when it dont, they give up. I have seen people join boards, say a hi, and nothing back, if the staff don't care about the board, it isn't going to survive.

[Former Member]

^ I agree. I see people expecting a forum to gain hundreds of members overnight...but in all honesty, a forum can only grow with time.

[SafeInSanity]

Facebook, drama, admin abandoning it ...

[Former Member]

How does facebook make a forum die?

[♥ ℒʊ√ ♥]

Because colors clash in your own eyes does not mean it clashes in another's. It is all subjective.  Someone may not join because of that; others may.

I've gone on forums where I find it extremely difficult to read because of small dark print in a dark background, yet the forum is active and alive.

I've seen forums who haven't strayed or done much to the default ProBoards' theme originally provided when the forum is "born" and they are active and alive.

I think it's more about having the correct content for the audience you wish to target.

[Former Member]

Unless it's difficult to see the content