Themes - do they impact a forum’s success?

[private]

I no longer think that a nice theme has 100% impact on a forum's success.
If someone wants to join a forum they will.

[boris1972]

I think people need to stop using Comic Sans unironically.

[Retread]

Mar 4, 2018 7:53:00 GMT -8 boris1972 said:

I think people need to stop using Comic Sans unironically.

Hello boris1972,

The fact that 'Comic Sans MS' includes the word Comic, does not dictate that it must be used exclusively in humorous or ironic circumstances.   Some people enjoy expressing their style through various uses of font and formatting.

When used to excess, any form of expression runs the risk of becoming tedious and trite. But to suggest that people need to stop, implies a rather high level of intolerance. Informing you of this with a more crisp and business-like font such as Courier, for instance, might appear rather harsh and unpleasant. However, the more soothing appearance provided by Comic Sans MS might soften the blow.

There may be others who will say:
"You should stop telling people what you think they should and shouldn't do because that makes you look like a petty tyrant, or a just a garden-variety whiner."
but I would never say such a thing. I'm more of a to-each-his-own sort of person.



As always (regarding matters of opinion),

YMMV

[private]

Mar 4, 2018 7:53:00 GMT -8 boris1972 said:

I think people need to stop using Comic Sans unironically.

Boris:
The subject of this thread is: Themes - do they impact a forum’s success?
What is your opinion?

[boris1972]

I wasn't clear enough, I was referring to its usage in themes, not posts. Not that it matters much, you know.

[private]

Mar 4, 2018 12:25:25 GMT -8 boris1972 said:

I wasn't clear enough, I was referring to its usage in themes, not posts. Not that it matters much, you know.

I think your opinions on themes does matter.

[sharon]

Sept 16, 2016 12:35:38 GMT -8 Scott said:

They say eyes are the window to the soul, and so is a theme the window to your forum? Does your theme tell the story of what your forum is about, or is it even necessary?

Shortly after I started working at ProBoards I had a conversation with VS Admin , and he explained that a lot of research went into the overall layout of our forums. The default layout we offer is optimized for the best user interaction. Looking at our current list of top forums, 9 out of the top 10 have made no layout alterations other than changing some color, and a few have added the sidebar.

So what does this say? The purpose of the forum and its content are the key.

That said, does one size fit all? I just cannot imagine visiting a Star Trek forum without expecting to see a space theme customization. I would think that other visitors would expect the same and be turned off if the forum had just a bland theme.

Themes can enhance the user experience. Offering more than one theme to choose from allows the member to have a more personal connection to the forum. If you expect a member to spend a lot of time on your forum, then having multiple themes gives the user a sense of control over the environment they’re committing their time to.

Some forums have a default generic guest theme, while reserving the additional "fancier" theme choices for members. This approach is akin to a premium or bonus one receives upon registering for membership. However does this backfire? Does the generic theme turn away guest users? Are you putting your best foot forward for potential new members?

Lastly, I would suggest you ask yourself the purpose behind any theme you offer. Is the theme just a personal preference for yourself? Are you using a theme because it looks “cool”? Does it complement the purpose of your forum? Does it elevate the members’ experience on the forum?

So please share. How have themes impacted your forum or your experience with other forums? What feedback, if any, do you get from your members? Basically, what are your thoughts on themes?

I agree that content is key! I believe it's important to have a balance. I appreciate having options but for me I find that simplicity wins me over.

[silvermist]

I think that baseline, a good theme or skin is what catches people’s attention initially. You have about 30 seconds, if that, to get someone ‘hooked’ or curious about your forum. Having a theme that portrays the idea of your forum while being aesthetically pleasing is important. Ultimately, it’s the content of the forum and the community within it that keeps people returning. But yes, the theme has a big impact! 

I also think it’s important to have a light and dark theme that people can toggle at will. Sometimes my eyes just need a break 😂

[peekabooicu]

I have several themes. I do not know which theme would go well with my title as it is very generic. lol
however, a good theme is as good as the topics cuz they will go for a good theme first before joining to see if they can deal with the colors...The colors play a huge part of those themes they join. it has to capture their eyes and if they like it... they may just join.
I have seen tons and tons of forums and most of the themes are very good but have no members, I have seen horrible themes and have 100 and over members... I guess each to their own, I suppose.
Themes for me personally can either make or break when it comes to getting a guest to join. It has to pique their interest.
the topic / boards come in last... as in... if it relates to them or not and rather or not they want to be a part of their community.

for me I like making different themes because not everyone has the same likes... JMHO.