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The Rise, Fall, and Flicker of Standalone Forums: A Look Back at Internet Communities

The Rise, Fall, and Flicker of Standalone Forums: A Look Back at Internet Communities

Once upon a time, forums were the lifeblood of the internet. You had your favorite boards bookmarked, spent hours posting replies, and knew everyone by username. It was the golden age of community-driven discussion, and it felt like home. But over the past decade or so, standalone forums have taken a wild ride - from dominating online chatter to becoming a niche hideout for the digital wanderer.

So, what happened? And did things ever get better? Let’s dig in.


The Golden Days (2005–2012)
These were the years when forums were king. phpBB, vBulletin, and early Invision installations were everywhere. Didn't matter if you were into gaming, parenting, coding, or conspiracy theories, there was a forum for you. We also need to remember the many flourishing free forum hosts such as InvisionFree, ZetaBoards, IcyBoards, SpreeBB, Proboards, and the list goes on.

Community culture was tight, discussions were meaningful, and moderation kept the vibe healthy. It wasn’t about likes or followers - it was about conversations. Real ones.


The Great Decline (2012–2016)
Enter Facebook Groups, Reddit, and the era of "quick hit" content. As social platforms optimized for engagement, forums started feeling slow and clunky by comparison. Why bother logging in to a niche forum when a similar discussion was already popping off on Reddit, right?

2014 marked a major turning point. Not only were forums losing users, but Google also rolled out SEO updates (Panda and Penguin) that penalized the kind of duplicate or low-effort content forums sometimes generated. Combine that with poor mobile support and outdated UIs, and the ship was already clearly sinking.





See Snapshot:

2012: Forums start declining
2014: Major user drop-off
2016: Forums are mostly ghost towns unless niche
The Flicker of Revival (2019–2021)
Just when things seemed darkest, something interesting happened. People started to miss forums.

Tired of algorithm-choked feeds and privacy-invading platforms, users slowly wandered back to slower, more intentional online spaces. Forums like ResetEra, NeoGAF, SomethingAwful, hobbyist boards, and niche communities saw an uptick. The launch and rise of XenForo 2.x helped modernize the experience, bringing responsive design, alerts, and social logins into the mix.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 gave forums a moment in the spotlight again as people picked up new hobbies and sought deeper conversations.

See Snapshot:

2020: Pandemic-driven bump in activity
2021: Forums hold steady, thanks to better tech and nostalgia
2022 and Beyond: Not Dead, Just Underground
We need to be honest to ourselves: forums didn’t make a full comeback. But they’re not dead either. It's not the same as a decade ago, and maybe it will never be much better either. Still, we hope we can bring the best to our communities.

They’ve now become digital sanctuaries - low-key places where small but passionate groups gather. Modern forums now serve as a calm, focused alternative to the chaos of social media. If you run one, or hang out in one, you know the vibe: familiar faces, chill conversations, and none of the dopamine-chasing BS.

See Snapshot:


2022–2025: Stable but quiet
Forums are niche again, but respected
So TDLR:
Year
Status
2012–2016
Major decline, Facebook & Reddit rise
2017–2018
Continued but slower decline
2019–2021
Small revival, niche forums adapted
2022–2025
Stable but low—forums are now underground gems more than mainstream spaces





Final Thoughts
Forums didn’t lose because they were bad. They lost because the internet changed.

But what they stood for - authentic, community-based conversation - still matters. Keep that in mind when you’re building something new or just keeping an old board alive, forums are still one of the most human parts of the web. And honestly? That counts for a lot.

If you’re reading this, maybe you’re part of the revival too.

Stay forum-pilled. 😁
Cedric

How (not) to Run a Community

Running a community isn't rocket science, but it's also not as easy as just setting up a forum and expecting people to magically show up and become and instant success. If you want to crash and burn, there are some surefire ways to do it. But if you want your community to actually grow and last, here’s what not to do - followed by what you should do instead.


1. "It's my community so it's about me!"
Big nope. If you go in with this mindset, you’re setting yourself up for failure. A successful community is about the people who participate in it, not the person who runs it. Sure, you’re the one who built it, but if you treat it like your personal stage rather than a place where members can engage, they’ll lose interest fast.

What to do instead: Make it about them. Encourage discussions, listen to feedback, and let the community shape its own culture. You’re there to guide, not dictate.


2. "I don't need to engage with my community."
Wrong. So wrong. You can’t just set things up and then go silent, expecting the community to run itself. If you’re not actively participating, why should anyone else? People take cues from leadership. If you’re engaged, they will be too.

What to do instead: Be present. Join discussions, ask questions, share insights, and encourage members to contribute. A dead-silent admin is a fast track to a dead community.


3. "Welcoming new members is pointless."
Ever walked into a party where no one acknowledges you? Feels awkward, right? That’s exactly how it feels for new members when they sign up and get zero welcome. If you don’t make an effort, don’t be surprised when they ghost after day one.

What to do instead: Give new members a reason to stay. A simple welcome message, an introduction thread, or even a casual “Hey, glad to have you here!” goes a long way in making people feel like they belong.


4. "Harsh moderation keeps things in line."
Sure, if by "in line" you mean completely empty. Over-moderating kills communities faster than trolls and spam do. If members constantly feel like they’re walking on eggshells, they’ll just find a more relaxed place to hang out.

What to do instead: Use common sense. Moderate with a light touch - step in when necessary, but don’t micromanage every little thing. People need room to express themselves.


5. "If I build it, they will come."
Just because you created a community doesn’t mean people will automatically show up and participate. You have to give them a reason to join, and more importantly, a reason to stay.

What to do instead: Promote your community. Get the word out through social media, partnerships, or good old-fashioned word of mouth. Keep things fresh with new discussions, events, and engaging content. Growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. But most importantly, never stop doing this.





Final thoughts...
If you want to kill your community, follow the "don'ts." But if you want to build something that actually lasts, focus on making it welcoming, engaging, and worth people’s time. A community is only as strong as the effort put into it - so put in the effort.
Cedric

The 5 Problems you need to solve as an Admin in 2025

Running a forum isn’t all smooth sailing. Sooner or later, you’re going to run into problems, and how you handle them will determine the success (or failure) of your community. Some issues are small annoyances, while others can threaten your forum’s health, reputation, and even existence. Here are the five biggest problems you’ll face as an admin in 2025 - and how to solve them.




1. Spam – The Never-Ending War
Spam is still one of the biggest threats to any forum. Spambots, human advertisers, and link dumpers are relentless, and if you don’t have solid defenses, they’ll turn your forum into a wasteland.


How to Fight It:


Use smart anti-spam tools - Look for solutions that integrate with StopForumSpam, Project Honeypot, or similar databases to keep known spammers out.
Cloudflare Turnstile - Generic CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA are easily cracked. Instead, use Cloudflare Turnstile. It's free.
Post restrictions - Require a minimum post count before new users can add links or signatures.
Active moderation - Encourage your community to report spam, and make sure your staff is quick to remove it.
Human intelligence wins - No system is perfect, so your best defense is an active and engaged community that reports and flags spam when they see it.




2. Drama – The Community Killer
Drama is inevitable when people interact, but if left unchecked, it can escalate into major conflicts, drive members away, and damage your forum’s reputation.


How to Handle It:
Intervene early - If you see tensions rising, step in before it spirals out of control.
Encourage maturity - Remind members that disagreements are normal, but personal attacks and flame wars won’t be tolerated. It's not ok.
Stay professional - Don’t flex power just for the sake of it. Be firm, fair, and level-headed.
Have clear policies - Make sure your rules outline what’s acceptable behavior and how disputes will be handled.
Foster a positive culture - If your forum is known for unnecessary drama, you’ll attract more of it. Set the tone by promoting constructive discussions and respectful debate.




3. Staff Problems – Power Struggles and Ego Trips
A good staff team is the backbone of any forum, but if you choose the wrong people, you’ll end up dealing with egos, conflicts, and even corruption.


How to Prevent Staff Issues:
Choose wisely - Don’t hand out staff positions just because someone asks. Pick people who are mature, reliable, and truly invested in your community. Preferably someone you've known for years.
Create a staff manual - Set clear expectations on behavior, duties, and decision-making processes.
No ego trips allowed - If a staff member starts abusing their power or treating users poorly, deal with it immediately. Power-hungry mods can destroy a forum faster than any spam attack.
Encourage teamwork - Your staff should work together, not against each other. Clear communication and shared goals will prevent internal conflicts.
Monitor inactivity - If a staff member goes MIA for long periods without notice, it’s time to reconsider their position.




4. Technical Issues – Bugs, Errors, and Downtime
A forum that constantly breaks or goes offline will drive members away. Technical problems can come from software bugs, bad updates, server issues, or just members not knowing how to use features properly.


How to Stay on Top of It:
Create a bug report section - Let members report issues easily and make sure they know how to describe the problem in detail.
Respond quickly - If a problem arises, don’t ignore it. Even if you don’t have a solution right away, acknowledge the issue and update members on your progress. Clearing the error log does not fix the problem !
Stay up to date - Always run the latest stable version of your forum software to avoid security risks and bugs.
Make things easy to find - Many support requests happen because people can’t locate a feature. Good organization and a clear layout can prevent unnecessary confusion.
Have backups - If your forum goes down, you need a solid backup strategy to restore it quickly. Always download back ups from the server. Test frequently.




5. Monetization – Keeping the Forum Sustainable
Running a forum costs money, and unless you’re okay with footing the bill forever, you need a solid monetization plan that doesn’t drive users away.


How to Monetize Without Annoying Members:
Ads (but don’t overdo it) - Well-placed ads can help cover costs, but too many will ruin the user experience.
Premium memberships - Offer perks like ad-free browsing, special badges, or exclusive content.
Virtual currency - If your forum has an economy system, consider selling in-game/forum perks for real money.
Affiliate links - If your niche allows for it, recommend products/services and earn commission. But be honest up front about it.
Donations - Some members will gladly support a forum they love. Make it easy for them to do so.




Some final thoughts...
Being a forum admin means dealing with problems - it’s just part of our job. But if you handle these five issues effectively, you’ll build a strong, thriving community. Stay proactive, be fair, and always put your members first. That’s how you make a forum succeed in 2025.
Cedric

The Power of Surveys: Understanding Your Forum Members

We know running a forum isn’t just about keeping the lights on - it’s about creating a space where people actually want to be. But how do you know if you’re doing it right? You could guess, or you could just ask. And that’s where surveys come in.

I've just witnessed how Forum Promotion has done one, which inspired me to this article and at the same time makes me want to do something similar. It was a great success, giving some good insights how the members feel about Forum Promotion.

A well-timed survey can give you some real insights into what your community enjoys, what’s frustrating them, and what they wish was different. It’s direct feedback, straight from the people who matter most - your members. Instead of assuming you know what works, you get actual data to back up your next steps.


Why should I bother with a Survey?
First off, your members already have opinions about your forum. Whether they love it, feel ‘meh’ about it, or think certain things need changing, they’ve got thoughts. A survey gives them a chance to share those thoughts in a structured way, instead of just grumbling in random threads or, worse, leaving quietly.

A member will often feel more comfortable with a survey that's posted anonymously rather than spilling their thoughts in a feedback forum where their name is in the open.

A good survey can help you:

Spot features people love (so you can focus on improving them even more)
Identify pain points (so you can fix what’s not working)
Find out what kind of content, events, or features people actually want
Gauge overall satisfaction and engagement


How do I get the most out of a Survey?
Not all surveys are created equal. A long, tedious form with dozens of questions? That’s a fast track to people ignoring it. But a well-thought-out, concise survey? That’s gold.

Here are some tips to make your survey effective:


Keep it short and to the point - Five to ten questions max is a good rule of thumb.
Use a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions - This makes it easy for people to respond while still allowing deeper insights.
Ask the right questions - Instead of vague questions like “Do you like the forum?” try “What feature do you use the most?” or “What would make your experience better?”
Make it anonymous if possible - People are more honest when they don’t feel watched.
Actually act on the results - There’s nothing worse than a survey that leads to… nothing. If members take time to give feedback, show them it matters by making real changes where needed.


Closing thoughts...
Surveys aren’t just a formality - they’re a tool to keep your forum thriving. Whether you’re trying to tweak features, improve engagement, or just make sure your community feels heard, a simple survey can go a long way. So, if you haven’t asked your members what they think lately, maybe it’s time to start. But don't forget, take action when you see something concerning.
Cedric

A simple yet effective way to promote your forum

If you’re anything like me, procrastination can be a major hurdle. The never-ending “to-do list” can feel overwhelming, and finding the motivation to tackle it can be a daily struggle. Some days, productivity feels impossible. But when it comes to growing your forum, consistency and effort aren’t optional—they’re essential.

The Role of Daily Habits in Forum Growth
Running a successful online community requires ongoing attention. Whether it’s engaging in discussions, responding to messages, approving new members, or moderating content, these routine tasks lay the foundation for a thriving forum. Neglecting them, even briefly, can slow momentum and stifle growth.
 

Are You Actively Promoting Your Forum?

Many forum owners assume that great content will naturally attract new members. While quality discussions are key, they won’t drive growth on their own. Without active promotion, your forum risks being overlooked.
 
I once knew a forum owner who joined multiple online communities, regularly contributed meaningful posts, and strategically included their forum link in their signature. It was a slow burn, but over time, their consistent engagement led to steady traffic and an expanding member base.
 
 
A Systematic Approach to Forum Promotion
 
To maximize your reach, consider this structured strategy:

1. Join Relevant Communities – Explore forums related to your niche. Even if they don’t perfectly align, they may still attract potential members.

2. Engage with Value – Empty, self-promotional posts won’t help. Instead, participate in discussions, offer insights, and build rapport.

3. Optimize Your Profile & Signature – If permitted, add your forum link to your profile and signature. Always follow each forum’s guidelines to avoid being flagged as spam.

4. Introduce Your Forum When Appropriate – If the platform allows, create a post in the appropriate section to explain your forum’s purpose and value.
5. Stay Consistently Active – A single post won’t make an impact. Regular contributions ensure ongoing visibility and establish credibility.

Why This Method Works
Forums naturally attract engaged users—people who actively seek discussions rather than passively consuming content. A well-placed signature link may seem insignificant, but over time, it can drive a steady flow of visitors. Even after you reduce active promotion, your previous efforts can continue bringing in traffic.

Beyond Just Promotion

Forum owners often invest heavily in advertising, but organic engagement plays a crucial role in long-term growth. Whether through forum participation, guest collaborations, or content marketing, increasing your forum’s visibility leads to a stronger, more engaged community.

What challenges have you faced in promoting your forum? Have you found any strategies that worked particularly well?
Cpvr