Al

The 'good' thing is that it happened early in the life of the community and we didn't lose years of attachments, only a couple of weeks.

Naming forum categories is a balance between creativity, clarity, and SEO. A name has to catch attention and create the right atmosphere for the community; it needs enough character to resonate with users without being vague or confusing. Creative names add personality to a forum and can make categories feel more engaging, but only if they’re still intuitive. At the same time, clarity is key. Category names should make it clear what content goes where. Generic titles like “Game Reviews” or “Upcoming Releases” often work best because they avoid any guessing for users, making it easy for people to navigate and find what they’re interested in right away. SEO also has a role, though it’s not the main focus. For example, a category named “Game Reviews” will perform better in search results than something overly stylized. Including a few strategic terms in category names helps new users find the forum without sacrificing clarity or usability. Some names come easily, while others require more thought, especially as I consider how each name affects the user experience and supports the forum’s overall vibe. It’s a mix of brainstorming and testing to see what fits best for attracting and keeping members. I try and be fairly obvious with my category and node names to avoid a situation where a user isn't certain where to post. You can use the node description to get creative. Here's an example of what I mean: [ATTACH type=full" size="776x490]299[/ATTACH] The part of the forum description in bold was going to be the forum name, but I wanted to have clarity. The creativity aspect comes in the description. These are good for SEO purposes. If someone was to search for "Zombie Games" they will (hopefully) find that section. Additional mention of specific games in the description enhances the SEO of the section.

And therein lies the problem. Even people who don't like it are using it because it's almost become essential for anyone trying to exist in the online space. As of 2024, Discord has around 200 million monthly active users globally. Additionally, it has more than 614 million registered accounts. The platform has continued to grow since its launch, maintaining its strong appeal for both gaming and non-gaming communities, especially among younger users like Millennials and Gen Z, who primarily use Discord to connect over shared interests and hobbies. It's appealing to anyone who wants to do anything online as there is already an audience. But it's far from perfect.

Reddit is the internet. There is very little you can't find on Reddit. The requirement for just one account to access pretty much anything you want to talk about is a difficult thing to defeat - or even compete with. This means forums need to offer something different. If anyone can tell me what that thing is I'll love you forever.

[mention=1]Cedric[/mention] often says to me: C U Next Tuesday. I never know what he means by that...

"Not profitable" is entirely different to "makes no money". Reddit must have made enough to pay its staff and server bills. It's just that there was nothing to pay to shareholders. It always had the potential to make money, it just never did. It took Twitter 12 years to make a profit. It's not always a guarantee for success just to launch something. https://www.vox.com/2018/2/8/16989834/twitter-q4-2018-earnings-revenue-jack-dorsey

Seems like I'm not the only one who wants to stay private online: [HEADING=2]Half of Americans want the internet to forget about them – but they don't know how[/HEADING] People are increasingly worried about their privacy and seek more control, a new research reveals More and more people want the internet to forget about them. This sentiment is especially strong in the US where almost half of internet users would like to be removed from the web. However, most of them don't know how. This is the main finding unveiled by a joint investigation recently carried out by one of the best VPN providers around, NordVPN, and personal data removal company Incogni. Worse still, the global percentage of people worried about their personal data rose from 30% in 2022 to 35% this year. "The shift in people’s attitude and their increasing need to delete their presence from the internet highlights a trend: people are no longer passively accepting the idea that their data should live on the internet forever," said Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN. [HEADING=2]152 million Americans want to delete themselves from the web[/HEADING] Under NordVPN and Incogni's commission, researchers at Cint surveyed a total of 6,800 respondents aged 18 years old and older from the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. Unsurprisingly, Americans came out as the most worried, with Canadians following suit. Almost half of the people in the US (48% of respondents) feel used by companies that collect, sell, or use their data to benefit third parties. This is the main reason why Americans want their personal information removed from the internet. At the same time, they are also worried that someone will eventually hack their devices to steal their sensitive data. Most American respondents (40%) agree that their names shouldn't be online, either, while 41% expressed a lack of trust in the internet, and one-fifth fear manipulation by third parties. Financial information tops the list as the data category people in the US are most keen to erase (64%). This is followed by a third of respondents seeking to remove their old dating/social media profiles and others (31%) eager to clean up embarrassing moments uploaded to social media. Medical history (38%) and dating/sex details (31%) also feature as data sets that Americans would prefer to keep offline. Despite all these concerns, though, almost half of Americans (44%) said they don't know how to delete their sensitive information from the web. A third of respondents would be willing to spend up to $100 to browse anonymously at all times – and 5% claimed that they'd pay up to $1000. While a few states including California, Colorado, and Connecticut passed their own privacy laws, the US still lacks comprehensive data protection legislation on a federal level. This research is a stark reminder that citizens, however, have different needs. "There is a growing demand for control, empowerment, and the right to be forgotten," said Briedis. [HEADING=2]How to protect your privacy on the internet[/HEADING] A federal privacy law might not be here yet, but there are still some steps you can take to protect your data every time you browse the web. As a rule of thumb, Briedis suggests limiting what you share online as much as possible. You should be mindful of the posts you share on social media, for example, and ensure that you're not giving away sensitive details by mistake. You should also consider adjusting your social media settings to make your account private. Using a VPN is also an important step to reclaiming control over your data. A VPN, short for virtual private network, is security software that encrypts your internet connection to prevent third parties from tracking your online activities. It also spoofs your real IP address location for better security. NordVPN is our top pick at the time of writing, followed by Surfshark and ExpressVPN. You should also protect your account security at all times. Briedis recommends using strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. I also suggest checking out handy password manager solutions to help keep track of all your login details. Lastly, delete your info from data broker databases. These companies collect your data, use it to build personalized profiles, and inundate you with targeted ads – then, they'll sell it all to anyone willing to pay. While you could remove your data yourself, I recommend subscribing to a data removal service like Incogni, where the team will handle all the required processes for you. All in all, as Briedis pointed out, anonymity is quickly becoming a necessity – not a luxury. He said: "People want to browse the internet without leaving traces, free from tracking and profiling. Looking ahead, the internet will evolve to resolve these privacy concerns. The next generation of users will push both technology providers and policymakers to rethink how personal data is handled online." Source: https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/half-of-americans-want-the-internet-to-forget-about-them-but-they-dont-know-how

[ATTACH type=full" align="left" width="300px]296[/ATTACH] DREADPIXELS was launched as a place for the horror gaming community to get real about survival horror, zombie survival, psychological horror, and every gritty wasteland game out there. I’m not exactly fearless - I’ve avoided horror games for years. But that’s over. I’m diving in, sharing my journey, and inviting you along for the ride. We’re not here for gimmicks. talk.DREADPIXELS.com is a space where horror game fans can actually talk about the genre - no filters, no filler, just what makes horror games worth playing. What to expect: Discussions that count: Survival, action, psychological horror – if it's horror gaming, it’s here. Real updates: News, trailers, and deals without the hype overload. Community, straight-up: A place for mature discussions on horror games, movies, and more. Launch Contest: To kick things off, we’re giving away A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead in our launch contest. Enter here: Win a Game: A Quiet Place - The Road Ahead Launch Contest. Not for kids and definitely not for the easily scared. Just a solid space to get into horror gaming without the usual nonsense. Join us, talk horror, and maybe win a new game in the process at a place for serious horror gaming fans. What are you waiting for? Jump in, face the fear, and let’s talk horror at talk.DREADPIXELS.com

It’s true that .com carries weight simply because it’s what most people are used to. Newer TLDs can feel a bit niche or experimental to some, so they might require more push to get the same recognition or credibility. That said, if you’re targeting a specific audience or have a memorable name, these newer TLDs can set your brand apart. It’s a bit of a trade-off: you’ll likely need to put more effort into making it stick in people’s minds, but it can work well if it aligns with your brand’s personality. It's worth noting that Google has made it clear they don’t rank .com any higher than .xyz or .blog just because of the TLD. But there are still a few SEO issues you should know about with newer TLDs: User Trust and Click-Through Rates (CTR): People tend to trust .com more, and that can mean fewer clicks on your link if you’re using something less familiar. Since Google uses CTR as a signal, low CTR can end up hurting your rankings indirectly. Backlinks: Getting quality backlinks can be tougher on certain TLDs. Site owners might hesitate to link to lesser-known extensions, even if the content is top-notch. And because backlinks still matter to Google, a newer TLD might make organic link-building a bit more of a challenge. Direct Traffic Loss: People often default to .com when they’re guessing a URL. So, if someone remembers your site but not the TLD, they might end up on a competitor’s .com. That’s not an SEO penalty per se, but it could mean less brand recognition and fewer returning visitors. Industry and Regional Perception: Some newer TLDs carry an association with a specific industry (like .io for tech), which works if it fits your niche but can backfire if it doesn’t match your audience. Spammy TLD Reputation: A few of these newer TLDs have gained a bad rep for being linked to spam sites. While Google won’t directly penalize you for the TLD, sites on these extensions might get an extra layer of scrutiny in the algorithm. Google’s fine with any TLD, but user trust and SEO dynamics might mean a bit more legwork on your end to build credibility.

[ATTACH type=full]399[/ATTACH] It is the 41st Millennium. For more than a hundred centuries The Emperor has sat immobile on the Golden Throne of Earth. He is the Master of Mankind by the will of the gods, and master of a million worlds by the might of his inexhaustible armies. He is a rotting carcass writhing invisibly with power from the Dark Age of Technology. He is the Carrion Lord of the Imperium for whom a thousand souls are sacrificed every day, so that he may never truly die. Yet even in his deathless state, the Emperor continues his eternal vigilance. Mighty battlefleets cross the daemon-infested miasma of the Warp, the only route between distant stars, their way lit by the Astronomican, the psychic manifestation of the Emperor’s will. Vast armies give battle in his name on uncounted worlds. Greatest amongst his soldiers are the Adeptus Astartes, the Space Marines, bio-engineered super-warriors. Their comrades in arms are legion: the Imperial Guard and countless planetary defence forces, the ever vigilant Inquisition and the tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus to name only a few. But for all their multitudes, they are barely enough to hold off the ever-present threat from aliens, heretics, mutants – and worse. To be a man in such times is to be one amongst untold billions. It is to live in the cruelest and most bloody regime imaginable. These are the tales of those times. Forget the power of technology and science, for so much has been forgotten, never to be re-learned. Forget the promise of progress and understanding, for in the grim dark future there is only war. There is no peace amongst the stars, only an eternity of carnage and slaughter, and the laughter of thirsting gods. [HEADING=1]Welcome to 40K Games[/HEADING] In the abyss of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, where the light of hope struggles against the encroaching shadows of despair, there exists a bastion—a sanctuary for those who seek solace in the digital realms of conflict and carnage. At 40K Games, we are the keepers of this sanctuary, dedicated to chronicling the trials and triumphs of the warriors who tread the blood-soaked battlefields of the grim darkness. [HEADING=2]Our Mission:[/HEADING] In the relentless expanse of the void, we stand as beacons of knowledge and guardians of lore. Our mission is to illuminate the darkest corners of the galaxy, revealing the secrets and sagas that lie within the annals of Warhammer 40,000 gaming. [HEADING=2]What Sets Us Apart:[/HEADING] With hearts as black as the void and minds as sharp as the fangs of a ravenous tyranid, we delve deep into the heart of darkness, uncovering the truths that lurk beneath the surface. From the roaring thunder of bolters to the whispered secrets of ancient relics, we leave no stone unturned in our quest for enlightenment. [HEADING=2]What We Offer:[/HEADING] News: Amidst the clamor of battle, we bring tidings of war—updates, revelations, and omens of things to come. Reviews: Like Inquisitors scrutinizing heretical tomes, we dissect each game with ruthless precision, delivering judgments as uncompromising as the Emperor’s wrath. Previews: Through the haze of war, we glimpse the future—a tantalizing glimpse of the horrors and wonders yet to be unleashed upon the galaxy. Retrospectives: In the ashes of memory, we unearth relics of bygone eras, exploring the legacy of legends long forgotten. [HEADING=2]Join Us:[/HEADING] Whether you are a battle-hardened veteran or a neophyte seeking enlightenment, we extend our hand in fellowship. Follow us into the darkness, subscribe to our transmissions, and become part of our legion of souls bound by a common creed—a love for Warhammer 40,000 gaming. In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. And at 40K Games, we are its heralds.

Hi Daphne. Way to make an old man feel really, really old. You're just a pup (compared to [mention=5]Cpvr[/mention] and [mention=6]Cory[/mention] and me!). Welcome to Administrata. Great to have you here.

This is a solid question that many community leaders eventually face. I agree that our presence as leaders can heavily influence the community atmosphere, and for some, it's part of the draw. But I think there's more flexibility here than it may seem. A well-run community should ideally be able to survive without its leader actively posting day-to-day. To make this possible, it helps to shift focus over time from leader-driven engagement to member-driven interactions. Creating a solid foundation and establishing trust in your moderators or key members can reduce dependency on any one person. Here are some strategies that could work: Delegate and Trust Your Team: If you have moderators or dedicated members, empower them to keep things running smoothly. Let them take the reins on events or discussions, even if you’re still in the background. Invest in Culture, Not Just Content: Build a culture of support and collaboration where members feel like they’re part of something bigger. This makes people more likely to stick around for the community itself, not just for its leader. Encourage Member-Led Initiatives: By supporting projects led by active members—like game nights, Q&As, or collaborations—you cultivate a community where members are both contributors and stakeholders. Consider a Backup Plan: Whether it’s moderators, a specific team structure, or a set of guidelines, having a plan in place for maintaining activity can keep things steady if you need to take a break. The bottom line is, while your presence is valuable, a truly resilient community is one that can sustain itself without your constant input. It takes time, but with the right groundwork, your forum can be just as lively, even if you decide to take a step back.

Perhaps this is the reason why people have become so fiercely protective of their personal data. Too much data scraping going on. I have never been overly protective of my data. I thought maybe it is time to start but I suppose that once your information is out there, it's probably too late.

This thread is for the general discussion of the Article [plain]Forum Growth Strategies That Don’t Rely on Social Media[/plain]. Please add to the discussion here. [ATTACH type=full" align="left]279[/ATTACH]Social media may seem like a quick win for community growth, but for forums, it’s often more nemesis than ally. It lures users into brief interactions but rarely brings them back for deeper engagement. As a forum owner, you may have seen the downside firsthand—social media siphons attention away, distracting potential members with a feed of endless content. If you want real growth that strengthens your forum, moving away from social media might be the answer. Let’s look at effective strategies for building a thriving community without relying on the usual social platforms. Optimize for Search Engines Social media can bring in new users, but organic search results drive the steady, long-term traffic your forum needs to grow. By focusing on SEO, you’re not just attracting anyone—you’re drawing in people actively interested in the topics your forum covers. Start by ensuring thread titles and main topics align with keywords your potential users search for. This doesn’t mean cramming in search terms but using natural language people actually type into search engines. Next, create a clear hierarchy of categories and subcategories, making it easy for search engines to crawl and for users to find relevant content. Internal linking also plays a key role; encourage users to link related threads or topics in their posts. This not only keeps people moving around the forum but also benefits SEO. Finally, make sure each discussion or article offers unique value that search engines (and readers) can’t find elsewhere. Over time, these steps can make your forum a go-to resource that naturally ranks in search results. Encourage User-Generated Content Your members are one of your best assets. By encouraging them to create high-quality content, you not only engage existing users but also attract new ones. The goal here is to develop resources and discussions that draw in external visitors through organic searches and word of mouth. Promoting how-to guides, tutorials, or community-created resources is a great way to start. Many users have knowledge to share, and a specific section for these resources can add real value. Over time, this can become a library of user-created guides and resources that attracts readers looking for specific, in-depth information. You can also spotlight members’ stories, insights, or projects, which boosts engagement and inspires other members to contribute their own unique content. Cross-Promotions and Collaborations Forums with similar interests, blogs, or online communities can be powerful allies. Collaborations provide mutual exposure and often bring in users who are more likely to stay. Consider exchanging guest posts with bloggers in your niche, or introducing your community members to similar communities that offer value. Collaborative events like online meetups, Q&A sessions, or competitions can also be a strong pull, as they provide something unique that encourages interaction across communities. These collaborations can bring in users with a genuine interest in what your forum offers, not just fleeting clicks. Retention Strategies to Foster Word-of-Mouth Growth Retaining users is as important as attracting them. Engaged members naturally promote your forum, whether by word-of-mouth or by linking your forum in their personal content. Building a solid retention strategy can turn your members into advocates who bring new users. Hosting regular community events, such as challenges, AMAs (Ask Me Anything), and seasonal contests, keeps members engaged and invested. Loyalty rewards like exclusive content or perks for active members—such as access to hidden sections or unique badges—reinforce members’ connection to the community. Highlighting meaningful contributions and recognizing valuable posts is another simple yet effective way to show members they are appreciated. A loyal, engaged user base is more likely to share your forum with others who have similar interests, creating a steady growth loop over time. [ATTACH type=full" align="right]280[/ATTACH]Email Newsletters for Engagement Newsletters provide a direct line to your members, keeping them updated and engaged without relying on social media algorithms. A well-curated newsletter with highlights and popular posts can drive users back to the forum regularly. Focus on curating content that includes links to popular discussions, upcoming events, and featured user content. Regular newsletters also remind members about topics they may have missed and encourage them to rejoin the conversation. For new members, consider a short series of onboarding emails that explain how to get involved and the types of content they can expect. Newsletters keep your forum top-of-mind for users, bringing them back to engage on a regular basis. Maximize Forum-Specific Features Social media isn’t the only place to connect and engage users. Forums come with a range of features that can create an active, involved community right on your own platform. Leaderboards and badges, for example, recognize active members and motivate users to contribute quality content and stay active. Daily or weekly engagement prompts, such as a “Question of the Day” thread, encourage members to jump in even if they don’t have much time. Allowing members to create their own polls or events fosters ownership and makes members feel like an integral part of the forum’s growth. These features reinforce why members are there in the first place—to engage in focused, meaningful discussions without the distractions of social media. Wrapping Up Moving away from social media doesn’t mean leaving growth behind; it means cultivating a sustainable forum that isn’t dependent on algorithms and fleeting trends. By optimizing for search, encouraging user-generated content, collaborating, focusing on retention, using newsletters, and leveraging forum-specific features, you create a vibrant space that’s built to last. Social media may be the competition, but it’s not the only path to building an engaged community. With these strategies, your forum can thrive on its own terms.

If companies like Meta are any indicator, getting access to their data is next to impossible unless you’re dealing with a critical, ongoing crime. From my professional experience, Facebook won’t consider releasing user data unless it’s linked to something like an active kidnapping or a homicide investigation. Anything less serious—fraud, harassment, minor offenses—hits a wall, and they won’t budge. This isn’t just Facebook playing hardball; it’s the same across many tech companies. They’ve built significant barriers around user data, driven by a mix of privacy laws, legal liabilities, and the massive risks associated with data breaches or leaks. For them, protecting user privacy isn't just a legal formality—it’s foundational to their business model. Handing over data without a pressing reason would risk lawsuits, public backlash, and even government fines. So, while it can be frustrating from a law enforcement or investigative standpoint, these policies are deeply rooted in ensuring compliance with data protection laws and maintaining user trust.

You finally made it. Welcome to Administrata.

I think that with my forums these days it's more a 95/5 situation.

I think I last used vB 3.8.7 if my memory serves. How does vB 6 compare?

It would be interesting to see if you could export Discord data, but I doubt it. You'd have account details for Discord members as part of your data, and as we have been discussing here, there are probably some legal ramifications involved.

Building a community isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, especially if you’re in it for the long haul. Discord is great for real-time chat, but that's really all its designed to do. Even their 'forum' bolt on is poor. A forum is simply a better fit for a community, especially if organisation, customisation and accessibility is important to you. Here are a few reasons why: Long-Term Community Building If you’re aiming to create a place where members can connect, contribute, and revisit important discussions without everything vanishing into the chat history, a forum is the answer. Forums let conversations stick around for future members to find and join in, keeping your community active and accessible for the long run. Plus, this makes it easier for people to discover the forum through search engines, bringing in fresh perspectives and keeping the place alive. Deeper Discussions for Niche or Complex Topics When it comes to niche interests or topics that need more than a passing comment, forums really shine. Whether it's guides, strategies, or in-depth Q&As, forums provide the space to dig into what matters without it getting buried. It’s also a huge win for SEO. Discord's invite system means the content is not searchable on Google et al. Forums are far superior in advertising your content - for free! Transparent, Searchable Updates If you’re looking to keep a record of updates, patch notes, or just a running timeline of your project, forums are the best bet. You get a space where members can easily find what’s going on, and you don’t have to worry about them scrolling through endless chat history. Plus, it helps build trust and creates an organized hub for updates that search engines love to index. Best of Both Worlds: Using a Forum with Discord For real-time interaction, Discord still has its perks. But pairing it with a forum gives you the best of both worlds: the immediacy of live chat plus the structured, searchable space of a forum. This way, you can keep things dynamic without sacrificing the benefits of long-term community building. No one ever said that running a forum was easy, especially in today's social media world, but the extra work and investment can really pay off over the quick win of sticking a Discord server up. Can anyone suggest any additional concerns? Or maybe a set of circumstances where Discord would be better?

Did that not just encourage spam?

When it comes to buying and selling forum databases, where does the law stand? If a forum owner sells a database, including user data like emails, usernames, and posts, is this legal under privacy laws? Many privacy policies claim user data cannot be sold without explicit permission, yet buying entire sites, including member databases, isn’t uncommon. So, are these sales within the bounds of the law, or are they skating on thin ice? If the database is anonymized by stripping personal information, does this sidestep legal issues? Some argue it’s ethical to keep users in the loop, offering them a chance to opt-out if their information is being transferred to a new owner. With privacy laws like GDPR in place, particularly in the EU, it seems like certain regions have clear rules—but the question remains: is it ever fully legal to sell forum user data?

This shift to genuine, community-focused leadership is long overdue. Social media became saturated with influencers pushing an unattainable image and endless product placements. It’s refreshing to see audiences moving toward leaders who prioritize substance over style. Community leaders understand that people don’t want to feel like consumers 24/7. They want spaces where they can actually connect, discuss, and feel like part of something meaningful. Instead of a relentless scroll through ads and highlight reels, you’re seeing spaces evolve into hubs for real interaction, where the focus is on shared interests and collective growth, not follower counts. This change is about recognising influence as more than popularity. Community leaders are stepping up as real advocates, creating environments that encourage personal growth and foster trust. It’s not about projecting perfection but showing up as they are and building trust by being relatable and transparent. By putting authenticity and engagement first, we can reshape communities into places that actually matter. This model of leadership, based on true connections and grounded influence, is makes forums more relevant for everyone involved. It’s a much-needed evolution in a landscape that was losing its touch with what people actually want from their online communities.

Some people choose a niche based on what will be profitable. I disagree with this approach. I mean, I don't have an issue with people who do this (Crypto springs to mind!) but it isn't an approach I would take. First of all, it depends on what your aim is - how do you view success? For me I just enjoy the creative process. It keeps my brain active (and keeps me out of trouble). I chose my niche purely on the things I am interested in. I have a forum about strategy games, I'm co-founder of this one, and I have another which is still in the development phase and opens on Halloween. These are all things I am interested in. Things I am passionate about. The thing about choosing a niche based on interest is that it keeps you grounded and motivated. Running a site, a forum, or any community requires constant work, and if you don’t have a genuine interest in the topic, you’ll burn out quickly. It’s easy to get excited about profit initially, but when it comes down to spending late nights working through bugs, dealing with spam, and nurturing a community, that profit motivation fades fast if there’s no actual interest holding it together. This is one of the reasons I’m a fan of sticking with topics I know well. My niche focuses on strategy games and, more recently, horror games. I grew up with these genres, and I know the quirks, the annoyances, and what other fans want to see. Take RTS games—most people can tell if a creator or forum owner really knows the games or if they’re just in it for the clicks. Community members are pretty discerning, and if your involvement feels shallow, they’ll move on to a space where the host actually cares. It’s a similar story with horror. Even though I’m not a natural horror gamer (let’s just say my nerves aren’t exactly steel when playing), my curiosity keeps me coming back. The genre is fascinating to discuss and explore, and that’s the foundation for building a solid, loyal community. When you’re in it for the long haul, your focus is on creating something sustainable. I know from experience that “overnight success” is largely a myth. I’ve had communities take years to gain traction, some even failing despite the effort. But each attempt teaches you something, especially when you’re building in a niche that genuinely matters to you. My goal is to build platforms where people can talk about the things they’re interested in without worrying about gimmicks or shallow content designed to reel them in and dump them. That approach may not make me a millionaire, but it’s real, and it’s something I can stand by. Now, I’m not saying people shouldn’t make money from their communities or content. That’s not realistic—everyone has bills to pay. But there’s a difference between using your niche to make a living and building something solely because you think it’ll turn a quick profit. When your niche is something you care about, you find yourself invested in every small detail, constantly thinking of ways to improve, even if it’s just for the handful of regulars who show up every day. That connection to the content keeps things interesting for both you and your members. So, if someone asks me why I’ve built multiple sites on strategy and horror games, the answer’s simple: because it’s what I’m genuinely into. The enjoyment, the community, and the endless new ideas keep me going. Profit may come, or it may not, but that’s never been the main focus. For me, real success is seeing a forum thread hit 50 pages of discussion or watching people engage with a post and leave thoughtful replies. If there’s profit, it’s a bonus. The real value is in knowing I’ve created spaces where others can geek out about the same things that keep me up at night.

If you look at some of the sites using .io, GitHub & Itch, it’s perhaps a headache. You can’t forward from a domain that doesn’t exist either, so a redirect isn’t going to cut. Probably best to switch now while they can redirect traffic.