Managing a community can be such a rewarding experience, right? Some of us have been in the game for a long time, and I'm no exception. My journey began back in 2003 when I was just a kid, totally immersed in trading card games. That’s when I stumbled upon InvisionFree, and from there, I found my way to ZetaBoards.

 

Fast forward to 2011, and I bought my very first Invision Power Board license—a license I still proudly hold today! In 2015, XenForo caught my attention, and I’ve been with them ever since. Each platform brought its own set of challenges and triumphs, and looking back, it’s amazing to see how far the community management space has evolved.

 

So, how long have you been at it? Maybe you’re just starting out, or perhaps you’ve been managing communities for years, with countless stories and experiences to share. Whatever your journey looks like, it’s always fascinating to hear how people found their way into this space and what’s kept them motivated along the way.

 

Has it been a smooth ride for you, or have there been a few bumps? What are some of the most memorable moments from your journey? Let’s chat about the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. I’d love to hear your experiences—drop them below!

I started managing forums since 2004, but only two that were successes in the past (during the time I use ZetaBoards).

 

When I first closed my current forum in 2019, I thought I was done with foruming completely, until I found the confidence to get back into it again after such a long time.

I started managing forums since 2004, but only two that were successes in the past (during the time I use ZetaBoards).

 

When I first closed my current forum in 2019, I thought I was done with foruming completely, until I found the confidence to get back into it again after such a long time.

I'm curious - after being away for five years, how do you feel about the current state of forums compared to back then? Have you noticed any significant changes in user engagement or community dynamics? Do you think forums still hold the same value in online communities, or have other platforms taken their place? I'd love to hear your thoughts on how forums have evolved and what you think the future holds for them.

Well to be honest with you... not much difference, but one forum I was on in the past, after rejoining it that is, is relatively quieter than it used to be but I'm not all that fussed about it.

 

Although, back in 2019 (and perhaps earlier), I once theorised that Discord may replace forums given its popularity then but I don't think that's really the case...

Well to be honest with you... not much difference, but one forum I was on in the past, after rejoining it that is, is relatively quieter than it used to be but I'm not all that fussed about it.

 

Although, back in 2019 (and perhaps earlier), I once theorised that Discord may replace forums given its popularity then but I don't think that's really the case...

Discord’s use is really different from forums. There’s no ability to find any content, unless you use the search that isn’t great either. So there’s a completely different audience for Discord. You can combine Discord with a forum, but I wouldn’t recommend that for obvious reasons - I think. So those that are used to forums, will always prefer forums.

I think my first community was back in 2005. I know for a fact my first resource board was created back in 2006. Before that, I had a Yu-Gi-Oh TCG board that had a decent run, but the more interested in coding and forum support I had, I started leaning toward resource boards. I've had about two boards now with thousands of members/posts, both of which were forum resource boards.

I became involved with online communities in 2001 and was promoted to admin at one of the top anime communities in 2003. Around the same time, I was inspired to start my own community. Although none have been very successful, I'm hoping to change that with my new idea soon!

Been doing this thing since 1995. Long time and still love it.

About twenty year now. Twenty long hard, terribly long and hard years.

Been doing this thing since 1995.

I was 5 years old at the time. :ROFLMAO:

Been doing this thing since 1995. Long time and still love it.

Since 2006-2007 for me. I was a teenager (15-16) when I was started.

I first started running a proper forum in 2006.

I remember the original BBS. The ones that worked using dialups networks. Never did it myself though.

 

When I started making forums, phpBB1 was available. Then phpBB2 came along and it was amazing... until you added plugins to it, then it took hours to add a simple plugin because it was all by hand.

 

Eventually went to vBulletin 3.X series. After vb4 and all the drama that came with that, I moved onto other free ones like MyBB and SMF.

 

Got on the XenForo bandwagon from the start and that's mainly what I use now.

 

I do have a vb6 forum though and it's kind of neat! I'm also using MyBB, SMF, and phpBB3 as well. I want to get used to all the platforms available! Well, most. Invision is a bit expensive.

 

Before forums, I was on WebTV and then my first PC (dialup days), I made a lot of custom HTML static sites.

 

Now for websites, I'm all WordPress, baby!

I myself launched my first forum shortly after I first discovered them - probably around 2009-10 when I would've been 12-13 years old, or perhaps even a year or so before that.

 

Of course, the first few forums I setup were nothing more than "tests" and seeing what I could do with them - which of course at the time with my age and experience wasn't a lot. However, it didn't take long before I began administering/moderating/working on forums that were small but thriving communities, and it was at 13-14 that I created the forum that would "take off" for me. So, it's certainly never too early to begin. :)

 

I've been involved with forums one way or another for the best part of 15 years now (on and off) and it's one of my favourite pastimes on the internet for sure.

I created my very first forum back when I was 16 (I'm 32 now). I created a few more after that but then took more of a decade break. Now I'm back and I'm about to open my forum to the public, I'm excited =)

Been doing this thing since 1995. Long time and still love it.

How were forums different back then compared to now?

I've been managing communities since 2009. Back then I had no clue what I was doing though. :V I feel like at times I still don't but I know a lot more than I did now than then of course!

10+ years. My current forum I had for 1 year. I've had older forums, but I've been managing a Facebook group for several years.

Probably about 15 years or so (or something close to that). I think that's when I created my first forum was around that time.

I've been managing communities since 2009. Back then I had no clue what I was doing though. :V I feel like at times I still don't but I know a lot more than I did now than then of course!

I remember when I first started back in 2005-2006. I was only 15/16 at the time. I had no clue what I was doing, but it was a learning process. I’m grateful that I was able to learn from more experienced forum owners at the time. Especially those that were around on Theadminzone back then. Without TAZ, I have no idea where I’d be as a community owner today.

 

There’s always a lot to learn as a community owner. It’s always nice to learn new things as we grow as a forum admin.

 

Reading books about community management and leadership can helps us a lot more as well.