This thread is for the general discussion of the Article [plain]The Top 5 Things Visitors Look for Before Joining your Forum[/plain]. Please add to the discussion here.

That article is a worthy resource. Thanks you.

 

But one thing I look for is unmitigated toxicity. Total turn-off for me.

 

#3 & #4 & #5 I need to work on.

That article is a worthy resource. Thanks you.

 

But one thing I look for is unmitigated toxicity. Total turn-off for me.

 

#3 & #4 & #5 I need to work on.

I'm glad you like it! :)

 

Toxicity is something dangerous indeed. If it's not being handled by staff accordingly then the risk is high not only to scare away new members, but also existing members. Not everyone has thicker skin and I'd say it's easier to piss off more sensitive people than you're able to find people who don't care.

The article mentions old software. I've considered migrating to something like Xenforo, but the price tag is giving me big time anxiety. Also many of the expansions are paid for. I can't see investing money I don't really have into a hobby when threre's no active community to begin with. But, then we have the chicken-and-the-egg thing. Many members don't like it when you switch the forum software on them. I think that Xenforo may be loosing fans like myself, because there is no free option to get the community started..

The article mentions old software. I've considered migrating to something like Xenforo, but the price tag is giving me big time anxiety. Also many of the expansions are paid for. I can't see investing money I don't really have into a hobby when threre's no active community to begin with. But, then we have the chicken-and-the-egg thing. Many members don't like it when you switch the forum software on them. I think that Xenforo may be loosing fans like myself, because there is no free option to get the community started..

Sometimes converting gives that extra push to get started with an audience. But it is a risk. It's always a risk. Only do it, if you're willing to take your loss.

I wouldn't say all old software are built the same. Yeah some of them are a bit outdated looking outside the box like UBB Threads or FudForum but I think only old specific forums are using these platforms. Not all free forum software looks old. UBB Threads isn't even a free software either, which is kind of depressing to see them charging so much for a platform that feels outdated. Still either way I really like the points brought up in this thread and it's true! No one wants to join an empty community or one that doesn't outright have a clear direction.