I have seen forums where they prefer long posts (around 100 words), I have also see forums where all you need to write is one sentence. As a forum owner, how long do you think a forum post should be. As far as I am concerned, I feel that a forum post should be around 50 words, which sill justify what you are trying to say.

The value of a post lies in its message, On my forums, contributions must be at least two sentences long to contribute to a member's content count. Members can advance through various groups depending on their number of posts. However, one-word responses are considered a means to artificially boost post counts to unlock access to exclusive groups, such as the gallery or downloads area. Moreover, seasoned members who achieve 1000 posts are granted entry to a private forum and areas with premium content in both the gallery and downloads.

The length of a forum post depends on the topic of the forum thread. If it’s a debate topic, then a post should be longer. However, if it’s a chit-chat topic, then a forum post doesn't need to be long at all.

 

It really boils down to the topic being discussed.

I feel if you make a word requirement for posts on a forum too high, you run the risk of members and staff making posts that are often repetitive or even have pointless content.

 

I have always found around 40 - 50 words is more than enough, if members and staff members post more than that, great, but I feel having it set at that number allows good quality posts without writing something pointless to hit the word count.

The ideal length for a forum post really depends on what you're trying to communicate, but the key is to strike a balance between being thorough and keeping it concise. Typically, aiming for around 150-300 words is a good sweet spot for most topics. It’s enough to explain your point clearly without overwhelming the reader.

 

If you’re looking for feedback or joining a discussion, make sure you include enough detail so people can give you meaningful responses. Provide context, ask specific questions, or explain your reasoning if you're sharing an idea.

 

For longer posts, like tutorials or guides, you might go a bit over 500 words, but it's still important to structure things with clear headings and break up the text to make it easier to follow.

 

Ultimately, it’s about giving just enough information to get your point across while respecting others’ time and making your post easy to read!

I feel if you make a word requirement for posts on a forum too high, you run the risk of members and staff making posts that are often repetitive or even have pointless content.

 

I have always found around 40 - 50 words is more than enough, if members and staff members post more than that, great, but I feel having it set at that number allows good quality posts without writing something pointless to hit the word count.

I don’t actually see a point in having a word requirement, it’s off-putting and can drive users away. Letting people post freely is the best way to keep them engaged. Once you start setting limits, you’re more likely to lose members. Restrictions like that just aren’t a good idea.

I think it really depends on the niche but I don't really get too bothered by how long a post is. Now on roleplaying forums, you'll see a good number of them having specific post counts listed in their rules. Which makes sense, you want your members to post lengthy posts so others can engage in a well thought out roleplay.

I don’t actually see a point in having a word requirement, it’s off-putting and can drive users away. Letting people post freely is the best way to keep them engaged. Once you start setting limits, you’re more likely to lose members. Restrictions like that just aren’t a good idea.

I completely agree with this, however there are some niche forums that is for articles, and I feel like it would be reasonable to have a minimum amount of words. Also as [mention=62]Ravenfreak[/mention] explained below some roleplaying forums will have specific post counts but other than that I really don't see a need for a minimum amount of words, it would definitely drive potential members away.

I completely agree with this, however there are some niche forums that is for articles, and I feel like it would be reasonable to have a minimum amount of words. Also as [mention=62]Ravenfreak[/mention] explained below some roleplaying forums will have specific post counts but other than that I really don't see a need for a minimum amount of words, it would definitely drive potential members away.

I can see why articles and guides might have a word count requirement, as they focus more on quality and depth. But when it comes to regular forum posts and threads, engagement and discussion should take priority. If a forum imposes strict posting limitations, it risks stifling conversation and pushing members away. A strong community is built on interaction, and placing unnecessary barriers only weakens that foundation.

There's absolutely no right answer to this.

 

I've seen posts that are one word that I'd deem completely acceptable, because they are at least adding something to discussion, or answering a direct question, etc. On the other hand, I've seen posts that are paragraphs long but essentially non-sensical drivel that adds nothing of value to the discussion or the forum at whole.

 

I'd say there's one simple rule to follow: if the posts add some value, even if small, to the topic being discussed, post it! If it doesn't - shock horror; don't! :P

Forum posts can very in length depending on the subject of discussion. For instance, a thread like " what's your favourite food?" Require a simple answer in the length of a sentence. Some topics need in-depth discussion.

Personally, I think one paragraph is adequate for a good lengthy reply post. However, if you're starting a new topic, I'd say shoot for at least three good paragraphs, an introduction, some supporting meat, and a conclusion (question). Each paragraphs should probably average about 45 words long. (But who's counting, right?)

 

If all you're doing is replying with a single sentence, you're really doing a disservice to the community as a whole, because sure, you can simply state your opinion on the topic, but a single sentence has nothing to support your take on something. More words gives people something to latch on to.

 

As a side note, this is especially true with Play by Post role playing. I see on various forums where players and game masters alike get frustrated by the one liners. There's not much that can responded with from a single sentence or worse, single word reply or the dreaded silence reply "...". One thing I now try to do when role playing is attach an Action Beat to any dialog response that my character is doing. This allows for other players to latch onto my post and do something. This same philosophy holds true with regular forum posting as well, in my opinion. People need something to grab on to.

One word posts are better reflected in emoticons. Hopefully with words too. But I don't feel comfortable requiring minimums (in my niche) as I too have been known to do that myself.

I've thought about mentioning a minimum "good quality" word count for a post, but it's never going to be a requirement. More like a guideline. Something for people to reach for, and maybe a mechanic put in place that rewards good behavior like that. In the past, I've had people on my forum who would make a post shaming members for sharing low quality posts, and I thought about ways to reduce this type of shaming behavior. Something passive in the background is much more preferred than out right ridiculing somebody for contributing a lazy post. The first time may generate a chuckle, but it gets old really quick, and can become a headache for administrators / moderators if they have to babysit members posting behaviors. It's just not a needed headache.