The Fallacy of Forums

1.They aren't respectable.

Cussin' and so forth helps to degrade the image. So is cliques, not welcoming new players, trash talking and engaging in very inelegant discussions

2. Visual Overload

Really CSS heavy custom skins tend to be visual overload. Overkill, really. Simplification is everything... Riiiight???

3. Failure to be original

What makes a forum stand out? Custom skin, unique ideas and good content.

4. Not enough promotion

It's good to spread the word with the Share! button. Unfortunately, most sites don't have it.

5. Being Boring

Most forums are focused on one topic, no "General", "Chat", "Spam" or "Off Topic" sections. And no Member Created Games.

Some are just there to make money. We care about our users, and we hope you'll tell us how we can get better.

6. Being Everything

Too many forums. Social Networking. News. Flash Games. Does that sound familiar?

Yesiree, that was the demise of SPAbook/Zone.

7. Not Enough Promotion

Current forums are more focused on retaining a single player than attracting new users. Often, the forums do not actively promote and leverage social networking tools to create a community.

8. Too Complicated

Only people interested in forums will sign up if the interface and entire system is too complicated. Heck, people will visit only if they're interested and they'll register IF it's easy.