10 replies to this topic

[TomZilla]

How do you keep your forum simple, but unique? How do you ensure that your members always know where to post, etc.

[arma358]

I'd use some different types of color in my forum template, or use a dark template that is just as simple as the light one. It would literally be the difference between light and dark.

[Shawn]

I like to have extra features but I make sure they can integrate into the forum to make sure using them is simple without having to reregister another account.

[merk_aus]

try to minimize the amount of forums/boards on the community but make sure that it is still clear where your members are meant to be posting.

Features and stuff are great but you need the content for it all to make things better.

[Soliloquy]

I can't honestly say I always keep it simple.  Some communities really love having their bells and whistles and fancy templates.

[BananaQueen]

i keep my forum very simple and organised by cutting down on the amount of sections there are-there are only 8 that members can post on, two hidden ones members cant see, and two that are only for staff to post in-one for rules and announcements, and one is for threads i made on how to use the forum.

[bethoven]

TomZilla said:

How do you keep your forum simple, but unique? How do you ensure that your members always know where to post, etc.

   Creating a forum is not an easy task. However, if you already have your desired forum, you have to find ways to make it simple yet unique. The first thing, is to use a concept and style of your own. Then, put templates and colors that match the kind of forum that you like. Right?

[ShinLi]

My experience is the older and bigger the board is, that harder it is to keep it simple and clean XD. On my forum we have butloads of forums and subforums, but basically all are needed. What I try to do is keeping things with a similar topic in one catagory. All graphics related things are sorted in one catagory. We keep our forum names and forum descriptions simple and to the point, and also pinned topics in forums are kept short, sweet and to the point. No need in confusing members with 10 paragraphs, when you can consolidate the explanation in 10 short bulletpoints.

[ShinLi]

My experience is the older and bigger the board is, that harder it is to keep it simple and clean XD. On my forum we have butloads of forums and subforums, but basically all are needed. What I try to do is keeping things with a similar topic in one catagory. All graphics related things are sorted in one catagory. We keep our forum names and forum descriptions simple and to the point, and also pinned topics in forums are kept short, sweet and to the point. No need in confusing members with 10 paragraphs, when you can consolidate the explanation in 10 short bulletpoints.

[Keylogged]

Try to keep it a bit small, since it will be easy to navigate. Also use different colors on headers.

[CallieJo]

TomZilla, on 23 August 2009 - 09:42 PM, said:

How do you keep your forum simple, but unique? How do you ensure that your members always know where to post, etc.

This is a tough question that I think many forum admins have asked themselves many times.

Here are some quick thoughts:

• The menu. Your menu should be high priority. It should be clear and easy to find each main section of the site.
  
• Your category structure. Organize your categories in such a way that they are easy to understand and follow.
  
• Your content should be easy to read. Keep in mind the colors of text and backgrounds you use and the fonts as well. And the width of the content area for those with different screen resolutions.
  
• Your audience. Will they know what your forum is about when they land on any page? Does your header clearly give the feel of what the forum is about? Does your navigation & menu clearly help? Etc. Many people will reach your forum through searches from the seach engines. Make sure that when they land on inner pages they will clearly know what your forum is about.
  
• New content. Add new content regularly. You don't need a bunch of people to add new content. You can start by doing it yourself. You know your topic. Get out there and find interesting things to write about. The internet is full of great information on topics. You should have no problem finding new stuff to write about. If you run out, maybe a forum is not a good idea for your topic...only you will know.
  
• Why should they register? Give people a reason to register. You don't have to give away material stuff to entice people to register. Other will disagree. Letting people know why your forum is so awesome and beneficial to them is enough IMHO.
  
• Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. There are many great addons created by talented coders. Just because something looks cool, doesn't mean it will be a good fit for your forum. However, you should plan ahead. Utilize addons ahead of time if you think they will definitely benefit your forum in the long run. Keep it simple and easy for you to manage. Keep those addons updated! Donate to the free ones to help encourage the coders to keep them updated. Keep your paid addons up to date by paying your fees.

Good luck!