NationStates Jolt Archive


How to start a forum?

Skyland Mt
02-04-2008, 06:04
Well, I've been a member of several forums, and between technical issues and the foolish antics of other board members, this is the only one that's been a generally positive experience. Given this run of bad luck with other people's forums, I've opted to simply start my own.:) The problem is, I don't really know where to start. Would anyone care to point me to a good website with information on how to set up a forum?

Also, in trying to generate interest in a forum, is it better to focus on one narrow topic with a small but dedicated group of enthuseists, or to target a broader but perhaps less energetic membership?
Prekel
02-04-2008, 06:12
For starters, what would your proposed forum be about?
Skyland Mt
02-04-2008, 06:35
Either Sci-fi or politics would be the main focus. If political, it would probably focus on a combination of republican-bashing, socialist-libertarianism, human rights, and opposition to the current party system in favor of more independents.

My main concern is the shear volume of existing sites on these subjects.
Prekel
02-04-2008, 06:42
Well, if you want your forum to stand out from the crowd, you'll need original content that will catch people's attention.

If you got that and manage to get a small group of people to get on your forums regularly, then you got to cultivate the perception of being a part of a community. And that just takes time and effort. A lot of time and effort.