[XI_YAN]

what makes a good forum? It isn't just the subject/raison d'etre that makes the grade. I'd add good moderation, open mindedness and ?? Why do some forums attract THOUSANDS of members and others barely a handful? What do you or don't you like in a forum?

[KnowItAll]

At the end of the day, its about building a community (and not just a forum).

Getting helpful users involved is usually the first step...

Numbers are usually not a part of the equation... quality is of utmost concern no matter how large or small the niche.

[goleoboy]

i think many times controversial subject matters will strong participation... and strong opinions prompt the same thing. I think open mindedness is good and putting personal egos aside when writing is more conducive for a healthy thread... some responses makes me cringe but sometimes we just need to agree to disagree :-))

[barleycorn]

Weeding out the mean and the vicious helps.

[XI_YAN]

yeah the no ego thing resonates deeply with me.

But still numbers are indication of how attractive the forum is especially if it is on a fan site for example.

Also for example this forum has more members than other expat forums = more activity = more interesting = more attractive = more members.

So what are the attractors for people in the first place?

[lingua]

I'm a long time contributing member to some of the most visited forums in the world and I think their one of their secrets of success is that they never ban.

[XI_YAN]

which goes to true freedom of speach. how do they deal when people do go too far in a heated debate? or refuse to desist from making OTT offensive remarks?