Forum "Green Flags"

[Reverie]

When you look at a forum... what are instant Green Flags? Please do not post website names or anything, but you can share "at one site they had..." Not looking to bad talk forums, but trying to take this as a learning opportunity for people!

What are the positives forums/communities that you think should be replicated at other forums?

 

[Debashis]

1. Perfect theme that suits the forum type.
2. Welcoming community & staff.
3. Timely Rewards & Recognitions for contributions.
4. Fresh content.

 

[Bluezone777]

My name being somewhere on the staff list. Back in the day, you could count on forums I was a part of as a staff member had staying power in a time when most forums didn't last past a month or even less. I still fondly remember the forum that took months to build yet was only open for a single day before it got closed. lol

 

[Ravenfreak]

A good theme that's easy on the eyes, it makes browsing the forum much more fun. It's nice to see some customizations added to a forum so it can stand out from the crowd. High quality posts and active staff is always a green flag.

 

[Empire]

1. Eye-catching theme
2. Easy to get around that's simple to find
3. Easy to sign and edit your profile as fast and free
4. Members are nice to you and get welcome messages right away
5. Emails are very nicely done when joining for the first times
6. helps right away regards if you need help

 

[Reverie]

- Having simple themes are eye catching, and not overwhelming. Colors that are not too harsh or faded.
- Topics where users discuss the topic and are able to go back and forth and respond together.
- Members online (I know, but seeing people online is going to help you know if it is at least semi-active)
- Kinda like @Bluezone777 was saying, having staff members you know you can trust to be a good voice - then you're more likely to enjoy the forum.
- Welcoming staff and community.

 

[Kennysplash]

If I see the admins online frequently doing their job. Less ads which makes the forum load faster. Quick responses to support tickets.

 

[Excommunicado]

1. Good name and domain
2. If it’s using XF ✅✅
3. Good design
4. Activity

 

[Aussie]

• Theme: A theme I haven't seen before (so probably custom) that suits the forum topic that is easy to navigate and understand
• Activity, as in real activity from existing members
• Proper domain name, I wouldn't even bother joining a free forum site.. come to think of it I don't think I ever have.
• Minimal ads, or no ads.
• Easy join up process, quick and easy and it works, multiple log in options like Facebook etc. (not that I have ever used these but makes it look more genuine)
• Not some massive big banner asking me to join
• No empty topics or forums with no content, man I hate this so much as well
• I need to have a reasonable idea of what the website is actually about, and I need to know that in 20 words or less or I lose interest.
• Spam free and rubbish post free