If you run a forum, how many topic areas do you usually have? I like to keep it simple and provide sections that make sense. I don't like when a general forum has sections for everything and anything. If your site has a theme, go with that. or, at the very least, make only some sections, like entertainment for movies, tv, music, video games, etc. One big category.
Another thing I don't like with some forums, is sub categories. That's fine, but what I think is best is using what this forum and some others have. So when you create a topic, some forums will let you select a category, subject, etc. And from there it'll put your topic in the right area. I think that's the best way to have as much conversation on tons of differing subjects, but instead you're not crowding the forum with categories and sub categories that might not even be viewed or posted in. So it's best to have a small set of topic areas that can be expanded upon with just altering the subject of the topic.
Does that makes sense?
Another thing I don't like with some forums, is sub categories. That's fine, but what I think is best is using what this forum and some others have. So when you create a topic, some forums will let you select a category, subject, etc. And from there it'll put your topic in the right area. I think that's the best way to have as much conversation on tons of differing subjects, but instead you're not crowding the forum with categories and sub categories that might not even be viewed or posted in. So it's best to have a small set of topic areas that can be expanded upon with just altering the subject of the topic.
Does that makes sense?