[James]

So the most essential part of a community is the members at it's core, and without members a forum is nothing. The point of this thread is to try and gather some details about why people to join a community and how to increase the likelihood of someone joining.

What makes you join a forum? Is it the contests, the people, the topics?

[aramik]

To be honest, I join forums on a very, very rare basis. I think in the past 3 years I've joined only 2 forums that I've actually been very active on and not just for link posting purposes. This would have to be the third. I would either have to really see potential in it, or believe the community has information that I am really interested in, and that it is quality.

[Mat]

I go by quality of content, that would include topics/posts/members. I'll join forums ware people actually care about what they're posting, use proper grammar, on-topic discussion, stuff like that.

[chopsticks]

I join a forum based on my interest towards to topics described on it. Although, alot of the time I don't join the forum instead just anonymously browse its posts/topics.

A main aspect that makes me not want to join a forum is the whole 'people not reading the thread' and just reading the last post and replying, resulting in repeated answers. etc.

[1stander]

Browsing through forums I get lot of information on many thing.
Some information which got from some forums made me saved from
scam programs.

I think better join at least 6 forums dealing different topics and visit every day.
Be active in posting some useful things.

[althea008]

I join forums because Im interested with the topic or threads discussed. I choose forums that has lots of informations and helpful tips that I need. Also its important to know people's ideas and dealing with them.

[mastermemei]

I join forums with threads or overall topics that I'm interested at. It can be a great source of information