On most forums there are a few really good discussions that don't even receive one response while there are equally dumb discussions that receive hundreds. Why is that and what makes one discussion more popular than another?
Not every discussion posted on your forum will be a winner and some will interest your forum members more than others. These discussions should be encouraged even if they are not your favorites.Not every discussion posted on your forum will be a winner and some will interest your forum members more than others. These discussions should be encouraged even if they are not your favorites.
Sometimes, a discussion won't catch fire, just because of the person who posted it. If you really think a discussion is worthwhile, you should make comments on it (as admin or owner of the forum). That will give the discussion lots of credibility in the eyes of your other forum members.Sometimes, a discussion won't catch fire, just because of the person who posted it. If you really think a discussion is worthwhile, you should make comments on it (as admin or owner of the forum). That will give the discussion lots of credibility in the eyes of your other forum members.
There are different reasons why a potentially good topic for a thread might be ignored by members. If you have a forum with diverse topics, some members will naturally gravitate towards threads that are within their circle of interest or experience. I'm with a forum that have categories for finance, shopping, product reviews, travel, pets, etc. and people would prefer to join what I consider as inane threads that even kindergarten pupils can answer. For this reason, I prefer to join specialized forums with related categories.
I'd also agree with @Persia that in some instances, it can also be because the other forum members don't want to bother replying due to some issues with the thread starter. They might dislike a poster who comes on too strong or who poses like a 'know-it-all' when his/her previous posts suggest otherwise.There are different reasons why a potentially good topic for a thread might be ignored by members. If you have a forum with diverse topics, some members will naturally gravitate towards threads that are within their circle of interest or experience. I'm with a forum that have categories for finance, shopping, product reviews, travel, pets, etc. and people would prefer to join what I consider as inane threads that even kindergarten pupils can answer. For this reason, I prefer to join specialized forums with related categories.
I'd also agree with @Persia that in some instances, it can also be because the other forum members don't want to bother replying due to some issues with the thread starter. They might dislike a poster who comes on too strong or who poses like a 'know-it-all' when his/her previous posts suggest otherwise.
Based on my experience, I only reply to topics that are interesting. Let’s admit it that some in the community would be creating senseless topics. One thread I remember is the question about what you do when you wake up. That is very trivial and it doesn’t deserve my attention. However, one reply caught my eye and I couldn’t help but laugh. The comment was – I open my eyes.Based on my experience, I only reply to topics that are interesting. Let’s admit it that some in the community would be creating senseless topics. One thread I remember is the question about what you do when you wake up. That is very trivial and it doesn’t deserve my attention. However, one reply caught my eye and I couldn’t help but laugh. The comment was – I open my eyes.
