Some true words spoken right there.

The freebies market is HUUUUUGE out there. You're definitely right about people flocking towards free resources sites. If you can provide the info, you are sure to be a big hit - just keep up with it. Which brings me to your next point...indeed, forums are not created overnight...you must work very hard on them, and they'll definitely pay off later on.

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Blotch, that is one of the best synopsis I've heard in awhile in this subject. I'd have to agree with you, aswell. I'd like to have my forum to be able to not go into chaos if I'm off on a vacation.

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Forum would be A sucsess to me as same as posted near top. when it is self containg and able to support its self is when it becomes A sucsess.

A forum is a success when topics are posted and replies are made without you havnig to be involved. Much like everyone else said, when the forum can run itself without you being there. Without you initiating all the conversations. Your forum is a success when it provides the service or purpose it was set up to do. A forum is a success when you don't scroll down and see "Last post posted by XXXX October 10, 2005", which was 10 days ago. A forum is a success when it has a constant flow of new and interesting topics and plenty of replies. Interaction is a must. It's also nice when the forum pays for itself and you can pocket some money on the side. ;D

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I am no where near breaking even, but I consider my forum a sucsess. It has alot of regular posters, My staff are trustworthy, and we are looking to expand over the winter with several other projects, seperate from the site, but related. All n All (sorry listening to pink floyd) in my eyes the site is a sucess

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A success for me, would be atleast minimum 50 or so members but active.

Success for me is indeed, when the forums work nicely even when I am not there. But for me a forum is a community too. I love to discuss with my members and love to offer them a pleasant feeling while they are there.

Maybe it's because I am a woman, but I do like to have a nice atmosphere. when people say they feel great and newly registered members are quite "shocked" to see how warmly they are greeted, then I know I have a successful forum. I am not interested in numbers since they grow eventualy (posts and members), but I would really love to know my members are feeling OK and that they are learning something while also giving support to those who need it.

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I considered my board successful when new members started signing up randomly and making posts. In other words, I didn't have to engage in a trade to bring them to the forum.

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As others have said, when your forum can run without you, it's a success. But Sf1818 is right too. Whenever newbies show up without being invited and decide to stick around, I consider that a success - especially if they decide to invite a friend.

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yeah if newbies stick around and they refer therer freind, then there freind could refer there other friend and so on. But i dont think that if you leave your forum it will become a sucess, as you have to put in a lot of hard work for it to be a sucess

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