Dimensions Model Car and Cycle Forum

[firemist001]

Ok, my forum has been around for about 2 years and I have only been able to attract a handful of active members. I have listened to passed suggestions about creating affiliations, and a special thanks to Kami for the makeover. I understand there is a lot competition from Facebook on subject matters of this type as well.

I have read statistically, this type of hobby is for an older crowd for the most part (40+ above); so I am thinking what is working for some of the other forums like role play may not work for mine. I would really appreciate if there are any modelers who give me their opinions on this matter, but any input would be appreciated. I have also promoted the forum on Instagram and Imgur. I am not a huge Facebook fan so I don't have an account with them. Finally, the last question is since I mentioned NJ and this forum is linked to a particular "Bricks and Mortar Club", do you think that makes potential members shy away?

Dimensions Model Car and Cycle Forum

[bigballofyarn]

Everything I mention is just a personal opinion and is not meant to be discouraging. You can always do what you want with your own forum and I will fully respect you.

The link you posted in your thread doesn't work, but I found your forum link from one of your older posts.

I don't think that mentioning New Jersey will dissuade people from joining. Your info box doesn't state that your forum is strictly FOR people in NJ. It clearly states the origins of the community.

Your forum seems to target a very specific audience. I don't think age is one of them. I almost never look for a person's age when I interact with them online. However, because people need to have a very specific interest in order to join your forum, it may take longer for your forum to find interested members.

I used to have an affiliate box, but discontinued it in 2009. I personally don't believe they attract many members. How often do you click on ads you see? It's probably close never. This isn't to say that people are never clicking on your mini banner, but it is to say that your expectations of the affiliate box should be realistic.

I do like your banner and color scheme. Your forum is very easy on the eyes. The most important thing to have for your forum is patience. Be active on ProBoards Support. People are more likely to click a link in your signature than they are to click your mini banner off another forum. If some of your friends share this interest of yours, ask them to join. Have them help you build initial activity. Eventually, things will flow naturally.

I do like the look of your forum and I wish you the best of luck.

[firemist001]

Thanks for your feedback! Also, I fixed the link. One other thing, adding affiliates was one of the suggestions I received when I originally sought opinions on the forum about a year ago. I agree with you on the matter of having affiliates - it doesn't appear to have done much for my message board traffic. Thanks again for you feedback, its very much appreciated.