All these extra features are just niche...

[Shawn Gossman]

I've been monitoring forums lately.

I've had discussion with some of you on how some software isn't modernizing. You preach that features like groups, blogs, galleries, and such out-of-the-box is what are hurting communities trying to evolve.

I kind of have to disagree just based on observation.

It seems like the really niche-niche-niche forums need these features and even on those forums, a majority of their members don't seem to be ACTIVELY using those supposed needed features.

It is of my opinion that forum discussion features (the age-old forum feature) are mainly what people are using rather than all these new and improved features.

Thoughts? Arguments?

 

[Tracy]

If your target is only for discussions, then you don't need extensions. But sites that can exist only on a forum format are becoming few and far between as many of them can use existing social media formats.
But for almost any niche related forum that deals with physical items or even travel can (and should) extend themselves to offering a product that enhances what they offer over just an area to make a post.

As an example, especially in my niche, a gallery is an almost have to have.
It's much easier to find the images here instead of in node containing threads that you have to go through.
ShowCase (XenAddons) is another example. It can easily be used to allow your users to create a custom garage if your site is automotive related, if gaming related a custom "my game room" to show off how your setup is, etc. And it's easily searchable.

Articles are another example. Granted, you have to have someone creating them, but depending on the niche, those articles can draw a lot of traffic if they are authoritative.

But it is entirely dependent upon the niche you have settled on as to what will help bring additional traffic. Sadly, it's gotten where it's more about consumption of information than creation of it. You will find on many (if not most) sites there are a core group that generates content even if the site gets a lot of traffic.

 

[Tracy]

Just an example of how add-ons can get traffic to your site, especially via searches for a niche site.

Some Google Search console results for the last 28 days on my site.




If you notice, they are all add-ons and not the core forum offering. As I mentioned, it is entirely dependent upon the niche and whether that niche can gain benefit by using other formats of relaying information other than a forum format.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

I think it's easier if you start a forum with these features.

If Digital Point or TAZ started adding them, I wouldn't think people would use them. Maybe I'm wrong but I kind of think this.

 

[Tracy]

Yeah, but my site did not have them all of them when I originally set it up. Just XFRM and XFMG.
Bob's toys came later. And honestly, I'm the main one that uses them.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Yeah, but my site did not have them all of them when I originally set it up. Just XFRM and XFMG.
Bob's toys came later. And honestly, I'm the main one that uses them.

You've done a good job making them blend in and keeping them unique.

I think you are the main one that uses them at least on a forum that has a good amount of realistic activity.