Running a forum is, to a certain extent, a matter of trial and error. For example, in some forums regular contests are run, and the amount of activity those contests create can make it very worthwhile. It can bring additional members, some of whom might only be there to enter the contests. Others, though, are regular members anyway. and contests are a good way to reward the loyalty of those ones.
It must be said though that not all forums seem to suit contests, in the same way that in our "offline lives" not everyone likes to get involved in competitions. And this is where trial and error means coming up with ways to get forum members involved-sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. If not, nothing is lost.
Unfortunately, no forum administrator has a crystal ball, so knowing what kinds of topics will get activity is again very much a matter of trial and error.
The one thing that is usually true, however, is that all folders - apart from perhaps an "Introduce Yourself" and "Off Topic" - should be on theme. In other words, on a forum which discusses ways to make money, a folder about looking after fish would be way out of place, and is unlikely to get much activity. People interested in fish-keeping will be looking at forums related to pets, especially fish. A forum should remain focused, otherwise it can become too diverse and lose direction.
Let's go back to the money making forum example. Such a forum is likely to be used by people who are themselves webmasters. Therefore, it is probable that a folder on the topic of Search Engine Optimization would be popular. A folder/sub-folder on the subject of search engines is also likely to be well used. Another on Social Bookmarking and Social Networking should get some decent activity, since most webmasters are looking for ideas to spread the message about their sites. blogs. or forums.
And if you want to do some research first to take away some of the trial and error, try asking your members what additional folders they'd like to see in your forum. It's amazing the feedback you can get, you just need to ask.
