What feature(s) would make you join an internet forum?
I run a new internet forum and I'm wondering what features I can build to attract users. If you came across a new internet forum, what novel (or old and boring) features would make you join? Or maybe, the forum lacks a popular feature (that you hate) that would entice you.
People join internet forums for the niche they serve.
Features and speed are cool for keeping the community unified and organized, but I don't think I would ever join a generic forum just because the site looks neat. The features should serve the niche the forum is built around.
Aside from absolute basic usability, I can’t imagine joining (or not joining) a forum due to its features rather than the community itself.
Real and verified identities
I want an easy way to see new posts/comments since a given timestamp (last visit, or one that I enter.) Highlight these 'new' ones in a specific color.
Full portability, allowing a fork of the forum by the users at any time.
Transparency and auditability.