Hi LaDainian N9ne. Since this post was made a while ago, I'm not sure if you still visit. If you do, you can still read up on this. As for everyone new to creating a website, also.
Firstly, you may want to consider getting a banner for your forum. A banner expresses what genre your forum is, as well as attracting members to come and post. A banner helps in many aspects, and that may want to be your first step. People want to come online to an interesting forum, not one that looks like it was rushed and made in an hour.
Secondly, you might want to look into getting a button set. I'm sure there is one matching that skin, due to the fact I am on that forum daily. Install it in your Images section in your administration panel, and then your forum will look much nicer and professional.
Thirdly, people do not like to come onto forums where members chat like they are five years old. Some of your members post like "ya do u?" And short replies such as "do u??" No one likes to see that, it's proving your forum has spam on it, and it can come across as junky. It's your job as an administrator to set rules and boundaries, even if it's how to type.
Fourthly, advertise! No forum is successful unless you advertise for it. I see posts from December 2nd and on. You might want to work on promoting those sections. Make some new topics and discussions, then people will not feel clueless, and they'll have something interesting to advertise to.
Fifthly, staff. Having a global moderator with one post is not attractive to anyones eyes. At least pick the guy with 9! Honestly, you have to have members prove to you that they can be on your lovely team of staff, not promote random people. Then people will feel they can behave and do as they please, because, well, the global moderator only has 1 post.
Sixthly, why would you worry about an arcade? That is the least of your worries right now, and you have one set up. First worry about promoting your forum and at least completing it with button sets and graphics. An arcade is a perk for when you're done with everything else.
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These options may cost you money;
Domain Name ~ You could purchase a domain name and redirect it to your forum, it appears much more attractive then a s13 domain.
Website ~ If you purchase a domain name, why not create a website on it? That would attract members, and it reaches out more than just a discussion area. It points to what you want users to read.
Advertising ~ There are some websites you can go to where people advertise and can get some people to join your site. If you are really serious about this, you may consider searching and reading up on this.
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Okay, those are the main suggestions for now. If you are truely serious about this, do as I said in the non-paying options. That can prove to me you are serious. Then I may be able to help you more.
Good luck! ( Hopefully you check up on this website still, this is a helpful reply to you! )
~* Jennifer
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