Spicing up my forum

[exilera]

To put it simply, I'd like to spice up my forum. I just created it not long ago and have yet to advertise it. Here's a link (http://www.exilera.net). Basically, I'd like to spice it up a bit. Thus far is looks somewhat plain. What addons/modifications/plugins/etc. could I use to make it look a little more attractive, while keeping it relatively simple?

I've thought of CMPS, but I don't really see a reason to use it.

I plan on adding Zero Tolerance's RPG Inferno v3 and Photopost's VBGallery, both when they're released. I'm more looking for something to make the 'look' a little more inviting. Oh, and I already have plans to add ZT's vBShout and vBRadio.

Any suggestions? :)

Thanks!
Exilera

[merk]

Dont think that because you add a hack your forum will get more visitors.

The subject matter of your forum, the dedication of your initial members to make sure the discussion keeps flowing, and the style/skin of your forum are the most important things.

The single thing that most sites forget about is content. Make sure you get lots of it ;)

[exilera]

Do you think it's best to base the forum around a certain subject, i.e. Keep is specialized, or make the content very general? Right now the forum I'm creating is centered around gaming and technology, with some gaming and technology related features provided (i.e. the RPG).

Would it be best to make it more general?

[merk]

I started off with 5 or so forums in total. The area you're aiming at already has a large number of forums and other places people can go, so the less complexity you've got the more chance people will stay (imo) and the more content you can generate in a shorter period of time, or at least it looks like you've got more content.

Its even worth trying registering a few accounts for yourself and having a different personality for each one, making discussion on your forum.