Great tips if you intend on building a very big and busy site.

However, there are some forums that are tightly focused, intimate even, and bigger is not always better in those cases. With them, content (and therefore, quality of membership) is king. I suspect sites like that need different strategies.

That's a little out of date. :)

Always backup your database and files on a regular basis.

If possible and resources are available, even test a restore to ensure your backup process is effective...

Huge one! ;)

The worst things you can ever do?

Auto promote new users to Administrator on Activation ;)

And send the FTP details of the site with the activation mail :)

as someone said, it totally depends what you're going for. sure, your car forums might benefit by someone seeing all the super flash threads and stuff and joining, but something like my teen support & advice forum requires a certain amount of privacy for my members. i show thread titles and fully published articles, but hide anything that a member wouldnt want their worst enemy seeing.

As hambil was referring to graphics I agree. A site design is dependent on its theme and audience. For gaming sites, the people expect a layout that appeals and is strong.

what i normally do is create another usergroup which does not have the power to edit post etc but can access admin sections and have their own colored username.

i put them in here on trial whilst i c if they are up 2 the job or not, plus it gives them a sense of power :D

Why is it? I know a lot of people who still use Dial Up and often I am found using 800x600 resolution, especially late at night.

some nice suggestions :)