Is it a good idea to allow guests to view thread content? yes/no
 

I apologize if I posted this in the wrong section but wanted to get some feedback on this. Currently my board is set so guests/non-registered/non-logged in users can view thread titles but not thread content. I figured that would spark curiousity causing them to register. I've been considering changing this though lately and would like your perspective on it.

So my question is...Is it a good idea to allow guests to view thread content?

my forum website is dfwindie.com

If you care about SEO, then YES ;)

even allow them to view some areas at your Forum if possible

I have the preface as viewable...which is announcements, front desk and introductions. I've been thinking about opening the rest up except the job boards, since contact info is put there and I don't want crawlers seeing that.

I'm just debating whether or not it helps a board grow in registered members if they can see all the content? Why register if you don't have to? I know a lot of people are lurkers on boards and I see boards with 1,000+ guests and wonder if that's good or bad. I guess it's good because they are reading but bad because they may not be registering.

An example of a board that allows users to view content is http://dvinfo.net/conf/ currently they have 75 members and around 700 guests online right now.

But then I look at boards like http://forums.offtopic.com and they don't allow users to view content and they have 1650 members and 50 guests online right now.

Which model is better for a newer board? :confused:

Here's a forum i use and they dont allow guest to view nothing

50 guests, 507 members 4 anonymous members

All depends what YOU want to do NOT what other's have.

Yes, allow them to read topic content for a few reasons:

1- Less inactive members as they can view the content and see if they should join without having to join to view it and find out.

2- Search engine spiders index more of your site, which helps guests find your forums through search engines. And content is needed for decent rankings...

3- Some good members may join (I personally never join forums which keep ANY content from guests, regardless of the amount). There are probably others like me who don't want to register to view content.

I let guests view my board but it is a fan site so its kind of necessary imo.