My new message forum

[rWorld]

I just set it up a local community message board, but I want comments before I do anything to try to publicize it. I heard it may take about 8 weeks for it to start showing up in Yahoo and Google search engines.
One thing I want to find out before I start getting members is how to back up the entire board so I won't have to recreate it from scratch if there is some major crash.

I'm looking for comments on the look/content of the board also and suggestions on things to add.
I changed the colors manualy since I haven't been able to find a vBulletin 3.5 skin that I really liked. I want a very modern and clean look.
This is my first web site.

The URL at http://www.rosevilleworld.com

[rWorld]

I found a skin that looks OK, so I changed the colors of the site to match. Can someone give some useful comments on the site and forums?

[smacklan]

not much to say really...it's a nice, but common skin and you really have no content to speak of :ermm:

[rWorld]

Originally Posted by smacklan

not much to say really...it's a nice, but common skin and you really have no content to speak of :ermm:

I will add a little content, but the point of it is to be a community discussion forum where members talk among themselves, bringing their own content, not sit back and read what I write.

[CSS59]

nice skin! How long was it up for? it needs content

[rWorld]

Originally Posted by CSS59

nice skin! How long was it up for? it needs content

The site has been up about 2 weeks, but I'm still concerned about the appearance. I'm going to add more photos and some short videos and try to figure out how to get incoming RSS feeds containing related keywords to post to the site automatically.
I have been playing around with FrontPage using trial and error.
Should I get a web template or hire a web designer to make the site design look more professional?
I don't want to actively try to attract members until the site looks professional.
I've heard that the site will automatically start showing up in search engines after being online for about 8 weeks.

Since the site is very regional/local, once the site looks good, then I'll start promoting it by signing up for Google AdWords, and putting ads in the local newspapers. Maybe I can get local merchants to post coupons and discounts on the site.
Once I have enough traffic I'll add ads so the cost of keeping the site running will be covered and the site will be self-sustaining.

http://www.rosevilleworld.com

[InsaneContender]

I don't know, I don't really like the front page that much. I live in Sacramento, and if it was a little more well put together, I might consider joining. Nothing special about the skin though.

[rWorld]

Originally Posted by InsaneContender

I don't know, I don't really like the front page that much. I live in Sacramento, and if it was a little more well put together, I might consider joining. Nothing special about the skin though.

Hmm, maybe I need to get a commercial template or web designer. I feel like I have already spent too much time on it without good enough results.
Any recommended template vendors?
Where can I get custom vBulletin icons to add to the skin? Other than that, I'm not sure the skin needs to be that "amazing" for a suburban community forum as long as it is clean and easy to use. I don't think people join this type of forum because the skin looks cool.

[Princeton]

skin is not appropriate for a "community" site - you need to find something that is neutral ... something that the whole community can enjoy

Remove the splash page -- it's just another step for your visitors.
Give them the info that they want right away!