Members signing up, but not posting!

[CDarklock]

Let me point out another reason people register and don't post.

Because you MAKE THEM.

Yesterday, I went to a site about nutrition and bodybuilding. I clicked the "About Us" link. It said "Sorry, you must be signed in to do that!"

So I registered, because I wanted to see if this company was one worthy of my business. And it wasn't (which is why I won't say who it is). So I left, and I won't go back, which means I'll never post.

Keep in mind that this isn't always an intentional feature of the site. The example above is, but it's also possible that some brilliant post in your forum was crossposted elsewhere by a member, and people are having to register so they can see it.

Oh, and also: what ablaye said.

[cheat-master30]

Originally Posted by CDarklock

Let me point out another reason people register and don't post.

Because you MAKE THEM.

Yesterday, I went to a site about nutrition and bodybuilding. I clicked the "About Us" link. It said "Sorry, you must be signed in to do that!"

So I registered, because I wanted to see if this company was one worthy of my business. And it wasn't (which is why I won't say who it is). So I left, and I won't go back, which means I'll never post.

Keep in mind that this isn't always an intentional feature of the site. The example above is, but it's also possible that some brilliant post in your forum was crossposted elsewhere by a member, and people are having to register so they can see it.

Oh, and also: what ablaye said.

That is why I personally hate forced registration or the newer idea of making all forums private. But then again, I can't see this in action on the example forum, I can see the topics and posts just fine.

Although two things you may want to consider:

1. That enormous message saying the benefits of registration basically takes up the whole first page length of the forum. Seriously, in one whole screen view,that is just shoved in your face.
2. Don't feel too bad. You think have 115 members and 28 active is bad? I saw a site with FOUR HUNDRED PLUS members and 26 active members. Oh, and about no posts in the last week. Been around for about 4 years as well. Don't make the problem seem worse than it is. Put it in somewhat perspective.
3. You seem to have content, that's good.

[CDarklock]

Originally Posted by cheat-master30

That enormous message saying the benefits of registration basically takes up the whole first page length of the forum. Seriously, in one whole screen view,that is just shoved in your face.

I think I see the problem.

"Tons of contests and give-aways"

People may expect that free stuff will simply show up in their mailbox every now and then if they just register.

[Roxie]

This happens all the time!

I used to delete ZERO POSTERS, but now I don't even bother. My forum is kind of active so it doesn't bother me too much. I know that some register b/c you can't post or view the content of threads w/o registering (at least on my forum).

[DieselMinded]

Try an Introduction Forum Viewable to guest..

http://www.dieselbombers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=100