What makes a forum popular?

I'm posting this on four separate yet related forums.
I want to know what makes a forum so popular. Is it the layout? Is it the community? I want your responses to be as detailed as possible.
This is a survey, of sorts. I'm interested in knowing what members think of the sites they join and what they like about it. Why do you like it? What makes it so special?

Please respond as soon as possible. My interests wane.

popularity, in my opinion, starts with the concept of the forum. if its something that people are interested in, theyll join the forum to be with other like-minded people.
from there popularity is dictated by the community. a good, friendly and helpful community will keep more active members than a sarcastic or mean one.
community is also part of building reputation which can, in the long run, attract more members.

that said, i like shaychu for the community ((joined out of curiosity though, gotta love catly tendencies :3 )) and i try to maintain peace and fairness as a member of staff

i think its the people... i mean if the people make it fun, then the forum is fun. and thats what pulls more people in and boom! popular!!! its just what i think....

It is definitely the head admin...

right... that is so it!!! lol

>I'm posting this on four separate yet related forums.
I want to know what makes a forum so popular. Is it the layout? Is it the community? I want your responses to be as detailed as possible.
This is a survey, of sorts. I'm interested in knowing what members think of the sites they join and what they like about it. Why do you like it? What makes it so special?

Please respond as soon as possible. My interests wane.

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advertisements. I first joined Kingdra forums because Rok advertised it, and then David f**ken pissed me off so I came here. =p

Woah, Ducky is scary O_O
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Anyway, you do need to advirtize it, or try to get a site tp be a partner forum with you.
Also, people will go to your forum if they know a popular user who has joined it.

Good luck with the forum!