Full or Semi-Finished Forum?

[akasixcon]

I'm planning to add alot of hacks to my forum. And the customization itself would take probably weeks to fullfill. I was wondering if I should launch my forum to the public and start advertising already to get members? Or should I perfect it and get some friends to sign in and post and kind of make the forum look active.

In other words would people want to join an "empty" forum so they can think they are "pioneers" or is it better for someone to join a growing community with already other members?

Thanks.

[TheDPQ]

I'm planning to add alot of hacks to my forum. And the customization itself would take probably weeks to fullfill. I was wondering if I should launch my forum to the public and start advertising already to get members? Or should I perfect it and get some friends to sign in and post and kind of make the forum look active.

In other words would people want to join an "empty" forum so they can think they are "pioneers" or is it better for someone to join a growing community with already other members?

Thanks.
Very good question, but i have some for you first. What sort of hacks do you think your community needs, and how many do you consider 'a lot'.

[akasixcon]

I'm thinking the store/lottery/user buying titles/ thread buying / rpg system/ arcades etc..

[TheDPQ]

Not sure what the RPG system will do or what you will have in the store, but other then the arcade i don't see anything that would really ad major value to your forum. Keep it simple to start off and see what people 'want'. No use bogging down a forum with a bunch of features that no one will use. Even the arcade is kind of iffy but you make get a few people staying on for 5 more mins as they play a game or too.

What makes a forum interesting is usually the topics and the people. That is what you need to focus on getting. Later if people are interested go ahead and add those extra features.

If you plan on 'selling' user titles though i'd suggest turning the off from the get go.