Hi i was wondering what you think are the positives and negatives of hiding forums. One is it makes your users want to see what there is, so they sign up.

But not hiding them helps in seo a lot

Personally, If a forum does not allow me to browse topics when I'm unregistered, I leave.

There are more benefits to not hiding them.

Originally Posted by 64 bit

Personally, If a forum does not allow me to browse topics when I'm unregistered, I leave.

There are more benefits to not hiding them.

I agree. If you can't see the topics then you can't tell if you want to join in discussion or not, and the majority of potential members will leave at that point.

I'd of thought most people would register on curiosity, posting is another thing though.

I completely agree. Almost all of my new members lurk for a while before signing up, and they sign up because the want to participate. I have been to forums that hide everything, I immediately head elsewhere. I usually have a few forums I hide (mod forums, forums only for high posters, etc), but they account for a small percentage of my posts, most of it is out in the open, where it shoudl be.

i wouldn't have stopped and joined this forum if i wasn't able to have a good nosy round before deciding it was the right place for me.