put up a lousy free forum or wait until I can do the project justice?

I have several domain names that I eventually want to have forums on, but haven't yet had the money or time to set up the software, customize the template, etc. Should I just set up a plain generic phpBB installation until I have time to really work on the sites? I don't know if anyone except spammers would bother to join if I'm not really paying attention to the place, but what if I'm missing an opportunity to start collecting members?

 

Michelle, I've contemplated doing that before. But, any little bit of focus that you give it will take away from your other sites that you're trying to improve or participate in. So, I see it being a distraction more than something positive.

Although, if your other sites are pretty much where you want them to be (is that possible? ) , then it's not a terrible idea to test the waters, IMO

 

True. Otherwise, I would wait. Because 1) a random phpBB forum thrown together in seconds isn't going to rack up members over time... not even a vBulletin forum would like that, and 2) you should choose just one and focus on that first, then move on to another; it'll be hard to actively build a bunch at once.

 

"Lousy free forum?" You can do quite a lot with a bit of talent and free software : )

The issue, though, is that until you are willing to promote it, you are not going to be collecting memberships anyway. Promotion is solidly a different arena, requiring time and of course effort : )