Are smaller message forums better than bigger message forums?

[Shawn G]

Smaller communities seem to be more tight knit and friendly because most members know one and other and are used to talking to one and other. A big board has sometimes thousands of users on it at once talking and that makes it harder to socialize with people that they know. How do you all feel about this subject?

Are smaller message forums better than bigger ones?

Why or why not?

 

[cheat_master30]

Depends on the site.

A lot of the time, yes. Because large sites tend to be either poorly/non moderated or over moderated due to past issues. Smaller sites have communities both less likely to get into flamewars and arguments and a relaxed enough mindset not to punish people severely for minor infractions.

But there are well run large sites and poorly run smaller ones too.

 

[zappaDPJ]

As both an owner and a user I much prefer active, big boards. I generally join forums to learn rather than socialise so the greater the level of activity the more there is to learn. If I wanted to socialise I guess I'd use Facebook.

 

[Joeychgo]

depends on your goals. As a user, if you just want a lot of good solid information, bigger is usually better. if you want to be part of a community, smaller may feel easier.

As an admin, bigger is better as far as sustainability, but its more costly and time consuming.

 

[LeadCrow]

Small sites are inherently better IMO, if you view it from the perspective of users looking for a 'homely' discussion place.

It's easier to make an impact and secure standing at small sites.
A limited userbase also 'shields' the active members from the excess of irrelevant fluff you find yourself exposed to on big sites that you can difficultly preserve yourself from without ignoring at least specific sections.

 

[cheat_master30]

I would mention that Dunbar's Number could be relevant here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunbar's_number

It's understood the general number of social relationships humans can maintain is somewhere between 100 and 250. Past that seems to be around the point that communities tend to feel divided.

 

[luiss]

Little is easy to control and have a fun topics where almost or all agrees to it. Bigger = hard to manage, topics where you might not agree but also topics you can enjoy and enrich your own opinion.