How do I

How do I keep my forum active. My members just reply to topics they do not make some themselfs, I really want them to make topics themsefs, what do you think I should do?

Post things they'll be compelled to answer to. Get them used to posting. They'll get there eventually.

You could try one of the article bot hacks at vbulletin.org. They'll start threads from RSS newsfeeds you configure, and hopefully your members will respond to them, and get ideas to start their own threads.

Give them an incentive to make new posts... perhaps run a contest of sorts, ask for articles etc. The more active you are, the more active they will be. Content is king and if you provide this in abundance, then they will eventually follow. It does take time but be persistent and you will get there, it's where we all started with our forums.

Give them an incentive to make new posts... perhaps run a contest of sorts, ask for articles etc. The more active you are, the more active they will be. Content is king and if you provide this in abundance, then they will eventually follow. It does take time but be persistent and you will get there, it's where we all started with our forums.

Exactly. I totally agree with the above. I had a friend that started a phpbb forum. In the beginning, he created several "alter egos" and posted up topics that would bring in lots of responses. That way, people would be compelled to post, and it wouldnt look as if all of the posts were coming from one source. After your forum gets off the ground, there is no need for the alter egos.

Also, never underestimate the power of a good argument. :D

Controversy can help - but can also cause people to leave a forum, especially if there is too much of it.

Yourself make a lot of threads in which they will surely reply...
As your forum will grow and more and more members you get, they will automatically make threads.
Or pay someone to make lots of threads from different accounts and this will show off that many members make threads and can give a boost?

You can also run a contest or something!

Post things they'll be compelled to answer to.

excellant point for trying to get posting activity..