Animation Source Forums

Okay, before I start, I realize that this doesn't necessarily pertain to the site, so if this should be in the "Other" section, I'm sorry in advance for posting here.

Anyhow, something is getting on my nerves. Often times when I see someone say "Hey, come check out my Balto forum!", I get somewhat excited. Only a few minutes later do I find out that the forum is basically a clone of Balto Source, right down to the order of the forums. It's rather annoying. Why can't people put a bit of effort into their Balto forums?

(Note: This is not to say that there are not good Balto forums besides this one, but there are a lot of clones of this one.)

Your thoughts?

I totally agree with you. It shows their lack of creativity. :] I guess there's just alot of "Steet wanna-be" people around this site.

I've seen some Balto sites(other than this one) that actually have the name "Balto Source". And it's just soo stupid. Come up with your own name and your own idea.

I don't really find it annoying but I do find it slightly disappointing.

Most of these 'clone' forums not only have practically the same forum sections but the odd one or two have the same ranks aswell and most have a basic forum theme with little or no modification, often just a banner. Some also have the same colours for mods and admins too...I know those aren't a 'BS only' thing but it does look tacky on another Balto forum.

Yes, it's disappointing that so many people can't even find at least one original idea to add. If there isn't anything original or at least different, what's the point of making another forum?

A change I have seen during the last years is that more and more people are creating forums, and not sites. Why? Because making forums only takes a few minutes, and you don't have to add any real information in it. While a site with no information has very little purpose.
I have rarely seen forums becoming popular without a site behind it.

At the same time, I know that if people realized how much time it takes to make AND maintain a site like that, they wouldn't even bother...

The only way to make a good site is by learning some HTML and a scripting language like PHP. Otherwise, you will be limited to "automatically generated" sites which are, also, very limited.

Nowadays everyone creates forums, with little or no effort at all, and all the scripting and design is done for them. And if even the contents are just as unoriginal as the design, how can anyone expect people who participate in serious forums to join?

A year ago and then maybe two years ago there was this sudden boom on Balto Source, where suddenly every other member asked people to join their forum, because of waves of forum generator discoveries. And then they wouldn't understand why... Really, most people truly find time precious, and posting somewhere where the creator hasn't even bothered to put enough work, is a little disrespectful from their side...

And, very importantly, a first impression (meaning the visual aspect of the site) is really what attracts attention. See something original and appealing, and immediately your expectations rise.

Copying is inevitable, but really, copying Balto Source layouts and forum sections onto ready-made standard forums isn't likely to get one far at all. Such 'forums' and 'sites' simply disappear and are abandoned.

Even original ones such as the Balto Source forums took a while to acquire this much traffic... In the early days it seemed there were only a few regular participants.

oh boy, STEET CLONES. Using some ideas of such a large balto fansite such as this one may help you gain some members, but you shouldn't copy everything. instead, i think they should step a little more out of the box, maybe twist around some things and show a little creativity by possibly perfecting some things going on here at baltosource. as "tempting" as it might be to be just like steet and create a super-amazing balto fansite certianly did not come easy and took much time to create.

I just saw a bad clone of this place. I know what you mean. So many people lack creativity.