How to create a sustainable community/discussion forum?

Is equity an issue?

[iscc]

I am particular interested in user behavior in the discussion forum. I believe user behavior will determine the sustainability of a forum.

My question is: I notice that in many discussion forums, there are a lot of registered members but only very few contributors (active contributors).

1. What is the reason for that?
2. For those who have started contributing in the forum, will they feel unfair if they find that they are the ones always contributing while others just sitting and getting free information.

iscc

[Webwork]

will they feel unfair if they find that they are the ones always contributing while others just sitting and getting free information.

Depends.

Those for whom contributing is an expression of who they are will continue to contribute. Call it contribution. Call it making the world work a little better. Call it giving back something, perhaps received elsewhere or elsewhen in life.

Those who participate based upon an expectation of a quid-pro-quo response may not.

Those for whom contributing is an expression of who they are may eventually move on to more vibrant communities simply for the stimulation. They may also move on out of a sense that "the community" really isn't community.

Lots of variation.

Lead from the top, lead by example, set standards and stick to them.