Content is very important in any site, but how does it work with forums?

Does "content" mean writing article about your forum, blogs, links and so on?

Or, in the forum world, does it mean different discussions on your forum?

Thanks,
T.

Content means the discussions in the forum. It means the wealth of information. It can mean tutorials that are written. This is compared to a non-content-based site such as an e-commerce site that isn't an informational resource.

what are your thoughts on original content vs. imported content?

Personally it has to be original content. It defines the forums character and originality. I mean our most successful item has to be sending an inflatable donkey around the world to all the moderators and posting pictures and the story of his trip. People love it as its quirky. Yes its hardly a thread that will inspire greatness, but its something we have that other forums dont, so it ensures people return to check on his progress.

IMO, there is nothing as cheesy as seeing a site have articles and tutorials that are public domain or found elsewhere on the web.

Agreed. Google also penalizes for the duplicate content

What if is wasn't necessary 'dead' imported feeds - what if you imported second hand feeds but then allowed it to be posted to and from - making it a new 'live' feed with its own orginal content?

If it wasn't a dead peice of info then it would be even worse! And you may even get into legal trouble...

please explain:

1. why would it be 'even worse' if they weren't 'dead' feeds?
2. why there would be legal issues if all feeds were 'hosted' for syndication

Is there any interest in linking forums together? IE. - pull threads from a 'hosted' forum and have replies sent seamlessly between the forums?

I would have a very negative feeling about any system that "imported" content from one of the forums I operate, into their own system. In fact the very thought makes me want to have a long talk with my lawyer.