Planet Discussions

Some people don't have the funds or time to self host, and there's a few different free forum host options out there for these individuals in this predicament. I started making forums on free forum hosts before moving to self hosting myself! I think it's a good way to get used to owning a forum, heck even if you wish to have your forum only be on a free forum host for the duration of it's life that's fine too! That's how I feel about it at least, I know some people think it's lazy and unprofessional but I don't view it like that.

I think Proboards is quite cool especially with the stickers you can purchase for your forum account with real cash.

I've been on Create a Forum for over a month and I love it. I was on proboards briefly but I didn't care for the settings

At least one, Tapatalk (free version) has too many ads.

And as for free forum hosts, in general, they are good for some people, but I don't like the limits on freedom and paid self-hosting isn't expensive these days (not like food and rent, lol).

I've seen some good forums hosted on a free forum host. If you have a good admin/owner who is really dedicated, then the forum can do good.

Some forumers just like forum posting. They aren't into web development. They just want to have fun.