Merging Forums

[TheEclipse]

I did something like this before on my forum (see link below).

I had a different section for a bunch of different kinds of creativity, then an 'other' section.
This was very bad for people because they thought that if their interest wasn't specifically listed, it wasn't welcome.
I now have creativity all in one section, which other people think is weird. Originally when I did this I listed a bunch of different forms of creativity- and people again didn't see whatever they do in their free time or wanted to talk about, on my list, and thought they weren't welcome.

Make sure that you make it clear that topics of conversation are welcome, that people can talk about writing, hobbies, or food, and don't have to put it in 'The Hobby Thread' in the general chat section or something, that they're allowed to start up a thread saying "Does anyone know how to crotchet?" "Can you help me with my novel", etc.

You have to be careful with this stuff or else you end up putting off members, but it can be done.

[Neversoft]

Keep Anime as it is. Probably one of the most active sub-sections on the forum.

It's not the most active but it is frequently used. There wasn't much posts nearer the end of December because of the Christmas season. There isn't a huge amount of threads in the subforum but most of them do have a considerable amount of replies.

Perhaps merge hobbies and jokes with it as they are other entertainment (although the jokes subforum is quite popular as it is) but I urge you not to abolish it. It's the only place on the forum us fans can talk about anime and manga without getting trolled and into arguments with other users who have nothing better to do.