Okay this is probably a pretty common question but a good one in my opinion.

What makes the forum better..Having really good matching graphics with a great skin or having good topics on the forum?

It's really based on ones perspective, I think. For the most part, I've seen some really bad designs out there, but the board itself still had a load of activity. On the other hand, I've seen boards with really good designs that had very little activity. As much as I'd like to see a nice skin that blends in well with the graphics and such, I'd probably rather have more interesting content posted around the forums.

When a board has a 'crappy'skin ergo design I usually don't even join.
But Cory does have a point,your board is only as good as your members activity is.

The better your community is, is over the better your skin or graphics are. No matter how good your skin is, your community is what makes the board.

I like somewhere where each day is different on the forum
-new topics with lots of new decent posts.
-new ideas/competitions/themes etc.

Eh,Okay I see now.Thx for the reply's peeps,Just needed to know this for myself and wondered what everyone else thought on the matter.^_^

Wrong, since that doesn't apply at all for Graphics boards.
Since I won't even join a board which claims they do Graphics,but don't even have decent Graphics or a skin themselves(Custom Skin I might add).
Since it is all about the Graphics...see my point? : :P

Different users have different priorities, as you have seen in this discussion. However, I've found that most users just want a board that is easy to read and navigate. Then the graphics become secondary issue. The wow factor is appreciated but not necessary if they enjoy the content and the community. In the end, if you have spectacular graphics, but members feel abused or there is nothing for them to do or comment on, they will not stay on.

But I agree that if you portray yourself as a graphics board, you 'd better have some really fine graphics and skin or you have no credibility in your area of expertise.

And a bad skin and graphics can drive away people that might stay otherwise. I've given up on a couple of boards that have hard-to-read color combinations, distracting graphics or too many intrusive ads.

If the skin on a forum is not overly bright or dark. I give the forum a try.

But, If there is no activity I won't join a forum because there is nothing to read.

I'd prefer more activity than good graphics. But usually people join based on the graphics.

If the board hurts my eyes when looking at it, then of course I won't join. If it looks fairly decent then yeah I'll join and if it has good topics and a good community I'll stay.

What good is a nice looking board if there is no one to talk to?

It really depends a god thin gto have would be both though.

That seems pretty obvious doesn't it?? :D

A little bit of both is good. Good graphics encourage good posting imo!

I have to agree with madgal.

I enjoy a forum with a good skin and matching graphics. Also, a forum that has topics that will interest all members no matter what the forums main theme is.