Forum config and structure
As configuration goes I have learned to not limit regular users as much as you think you should. I leave open the option of username change, custom avatars, signatures etcetera. This makes the newly registered members not feel as if they are restricted access to the forum. However I slowly limit these with time and updates.

Now for structure. You will be wanting to keep your forum and subforum count to a minimum, and 90% topic related. This does two things, it helps to keep your forum from looking empty and drives discussion to the topic of the site.

General admin
Well, I am not 100% on this so don't blame me if this doesn't work out for you.
At first you want to be posting as much as possible, and getting in with the community as much as possible. Keeping out of your off topic areas.
Also responding to suggestions, ideas, PM's and post reports as quickly as possible with clear answers tends to keep members wanting to help more. Even if, for example, their suggestion is denied, this is because you haven't just wrote of their ideas with a simple 'no'.

Plugins and mods
Now with these, don't add and activate every new plugin you see. Pick stables ones that you need, and the odd one to enhance your forum.

Theme
I suppose this is down to personal preference, but I tend to go for a clean looking theme with a colour scheme that complements the topic. I also never leave a theme as it comes. Just think how many different forums have that theme, make it personal to your site. Even little edits can make a big difference.

Thanks
If you read this far it means I'm not talking total garbage, thanks for reading and feel free to comment and suggest improvements!

Original post made by Gonzo (me) on EveryBB

Moved to more appropriate area of the forum.

/moved

Thanks for that

Very nice guide, simple and easy to understand.

I agree on the importance of a clean looking theme. I don't understand the appeal of a cluttered page with a very dark theme. Many top sites do the simple, clean layout, i.e. look at Google, facebook.

Thanks for posting your personal experience