What do you think make or breaks a forum?
Competence and professonalism.
The admin's willingness to do something different and push it forward.
I believe if you are just not a typical forum. I believe if you continue to push members to participate and add new things and give them incentive to stay, then you will make it.
If you neglect the members of the community, you will face doom.
if said admin has the willpower and determination, dedication of his/her board and knows how to keep members happy..your board will exceed expectations, both in membership and ranking
How members decide to spend their free time.
I think it's all about keeping the members coming by.