Would it just concentrate the ones who have none, or, at least, are unwilling to use them?

I'd be more concerned that instead of the, say, 5%-10% homework and "do my work for me" queries, you'd now be hosting 2^24 times more of them.

I think what Jan was thinking is that your website now would appear to be, simply put, a billboard for the various represented advertisers. The "truth" of the material presented would come into question, and the "truth" of the promotional brochures often is, and what now is interpreted as honest opinion, if not fact, will then be seen as "marketing hype," even if it's not.

I suspect that you'll realize more financial benefit, if that's of any interest to you, if you simply sell your forum hosting software to the various folks who want you to host their forum, and let them put it wherever they like, even on VIS if that seems appropriate, and let them have a LINK on your front page, but not make their forum part of your website. I'm persuaded that folks who want to participate in a discussion of KEIL, or SiLabs, or NXP, will go the KEIL, or SiLabs, or NXP forum if a link is provided. It's not necessary to hold their hand and lead them to it. I believe that putting those discussion groups on your website will lead to more cross-posting, and other objectinble behaviors.

It's your website, though, and you know what your goals are. You've got to decide whether this leads you to a place you want to be.

RE