What creates a good atmosphere in an online community?

[Codysutton]

A community can have thousands of members, but that does not always mean it feels enjoyable. Sometimes smaller places feel more welcoming than larger ones. Recently, gayteam appeared during a search and it started a thought about what really creates a good atmosphere online. Friendly conversations probably play a big role, but there are likely many other things too. Active users, respectful discussions, and interesting topics can completely change the feeling of a platform. Some communities feel comfortable right away while others never create that feeling. Many people quietly observe discussions before becoming active, so atmosphere may matter more than people realize. Even small details can make a difference. Curious to know what others notice first because everyone probably pays attention to different things when joining a new online space.