Hi Maria
Happy New Year, if only slightly too late.
I'm not sure what can be done about the forum, I check virtually every day and there is very little activity. I confess one thing that annoys me is the "acceptable use" notice that comes up every time and the layout of the pages is also not too pleasing (the font is too small by default and is just plain ugly surely that's a simple CSS hack to change).
Simple interaction like being able to click a reaction button would also help, for example the ADSHG forum shows an icon which allows 1 of 4 reactions (Thanks, Like, Laugh and Uh?) and so encourages interaction without having to actually type stuff.
Take care
Tim