Contributor: Ashley
What is a Forum ?
How do you use a forum ?
What are the rules for using a forum ?
Comparing forums to other applications:
What is a Forum ?
A forum is a public meeting place open for discussion on various topics. An online forum is sometimes called a bulletin board or dicussion area.There are many different kinds of forums.The main idea of a forum is to provide a place where people can go and interact and dicuss specific topics. Each forum states a topic and tries to keep the discussion on that topic, but this varies as forums (and their users) may be prone to meandering.
How do you use a forum ?
Generally you are required to create an online identity [ID or nickname] to be used on the forum. While some forums are free, others have a paid membership requirement. Make sure you read the privacy policy before creating any identity online.Some forums allow "Guest" access so you can view the forum before joining. This is a good way for you to check out the forum before you join. Look for a "Guest" option before signing up. You will not be able to actively participate in most forums as a guest, but it can give you an idea about what the forum is generally about.If you decide to join a forum and have your forum ID, you will be able to log in the forum, read what has previously been posted, start your own discussions or reply to discussions already started.
What are the rules for using a forum ?
As I previously mentioned each forum usually has it own rules and regulations. Be sure to read details and FAQs before logging into a forum. Most forums do not allow rudeness to other forum users. The majority of forums prefer to stay on topic but some do have areas set up to provide places for off topic discussions.
Comparing forums to other applications:
- Forums and electronic mailing lists is that mailing lists automatically deliver new messages to the subscriber, while forums require the member to visit the website and check for new posts.
- Newsgroups and forums is that additional software, a newsreader, is required to participate in newsgroups. Visiting and participating in forums normally requires no additional software beyond the web browser.
- Wikis, unlike conventional forums, typically allow all users to edit all
content, including each other's messages. This level of content
manipulation is reserved for moderators or administrators on most
forums. Wikis also allow the creation of other content outside of the talk pages.
- Forums differ from chat rooms and instant messaging
in that forum participants do not have to be online at the same time;
also, forums usually deal with only one topic and personal exchanges are
typically discouraged. Messages posted to a forum or Usenet are
publicly available for some time, which is uncommon in chat rooms, with
only few exceptions.
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