What are Online Discussion Forums?

In the real world, we depend on discussions for learning and socializing. It’s how we relate to one another. The same thing happens on the Web, and thanks to discussion forums, we have a reliable way to organize and discover information in the form of discussions between people anywhere in the world.

• The role of discussion forums on the Web
• Why discussion forums matter
• How discussion forums are organized
• What is required for forum participation
• How forums are managed and can become a community

Video Transcript:

We’ve all had discussions. One person asks a question or shares an idea and others respond. It’s a fundamental and useful form of communication. When the Internet came along, these discussions took on a new form.

Suddenly people with similar interests in Mexico, England and Hawaii for example, could discuss their ideas and learn from each other using computers.

These online discussions meant that the knowledge and expertise of individuals anywhere in the world could be shared quickly and easily.

Soon enough, websites started to appear that were specifically built for these discussions. They are called discussion forums.

At first, a forum may look complicated, but lurking under the surface is a smart system for making online discussions work.

Let’s consider a forum about cars. Most forums are organized much like the folders on your computer. At the top are the big buckets.

Within these folders are types of cars and within those are discussions about specific models.

This structure gives visitors a way to find the specific discussions that match their interests. Each individual discussion is called a topic or thread. Most topics follow a simple pattern.

Like any discussion, someone needs to get it started. The first post in the topic is often a question or observation. Others may then reply.

When responses come, they appear under the first post, usually with the oldest on top. This makes the discussion easy to follow.

Most forums can be read by the public, but to post, you have to create an account. This means picking a name and creating a profile that represents you. This is your identity in the forum.

Many people who use forums don’t post very often, and simply follow the topics. They are called lurkers.

But the best forums have dedicated members who have real relationships with one another. They post consistently, creating a productive and interesting community.

And like the real world, discussions can sometimes get out of control. That’s why many forums are moderated by a person or team. It’s their job to maintain and protect the forum.

And each forum has its own culture, customs and rules. Before diving in, observe and ask questions. Soon enough you could become part of the community.

Whatever your interest, forums can be an amazing resource because they bring people with specific interests together to learn, get help or share a passion.

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