Discussion forum
A discussion forum is used by Internet users to exchange views on a particular topic or to report on their experiences. Forums usually have one or more main topics, which in turn are divided into sub-forums. Each specialized area has its own directory so that users can focus on the topics that are most relevant to them. For each topic, a new thread is opened in the discussion forum, where all responses to a discussion are collected.
Discussion forum topics
A discussion forum can deal with a wide variety of topics. There are many Internet forums that serve as guides to everyday problems, for example, problems with operating a computer or difficulties in raising children. However, there are also web forums that manufacturers offer their customers so that they can discuss their products and give direct feedback to the manufacturer. Such a discussion forum is often additionally designed as a support forum, where the manufacturer’s experts answer questions. Numerous discussion forums are also used for exchanging information on topics related to politics and world views.
Discussion forum rules
In a discussion forum, it is common practice to establish forum rules that must be followed by all members. Over the years, this has become necessary in order to maintain a friendly atmosphere. The inhibition threshold on the Internet for insults or inappropriate postings is lower for many people than in real life. The forum rules usually also ensure order in the discussion forum, because they regulate how to deal with advertising posts and links to external sources. In addition, they usually contain a reference to copyright, as the operator of an Internet forum can, according to current legal opinion, be held liable for legal violations by users, especially with regard to the unauthorized use of photos or text passages by other authors.
Functionality in a modern discussion forum
A discussion forum offers numerous additional functions that go beyond the mere exchange of information in the form of discussion posts. For example, members can create photo galleries, call up event dates or create avatars (personal user images). It is also increasingly possible to create personal signatures, birthday calendars, extensive personal profiles, encyclopedias, ratings of other members, and e-mail subscriptions to specific posts. Thanks to a wide variety of statistics, user activities can be expressed in figures, e.g., regarding the total number of users, posts, and topics. Apps and applications enable cell phone users to access a discussion forum via a smartphone or tablet PC as well.
