Web Forum

Web Forum

Explanation 1

A Web forum is a website or section of a website that allows visitors to communicate with each other by posting messages. Most forums allow anonymous visitors to view forum postings, but require you to create an account in order to post messages in the forum. When posting in a forum, you can create new topics (or “threads”) or post replies within existing threads.

Web forums are available for all kinds of topics. Examples include software support, help for webmasters, and programming discussions. While lots of Web forums focus on IT topics, they are not limited to information technology. There are forums related to health, fitness, cars, houses, teaching, parenting, and thousands of other topics. Some forums are general, like a fitness forum, while others are more specific, such as a forum for yoga instructors.

Since Web forums are comprised of user-generated content (UGC), they continue to grow as long as users visit the site and post messages. The webmaster of a Web forum simply needs to manage the forum, which may require moving, combining, and archiving threads. It may also involve monitoring postings and removing ones that are inappropriate. While this can be a large task for popular forums, most forum software, like vBulletin and phpBB, can filter out inappropriate content.

Because Web forums are constantly growing, they have become a large part of the Web. In fact, if you search for help on a certain topic, there is a good chance one or more forum pages will appear in the top results. After all, if you have a question about something, odds are you’re not the only one. You can use forums to glean knowledge from others who have shared your questions in the past. Conversely, you can help others by sharing your ideas and answers in an online forum.

NOTE: Web forums are also called Internet forums, discussion boards, and online bulletin boards.

 

Explanation 2

What Is a Web Forum?

Sometimes called a bulletin board or message board, a Web forum is an online center for ongoing, indepth discussions of specific topics and issues. This OVC HELP for Victim Service Providers message board provides victim service providers and allied professionals with a means to share ideas, suggestions, and recommendations concerning promising practices, best practices, and victim issues.

Please note that the forum is not a “chat room.” That is, users cannot participate in real-time discussions. However, users can ask and respond to questions, explain service techniques and strategies, share helpful anecdotes, and lend their expertise to others in the field.

How is a discussion organized?

Individual messages are organized by topic and discussion title. A discussion (also known as a “thread”) is a series of messages along a specific topic of conversation. Each discussion begins with a comment or question that elicits feedback from others. By reading each post—that is, each individual message—in a discussion, you can see how it has evolved.

The topics listed on the forum home page are currently open for comment. Select one of them to view the directory of active discussions within that topic.

Who can participate?

This is an open discussion board that does not require a login registration for users. However, victim service providers and allied professionals are the target participants for this forum. Crime victims seeking assistance should visit the OVC Directory of Crime Victim Services.

Is the forum moderated?

This forum is not moderated in the sense that a moderator will participate in conversations; however, posts are screened before they are uploaded. Therefore, participants who submit messages will not immediately see them on the board. Messages that are accepted for discussion will be posted within 1 business day of submission. See the rules for more information on screening criteria.

Web Forum