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What Is A Forum?

Recently it occurred to the Architect that despite the popularity of bulletin boards and forums on the internet many just simply do not know what to do on them once they have registered, because they do not know how it works. This thread has been set up to determine the need for a greater explanation on how to use a forum and its features.

Forum Is What

Well recently talking with some people I invited to the Forum, once they registered they do not know what to do, for some reason they think that suddenly or magically will appear something on the screen that will say what to do. We need to realise that just because people have an internet conexion and are used to the net, do not necessarily know what a Forum is and what is the purpose of it. Maybe in the e-mail that they received to validate their account should have a little explanation of what is a Forum and its purpose.

What Is A Forum? Feedback & FAQ News Community

Maybe sometimes people are hesitant to post in a new forum because they are a little shy or don't know what to expect?

This would have to be one of the few forums where you don't get flamed out for simply making an intoductory post, which I must say is a nice change.

It does take a bit of effort to learn to use BB code if you're not familiar with it but who said life was meant to be easy? I guess it boils down to "nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Forum Is What

I never understood the concept of flamming. It almost seems to be a method to tell people to get out and if so, then they should simply close the registration page. I must admit that our bots do 'scare' newbies a little with their opening 'welcome', but this is to ensure that the new user is up to what is expected here.

Forum Is What

Before this forum, I had no experience at all. I made sure I read a good deal of threads before I ever posted for the first time.

It is true most forums flame new members as well as people who make mistakes. The flaming of new posters is almost like an initiation. If you survive the flaming you have earned your place on the forum.

That is why I took the time to read so many threads before posting. I wanted to get a feeling for the place. If I had read a lot of flaming posts, I would not have bothered to participate.

As far as helping people learn to participate...I think people need to take the initiative themselves. There are a ton of help threads available with all the information necessary. I know I had a friend come here and he felt it was to complex so he didn't participate, but I think it was more a matter of he didn't want to take the time to learn. This guy is in the business so he is quite computer literate. There really is no reason he couldn't have figured it out if he had made the effort. It wasn't important enough to him...In my opinion.

What Is A Forum?

Thanks for the feedback. For this kind of user we now have the Lite version which should appeal to those who do not want the 'clutter'.

What Is Forum

I knew how a forum works before I joined this one. But still, everyone has their first time. On my first forum, I had no idea what to do. But I figured it out soon enough. I think the 'Add reply' and 'new topic' icons are pretty much self explanatory.

Edited: Smudge on 14th Nov, 2004 - 6:28am

What Is Forum Community News FAQ & Feedback

Can you elaborate more on that? Is it that you were not sure why you joined, or did you not know how to proceed after your intro message? Did you read all the requirements and constructive post threads to get help?