Forums

Have forums or bulletin boards been replaced? Some would say so…but we disagree, they still have a crucial role to play in user generated content on the World Wide Web. Wikipedia gives the following definition of a Forum:

An Internet forum is a web application for holding discussions and posting user generated content. Internet forums are also commonly referred to as Web forums, message boards, discussion boards, (electronic) discussion groups, discussion forums, bulletin boards, fora (the Latin plural) or simply forums. The terms "forum" and "board" may refer to the entire community or to a specific sub-forum dealing with a distinct topic. Messages within these sub-forums are then displayed either in chronological order or as threaded discussions.

A sense of virtual community often develops around forums that have regular users. Technology, computer games and/or video games, fashion, religion, and politics are popular areas for forum themes, but there are forums for a huge number of different topics. Internet slang and image macros popular across the internet are abundant and most widely used in internet forums. http://en.wikipedia.org

Forums create an excellent platform for collaboration, discussions and debates in a controlled and moderated environment, an example of one of the most influential Forums in South Africa today within our industry is www.mybroadband.co.za

The forum focuses mainly on internet connectivity but also incorporates other topics. In South Africa with the price of Broadband and the current service of the industries incumbent, the threads can become heated. On the other hand if you are struggling to connect your new wireless modem you can join the community free of charge and seek help from over 40 000 members.

What does this mean for your business?

Well firstly invaluable market information straight from your consumers. By just engaging with the FAQ sections of forums you can spot questions about your product are service that arise that have not been solved, and provide input in resolving this issues, making you an expert. Lurk, Listen and learn.

Sightings can integrate a Forum into your website, CMS system or E-commerce website to provide you with a means to communicate with your clients, provide support and allow your clients a open platform to communicate and network with each other about their experiences with your product or service. Imagine all your clients support being done by your clients.