All online forums as a default element require users the ability to start posts, threads and submit replies. Over the years the fundamental forums design and its functionality hasn’t changed much. In this article we will explain the common design features of most Internet forums.
Posts & Threads
A thread is a grouping of posts for discussions among the forums members. Besides locked threads, posts may be started by all members and all members may reply to posts. Sometimes forums enable file attachments as part of posts, with a file extension and size upload limit.
Registration
All forums require it’s users to register prior to being able to submit threads, post replies and sometimes even use their search function. The majority of forums also request that you sign their terms of service agreement before being able to register, not literally off course, you just need to tick the selectbox asking if you read and agree to the forums terms of service. Typically the most basic information requested of you comprises of these a username a chosen password and email, although many forums ask you for your address, phone number and country of origin.
As far as joining or membership fees go: The overwhelming majority of forums don’t have joining fees as such bar a few, we don’t mention them here (perhaps later).
Polls
Forums with added poll functionality enable users to vote on polls and if enabled post their own polls or add them in with their posts.
Emoticons
When writing up your post many forums contain HTML editors built into these pages, you can use this editor to add facial symbols or graphics commonly known as smiley’s. Smiley’s can be inserted using a drop down menu within the toolbar.
HTML Editors
A large number of forums enable users the ability to implement HTML code within their post to allow for things like formatting and linking using the typical tags.
Moderators
Spam many times over the last few years has been the cause of forums demise. With witty programmers and hackers creating auto spamming software it’s sometimes able to completely cripple a forum and make users leave and never return. For this reason as every day users, moderators have been introduced into the forum structure. Moderators have the power to remove threads and even users sometimes from the forum; for reasons like spamming the forum and being a troll.
Members area
Users may edit and manage their personal forum profile at any time, having the ability to create signatures and edit personal preferences. Most forums have email notifications and private messaging between users as added functionality built into the software.
Administrators Area
The administration area usually referred to as the ‘back end’ is accessed by administrators for the purpose of administering the forum and configuring its fundamentals.