1) What is a forum? Write a definition then find some examples and list as well as discuss what an online forum consists of.
Since the introduction of web 2.0, an interactive online medium which builds from traditional static website pages and allows user generated content, forums have become a popular place for people from all around the world to voice and share their opinions on a topic of interest. There is usual a central subject which users base their debates on, this is called a ‘thread’ ie. on a technology forum site their might be a thread on the latest apple products.An internet forum is essentially a digital platform for discussion so whilst there are conventional websites dedicated to these message boards, social media, sites like yahoo answers and review pages also can be classed as ‘forums’. A very simple and popular form of conversation between internet users is through twitter hashtags. These are single words or short phrases which air your opinion on subjects such as news events, television programs etc. Below is an image of the current trends (ie. the most popular/widely used hashtags at that moment in time). Upon clicking the ‘#JeremyKyle’ thread, a stream of tweets of members talking about the show appears and a virtual community is created. Four ‘tweets’ in a row all make similar comments about the guests teeth so they are obviously like minded individuals who want to express this particular opinion.
Another common usage for the forum format is on websites like Trip Advisor, whereby people from all over the world can review their recent holiday destinations so others can chose to go there or not. This is a perfect example of how digital communication allows someone to honestly convey their thoughts because the reviews may not always be positive. Below, you can see the varying opinions of consumers ranging from a 5/5 complimentary description of this Southampton based hotel to somebody discussing their much more negative experience. The option to say whether the review is helpful or if it causes a problem makes the site interactive, if for instance someone’s view has received 10 helpful votes it is more likely to have an impact on your own personal opinion.
2)What do we think people gain from using a forum as a mode of digital communication? Offer examples from existing blogs.
The benefit of using digital discussion boards is with many people all in one place, a virtual community is created. Forums allow like minded people to engage in discussions that interest them, it takes meeting new people to a global level. People also are able to gain new perspectives and views on topics which they might not have previously considered. As a mode of digital communication, discussion boards are a innovative way of sharing and educating.
TASK 2
Find a traditional online discussion forum for a topic that interests you. What is the topic and why did you choose it?
The online discussion site I have chosen to sign up to is the ‘Official Reading Festival Forums’ because it follows the traditional format and I have a keen interest in music, especially this particular festival after going last year. Sharing my personal opinions on topics like the 2013 lineup, ticket prices, new stages etc. gets my voice heard on things which affect like minded people and I can listen and discuss their views too. I created a user account under the name of ‘ilikebooks’ and browsed a number of threads that were available. The structure of the forum includes five large umbrella topics (shown in the image below) including FAQ’s and a confirmed bands discussion.
As you can, within these main ‘thread’s there are a number, often hundreds of individual discussions going on with thousands of members offering their views. There is a further break up of topics upon clicking one of the main threads. For instance, inside the ‘confirmed bands discussion’ section, there are more options on what you might want to talk about. These are the Main Stage, NME/Radio1 Stage, Lock Up Dance Stage, Festival Republic Stage and Alternative Stage. 
A forum website will have in most cases have a moderator, who’s job is to oversee discussions on the site and keep the tone friendly. If a thread becomes hostile, being an administrator allows the forum moderator to lock a discussion before any personal attacks can happen. They are usually an invisible source of authority.
A thread which particularly interested me was one regarding the announcement of Eminem being Reading’s first headlining act. It has been a topic of great discussion because the artist is somewhat different to what audiences of the festival would expect so I knew there would be different opinions on the matter. People are generally talking about how the rest of the line-up will be effected, on what day he will play etc. so I added a comment from myself which aired my views and waited to see if there was any digital response.
My comment is the longer piece of text with a blank picture and directly below is evidence of digital communication from the reply sent by K_Prangneli. It addresses the point I made even if to just disagree with me.
Digital Communications 