Forums are like message boards where anyone that meets a certain requirement can post or respond to any previous post, a discussion page. In essence, it is a variation of the conventional bulletin board. Participants in a forum could be people that share social bonds or those interested in a topic generated.

In an off topic forum, posts are a mix of topics and can range from serious threads to gossips to jokes. Akin to lounges, users just log on and start a thread or respond to the various posts already available.

Forums have many advantages. For some, it could just be an avenue to relieve boredom, to others; it can be a pool of invaluable learning resource. Users come on to share views, ask questions, proffer solution, advice and provide answers to questions. It is like a one-stop centre where interaction is the service offered.

The difference between an on and off topic forums can be narrowed down to the restriction on posts. In an off topic forum, users have more freedom to post whatever they feel like even though it is not related to the current thread but just a reply to a reply of the original thread. It is the general discussion forums
Web based forums have come a long way and has made traditional bulletin boards almost obsolete. This is due to the fact that it reaches out to an infinite number of participants with the same or less effort and is more effective.

There are a lot of forum software packages available over the internet and each caters to the different needs of the participants.

One of the common usages of forums is that when embedded to websites, users are able to leave comments on posted articles. Most forums nowadays make it possible for participants to discuss a thread in real time. Some instant messaging sites incorporate forums for users to have a general discussion platform.

Forums like message boards use either one of the three display formats:

• Non-Threaded – Best suitable for an off topic forum
• Semi-Threaded – Suitable for topics that have multiple replied
• Fully -Threaded – Suitable for topics that reply to the thread as well as to the replies of the thread.