What is & What to do with Message Forums

What is a Message Forum
&
What do you do with a Message Forum

         Next to the Static Item, the Message Forum would be one of the most used tools on the Writing site. This form allows you to place an introduction message to all who read, as well as allows yourself and any visitors the opportunity to post a message. And surprise, you do not need to have a group, or be an upgraded member to use this feature.

         At the top of your screen you have the option to “Write”, when you click on this icon a new screen will appear. As you scroll down the page you will see a variety of features that you can use within the Stories site. The one that we will discuss at this time is “Message Forum”, by clicking on the link, your page will once again change, and you will be instantly transported to the set-up form for a message forum. A series of fill in the blanks, a scroll down to the bottom and save. Your message forum has been created.

         But what would you use a message forum for? The possibilities are endless; with nothing more than a creative mind, you have the opportunity to create something unique, entertaining or educational. You will also give someone else the ability to be able to post a message in question or reply. When you create the message forum, you do in fact become the message forum moderator. You have the control over what is and is not posted on the board for all to see. Depending on what rating “E to XGC”, you place on your forum determines the written content you will allow to be posted. If you find that someone has posted outside of the range that you have set, you have the option to edit or delete the post from your message forum.

         When you are in the form set-up, a blank section for text is given. In this area you can write an open message from you for all that visit to see. This message generally relates to the type of message forum you have created. In this area you may write anything, as long as it conforms to the rating you have set for the message forum. You can also use Writing ML Codes to spruce up your introduction/message, with coloured font, script justification; links to your items or anyone else’s for that matter. For upgraded members you can add images that you have on file. You can make it as detailed, or as simplified as you like. This will be what the reader sees first when entering your message forum, so impress them enough to come back again and again.

         So again you ask what would you use a message forum for? For the everyday things like:

Reviews: Do you enjoy reading other peoples work? Tired of looking for something to read? Are you good with spelling, grammar or editing? Could you offer constructive feedback for an author on the site? Then there is an over abundance of writers looking for a forum just like that.

Contests: Have you entered one yet? Did you have fun getting your entry ready? Were you one of the winners? Just think of all the ideas that you could start a contest with, and most don’t require a lot of points to get going. If your idea is of interest members will partake just for the challenge of having a little bit of fun in their otherwise hectic day.

Just a Place to Hang Out: Looking to meet some new friends, or find some reading buddies, or talk about anything other than writing. Well then you are probably not alone. Everyone is looking for somewhere to just hang their hat and relax for a bit, and talk about whatever happens to be on their mind at that moment. Did I mention it is a great place to meet new friends? But like anything make sure that you do some public relations and invite everyone to visit at least once.

Specialty/Discussion Topics: Need feedback on a specific subject? Perhaps you want to pick the brains of a particular genre, or perhaps you have an interest in sports, animals, children, romance, fantasy, sci-fi, or one of a million other subjects out there. By being specific you welcome those with the same interest. Amaze yourself, and see what topic might be of interest to someone else besides you. Every once in a while you just need a place to vent, for the positive or the negative. With children in and out of the site you might need a place where only adults go.

How To/Advice: While you can never find enough of the right answers whether it be for writing, computers, support, or help forums. This is also a great way to get your message across to those on line that need help, or have help to share. Sometimes it is just easier to discuss something with someone that knows about the subject, or has been through that situation.

         Remember no matter what kind of message forum you open be sure to rate it appropriately. Whatever item rating you put on your forum is the content that the forum is to follow. So therefore, if you have a “E” forum and someone posts a “13+” item unless they use the Writing ML Bitem tag the reader of the post will not know until they open the item. This can sometimes be frustrating for the reader especially if they have their preference set to a specific setting. Always inform your guest what you expect from them, they won’t know unless you tell them. The Writing ML Item tag is what most use to link their items in the posting format. The Writing ML Bitem tag will automatically post the item rating which is useful for visitor in a “E” forum, when the poster has posted a “ASR” or higher item.

Writing ML Item tag {item: ######}
"What is & What to do with Message Forums" 

Writing ML Bitem tag {bitem: ######}

ID: 344553   (Rated: E) What is & What to do with Message Forums  So you want to form a Group Series - 4 by Wannabe

         When it comes to a group all the above ideas can be used within your group as well as the following:

Recruit Forum: By setting up a message forum for recruiting you can have your introduction in the text description. Invite members to join the group by posting a message in the forum.

Group Discussion: This can be useful in a group for members to converse with each other. With the access restrictions set to group view only, members are given privacy from all the members of Writing not registered in the group. A select group of individuals can discuss openly amongst themselves about current or future projects before they are opened for public display.

         As with anything how you set your access restrictions determines who can view and access the item. Lists of alternatives are available for you to choose from in the pull down menu in the message forum set up form. This as well can be edited at any time to reflect the changes in your mood or group status.