| In book stores across the country there will likely | | | | members are happy with discussing a broad range |
| be a discussion group meeting soon. These groups | | | | of issues in the context of anonymity. |
| get together to discuss a book, break down plots, | | | | When you make a forum available to your online |
| work to discover the meaning of the author's | | | | visitors you are telling them that collectively they |
| work and find fellowship with other likeminded | | | | are important. Their views are important and you |
| readers. This is the premise behind the use of | | | | believe that they have a right to visit with other |
| forums in online business. | | | | individuals who use your products or services. |
| Just like a writer you have prepared something | | | | If we look back at the opening paragraph we |
| for the public to enjoy. A forum provides that | | | | understand that not everyone coming to the |
| 'discussion group' where those who possess mild | | | | book discussion group will have the same |
| curiosity can meet with those who are ardent | | | | interpretations, nor will each member find 100% |
| fans of your products or services. | | | | common ground when discussing the book, this is |
| Unlike a writer, however, you are able to check in | | | | the same scenario outlined in forum use. By |
| to see what's being said at any time. There is, in | | | | appealing to a great cross-section of users you |
| a very real sense, a community that can develop | | | | really do get the greatest sense of community |
| among those who use your products or services. | | | | possible. In fact, you would not want every |
| When a customer has discovered a unique use | | | | member to act and react the same way. If |
| for a product they will likely share it in a forum. | | | | everyone feels and does things the exact same |
| When a customer has a question about a product | | | | way of what value is the forum. It can only be |
| they may feel most comfortable using a forum. | | | | seen as a mutual admiration society and not a |
| When a customer has concerns they may share | | | | true community. |
| them first on a forum. | | | | Don't be frightened by diversity among forum |
| Because loneliness has become a common theme | | | | members, it can actually be a bonus to online |
| in life, the advent of a forum board allows a | | | | discussions. Just make sure the forum is |
| totally new definition of community. Most forum | | | | moderated for those moments when things get |
| members do not know each other, many would | | | | more heated than they should. It's always good |
| not consent to meeting other members, yet the | | | | to have a few forum firefighters on the job - for |
| forum is a common connection point and these | | | | your sake and your forum members. |
