One of the popular and effective ways the Internet can be used to keep groups in touch is through the use of Forums or Discussion Boards. Here someone can start a discussion on any topic and others can login to the forum to read what they have said and reply if they wish. All of the contributions are available to each person logged in, and so a conversation, or even a debate can take place.

For example, a forum might be used by a working group planning a mission event, or by the author of an article and its readers, who may wish to ask questions or develop the ideas of the article further.

The days of passive surfing of the web are over. Users now wish to take an active part in the development of what is available online. Forums have developed out of the early bulletin boards of early Internet days into an effective means of communication. Many people feel safer in a forum, which operates at a slower pace, than in a chatroom, where conversations happen in real time. A chatroom can only work if each party is online at the same time, whereas a forum conversation can be conducted at the leisure of the participants.

You can enter our forums by CLICKING HERE.

How to Use a Forum
The first time you use a forum you will need to register. This involves supplying a username (which you choose yourself), a password (also chosen by you, and a valid email address. You may wish to supply other items of information which are optional.

Once you have established an identity you will need to use this username and password each time you logon, so please write them down somewhere.

Once you have logged on click on one of the forums, e.g. Awakening West, Discuss Articles, etc., where you will then see the current topics.

Choose a topic and join the conversation.

It is possible to read the forum without loging on if you don't want to post.

Forum Netiquette
There are certain codes of behaviour which help to make forum use a pleasant experience for everyone:

• Please be polite at all times. A discussion may become passionate at times - this is good. But it need never degenerate into a personal attack.
  
• Never post anything which might be considered offensive by other users, especially any illegal, harassing, libelous, abusive, threatening, harmful, pornographic, or racist comments or material.
  
• Please stick reasonably closely to the topic of the thread you are in. If you wish to move to a different subject, either find a more suitable topic already running or simply start another thread.
  
• Be careful not to disclose another person's personal details or identification without their permission. You don't know who might be "lurking".
  
• Do not post advertising information unless it is definitely within the scope of the aims of Awakening West. If in doubt contact the webservant first (see the contact page)
  
• Users must not post any chain letters, junk mail, or spam of any kind.
  
• Users must not interfere with or disrupt, or attempt to interfere with or disrupt the operation of the forum in any way.
  
• Awakening West can take no responsibility for material that is posted on its forums, but will take action to stop unsuitable use when it is detected or reported.
  
• If asked by the moderator to change any aspect of your use of the forum, please do so. If you don't the moderator will have no other recourse but to revoke your access.