Goals

Set up an online forum

DONE - Visit forum here

An online forum will be added to this web site to aid discussion and exploration of a wide range of topics.

Explanation

Online forums (fora?) are an effective and efficient way for individuals with shared interests to communicate. They can also be useful for organising "real world" meetings and events. The convenience and relative anonymity of an online forum allow people who would otherwise not have the time - or inclination - to participate in discussions and become part of a community without having to travel or be physically present at a meeting.

An online forum can also become a valuable resource, as people with similar interests and areas of expertise share their knowledge and opinions.

Adding a forum to this site will provide a convenient virtual meeting place for interersted individuals. There will also be positive effects for search engine placement (e.g. Google, Yahoo!) which will improve the exposure of the site.

Action plan

  1. Research free forum software such as phpBB and vBulletin, and select the best one for our needs;
  2. Install selected software and integrate into the site;
  3. "Launch" forum by linking to the rest of the site and adding a prominent link to the home page.

Action taken

[2010 04 22] Installed and set up simple forum. Membership currently open to all.