# Forums

## Creating and using a forum

There are other forums available, but this one will use [Discourse](https://www.discourse.org/) as an example.

**Objective →** Knowledge or information dissemination through a channel which encourages internet discussions among others. Often internet forums focus on the element of community and self-moderation to defend itself from trolls, bad actors, and spammers.

**Content →** You can use forums as a mailing list, discussion forum, long-form chat room, and more! Make sure to set some form of 'community rules' to direct the users on what and what not to do with the forum - be civilized!

**Recommendations** ↴ 

* **Tone -**\
  Learn from other forums! If you have seen a forum that you like and inspires you, understand *what* it is about that forum and *why* the forum has inspired you. <br>
* **Tags -**\
  You can tag specific people in forums to start, or continue the conversation.<br>
* **Forums are built on trust -** \
  This is, in the end, a community - so keep that in mind and help any new comers join and use the space effectively!

**Troubleshooting →** This uses Discourse external links as an example, although you can use other forums.

[The universal rules of civilized Discourse.](https://blog.discourse.org/2013/03/the-universal-rules-of-civilized-discourse/)\
[About Discourse.](https://www.discourse.org/about)\
[Discourse features.](https://www.discourse.org/features#)\
[Adding emojis and emoticons to your discourse.](https://blog.discourse.org/2015/12/emoji-and-discourse/)

**Legal Considerations  →** When sharing images of live events or past events, make sure you are not  violating copyright *laws* and attendees have signed off their image use rights. See [Pictures page](/communication-handbook/beyond-stakeholders/make-your-content-accessible/pictures.md) for further info.&#x20;

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