What Can I Offer a Forum?

The answer to this question varies with the type of individual you are and what your experiences have been. I'll name just a few:

• It offers you the chance to give as well as take! There's nothing more rewarding than having that "right answer" to a question that someone in true need has. We all have been there and in all likelihood we will be there again. Who knows? That unique experience that you had just a week ago and the work-around that you found may save a fellow member from hours of anguish and toil.



• It offers you in some cases the opportunity to influence the direction of product design. That's right! Join a forum that has sponsors that are involved and they're going to listen and use you as a representative sample of what their consumer base really desires.



• As you gain experience and knowledge you may well be asked to serve as a "Moderator", "Reviewer", "News Reporter", or other key position in the forum's administration.

How Do I Find the Right Forum?

Like I said before there are forums for everything in the computer world these days. I would do the following, but not necessarily in the order listed:

• Discover where your interests lay and pick several forums that that are varied enough for your current and future tastes to keep you from getting bored…make these your short list.



• Before joining, visit the forum on several occasions at different times of the day to get a feel for the membership and personality of the forum; some will meet your tastes while others most certainly will not. This helps to shorten the list even further.



• Read the rules of the forum and make sure they are policies you can abide with.



• For the best forum experience I recommend that you are willing to try and give as much as you take for this will certainly help not only you but others that can profit from your knowledge on specific issues.



• Remember even the best forums have their share of less than desirable members; but any gathering of that many people will fare the same.
• Finally, join one or more of those on your remaining list.



• Those of you with a family, REMEMBER YOU HAVE ONE! It's that easy to become totally addicted and a good balance keeps you keeps you both informed and happily married.