Discussion Forum Help

This page is designed to answer some of your potential questions about what a discussion forum is and how it works. If you have a question that isn't answered here, send an email to our webmaster.

What is a discussion forum?

A discussion forum is a space that allows you to participate in an online "conversation" with other participants about any given topic. This conversation is performed simply by posting messages at your convenience on the discussion forum and/or replying to messages that others have already posted. It also allows any user to read previously posted messages without participating in the discussion. One of the benefits of a discussion forum is that you don't have to be available 24/7. Some people like to check the forum every day. Some check every other day. Some check at two o'clock in the morning, some at five o'clock at night. There is considerable flexibility

The main expectation that we at ChampionsInC have for you as a participant in our Connecting Communities Discussion Forum is a willingness to follow the conversation and post a message when you feel you have something to contribute. Simple as that.

Do I have to register and login to participate?

Yes. To make comments on the Connecting Communities Discussion Forum, you must first register for an account.

Note: The primary reason for requiring you to create an account is to prevent intrusions such as spamming.

After doing so, you may login at any time to participate. However, you do not have to register or login if you want to simply read what others are posting without being an active participant yourself. To do this, simply enter the discussion forum from the ChampionsInC website and click on the topic you wish to observe.

How do I register?

Creating a username and password is simple. The following steps will direct you through the process:

  1. Click the "Get Started" button on the discussion forum introduction page.
  2. Click the "Login/Register" link at the top of the Connecting Communities Discussion Forum page.
  3. Scroll to the bottom of the page where you will see a box that says "Register for a New Account."
  4. Type in a display name (the name that will appear to other users when you post messages), a valid email address, and a secure password.
  5. Click the "Register" button when finished.
  6. Confirm your registration by following the directions in the email that will be sent to the address you provided.

After you have registered, you can login at any time on the "Login/Register" page using your display name and password.

What is the process for participating?

When you enter the Connecting Communities Discussion Forum, you will see a list of current and past topics and a description of each topic. You will also see other information such as how many posts have been made and who made the last one. To view any of these discussions, simply click the linked topic name.

After you have entered a discussion on a specific topic, you will see a list of threads. A thread is simply a group of discussions that follows a common theme. They are usually introduced by a participant who is interested in pursuing another line of discussion that doesn't relate to the postings already made by others.

You have a variety of options for participating in a discussion topic:

  • If a previously posted thread catches your eye, you may participate in that specific discussion by clicking the "Reply" button at the top of the page or the "Reply" link at the bottom of a message.
    Note: If you would like to reply to a specific comment made by another participant within the thread, simply indicate you are doing so at the beginning of your post. (e.g., RE: Bob -- I totally agree)
  • If you would like to start your own discussion, or thread, simply click the "New Thread" button at the top of the list of threads and make your comment.

What does it mean to subscribe to a thread?

When participating in or viewing a specific thread, or discussion, you have the option to subscribe to that thread. This means that an email notification will be sent to the email address you have provided when a new message is posted to the thread.

To subscribe to a thread, simply click the "Subscribe" button located at the top of the page. You will be directed to your "Profile" page, which lists the threads you are currently subscribed to. You may also unsubscribe to any thread on this page.