What is a discussion forum?

CollabNet TeamForge discussions provide workspaces where project members can work together online or by email.

Discussion forums and mailing lists are closely integrated. Forum administrators can choose to enable a mailing list for each project forum. A mailing list extends the discussion forum functionality to allow project members to post messages to the forum using email.

Discussion forums can be public or private, depending on the forum's objective and desired level of access into the forum. Private discussion forums restrict anyone without specific access permissions from viewing or posting into the forum.

In a moderated discussion, messages from anyone except "trusted" users are screened by a moderator before they are posted. Messages posted by trusted users do not require the moderator's approval.

It's a good idea to use a discussion forum instead of direct personal email whenever privacy or security concerns don't prevent it, even when the communication only involves two project members.

• Members not directly involved often can make unexpected contributions if they are aware of the discussion.
• CollabNet TeamForge archives all news items, forum posts, and mailing list communications, so you can go back and find valuable information later.