Discussion Forums are sites on the Internet where one can post a message or respond to a message previously posted by someone else. Bulletin Boards are the same thing. However, two methods are used, one of which is live discussion and the second is by posting your message on the board or respond to a message previously posted by someone else. These sites can serve many different purposes to help in the success of your web site.

Discussion Forums can help you get to know your customers' needs a little better, thus helping you to provide better customer service. They also help you to have repeat visitors to your site. These forums are great for networking. If you are in a particular industry and have the need to stay on top of the latest trends or technology, a Bulletin Board is a great place to develop leads and insights about your forum’s subject, for you and your visitors.

It will be a good idea to restrict your Discussion Forum to a particular issue. Many people use these forums to discuss politics, health issues, music, business, etc….