Image source: www.balto-line.netfirms.com
Nearly all forums use alike or the same software, so many forums offer a similar user interface and posting abilities. So the two things that really make a forum service stand apart are security and support. The best forum services provide excellent security that blocks spam posting and protects member information and it also provides responsive and helpful customer support.
*Forum Features –Some services allow message boards to be hosted on any site, whereas others host on their server, which means the forum owner does not benefit from the content in terms of the search engines. The top forums support an advanced level of flexibility, offer hosting options and are ad free.
*Posting Options – This is the technology available to contributors for posting messages. All forums include a text editor and most support the uploading of files, images and avatars. Numerous services also offer social networking features like buddy lists, private messaging and emailing.
*Administration Tools – Administration tools are the features available to the forum owner, manager or moderator, which may include edit and deletion ability, thread locking and pin threading. Some services also include traffic monitors and syndication tools. The best bulletin board services also provide filtering tools.
*Protection/ Security Features – This is possibly the most vital consideration when choosing a forum. Disappointingly, spam attacks are tremendously common and can render a forum ineffective and unappealing fast. The best forum and message board services protect forums from spam posts, spam flooding and email address grabs.
*Help/Support – Although most forum services are inexpensive or free, they should still include sufficient support. The top services provide support by telephone, email and/or chat. They ought to also offer online help through FAQs, a searchable knowledge-based and a support forum.
