Discussion forums have been around since the dawn of the internet, and they remain one of the most popular places to ask questions and get answers about brands and products. Despite the rise of social media, forums are still a great way to get reliable information on specialized topics. In fact, a survey revealed that more than half (53%) of respondents prefer to interact with other users in independent forums rather than with centralized sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Forums are different from other social media platforms in that they don't require users to choose you one way or another.
Everyone can see what others have posted, which requires a different level of understanding and a different approach. They also tend to focus exclusively on a certain topic, making it easy to get information or conversations about specific topics without even having to leave the platform. However, forums are not without their drawbacks. They can be clumsy and less responsive than an application, and almost definitely less easy to navigate.
They also tend to be slow to implement changes that their user base wants. This is why many users seek a reward system to be established for content creators or for those who provide forum experience. An overwhelming 90% of respondents said they would be more likely to contribute to an online forum if they were compensated for their contributions. My company's research on social media and the banking industry revealed that a staggering number (90 percent) of all online conversations about banks and their products took place in forums and message boards. This shows that forums are still relevant in the social media age, even if they don't have all the features offered by social media platforms.
The survey also revealed that users want to be able to carry their reputation from one forum to another. This would make it easier for them to participate in other people's discussions without having to start from scratch each time. Overall, forums are still an important part of the internet landscape. They provide a great way to get reliable information on specialized topics, as well as a place for users to interact with each other without having to choose one another.
