Discussion board

The forum’s main page interface will consist of groups that unite all of the top level categories. The structure of the group will be as follows.

The name of the group will be listed followed by a list of the categories that are included in this group directly below. Each of the groups will be represented by the following.

• A name and a link to the category page.
• Topics to be included for the categories.
• Posts for the specific category.
• Date, time and the name of the topic’s author as well as a link to the topic.

On the main page of the forum, a user can choose a group, category within a group that they are interested in. Upon choosing, they will be directed to their chosen pages where they will be given the opportunity to view the latest category topic posting. The category pages will contain a list of topics to be included in this section and will be structured as follows.

Users will be given the capability to click on the navigation string that appears above the name of the category. Upon clicking, users will be directed to higher levels within the forum. An “Add Topic” button will also be made available in the subject line. Every topic included in a specific category will contain the following.

• A pictogram with a closed or opened notation indicating whether or not a topic is open for discussion.
• The title of the topic with a link to this page that includes the date, time and authors name.
• An optional pictogram, controlled exclusively by site administrators.
• Answers to the topic that is being discussed.
• Date, time and name of the author as well as a link to the latest answer thread.

The following topic pages contain the actual text of the topic including answers and a post reply form. The post reply form can only be used if in fact the topic is still open. Each of the pages will look as follows.

• Name of the topic that is being discussed.
• A pictogram with a closed or opened page indicating whether or not a topic is open for discussion.
• The date, time and name of the author.
• The full text of the topic.
• A post reply button that moves the page downward to the actual post reply form.

All answers to posts will be sorted in chronological order. The page will also allow users to maximize so that they may view more responses to the post. Each answer will be represented by the following.

• An answer pictogram.
• The date, time and name of the author.
• A quotation, (“where necessary”).
• The full text of the topic.

To post an answer to a topic, the user will have the ability to edit a heading, write and customize their answers. There will also be a spell check feature available to users prior to posting their answers. If the system comes across language or text that is forbidden, texts will not be saved and the user will be notified regarding the language that has been deemed inappropriate.

If any part of the text contains a quotation, a user can write their text above or below it. Users are advised not to edit a quoted answer.

To create a new topic simply go to the category page, press the “Add topic” button and you will be forwarded to the “Create New Topic” page.

To save a topic, press the “Create” button. If the system finds forbidden text, that text will not be saved and the user will be notified regarding the language that has been deemed inappropriate.