Space for discussion | Online

When the World Wide Web was first invented in the early 90's, no one would have ever imagined the sheer ubiquity that it holds now. What started out as a humble network connecting two computers has now transformed, and rightfully so, into a complex system of interconnected networks opening doors to a multitude of usages, we commonly know as the internet. And like everything in the internet, which makes our life a tad bit easier, a forum too, does so, if not in a better way.

For the uninitiated, an internet forum is a place for people with similar interests to share their thoughts, experience or just about anything. It is an uncomplicated message board, wherein registered users can create, reply or let others reply to a user-created topic. The topic may vary from anything depending on the kind of forums you are in. There are forums for virtually everything - from support forum for your gizmos to forums covering music, politics to those of your local town. So much so, that one can find a forum solely dedicated to dog hair styles. With such a sheer variety, forums seemingly covers each and every aspects of a man's life. Whether you are seeking help for a problem or just sharing your random thoughts and ideas, there are forums aplenty.

Back home in Nepal, forums have gained a surge of popularity in the recent times. There are various sites which have their own forums and the topics they cover are broad. The users of such forums are also increasing rapidly. Myktm.com, a local entertainment and news portal has total of 23,000 registered users till date who have generated about 2,20,000 articles.

The first click

Like most sites in the internet, a registration is required. Users are required to maintain and follow a strict set of rules regarding the do's and don'ts (see below). If you are unsure about what forums to visit, WAVE has compiled a list of forums that can be helpful for you.
* www.ilounge.com: Support for iPod, iPhone and iTunes
* www.myktm.com: Literature, entertainment, IT, young ideas and many more.
* www.merobike.com: The 1st biking forum of Nepal has any and everything to do with bikes.

Forum Etiquette

* If you are new to any forum, first introduce yourself before making any posts.
* Always make a point to thank those who help you out.
* Watch your language. Do not, under any circumstances, use foul language and derogative terms or racially abusive expressions.
* Know your motive – don't post double-meaning or inflammatory messages.
* Never post the same message repeatedly. It is an offence which can lead to permanent ban of your account.
* Do not use the forums as a means to advertise any products or services.