A forum is divided into three levels in order to structure the discussion:

Forum	title of the main topic with short description
Topic	division of the main topic into sub-topics
Posting	individual messages

In order to create a forum, proceed as follows:

(1) (a) Open the folder in which you want to create a forum.

            or

       (b) Open the service-filing "Dialog". In order to do so, choose "Dialog" from the drop-down menu              in the options area (left column).

(2) (a) Click on "add" next to the folder title.

       or

       (b) Click on "create a new fact" or "add forum" in the options area (left column).

(3) Depending on which alternative you chose in step 2, proceed as follows:

(a) Choose "Forum" from the list.

or

(b) Continue with step 4.

(3) An input mask opens.

(4) Enter a title and a shortname. The shortname will be displayed in the pathline.

(5) Insert a short description.

(6) Click on "next >>".

(7) Choose permissions for the forum:

	read	Groups which are read-permitted see the content of the forum but are not allowed to post messages or create topics.
	post	Groups which are post-permitted may create messages. However, the are not allowed to create topics.
	create topic	These groups are allowed to create topics and postings.
	edit	These groups are permitted to edit the forum (i.e. title, description) and to hide topics.

(8) Click on "preview".

(a) If you want to change anything, click on "edit".
(b) If you are satisfied with the preview, click on "publish".

Title, shortname and description of the forum can be edited at any time. Topics and postings can be edited as long has they have not been published.