< messaging > (Plural "fora" or "forums") Any discussion group accessible through a dial-in BBS (e.g. GEnie , CI$ ), a mailing list , or a Usenet newsgroup (see network, the ). A forum functions much like a bulletin board ; users submit postings for all to read and discussion ensues.
Contrast real-time chat or point-to-point personal e-mail .
[ Jargon File ]
(1998-01-18)