Message+Board+(Internet+Forum)

=**Message Board (Internet Forum)**= A message board is a website where users post messages in conversations that can be seen by every user. These conversations, which are made up of numerous different posts, are called threads. Most message boards focus on one specific topic and have a theme that coincides with it. Many message boards that have accumulated over 500,000 posts are considered "[|big boards]".

A post is a comment someone makes about a certain topic. Each comment is submitted by one single user. Information typically attached to a post include: user name, time updated, rep, etc. The posts are confined to a thread with a specific topic.
 * Post**

A thread begins when a user creates an initial post about a topic. Then, other users on the message board have the opportunity to contribute to the thread by replying with their own post. Each post made is visable to every user. As the thread continues, it develops into a discussion or conversation. All posts are contained in their respective thread and become part of a collective whole. If one user wants to respond to a specific post, the user can quote it before replying with their own comment. The quote then appears attached to the user's post with a reply below it.
 * Thread**

The major way a user can gain respect on a message board is through rep (aka reputation). A user can gain or lose rep when another user likes or dislikes a post. The most rep the person liking the post has, the more rep the user will gain from the like. Conversely, if someone with a lot of rep dislikes a post, it will negatively impact the user’s rep dramatically. So, the amount of rep a user accumulates ends up being a direct example of that user’s respect.
 * Rep (aka Reputation)**