Non-Threaded vs Semi-Threaded vs Threaded Display Formats All message boards use 1 of 3 display formats, i.e., Non-Threaded, Semi-Threaded, or Fully-Threaded. Differences between formats is related to how messages are grouped and displayed. Deciding which format to select, should be based on how you plan to use your Board. More information on the different display formats is presented below. Click here to view graphical representation of different formats Non-Threaded display format: This format is used when the primary use of board is for posting annoucements, events, items for sale, etc.. (i.e. where there is no need for user discussions). This is the simplest format. Threaded Display formats: This format is used when the primary use of board is for user discussions. Threaded forums can display relationships between message topics and replies to those message topics. There are two sub-types of Threaded formats. Semi-threaded forums allows users to reply to a specific message topic. This format groups all replies to a message topic together. Fully threaded forums allows users to reply to a message topic and/or reply to another reply. This format groups all replies to a message topic together, and in addition group replies to replies together. Non-Threaded Format Click Here to view a Non-Threaded Board. Advantages (Use if your Board is Not "Discussion Topic" oriented) More straight forward/simple to use, especially for 1st time users. Format is simple, just like the company Board at your office. All messages are viewable on one page. Disadvantages Users may find it harder to follow a group of related messages engaged in a discussion Semi-Threaded Format Click Here to view a Semi-Threaded Board Advantages (Use if your Board is "Discussion Topic" oriented) More straight forward/simpler to use than Threaded Boards. Format allows replies to message topics. Most commonly used message board format. Disadvantages Does not allow you to directly reply to replies. Threaded Format Click Here to view a Threaded Board. (SideBySide Format) Click Here to view a Threaded Board. (Top-Bottom Format) Click Here to view a Threaded Board. (No-Frames Format) Advantages (Use if your Board is mainly "Discussion Topic" oriented) Allows users to follow Board discussions more easily. All messages related to a particular topic are grouped together in an organized, easy to follow hierarchy. You are able to not only reply to original messages, but also to reply to the replies of the original message. Replies are displayed by indenting each underneath the message being replied to. Can have automatic email reply to original creator of message whenever someone posts a reply to his/her message. Disadvantages Some users may find user Interface more sophisticated.