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Non-Threaded vs Semi-Threaded vs Threaded Formats

You have the option, at any time, to configure your bulletin board as either
NonThreaded, SemiThreaded or Threaded.

Click here to view graphical representation of different formats

The decision as to which format configuration to select, should be based on how you plan to use your board.

If your visitors will use your board primarily for discussion topics, you'll want to set it up as either a SemiThreaded or Threaded board.
If your visitors will use your board primarily to post single items/messages such as items for sale, help wanted, events, classified ads, etc. (messages that won't have further discussion associated with them), you'll want to set it up as a Non-Threaded board.

The difference between SemiThreaded and Threaded boards relates to the way Replies to messages are displayed.

SemiThreaded boards allows users to reply to new messages, but does not allow users to reply directly to already existing replies. Replies are grouped together with their associated message topics.

Threaded boards allow users to not only reply to new messages, but to reply directly to an already existing reply. Therefore, grouping of replies can be displayed, not only with particular message topics, but also so that related replies are grouped together.
This format does require a user's browser to be able to execute java, which the vast majority do.

Non-Threaded Format
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 bulletin board at your office.
  • Doesn't require java enabled browser.
  • All messages are viewable on one page.
Disadvantages
  • Users will find it harder to follow a group of related messages engaged in a discussion

Semi-Threaded Format
Advantages
(Use if your board is "Discussion Topic" oriented)
  • More straight forward/simpler to use than Threaded Boards.
  • Format allow users to reply to message topics.
  • Doesn't require java enabled browser.
Disadvantages
  • Does not allow users 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.
  • Users 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
  • Requires users to have Java enabled browsers (over 95% of users have this capability)