forum

Best described as a torrent of little children running around in a minefield (users), some armed with weapons (moderators), forums are the flagship of internet discussion, spam, and flame wars.
Smaller forums tend to be more habitable, but the larger ones have many distinct and similar features. For example, within approximately seven seconds of the creation of a topic, you will have at least one reply, garunteed. Large forums also tend to spawn makeshift caste systems within themselves, and you're automatically a malefactor in the forum until you have a 4-digit post count.
A forum can sometimes be helpful, but normally they become a time consuming and frustrating thing if you pay too much attention to them.

A place on the internet within a site in which people can discuss topics with other people. A Forum is separted by topic sections and those are divided by sections called "threads" (You are the one who creates the thread, and see how many people respond to you, or view your opinion). Forums are operated by moderators. Forum moderators are usually offended by the smallest imperfections (they are usually power freaks). In many Forums, you are not allowed to swear or insult people, displaying pictures of naked people or gory/bloody incidents.

A series of waste dumps on the Internet to put all those ideas any decent human being would keep to themselves.

Not to be confused with the current, trendy blog. A forum is a space where like minded individuals can contribute information of mutual benefit. A forum is a repository of data which is meant to inform and educate on a particular subject.

Forums generally are not conversational, rather, they are contributory.

A web discussion vehicle for people too stupid to be listened to anywhere else.

A much needed distraction where vocal idiots can spend their time not participating in the real decision making of the world.

Antonym: reliable information source

A database driven web service designed to provide for simulating discussion and a record of useful information. In practice, generally the home of idiot administrators, know nothing posters, and full of spam and smap.

An internet-based Bulletin Board in which members can post thoughts and views. Based on the Roman word 'forum'.
Forums have a general hierachy:
Administrators
Global Moderators
Local Moderators
Premium or Paying Members
Members
Validating Members
Guests
Banned Members
They are alsp a popular target of hackers and crackers and a paradise for spammers etc.