When you create a forum thread, the Ask option might have options for both Discussion and Question. If you see both options, you can select the format for the replies. If you don't see any options, one of the two types was selected as the default for the forum.
The types of forums are:
- Discussion - The traditional discussion format with threads that only give respondents a reply field and post button.
- Question (Q&A) - This format presents the thread as a question requesting responses. It gives respondents a Reply field and a Suggest as answer check box. Suggest as answer indicates the respondent is confident that his/her answer is correct. The thread starter can verify the suggested answer or demote it back to a response.
- In 9.0, answers can be automatically promoted to a suggested answer or verified answer if they are verified by enough people. This happens when the verifications reach configured thresholds. If, for example, the suggested answer threshold is 1, one member verifying the reply will promote it to suggested answer. If the verified answer threshold is 3, three people verifying the answer will promote it to verified. If the thread starter verifies the answer, the reply is automatically verified whether or not the threshold has been reached.
- Release 9.0 also has an "I have this question too" button which a reader can select in order to track the thread in his Profile page thread list. The number of people who select this option is shown next to the statement. Clicking the button beside the numeral will show which readers had the question.
- Both Q&A and Discussion - Both types of posts are allowed.
For a quick view on forum thread status, such as suggested answers or number of responses received, you can view this information on the Forum - Thread List widget on the forum Home Page.