Regarding the public forum, let me tell you what i think is a
public forum.
ChitChat is the best example of a public forum. Like a
free-for-all. Any topic may be discussed on Chit Chat etc. and
public forum, the head moderator is usually "Jason".
It literally belongs to everyone, and no one. open
any topic u like, crap all u want etc.
On the opposite of public forum, iis what Bus forum used to be. i
will call it a closed users group forum. Examples
may include The far Left, Starblue's Heaven etc.
In closed users group forum, this forum may be set up by a group of
friends who know each other at least. The topics discuss is in a
certain theme, eg, buses. Th people who post in closed users group
forums are termed regulars. They will post
majority in that particular forum they "joined". Topics are opened
by these regulars and replied accordingly, usually. The
non-regulars, or i will call them "bona-fide" forumners, may post
occasionally on the forum like Questions etc.
For a public forum, besides the Administrator aka Jason, usually a
moderator should look after it in terms of closing topics or
editing unhealthy post etc, such as FireIce or Nick34 (cars). this
moderator need not be an expert in the forum, although being a
moderator gives a sense of belonging and loyalty.
