These are closed forums in that only subscribers to the information service have access, the messages are not distributed throughout the Internet like newsgroup messages. Some of the forums also contain archives of files, strings of messages on important topics and documents that never make it into mainstream commercial databases. If you subscribe to one of these commercial information services, use the finder function in the service to locate a few areas where topics of interest in your reporting are being discussed. In a simple menu interface, IQuest takes your request and translates it into the search syntax required by the commercial database. They charge a premium for the searching, but if you really need information from a file available only on a large vendor's service, this can be a reasonable option.
Some services have substantial searchable databases available.
The ability to send and receive Internet e-mail, read Internet news group messages, and to browse Internet Webpages has become a key component of the service to subscribers of commercial information services. This is an area where careful shopping is required. Compare the cost of e-mail sending and receiving and browsing time. Some services are better deals in one area, others are better in another. This is an area of high competition and constant change, so be sure to have a good list of questions before you decide which service to subscribe to.