Because on-line discussions take place by sending or posting electronic text messages, and because these messages can be archived, the discussion can exist as a perpetual transcript. This perpetual transcript is important because it enables asynchronous on-line discourse to have many threads active simultaneously. So, although any one thread advances slowly, the discussion can progress on many fronts at the same time. By referring to this transcript, discussion participants can easily follow the discussion threads in any direction and comment on any portion of the transcript. The success of such discussion depends to a great extent on the way the perpetual transcript is organized and on how easy it is for participants to follow the various threads and add comments of their own.
Several tools are available for developing threaded web discussions.
These tools vary in function, technical requirements, and cost. Two of the best threaded web discussion tools are WebCrossing and HyperNews . The way to determine which tools are right for you is to use them by participating in web discussions. Understanding how the tool operates from the user perspective is crucial to designing effective uses. Below are descriptions of these two threaded web discussion tools.