The key power of the web is its capacity to inter-link content. The web is also a potent communication tool. Put these two functions together and you have a tool by which user driven communication operates by linking contributions together. The result is threaded web discussion forums.
Threaded discussion is different in form and function from either email or chat discussion.
WebCrossing and HyperNews . Think of a discussion as a tree. The base of the tree is the beginning of the discussion and the trunk and branches are the main point and side issues. Now picture a strand of thread that is tied to the base of the discussion. This thread links each branch and fork of the discussion, from comment, to argument, to counter argument, until the discussion reaches a dead end or is concluded.