Speaking to participants
and letting them
speak to each
other is very
important.

Here's why most forums don't add value

We have found that you need a combination of methods of interaction and response gathering to provide a fulfilling experience for participants. Of course we must have surveys, and the more carefully constructed the better, but being able to provide dialogue and flexible ways for people to decribe their experiences, agree or disagree, rate another post - all that is important

Bring your opponent to his senses...

Timing of deploying a forum is crucial, as is letting participants know that they can post and that their contributions are being read! The role of the moderator, as someone who facilitates and manages dialogue, summarises arguments, maintaining order and relevance, can be very important. On that subject participants need often to be reminded that their aim is to bring their "opponent" to his senses, not his knees!

eConsult lets you deploy forums for internal debate and collaboration and for public debate also. All part of the integrated consultation process.