We have been thinking a lot about enhancing the discussion forum. One thing we do not want to do is create seperate forums based on catagory. We are afraid that this will just create confusion and extra steps to read and post.

We are currently working on several things. One that is almost ready is the integration of a chat room with the forum. One can make appointments with others or just go in to see what is going on. This is written and uses Java, so it will require a java capable browser.

Another feature soon to be added is the ability to trace threads. When registered as a member (free), you may choose threads that you would like to follow. They will appear as usual on the forum, but you will also have your own personal view of the forum, designed by you, with the threads you create or ones that you are just interested in. Soon, you will log on to your personal page, and it will say "There are 3 new messages in your thread THE MUDCAT IS GREAT." Multiple threads are just as easy as one. This is all part of our new membership features that add some personallity to this community.

We are also working on a more comprehensive search ability. This is a technically tough idea, but we think we can pull it off. Now you can search just the thread names, but we are working on being able to search the bodies of the messages.

A few minor changes are in the works to speed things up and better the organization.

As soon as the membership deal is ready, the forum will benefit greatly.