Using Forums

The Forums area of Computing Reviews allows you to comment on reviews and articles, and engage in focused discussions with your peers.
Every review, article, and conference has its own forum.
Each forum can contain multiple topics, or threads, relating to the review.

Click below for detailed instructions on browsing a forum, logging in to the forums, joining an existing discussion, and starting a discussion of your own.

• Browsing a Forum
• Logging in
• Joining an existing discussion
• Starting a new discussion
• Full-Power Forums
• Forum FAQ

Browsing a Forum

Each forum is made up of one or more topics under discussion, known as threads.
By default, threads are listed in order of currency, with the most recently edited thread at the top.

• To expand a thread click on the right-facing arrow to the left of the thread title.
• To collapse a thread click on the down-facing arrow.

Threads can be sorted alphabetically, by amount of activity, or by date by clicking on the column headings.

• To sort alphabetically by thread title click on the [Thread] heading.
• To sort threads by number of messages click on the [msgs] heading.
• To sort threads by date click on the [updated] heading.

Logging In

Anyone can browse the forums. However, if you want to join an existing discussion, or start a new one, you need to log in.

If you are an ACM member and have logged in at the ACM site you do not have to log in again at Reviews.com. If you are not an ACM member, or would like to use a separate account at Reviews.com, follow the instructions below.

Note: You will be asked to log in only if you are attempting to join a discussion and you have not logged in at the ACM site.

To Log In:

1. If you are not currently logged in you will be presented with the Log In/Create a New Account page when you try to join a discussion.
   If you already have a user ID and password, type them in the proper fields and click the Log In button.

If you do not have a password and user ID you must create a new account. Scroll down to the Quick Account Set Up section.

• Fill in your name and e-mail address in the proper fields. All of these fields are required. Note: All e-mails from Reviews.com (e-mail alerts, forgot password links, forgotten user ids) will be sent to this address.
• Create a distinctive User ID and Password. User IDs are limited to 20 characters, letters or numbers, but no spaces or special characters are allowed.
  Note: For convenience, you can use your e-mail address (up to the @ symbol) as your User ID.
• Passwords must be between 6 and 20 characters long, and not contain spaces or special characters.
  Note: For security reasons, do not use your User ID as your Password.
• Both your User ID and password are case sensitive.
• Retype your password and create a password hint. This hint will be used to confirm your identity if you forget your password.
• Choose a Primary and Secondary interest from the drop-down list. These choices will form the basis of your Alerting and SmartBox settings.
  Note: You can change or add to these settings in your Alert Profile. For more information consult the section on Alerting.
• Select an Affiliation and Professional Level from the drop-down lists (optional).
• Click the checkbox if you wish to receive alerts via e-mail.
• Click on the Log In button. Your new password and user ID will be ready for use immediately.

Joining an existing discussion

To join a discussion:

1. Find the comment you wish to respond to or elaborate on, and click on Reply.
   The Reply To Comment form will appear.
2. The Enter Your Response: field will default to the name of the thread. You can either edit this field or leave the default thread name.
3. Enter you message in the body field.
   Take a moment to proofread your text— once the message has been posted there is no way to change it.
4. Click on the Submit button.
   The forum page will reload, displaying your post.

Starting a new discussion

Don't feel limited by the existing discussions. If you have a point or perspective that is not covered by an existing thread, start a new one.

To start a new thread:

1. Click on the Start New Thread button at the bottom of the forum.
   The Start A New Thread form will appear.
2. Enter a topic in the Edit Thread Name field. Be concise, but descriptive. This is the title that will appear in the list of discussions.
   
3. Type your message in the body field. This will be the first posting of the new discussion.
   Remember to proofread your work. Once a message has been posted it cannot be edited or deleted.
4. When you are satisfied with your posting click on the Submit button.
   The forum page will reload displaying your new thread.

Full-Power Forums:
Tips and tricks to get the most of the Digital Library and the Forums

This section intends to enable you to get the most out of your Reviews.com experience. This section is driven by the requests and suggestions from users like you. Have a suggestion ? E-mail us, and you might see your idea here.

How can I read an article and see the Forum at the same time?

Navigating back and forth between the full text of an article and a forum can be confusing. Follow the directions below to open an article in a separate window:

1. Navigate to the article you want to read and discuss.
2. Right-click on the Full text: PDF link.
   Note: You may have to enter your ACM user name and password.
3. An options menu will appear. If you are using Internet Explorer select Open Link in New Window. If you are using Netscape, select Open in New Window.
   The full text will open in a new window.
4. In the original browser window click on the Discuss this Article link. You will be brought to the gateway page, and click through to the Forum.
5. The full text will remain open in a separate window. Refer to it as needed.
   Note: The full text will remain open until its window is closed, even if you have exited the Forum.