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What is a Discussion Thread?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated May 16, 2024
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Within Internet message boards, blogs, email listserves and even on news sites where comments can be posted, there may exist discussion threads, sometimes also called topic threads or threaded discussions. A discussion thread refers to two separate but related things. First they are the act — which may be handled by software or a moderator — of grouping together all comments or discussion on the same topic. Second, a discussion thread can be defined as one topic under discussion by a group. The thread is a single focused topic, in most cases, and all comments concerning the topic are listed with it.

For the first definition, there can be a number of ways of grouping a single discussion thread. Each post may simply show up in the order it was received. On sites that are moderated, posts in the same thread may not show up for a while until someone reads and approves the reply. Other times, the most recent post shows up first, and initial comments are grouped in reverse order.

Within discussion threads, people may have the option to reply to a single post to the discussion, which might then be listed right below the post, often indicated to show it is a reply by tabbing in replies slightly or by topic title. If you take issue with someone’s point of view, or wish to praise something said by another poster, you may be able to reply directly to their comments. This brings up an interesting issue regarding each unique discussion thread.

Netiquette dictates that you really understand how to post and how a post will be displayed within a discussion thread. If posts are displayed in order received or reverse order without a reply function, you may want to reference the person’s post you are discussing so that people will understand what you’re talking about. It can be easy to lose the meaning of your post when you can’t reply within a thread. You also should be certain if you’re merely adding new thoughts to discussion threads that you don’t use a reply function to respond to someone else’s particular comment, unless that’s your intent.

Another netiquette issue occurs because a single discussion thread frequently requires you to stay on topic. If you have a new issue that is unrelated to a particular thread, you might post this elsewhere on a site, possibly in the form of a blog or a new message. Essentially, you should look elsewhere to generate your own “new” idea instead of adding it to a thread to which it is unrelated.

There is an exception. Sometimes an article, blog, or topic is large and encourages an open thread, which means you can discuss anything related to a much larger issue or make small appreciative or negative comments as you see fit. An open discussion thread isn’t bound by the same netiquette rules, though you still may want to follow the advice for replying to specific comments, as suggested above.

EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen , Writer
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a EasyTechJunkie contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

Discussion Comments

By Armas1313 — On Jan 22, 2011

I find it more helpful to have a genuine face-to-face discussion. This eliminates the tendency to ignore what the other person is saying or to blurb out random non-sequiturs like people do on the internet. Social etiquette is usually more closely followed than netiquette, but hopefully people will learn over time.

By dbuckley212 — On Jan 19, 2011

@Tufenkian925

If there were fines imposed, wouldn't that be infringement upon free speech? The internet is a great place for a giant interchange of knowledge, and imposing fines on what one person might perceive as "harassment" would be a shaky science. I think it is best to keep politics from infringing upon internet trolling. We must choose the lesser of two evils in the case of trolling vs. tyranny.

By Tufenkian925 — On Jan 18, 2011

Flaming and trolling are common elements in internet discussions. Unfortunately, with the power of relative anonymity and a computer keyboard, people feel powerful and invulnerable, and often show their true feelings. These can be angry and harmful. I see it as much like driving. There should be fines for this kind of harassment.

By anon17235 — On Aug 25, 2008

what is the meaning of the time showing next to a thread? Are they always in pacific time?

Tricia Christensen

Tricia Christensen

Writer

With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a EasyTechJunkie contributor, Tricia...
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