Platform 2 Guide — This article applies to the new platform. Looking for classic platform docs? Browse the Platform 1 collection.
Why: Foster engagement and connection among your members by utilizing the community forum. It allows for vibrant discussions, content sharing, and member interaction, enhancing the overall experience for your subscribers.
Navigate: App Station > Community > Settings
Quick Start
Go to Community > Settings.
Configure the forum settings, including moderation mode and notifications.
Create categories to organize discussions.
Enable Direct Messages if you want members to communicate with admins.
Monitor community activity and moderate discussions as needed.
Overview of the Community Forum
The community forum is a platform where your members can engage in discussions, ask questions, and share insights related to food, cooking, and nutrition. Here’s how it works:
Member Display Names
Members are displayed with their first name and last initial (e.g., Jane D.). As an admin, you can set a public display name for yourself or other admins on the Profile > Identity page.
Categories and Topics
You can create categories to organize discussions. When you create a new category, existing members who can see it will automatically follow it based on their current notification settings. This helps keep discussions relevant and organized.
Notifications for New Members
New members automatically follow categories they can access and receive notifications for topic replies. However, free members who cannot access members-only forums will have their notifications turned off. If they later gain access, their notifications will be re-enabled if they have not previously chosen to follow any categories.
Moderation and Management
You can moderate discussions through the community moderation panel located in App Station > Inbox > Community Moderation. Here, you can approve or reject pending posts, manage reports, and oversee all posts across the forum.
Direct Messages
Direct Messages allow members to communicate privately with admins. Admins can manage these messages from App Station > Inbox > Messages. If Direct Messages are disabled, members can still access their inbox, but it will not show any messages.
Wellness Coaching Integration
For wellness coaching, the same direct messaging thread is used for communication. Coaches can send wellness feedback and goal notices through the same conversation, ensuring a streamlined experience for both admins and members.
Detailed Sections
Configuring Forum Settings
To configure your forum settings:
Navigate to Community > Settings.
Adjust the moderation mode based on your community size:
None: All posts are published immediately.
Post Moderation: Posts are published immediately, but admins can hide or report them.
Pre Moderation: Posts require admin approval before being published.
Set your notification preferences for new members and existing members.
Creating and Managing Categories
To create a new category:
Go to Community > Categories.
Click Create Category and fill in the required details.
Assign access levels to restrict visibility if needed.
When a category is created, existing members who can see it will automatically follow it, based on their notification settings.
Moderating Discussions
You can moderate discussions by:
Approving or rejecting posts in the Approval Queue.
Hiding or showing posts as necessary.
Managing user reports to ensure a safe and respectful environment.
Direct Messages Management
To manage Direct Messages:
Go to App Station > Inbox > Messages.
Use the search feature to find specific members.
Reply to messages directly within the inbox.
If Direct Messages are turned off, members will still see their inbox, but it will not show any messages.
Notifications for Members
Members receive notifications for:
New topics in categories they follow.
Replies to topics they have participated in.
You can manage these settings in the Community > Settings section.
Opting in Existing Members
If you have existing members who need to be opted into forum notifications:
Go to Community > Opt in existing members.
Choose the notification settings you want to apply to these members.
This feature helps ensure that all members are engaged with the community.