How to Attach a File to a Forum Message
By: Rick Kirkham | Posted: 09th December 2009
Several times now people have asked me how to attach a file to a forum. So this free article will cover what a forum is, how a forum can help you make money online and of course how to attach a file to share it with others on a forum. Read on....
What Is a Forum?
A forum is a central location which allows it's members and sometimes visitors to interact with each other to share information and discuss all types of topics. Usually forums have a central topic perhaps even my favorite, martial arts.
Doesn't a Blog Do That?
Yes, like a forum, a blog also utilizes web 2.0 which basically means interaction and two way information between the visitors and the website, unlike a static website which provides only one way communication. A blog however, is limited to one page per topic. If your topic is limited to just an article in which you wish to have comments posted, a blog will do just fine.
Blogs Are Easier, Why Should I Make or Join a Forum?
Well first, joining a forum is easy. In most cases you register for it and receive an email which contains a link you then click upon. By doing this the forum owner gives you a better forum experience by helping to cut down on spammers.
Unlike a blog, members of a forum can start topics, introduce articles or links to articles all within a more general topic as opposed to a very narrow topic such as an article on a blog.
Without the forum owner sometimes even trying, a forum can get ranked very high on the search engines due to all the input from the members of the forum itself. The owner can monetize the forum with pay per click advertising, sell web space and classified ads. Each forum thread (topic) is looked upon from pay per click ad companies including the present main one as a separate page! Thus, unlike a blog, a forum could have multiple clicks on multiple pages bringing money into the forum for the owner's efforts!
Even forum members make more money online thanks to forums. Many forums have sections in which internet marketers and affiliate marketers may post their advertisements, thus leading to not only direct sales, but an increase in one way back links to their websites thus helping to increase their search engine rankings. Most blogs by the way contain a No Follow command thus limiting the advantages of posting to blogs for backlink search engine ranking improvement purposes.
More important than even advertising, forums are where most internet marketers and affiliate marketers gain their knowledge by asking questions or even reading answers to questions which have already been asked. I personally gained almost all of my internet marketing knowledge from years of forum interactions.
Why Would I Want to Attach a File to a Thread (topic) In A Forum
For the same reason you may want to attach one to an email, but unlike the email this attachment could be downloaded by all members and sometimes guests of the forum. Since you all share the same interest as you belong to the same forum, this saves a lot of time and adds to the discussion, which increases content, which increases search engine rankings.
So How Do I Attach a File to a Thread In A Forum?
I'm going to discuss Simple Machine Forum style as various forums use various methods.
Start a new thread by clicking New Topic - If you can't find it make sure you're logged into the forum
Type in your subject in the Subject Line
If the topic already exists click on Reply in that topic - In most cases you can still edit the subject line, but your reply will still remain below other replies to that thread
Now the procedure is the same for both circumstances
Type a message into the message body - the big box below the subject text box
If you do not see a small rectangular box with the word Browse on a button below the message body box click Additional Options
Now you'll see the rectangular box with the Browse button we discussed above
Click the Browse button
A file select window will appear - you'll need to know where your file is. Most of my computer tutoring students have all their files in My Documents so look there if you cannot find it.
Once you find your file select Open - This will not open your file it will attach it. It's a programming thing don't worry about it.
Now click Post to complete your post
You'll see a little paper clip with your file name next to it
YOU DID IT! Nice job.
Caution is Advised When Downloading Forum File Attachments
Anyone could potentially have a virus and not even no it. Keep your anti-virus software up to date. This, in itself could save you hundreds of dollars in repairs and file restoration fees since most people do not have a backup.
Most anti-virus programs will allow you to right mouse click on the downloaded file, then left mouse click on run anti-virus software. This usually has the brand name of the anti-virus software.
Conclusion
Forums have a number of great uses and are far more flexible in content and user input than blogs. I hope you look into the use of forums as both owner and member. I also hope I answered that oh so common question.
"How do I attach a file to a forum message?"
About the Author
Sensei J. Richard Kirkham invites you to his Affiliate Marketing Forum to post your ads and ask your questions http://newbieservices.com/AffiliatePrograms/?fattchartartalley
While you're at it, since it was mentioned in the article, check out his backup software to save hundreds of dollars in file restoration fees WHEN you're computer crashes http://InHomeTutoringHi.com/DontLoseIt/?fattachartartalleyAbout the Author
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Tags: search engines, web space, pay per click, pay per click advertising, classified ads, free article, several times, spammers, central location, separate page, share information, pay per click ad, forum members, martial arts, static website