forumsintended

forumsintended is a term used in the field of online community management to describe the intended purpose, scope, and audience of an online forum. It refers to a concise, publicly stated articulation of what the forum aims to achieve, which topics are appropriate, and who the forum is meant to serve. The concept helps align technical design decisions, moderation policies, and user expectations.

The core idea of forumsintended is to clarify three elements: the topic scope, the target audience, and the expected behavior. Topic scope defines which subject areas are welcome and which are off-limits. The target audience identifies the kinds of members the forum seeks to attract, such as professionals, hobbyists, or newcomers. Expected behavior outlines permitted conduct, engagement norms, and consequences for violations. Together, these components guide features such as category structure, tagging, posting permissions, and moderation workflows.

In practice, a forumsintended statement is used in design documentation and community guidelines to promote transparency and consistency. It serves as a reference for moderators, administrators, and members when evaluating new content, features, or policy changes. It can evolve over time as community needs shift, requiring periodic review and updates to remain aligned with actual usage.

Critics note that forumsintended may become outdated or disputed if stakeholders disagree on scope, but proponents argue it improves clarity, reduces off-topic discussions, and supports sustainable governance. See also concepts include forum design, community management, and content governance.