A forum is defined as a means of voicing thoughts or openly discussing ideas such as in TV or radio programs, newspapers, magazines, or websites. A web forum is an application for staging discussions or dialogues and also for posting contents that are user-generated. The messages could be in chronological order or in the form of a threaded forum. The most common terms for web forums are: message boards, electronic discussion groups, bulletin boards, discussion boards, or simply, forums.

The most popular spots for themes of discussions include computer games, video games, religion, fashion, technology, and yes, even politics. To be able to earn money on web forums, it is important that you know the rules of the game. First, there has to be a moderator for the entire forum. Next, the registration fee should be clearly stated for all members to review. And the third rule, the moderator and the members, alike, should follow netiquette (or etiquette on the net).

Registrations are not the only means of earning bucks through paid membership forums. There are instances (especially when the forum becomes very popular) where companies will ask to advertise their services or products on the site. This is where a moderator can start earning big time.

Advertisements can be posted on conspicuous areas of the message board. In there, the members can clearly see products or services that are being offered (most of these are often related to the theme of the forum). A forum on video games could have advertisements that focus on gadgetries and magazines that feature cheat codes. These are useful items to a gamer and it is most probable that he will buy what he sees on the discussion board.

Networking can also be a means of earning more money for paid membership forums. For example, players of a certain video game who are members of a forum could recruit more members (where they could get commissions by adding more people to the group). The more new members they recruit, the better it is for the group.

It is also the moderators role to continuously encourage the interest of its members and also their participation so that the group will keep on thriving. As the facilitator, he should be able to market the forum not only to potential advertisers but to the members as well.

If you're one who flourishes in providing information and keeping people pepped up to certain issues, then this could be a good and steady source of income. You get to be the middle man on a discussion which matters to you while tucking some bucks in your pocket. Not bad for someone who sits in the comfort of his home, right?