Finding the Right Tool
// why discourse? what are the alts
For this use case, the need for an online forum arises from the identified lack of a community or safe online space. An online forum, especially Discourse Forum, becomes the ideal solution for several reasons:
- FOSS (Free and Open-Source Software): Discourse is free to use and open-source, allowing for customization and community-driven development.
 - Self-Hostable and Data Security: Being self-hostable gives organizations control over their data and security measures.
 - Seamless Browser and Email Integration: Discourse provides a user-friendly experience both in-browser and through email notifications, ensuring easy access and engagement.
 - Flexibility and Customizability: Discourse offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing organizations to tailor the forum to their specific needs and branding.
 - Great Moderation Features: Discourse provides powerful moderation tools to keep discussions respectful, safe, and on-topic.
 - Encourages Engagement: With features like likes, replies, and notifications, Discourse fosters active participation and community building.
 
There are alternative platforms also, such as:
- Flarum
 - phpBB
 - Vanilla Forums
 - vBulletin