A discussion group is a feature that will allow users to post questions or comments and to receive feedback on those items. In many ways, this is like having a discussion over coffee although the people participating are separated by space and time. Typically, one user will start a discussion and others can reply to the original question or comment. As the discussion advances, it may be possible to reply to someone else's reply. Discussions are often saved on the host's server and archived to allow visitors to read discussions that may have occurred in the past but are no longer active. Almost always, discussion groups are not monitored, so that discussants are able to write whatever they like, which could lead to obvious problems in some cases.

It's unlikely that you will include an open or general discussion group on your website. Do you really want to allow individuals to say something about your business or your product without you having an opportunity to filter it? We doubt it. It is more likely that you may use these on other websites to discuss specific issues such as equipment, processing machinery, laws and regulations, and other management-related issues. A great example of an active agricultural discussion group can be found at http://talk.agriculture.com. You'll find discussions on machinery, crops, livestock, new production technologies, business management and marketing, and much more.