Use WordPress Like A Forum

Here is something interesting. The_dead_one also known as TDO has created a theme for WordPress which essentially turns a WordPress blog into a forum. The theme comes with the following features:

• Lists Posts by date of last comment (instead of published date) (included as a page template)
• Unread topics are highlighted and can be used to filter posts list (included as a page template)
• A hierarchical Forum list (included as a page template)
• AJAX Comment Preview (can be turned off)
• Comment QuickTags (can be turned off)
• Forum-looking Layout
• Pages and Categories can be used as Tabs (configurable)
• RSS 2.0 Feed of forum posts (can optionally be included in the theme or replace the main post RSS feed link)

As it stands, the theme is dependent upon one plugin which is called TDO Mini Forms. However, The_dead_one is currently reworking the theme so that it has it’s own custom posting interface so that it won’t be reliant on external plugins. The theme/plugin is currently an experiment, but TDO is considering releasing the theme to the public if there is enough interest.

To see the experiment in action check out TheDeadOnes TDO Demo Forum, and if you’re interested in testing or inquiring about the project, check out THIS forum thread on WordPress.org.