These forums are for you to use to interact directly with each other and share longer stories and thoughts than the guest book permits.  The best thing about forums is that it lets you know when someone replies to your topic so you don't have to check it every day, like you do with the guest book.  You will be e-mailed when someone replies to your forum topic as long as you have that option checked.  You have to add yourself to the forum.  It is a free service provided on this site but it is a separate, registration.