Introducing the Shanghaiist Forum

Shanghaiist, admittedly, doesn't venture into online forums too often. But we do realize they can be a valuable resource ... if used properly. Shanghaiist readers possess a wealth of knowledge and insights about this wonderful city we call home, and you deserve a platform on which you can impart that wisdom to the rest of the world. So, today we are proud to present to you the Shanghaiist Forum, where your voice can be heard. The Forum offers a different outlet than just commenting on posts -- in the Forum, you dictate the topics and where the conversations lead. It should be a nice complement to the rest of site.

The main link to the Forum is: shanghaiist.com/forum/

Currently, there are a grand total of zero posts in the Shanghaiist Forum -- it just launched this morning. We're hoping you can change that. It's easy to sign up and easy to post. Here's a look at how the Shanghaiist Forum is currently organized:

Shanghai News
All the news you see fit to print

Local Events
Music, the arts, parties ... and much, much more

Ask Shanghaiist
You've got questions, we've got answers (or maybe someone else does)

Gluttonist
News, gossip and reviews related to Shanghai's restaurants and bars

Overheard in Shanghai
Interesting, funny, odd, disturbing and stupid things you hear people say

Entertainment and Sports
Celebrities and the athletes who marry them (or vice versa)

Recreation, Shopping and Travel
For those who don't spend all their time online

Internet and Technology
For those who do spend all their time online

Yes, we have heard that sometimes forums can deteriorate into cliquey and juvenile gathering places. We're betting Shanghaiist readers are above that kind of behavior. So we're hoping the Shanghaiist Forum will be helpful, not hurtful; informative, not inflammatory. If any posters get out of hand, we will smack them down like a Shanghai jaywalker.

So, head on over to the Forum now. We'd like to hear from you. And remember, links to the latest Forum posts can always be found on the left column of every page on the site, below CATEGORIES and above PHOTOS. Enjoy!

UPDATE: We fixed the links that were incorrect. Should work now. Sorry about that.