[Athenian200]

I think one of the larger aspects of a forum is a sense of mental freedom. You know that you can say things and challenge ideas that would lead to you being ostracized in many public places in real life. I think, like many other things in life, it's a good aspect when used properly, but bad when it's abused.

Another is a stronger sense of mental/emotional identity coming through. The things that normally color your perception, such as mannerisms, things done to impress people, quietness, and fashion, don't come through. You're judged more on who you are consciously, on a mental level, rather than who you are from the perspective of your actions or appearance. The quiet periods in between aren't judged, just the periods where expression comes through.