I’m intrigued by the linking of forums to groups. But I think the main issue is whether people will understand without instruction. I know I didn’t get it at first. Right now you can click Forums in 2 ways, one through the main link and one through the group link. Both do different things, meaning that what happens when you click Forums (same word, different locations) depends on what “mode” you’re in (group or non-group). Confusing.
Maybe on the forum page a button for posting a new topic could lead them through the group finding/creation process?
