Step1
Forum threads are typically listed from top to bottom in reverse chronological order, based on the date of the most recent post in each thread. The more newly updated threads are at the top, and the older, stagnating ones gradually make their way lower and lower, eventually moving off the first page of threads and forgotten about.While in many cases this is fine, there are times when a thread is very important, but no one has replied to it in a while, perhaps because the matter at hand is being worked on, and there is nothing new for anyone to say. In these situations, it is sometimes acceptable to BUMP the thread to the top of the list so that it is kept in prominent view, and so that the topic will not inadvertently be repeated in a new thread by someone who didn't see the original one.
Step2
A thread can be BUMPed by adding any new posting to it at all, but is most commonly done by way of a posting with nothing but the aforementioned acronym which stands for "Bring Up My Post." Sometimes the actual word "bump" is used, which is semantically correct in and of itself.Step3
Before BUMPing a thread, it is important to know the culture, politics, and procedures of the forum in question. On some forums it is only acceptable for an administrator to BUMP a thread. On some it is considered acceptable for any experienced member to do so. On some it is completely unheard of, regardless of the BUMPer and/or circumstances, and even thinking about BUMPing will get you banned from the forum for life, but not before being called all sorts of bad names. On eHow, the worst you will probably run into is someone posting a message which says, "What does 'bump' mean?"Step4
If nothing else, don't ever BUMP a thread unless you are a veteran of the forum in question and have some "clout." Even on the most forgiving of forums, people usually get upset if a total "newbie" BUMPs a thread, with the typical reaction being, "Who the heck is this guy/girl?" Also, in some cases the person who posted the message right above your BUMP may actually assume that your BUMP was in some way related to him/her (perhaps taking it as some sort of high-tech insult), and may not know what to make of it. It is possible that you will see a follow-up posting by that person to the effect of, "What did I do wrong? Why are you calling me a bump?"Step5
There is then the question of when a BUMP is in order. Usually it is not a good idea to BUMP a thread unless it has moved to the very bottom of the first page, or better still, totally off the first page. No one wants to read a thread with dozens of bumps, just because you had to always have it at the very top. It is also not a good idea to BUMP a thread unless it is an important topic that truly benefits all or most of the members of the forum. It is in bad taste to BUMP a thread that contains a picture of your new puppy, or one that contains your list of Rachael Ray memorabilia for sale. Such threads are not likely to be more important than everything else being discussed on the forum. Step6
Note that some forums contain threads which are known as "stickies," or pinned threads. These threads are essentially permanently BUMPed, and will always be the first listed. If a topic is important enough, the site administrator may choose to handle a particular thread in this manner.Step7
That's all you need to know about BUMPed threads and being
