Some forums are designed solely for social conversation or discussing hobbies, but it can also be helpful to chat in course forums. The social chat that happens in a forum helps the group to 'gel'. If you meet your fellow students at face-to-face tutorials, this happens naturally in corridors and during tea breaks. You chat, discover things you have in common, find out who knows about what, have a moan together and so on.
The same kind of thing needs to happen among an online group - it's hard to write messages addressed to complete strangers. This is where the suggestion to 'help people get to know you' fits in. You should also show interest in others and offer support if needed.
Obviously social conversation is not the main purpose of a course forum, and you should be guided by your tutor or moderator - some may discourage socialising or prefer it to go in a separate forum. But generally a bit of social chat in a forum is an excellent thing, and helps the group to work better.
Next: Getting and giving help
