I've been around for a while. I was vaguely aware of this feature either when it got implemented or when it reicieved a big update at some point, but I have never really been aware of its actual function.
What does it do?
Should I use it?
Will it make me smarter, more awesome, or rich?
Is it hard?
Help me to know all about the wonder that is focus, I've seen people be very upset when it goes away. What am I missing out on?
How can I be a cool kid too?
Answering your questions in order:
It changes the portion of the messageboard you see. Usually, you see recent threads in each of the subforums. With focus mode, you see the recent threads you have viewed or posted in, allowing you to "focus" in on threads that you've showed interest in.
Yes.
It will make you one of those three, but I won't say which one.
*resists urge to make childish remark and fails by posting this*
People like to keep track of the threads they are interested in. Also people will get angry about anything on the internet.
You can be a cool kid by using focus mode and not becoming a giant squid of anger if it goes away for a time.
How do you turn it on and, importantly, off.
To turn it on, click the Focus link next to FORUM SEARCH (top right of page) on the main Messageboards page, or the link I've just embedded here.
To turn it off, click the Defocus link next to FORUM SEARCH (top right of page) on the main Messageboards page, or the link I've just embedded here.
Yes, it is that simple.