envelope thingy

[~*sugarlump*~]

this might sound a bit basic, but why are there either opened or closed envelopes next to the threads? what do they mean?
thanks x

[princesaysneigh]

If they're closed, you have read them; and if they are open, you haven't read them. If they have a padlock in front of them the forum is closed, and you cannot post in it. :)