Most probably know this, but, to the right of the forum window area, below the Chat Roll and the Fiddlerman Violin ad, there is a listing of the most recent posts. Likewise, below the forum there is also a listing.

The listing below the forum is only visible until you log in, so you can check the bottom to see if you need to log in if you are only looking to see what has been posted. The text will be larger there. 

I know you can access through the area above the forum, but, for me, I find these little listings much easier to see exactly what is there. It is easier for me to read the text there, than in the new post listings in the area where you have the option to view new posts or mark all posts as read.