In the current version of the dotLRN server it is not possible to make un a reply to the message from the forum via email. The users must connect to the dotLRN server for reply to a message.
The dotLRN server sends the notification email to all the users who requested a notification for a message or a forum. The user receives the notification email.
By modifying the code of the forum and notifications package, now the user can reply the notification email by sending an email to the correct reply address.
If you have an other questions, please don't hesitate
Regards
Mounir LALLALI