Forcing sounds like a term too aggresive for us gardeners so you can call it coaxing spring flowers if that makes you feel better. Forcing is the proper term for manipulating the conditions of a plant to get it to flower early, usually by bringing it inside. I have done this with my Iris reticulata bulbs and some plum branches.

Reading the web pages while looking for good links to add to this posting I realise I have missed several seemingly important steps to get my spindly branches to burst with flowers. They all say how important it is to smash the ends of the branches so they can absorb water and some even recommend a bath of warm water for several hours to soften the bud casings. I haven't done either of this things and am realising my previous failures may have been the result of improper procedure. The websites also all mention the importance of changing the water to avoid getting the stinky pond water that arises from my usually half hearted attempt so another strike against me. Good thing I looked this stuff up!

So, having changed the water and pulped the ends of my stems with a hammer I am a reformed "forcer" and will wait patiently the prescribed two weeks for my beautiful flowers to emerge - if I can remember to change the water that is.