Are Forums Making a Comeback?

[MJ DeMarco]

Will social networking bring forums back into vogue? Or destroy it?

One would argue, Forums are a Web 1.0 type of medium. However, with the advent of microblogging and social networks, it seems that people are immersing themselves into communities with very shallow, surface relationships. It would seem that forums would extend itself to this need to creating deeper relationships... social networks have the ability to create surface relationships, while forums create the depth.

Your thoughts?

 

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[andviv]

The great content will win. You can't have great content in 140 characters.

If the forums contain great content then they will prevail.

Also, forums provide some "anonymity" and that is good depending on the topics, while facebook and other social sites is YOU, not an alter ego.

 

[yveskleinsky]

What a great analysis Andres! ++rep

Where was I when forums went out of style? Could this mean that I am not as hip and with it as I think I am?! Oh great, next thing I know you'll be telling me my acid washed jeans aren't in style either.

 

[TC2]

Relationship won't solve problems. At least not computer problems, financial problems or almost any problems.

When you are sick, you go to doctors. When you can't find answers, you search Google. Where does social network exist in those situation? None.

You may be able to post few questions on Twitter, facebook and myspace, but you will end up finding answers from forum, discussion group and other web sites or blogs. Even you get some short answers from Twitter with links. Where do those links lead you to?

Like Andviv said. Quality content is always the king.

Social network for me more like a business card, a resume and a secret hand shake. You still got really work / business to do to keep the relationship going.

 

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[NICK870123]

I just launched a forum, because first I wanted to use social networking sites to connect with the "specific niche community" and i could not get deeper relationships. As there was the odd one line comment and very basic info in the social networking site.

Plus points for a forum is that you can build deep and meaningfull relationships with the community and is more family based like the fast lane. My personal opinion is that social networking sites like twitter and facebook would divide the relationship gaps between a breif community (with not much good content) and a more deep and knowledgeable community like a forum.

Quality in Forum= GREAT
Quality in Social Networking site= Poor (Very Brief and sometimes poor content- exchanges of messages- i.e. status updates- which your likely to forget, whereas in a forum everyone can join in a discussion topic and have there say no matter how long it is)

 

[MooreMillions]

I did not know they had fallen behind. I use both equally and probably started using both at the same time. I joined my first social network in 2001 and my first forum in 2002. They both are equally important in different ways in my opinion.

 

[James Fake]

Forums are for information. Social networks are for people.

You have to go all the way to the core of the engine. Forums aren't "coming back" per say, but they will never disappear. Because people join/look at forums for source of information.

Social networks on the other hand are a way for people to connect with people. Not necessarily a source for information.

Both are different beats. They do share the same "customer or membership" base but are not competitive. Example; BodyBuilding.com. They operate a forum, and also BodySpace, a social network. I, a "gym rat" myself, can attest that these two forms of communication go hand in hand very well. I look for information through their forum, and look at pictures and personal progress through their social network.

 

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[Bilgefisher]

Social Networking sites are now sites. If it happened ten minutes ago, it is already old news. There is more of a personal aspect with individual bio pages that are more prevalent on social sites.

Forums are like archives. They involve more detailed discussions.

SN is like passing by someone on the street and waving hello, forums are like stopping for a chat over a cup of joe.