7 reasons why Forums rock
Forums, although they may seem a bit out of fashion to blogs, myspace, social sites, etc., are always favorites with a lot of people, including me. 
Remember newsgroups? According to Wikipedia,
Newsgroups are technically distinct from, but functionally similar to, discussion forums on the World Wide Web.
There were literally thousands of newsgroups, all about different specific topics, and they could be the way to go if you want information. Forums could be newer forms of them, expect that nowadays forums don’t concentrate that much on specific topics and spread out.Registering and participating in a forum may not be the coolest thing you can do right now online, but that does have its benefits.
7 reasons why forums are popular :-
- Forums create a sense of community, and friendship between the members. While in a blog, someone posts an entry and others comment, forums stand apart by the fact that everyone is an author.
- Forums are a great way to learn about a new topics, and also show off your knowledge in a specific field. Help others. (and brag? :-))
- Forums are also a good way to get the things you want done. Confused? Let me explain. Say you want some advice on a specific topic; for example, how to do a certain thing using PHP, the best way is to go to some PHP related forum and get that done.
- Forums can help to create a sense of responsibility, and also netiquette. If you are an administrator or moderator of a forum, and if you have some experience, you get some sense of authority. And what about etiquette online? Where did we all learn how to be polite online? By interacting in forums, right?
- Participating in forums can help to improve your language, especially if you are not English, for example.
- Having a high post count in a forum does help if you want to promote something. People are more likely to notice something you put in your forum signature if you have a high post count, as opposed to a “newbie”. Besides, forums are really free advertising. Advertising your website in a forum can have better results sometimes.
- Money - Heard of MyLot? They pay you for posting in their forums. It may not be the ultimate income source, but if you are the sort of person who likes to take part in a community, this can generate some bucks.
Internet forums rule. And that remains as a fact.
Forums are chat rooms I guess, better organized, but slower paced. Compensation for the wider audience I guess.
I totally agree with your Sarat. Forums do rock, although, there are a few downfalls to them so you should talk about that too.
Yep. But I started with this, so I guess writing about the bad effects of forums would be…bad?
Anyway, I do agree with the both of you.
One of the bad effects of forums would be that they are more slow, therefore if you are not patient, it would be rather frustrating.
Yes, Forum is a great way to gain members to for your website. I use to post in a lot of forum, but nowadays too busy with work and school so I post less in less forums. But nonetheless, forum is a great way for information flow, especially in a specific topics. YOu never know much much you get out of them;)
1. The community aspect is great. We all have a profile and can even communicate through PM’s!
2. Everyone likes to brag don’t they?
3. As you can get help from several people without specifically asking them personally, several solutions can be solved in different ways, and you can learn at the same time.
4. I like power!!
5. Sort of
6. Main reason for joining most forums
7. Or Free hosting! Basically either money or something worth money
er..Sirius, I think you pretty much summed up everything in one comment. That made my hour.
You sure like power! You are a great moderator at Frihost, aren’t you?