In yesterday’s post I wrote on the value of joining forum communities. They are often niche related provide for a real dialogue between individuals on topics related to that niche.
Luis Sandoval Jr. from dailyslackr.blogspot.com left a comment that concluded with the question:
The real question is what’s the next step after forums? Is there even a next step more niche concentrated then a forum?
It is an interesting question and rather than just responding to the comment, I thought a slightly more detailed response was warranted.
Forums have not evolved at the same rate as other areas of the online social scene. In fact, if you were a regular forum member ten years ago and decided to visit a forum today, you may well ask, ‘has there been any changes?’
There are three directions that forums can now go. They can remain in the current form, rather stagnant but fulfilling a valuable role in the social community. The can slowly die away which many people have been predicting for the last 10 years, or they can evolve into something bigger and better which in some quarters, they are.
The current style of forum won’t go away. It fills a basic communication need and, particularly for the die hards, is a comfortable way to communicate.
More sophisticated forums are around now. There are many parenting sites that include your basic forum style of communication. They also include personal pages, article directory where members can submit articles, and question and answer sections.
These forums have probably gone too far to the conservative side where links back to personal web pages and marketing are not allowed.
The future may well see a growth in this style of multi-purpose forum with a more open policy on promotion and marketing.
When it comes to the traditional forums – while there is a need they will continue to thrive. There will always be a need to communicate and since there are no real alternatives – the traditional forum will have its place.
I am here at a forum newcomer. Until I read and deal with the forum.
Let’s learn!