Blog vs Forum format

[David Abernathy]

BLog vs. Forum

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I am looking at adding a capacity to my website that will allow myself and others provide content about the local area.

I have participated in a number of forums over the past, but only recently started evaluating BLOGS.

If I go with adding a Forum format then I am looking at some of the following type topic areas:

General Topics
Fishing near Juno Beach
Surfing
Dining in Juno Beach
Places to stay
Things to do in Juno Beach
Juno Beach and the surrounding area nightlife


Real Estate Listings
Real Estate questions
Rentals


Just in the starting phase and thinking that with the Blog setup - usually a more attractive interface would still allow me similiar capability.

Also - my current plan would be to use wordpress if I take the blog route and still undecided about the forum software.

Any feedback from those of you that are in the know would be appreciated.


Dave

[ResaleBroker]

You might consider using the "Forum" for managing the different topics and using the "Blog" for managing different articles that you write or even recent "news".

[David Abernathy]

Well I went ahead and installed the phpBB forum software.


That was easier than expected.

I think I liked your idea about having a blog for the articles we write and also news topics. I am planning on using my new Juno Beach Florida site for both the forum and also the Blog.

From what I have read I gain more value out of having the blog hosted on either one of my sites or at least not on Blogger or Blogspot type sites. Is that correct?

Is wordpress a good choice? I think my priorities include easy to setup and use, clean interface, friendly to the search engines...

Thanks in advance.

[ResaleBroker]

From what I have read I gain more value out of having the blog hosted on either one of my sites or at least not on Blogger or Blogspot type sites. Is that correct?

I would recommend hosting the forum and the blog on your own site.

Is wordpress a good choice? I think my priorities include easy to setup and use, clean interface, friendly to the search engines...

I highly recommend WordPress.

[webmaster]

Choosing your topics is pretty important for generating interest in a forum, but if done right, can be a great page creator and good for viral marketing of your site. My pet project for my hometown where I test the real estate template cms has a forum on it, and its actaully gotten a few decent posters http://www.nanaimoinformation.com/forum/ is the URL if your interested or looking for ideas.

[David Abernathy]

Thanks - I am sure it will be very useful and I will spend some time later this week reviewing it.

Before I get too far with phpBB2 - do any of you have any positive or negative feedback on it?

[David Abernathy]

I am planning to role out the site through email with the local chamber members. I am offering to provide a free listing if they send me their contact information. If they want their website listed I am requesting a return link and I will create a page dedicated to them if they will provide content like photos, menus, or text that a visitor might find useful. Out of that group I will be selecting some sponsors that we can work on marketing together. Still thinking through what sponsorship will encompass.

I am thinking if I market the site effectively it could be a huge door opener for us!

Sleep calls...

Thanks again