Adding a blog feature to the forums

[Capper]

We're always looking for a way to make the site unique, and I've been thinking about adding a blog feature to the forums to give everyone a place to share their thoughts (good or bad).

The new VBulletin has several interesting features, all of which push the forum system to a more "Social Networking" application....with much more detailed personal pages, photo galleries, messaging system, etc


My question to all of you is, would you guys be interested in the ability to blog on the site? Would it be a feature you would use?

[XoRn]

I was just thinking about starting a PC Blog for myself so I say hell yes!

[Capper]

please dont just vote, explain why or why not.

[Reloadron]

Hell I dunno Capper, yourself, Paul and the more senior moderators know best where this forum is and your goals for where you want it to be. I guess the question becomes is a blogging feature going to benifit the forum and help it meet set goals? Would the feature be in the best interest of the forum and membership?

Personally, yeah I think it would be a nice to have but not necessary feature.

<EDIT>

OK, just read this:
please dont just vote, explain why or why not.

I voted Yes. Why? Because a blog would further encourage the open exchange of ideas and thoughts on things from Hardware (why we are here) to other forum related subjects (where we want to be). Damnit I hate to use those stupid work related buzz words but... None of us is as smart as all of us (or as dumb). A blog would maybe open a few doors. Additionally if the blog concept didn't work out not a big deal as it could be removed and chalked up to the learning curve.

</EDIT>

Just my take...
Ron

[halutzparilla]

i voted no because this will attract no decent member, only annoying people who love to whine and cry over something they pretend to know but have no experience or whatsoever over the topic...

i think Rich knows some of this people and dealt with them...


well i explained my vote...

[Capper]

Originally Posted by Reloadron

I voted Yes. Why? Because a blog would further encourage the open exchange of ideas and thoughts on things from Hardware (why we are here) to other forum related subjects (where we want to be). Damnit I hate to use those stupid work related buzz words but... None of us is as smart as all of us (or as dumb). A blog would maybe open a few doors. Additionally if the blog concept didn't work out not a big deal as it could be removed and chalked up to the learning curve.

</EDIT>

Just my take...
Ron

Perfectly explained Ron.......My thought is that the main site is the staff area to post news and reviews....the forums are a community area to exchange ideas, give and get help, and have fun. I personally think a blog will open up the site to new things, encourage more interaction within the community, and possibly lead to expanding the staff.

The blogs don't have to be all about computers, or tech, they are yours to do with as you wish (within reason).

[Stormcrow]

Originally Posted by halutzparilla

i voted no because this will attract no decent member, only annoying people who love to whine and cry over something they pretend to know but have no experience or whatsoever over the topic...

i think Rich knows some of this people and dealt with them...


well i explained my vote...

When you look at the community we have now, I really don't see this becoming an issue. With new members that may join, yes, but usually such members make asses of themselves in a short amount of time and either leave after not getting the pity/attention they seek or in rarer cases the ban hammer. I'm with Rich about expanding the community and member involvement with the site, and if it really comes down to whining/crying/flaming over the least little thing, it shouldn't be a problem to send them back to LiveJournal.

[Quakindude]

As with any feature of a forum community, the Staff will have to moderate anything to the standards of the Forum/Site owner. I think Capper does a pretty good job of keeping us informed of what is good or not as far as posting goes. Member Blogs would need to be moderated as well as we do the forums. Within reason of course.

With the stress the chat box put on the server you rent Rich, the load a blogging module places on the server will really determine the feasibility of this.

But I think it's a great idea. Hell, you never know the growth potential of something like this until you try it. But it would really set HL apart from the rest. I've not seen this on another site before.

[Yellowhello]

I voted yes, it might be a good way to get to know you guys better, but I think it will have to be watched really closely.... spam and whatnot.

[onebxr]

I think yes, because anything that goes through the site will most likely need to be approved by Rich or Paul. I dont think they are gonna let people just come on here and blog away! I think this is a great idea and I think that it will open up new avenues for the site.
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