If you ask a room of marketing executives “do you know the difference between a blog and a forum?” most everyone would nod casually trying not to make eye contact.
So, to spare all of you who nodded, smiled, raised your hand or affirmed your knowledge without complete understanding, MGH has compiled this wiki-breviated reference for your discreet perusal.
A BLOG IS: According to Wikipedia:
A blog (short for web log) is a website where entries are written in chronological order and displayed in reverse chronological order.
Blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs.
OUR THOUGHTS: This is a great definition but one thing to note, while leaving comments is an important part of many blogs, some don’t allow comments on any posts, allow them only on certain posts or limit the posts that can be viewed. There are dozens of options for controlling comments on blog sites, and they should be tailored to both the blogger and the reader.
A FORUM IS: According to Wikipedia
An Internet forum is a web application for holding discussions and posting user generated content. Internet forums are also commonly referred to as web forums, message boards, discussion boards, (electronic) discussion groups, discussion forums, bulletin boardsl) or simply forums. The term “forum” and “board” may refer to the entire community, or a specific sub-forum dealing with a distinct topic. Messages within these sub-forums are then displayed either in chronological order or as threaded discussions.
OUR THOUGHTS: Forums have gotten a bad rep in the past, but they are truly fueling the global marketplace. Consumers can rely on one another, interact with similar people, find companions and friends and uncover answers to questions they might not ask in person. There are many benefits to participating in a forum, and millions of various communities to choose from.
