Just an observation of two Internet staples that have evolved in the last few years. Not that it is a bad thing, as both items are more versatile in the new evolving formats.

Forums:
Once easily recognized as communities of like thought and discussion, are evolving into a Website/Blog format with emphasis on commercial interests. Many forums no longer resemble the old format. As a matter of fact many are using Blog platforms now such as WordPress. I can see where the Blog format lends itself better to technical based subjects instead of a forum format.

Blogs:
Blogs seem to be evolving slowly into resembling websites. The blog format, for me at least, gives easy navigation to information. Where landing on a web page and then having to navigate through selections of pages loses interest fast.

There is nothing wrong with change, this is just something I have watched in the last few years. The only negative aspect I have witnessed, is when the platforms lean too heavily towards becoming commercial platforms, then the ‘money bug’ bites the developers, and the once free plugins and add-on’s for the platforms, become revenue streams. This doesn’t seem to be happening as much in the blogging platform.

Once free themes and plugins for my favorite Forum software, have all but dried up. Nearly anything you want to add now, cost from $2 to $30. Very few quality free Themes anymore.

I know developers put work and time into making plugins. Please don’t get me wrong, a lot of work and time put into a sophisticated, very useful item, should be rewarded. It is refreshing to see all the free plugins available to WordPress if you need use one for something. There are high quality themes and plugins that you can buy also if you wish.

Here’s hoping the spirit and enjoyment of Blogging, last for many years to come, for all of us. I could be wrong, but there is perhaps a resurgence of blogging coming, or at least the use of the platform.

Comments welcome,