Blogs vs. Message Boards vs. Chat

The way I see it, Blogs have evolved from Message Boards and live Chat. Sure, they all still exist, and some people use them all, but a well-done blog leaves you little reason to use a threaded message board and I can even argue that it's better than a live chat -- in many or most cases.

A case in point is the chat we hosted Tuesday on Reviewjournal.com with the traffic guys, Omar (The Road Warrior) and Tom (Chopper Tom). While nearly everyone is touched by traffic in our fair city, and they surely talk about it and are concerned about what they encounter (and we know they have opinions on it), participating in a live chat from 1 to 2 p.m. just doesn't work for everyone. Yes, we had some great questions and they gave their "expert" opinions as journalists assigned to the traffic beat. But I believe a blog on traffic in the Las Vegas valley would probably be a better forum for this topic.

The experts could toss out topics or ideas, then readers like you and me would be able to leave comments and questions. It would quickly develop a life of its own, even it served as an extension to Omar's traffic columns and news stories and Tom's observations while gliding above the gridlock.

What's your take? Do you still use message boards and live chat? If so, which ones do you like?

I look forward to seeing what the rest of the blogosphere does with these interactive options.

Blog on!

...al
p.s...There's a second chance to participate in a live chat with Omar and Tom from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 28 at reviewjournal.com.