Skralyx'
suggestion that we expand the display potential for diaries prompted me to write this call for a BBS system, which I've had in the back of my head for a while. That and it's my lunch break: ham and swiss with an apple!
So why would I want a forum system as well as a diary system?......
Because I'm an organization freak.
I appreciate the diary format for a "front-page" type system, such as a blog (duh), but I frequently find myself annoyed when reading a diary. The comments get squished down against the right side of the page. New comments pop up all over the page. And searching the diaries is cumbersome, as we are aware of.
I see a bulletin board system (BBS)as a useful supplement to the diary system for these reasons:
*Better organization and indexing by subject. Environmental subjects could have a forum (probably a big one), History subjects could have a forum, "tinfoil" subjects could have a forum, etc etc etc.
*Increased discussion and real-world organization among members. (this is a big benefit)
*Increased collaborative efforts between members possible through public comments on a diary before posting.
*Enhanced inter-member research possibilities.
*Facilitation of regional contact between members. Currently, if I want to hook up with other members in Spokane (not just the Kos-ettes, heh), I can search for "Spokane" and see what comes up, or I can post a diary which will last approximately 10 minutes.
*A designated place for rants and BS would keep the front page more focused.
*Opportunities to discuss certain issues would be increased since BBS topics don't "expire" as easily as blog diaries do.
*More user-friendliness in the search feature. No reason the forum search and diary search couldn't be integrated.
......
I have been posting on BBS systems since 1996, and while I've never been responsible for one, I do know that they cost money, and I do feel that VBulletin is one of the better systems out there. Lots of tasty hacks available to customize its functionality. I'd be willing to pay for my share of a BBS system's bandwidth. Give this a reccommend if you agree!