Some thoughts about the future of community web sites...

[greggish]

I plan on developing a bunch of Forum websites soon. I was thinking about if small independantly owned and operated forums will continue to thrive in the future or will they be completely overshadowed by the big players and their "Social Networking" moves. "Social Networking" is so hot and hyped right now, but I always thought a "Social Networking" site is just a forum dressed up a little. I go to alot of forums including this one to talk and hear what other folks have to say, but I never go to Yahoo Massage boards... I just feel its too big and I just don't get that "community" feel. I think most people prefer to belong and participate in an active good size community, but not too big, and about everything. I think that smaller focussed community sites will continue to be very popular in the years to come. What do you think?

[carlton]

... I think that smaller focussed community sites will continue to be very popular in the years to come. What do you think?

I believe so. I gravitate to forums which provide quality discussion or specific information on a subject area. If the topics get too general, then the appeal is lost a bit. And particularly so when views expressed are extreme or faulty (the norm for Yahoo message boards).