The use of Discussion forums vs. Comment walls

[Tom Merilahti]

As you have recognized, people (fellow members) write comments in different groups in order to... WHAT?

To write in the "Comment walls” of divergent special groups is easy, even too easy. It might be a good choice to share opinions about something, but have you ever thought about why you do it?

What are you trying to accomplish by writing comments?”

The comments are in most cases disconnected and stay floating without continuity. Most of us would like to know what kind of reactions thoughts, ideas or even critique our postings bring forth, and to interact with our fellow members, colleagues, potential clients and other professionals.

What can our comments result in? Brand and/or corporate awareness? Idea generation? To find or create entirely new ideas and concepts? In creation of new think tanks and work groups in order to get things done? In opportunities for synergy, added value, multiplicative effects and new business?

Discussion forums are structured, threaded, text based online discussion communities

I would like to motivate and encourage you to start using the “Discussion forums” instead of “Comment walls”. I see that the comments on individual profiles are good to exchange e.g. personal greetings. On the other hand, “Discussion forums” are structured, threaded, text based online discussion communities.

Focus on your Goal!

By choosing the “Discussion forums” of special groups you are able to focus on different topics, such as Art, (Brand) Marketing, Corporate Communications, CSR, Music, Business, Economics, Trends & Future visions… and to start and/or participate in a specific thread. The use of “Discussion forums” makes you think more about what and why you are writing something, and to do it Goal Directed. The key question is what do you expect to achieve with your posting.

Strive to get feedback and cause continuity!

The “Discussion forums” offer you the opportunity to choose your very own, striking heading and topic, to start an interesting thread and to achieve more feedback and continuity. Simultaneously, you are activating the whole community and increase the value of the SICU Synergy Solutions Group and its 30 special groups.

In opposite to comment walls, you can also add tags and post the discussion updates through Twitter to Facebook > Plaxo > LinkedIn… and reach a huge amount of contacts at the same time.

It’s also about promoting yourself (personal branding), your company and/or premium brand, ideas, and about creating more attention and interest in your doings, and to keep up with an ongoing discussion.

The more provocative your posting is, the better chances you have to create attention and continuity.

Be Active to Activate, and to be Activated!

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