Forums for Outreach?

[jwilburn]

Background: I am trying to come up with some new ideas for marketing nonprofits. Being an avid reader of X5world, I thought maybe, though not new, an online forum could be a good idea.

So many organizations are tip-toe'ing into blogs and podcasts but dont really understand the basics behind them. I am thinking a forum might be a better fit. Not only can an organization post articles, updates, and questions, but a forum, I feel, is more conducive to a back and forth dialogue -- not just with the organization but other supporters.

Being the intillectual bunch you are on X5/3World, I thought I would pose this question to you. If an organization you support or are interested in, has a forum would this possibly provide sufficient insight? Does anyone know of any nonprofit's that already have forums?

I know this is way off topic of the usual car/politics/wacky wed discussions, but any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

-j

[soccerjunky]

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[Quicksilver]

Off the top of my head the first thing that comes to mind is "A forum for marketing nonprofits"? sounds a bit boreing so I'm not sure how many people would come by to post about the subject. A blog on the other hand will #1 give you the opportunity to talk about your vision #2 allow others to read and analize your concepts and directions.

Forums (like this one) IMO attract people who often have no interest in the overall direction or spirit and intent of the forum. They just come by for bits and pieces and don't really contribute. Of course this is just an off the top of the head opinion. I'm sure you will get better info from others.

[jwilburn]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. It would be a forum for a specific organization. So for instance while this one focuses mainly on bimmers, the Humane Society for example could have an animal specific forum.

From what I have seen and heard, nonprofits still havent caught on to how to use blogs. They are considered more as a one-way channel for sending info out, where a forum could be more of a 2-way dialogue.

P.S. And yes there are discussion groups and blogs about marketing nonprofits and yes they are boring.

[Quicksilver]

Then my guess would be a combination would be better. It seems to me that If one were to based it on a Daily, weekly or monthly, blog with forum support. It would be well suited to getting the vision forward and providing a vehicle for additional comment and support. Correct me if I'm wrong but i believe what I'm talking about already exist so i guess I'm just expressing my positive response to what i have already seen (although i cant remember where) If i see it again, I'll pass it on.