I’m sitting in Neville Hobson’s “Blogging 101” session at the New Communications Forum in Napa, California. The question arose (as it so often does): What distinguishes a blog from a message board? Much has been written about the distinction, and you identify many different characteristics (including the friendly web interface). But from where I sit, the key difference is control. On a message board, anybody can initiate a topic. Only the owner of the blog can open a subject for discussion.

Consider Bob Lutz, the vice chairman of General Motors who has undertaken a blog focusing on product. On a message board, any visitor could start a topic on, say, why earnings failed to meet targets. On the blog, of course, an reader could add an earnings-focused comment to one of Lutz’s posts, but the comment would be out of context; Lutz would be under no obligation to respond.

Message boards still have value for open discussion. I use a message board for my online workshops so participants can discuss the lectures and ask questions. Blogs expand the range of tools available so we can select the best tool to meet the need. I invite any of your comments about the differences between blogs and message boards and how each might be used most effectively.

Addition: Here’s another thought that just struck me as I listened to the discussion: In a message board, those who do not participate are referred to as “lurkers.” There is an expectation of participation. No such expectation exists with blogs, where readers are welcome to comment if they like (and if commenting is enabled), but reading content is really the primary objective.