SevenCubed - 1:01 pm on Sep 13, 2012 (gmt 0)

I would disagree that forums are a less manipulative platform for self-promotion...

Overall in general, forums are about promoting ideas whereas the others mentioned are about promoting self-interests. The current hype surrounding the fab "social media" is a fad that will pass away sooner or later because they offer no depth, forums will always be around.

You could stare at facebook walls, twitter feeds, or pinterest photos for days or weeks and not see anything thought provoking popup whereas diving into forum posts can keep you entertained for hours and most days there is going to be at least one thread that we can learn something new from. Fab "social media" is a push medium whereas forums are a "seek and find" resource. I could go on but I think that gets my point across.

With moderator control and peer rebuttal you aren't going to get anywhere with manipulation for self-interests.