As it has been explained to me content marketing (CM) is primarily about "securing placement of (content)".
As practiced by the masses CM has included placement of bs . . err . . articles in article directories, guest blogging, etc.
CM is also used in the sense of "adding stuff" to one's website or digital media presence for the purpose of spidering, gaining references / links, engaging (potential) customers, etc.
Due to its sweep catching up so many BS practices some folks "turn off the lights" when they hear or read "content marketing". Me too. Sometimes.
At it's best "content" is synonymous with quality and value: original+significant+actionable research and/or analysis spun into articles, infographics, etc.
The "marketing" part of content marketing (CM) IS DISTINCT from the content itself. One can "market their content" (seek to gain favorable placements) AND the "content itself" can be used to "market one's product(s) or service(s)".
While quality content is appealing and desirable finding placements that will leverage and viralize one's content isn't a no-brainer task. CM is becoming a profession unto itself, i.e., it takes brains, social skills, negotiation skills, etc.
CM, as a profession, talks about "having access" to those who make decisions about what gets published where. It talks about relationship building which encompasses more than having someone else's email address. It talks about collaboration, etc.
CM, used generically, numbs my brain. I turn the lights back on when I see concrete examples of exactly how - when done right - content marketing produces amazing results. Done right, CM is one of only a handful of strategies that offer the real rewards of significant mentions, quality links, and significant traffic and conversions.
A new forum, one that focuses on the best of content marketing, might actually lifts all boats - lend clarity, create actionable clarity, illuminate what works and what doesn't, provide impetus for those who beat dead horses to cease doing so, etc.
A new forum, however, won't lift boats with holes in their hulls . . or their heads.
