This is running (Letsrun) related.....
For a graduate class that I'm taking in the fall, I started reading (early) The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman. Generally, it's about how the world is getting effectively smaller, through globalization.
Anyway, the importance of forums is stated, noting that forums decentralize news from only the media, allowing the public to uncover, dissect and discuss what is out there. The alternative prior to forums are to only read a newspaper or magazine, relying on some journalism schmuck. Little or no public networking and follow up was previously performed. Now the power of information is with the public, with large help of the forums.
I totally agree, including with respect to Letsrun. Yea, we get some trolls and attitudes on here. But the comments, "I'm only a poster" aren't valid. I learn a heckuva lot more on here, then reading any magazine. The same in other subjects of relevant forums. A (negative) note: Some of those athletes who bash this forum should quit being babies. There's a lot more support than criticism for almost all of them on here.