Originally Posted by Tachion

I don't see the journal as equivalent. This is about using the forum posting system and its regular and guest viewers.

Theoretically any thread could be started in a journal, so why have hte forum at all? Why- because it is far more efficient in getting many to participate.

Forum and journals(blogs) serve different needs in different ways. Blogs are more about you -this is about you within the community.
For example right now if you wanted to know what goals various members where setting for themselves how would you find out? Look through every journal?

It is also important to show and provide a place where the support of the community is EASY to see and feel on a personal level and where you know support is the reason for the post- ie you will not get 'judgements' about what you are doing - just support.