I think that the fact that Web forums don't require readers is what contributes to their popularity. They have a low learning curve.
That said, the fact that they tend to have a government of sorts, can be a big advantage. A forum can potentially do away with trolls and encourage intelligent conversation in a way the Usenet cannot.
That said, the fact that they tend to have a government of sorts, can be a big advantage. A forum can potentially do away with trolls and encourage intelligent conversation in a way the Usenet cannot.