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It is an interesting debate - as more and more people become active on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook (and others inevitably to follow) the Internet is evolving really quickly and I think we're all trying to find ways to keep up, both professionally and on a personal level too.
Future's magazines have found that it's very worthwhile to have a presence in places like Facebook and Twitter because it's a great way of expanding our presence online and increasing awareness of the magazines. So because of that, we've found value in it and do think it's worthwhile putting our resources into this areas.
That said, we also understand that the forum remains an important place for people who prefer a different means of communicating online than other popular platforms, and I would agree that it places such as Facebook encourage the '2 minute' culture, whereas conversations on forums can often be more thoughtful and considered.
As far as managing the forums, at the moment I check the threads daily to find comments where someone needs technical help with the forum. Reading people's comments on their desire for the magazine's editorial team to be involved and respond to comments, I've also begun suggesting to members of the team threads that they might want to participate in. I believe that as editorial members of the team, their technical knowledge and opinion is of more value than mine, therefore you'll see their comments more than mine as a community editor.
With regard to managing the forum, I often hear comments from regular users that you would like people to participate more. I would like to hear your suggestions of ways you think we might be able to improve this.
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