Is it easier to generate traffic to a new BLOG than a new Message Board?

[Kat]

It's been awhile since I've launched a new community - mine is about 5 years old now and has about 28k members.

That said, I sympathize with those trying to get traffic to a new board.

Here's my question...is it easier to generate traffice with a blog (because of the pinging system)?

I noticed that Expression Engine is a full blog, but it also has a message board platform. I'm wondering if that might be a good way to get a new community launched.

One of my blogs has started to develop a community atmosphere (with people leaving messages to each other on the different entries.)

I'm on WordPress, but I can see that if I had Expression Engine (or something similar) I could have an instant community.

Your thoughts on Blogs and traffic?

[Wartena]

I think both serve a different purpose. In a Blog the discussion is pretty much around the postings of the editor(s) and therefore pretty limited. On a forum everyone is able to start topics (altough restricted by the subject of the board).

A Blog is a great way to start a community if you are able to write decent stories, once people like to read it they might want to discuss it with other people as well.