Before social networks took over the internet message boards – or forums – were perhaps the most essential way for people to come together online & talk about whatever was on their minds. Discussion spaces have evolved dramatically, though — message boards / forums aren’t as important as they used to be thanks to the decade-long onslaught of Twitter, Facebook, Reddit & many others. Many formerly prominent destinations have closed up shop many of those that ran successfully for over a decade.
The Foo Fighters postboard for example after 20 years is now just an earnest thanks-for-the-memories message. A stadium rock band that brought people to the virtual dance floor now gone.