What does microblogging give you that forums didn't?
I think what we've lost on the modern Internet from forums is a stable-ish social order. You knew people in a different way, remembered names and faces, understood personalities and attitudes. Some came and went but for the most part, there was some sort of community with social hierarchy and structure, agreed-upon values.<p>I think losing that is a large part of why Internet discussion has kind of turned to shit. Lacking real belonging, people create ephemeral tribes out of their perceived identity instead.