The word blog comes from the phrase web log. A “web log” or “blog” then is an online journal, usually maintained by one person but occasionally by a group. The purpose is for the individual or group to post entries on subjects of interest, usually allowing comments on individual entries (but not always).
The Catholic Answers Forums (CAF) is an online discussion forums site. On a discussion forums site, the public is invited to register and engage in conversation with each other. Sometimes they may be invited by the admins or by other members to comment on a subject of interest, but that is not the purpose. The purpose is conversation.
Basically, a blog is like an old-fashioned soapbox set up in a public arena, from which speakers (i.e., the bloggers) pontificate on whatever interests them and may be heckled by onlookers (i.e., the commenters). A discussion forums site is like an old-fashioned public house, where people used to meet for ale and conviviality. They can engage in conversations about whatever interests them, so long as they get along with each other and respect the management’s rules.
