We used to be a fan site for a single series of books, and that was great for promoting discussion, because everyone had read the same stuff and was therefore able to discuss the same stuff.


Now, we're a "fan" site for a genre, not a series. And so, for any given discussion, only a small percentage of the board will have read the stuff in question, and still smaller percentage will be willing to actually do any talking.


So, reviews are a good way of getting everyone in on a discussion, as while reviews are generally aimed at those who haven't read/seen whatever it is the review is about (and thus involving them), those who have read/seen the stuff can also jump in on the post and offer their thoughts and opinions.



It's just a shame that most people don't seem to take the time to participate in review discussions.