Differences between documents, blog posts, and discussions
Documents, blog posts, questions, and discussions have different purposes and rewards. Here you find suggests ways to think about these content types.
Documents
Purpose : Collaborate with others on a single document; capture information that should be available for a while; create a report, agenda, or meeting notes. For more information, see Using documents.
Format : Most of the content is in the document itself; comments by readers and authors are appended.
Style : Somewhat formal, often in the third person.
Stream updates : Whenever the document is edited (and Minor Update is not selected), and whenever comments are added.
Blog posts
Purpose : Express a point of view; call something to the attention of other users; make a proposal to get feedback from others; ponder an idea. For more information, see Using blogs.
Format : Most of the content is usually in the initial post, with reader comments appended.
Style : Informal, usually in the first person.
Stream updates : Whenever comments are added. Edits to a blog don't trigger an update.
Discussions
Purpose : Make a short observation or assertion to get feedback; report a problem. For more information, see Using discussions and questions.
Format : Most of the content is in the form of replies to the initial assertion.
Style : Informal, usually in the first person.
Stream updates : Whenever replies are added, and whenever a reply is marked as Correct or Helpful.
Questions
Purpose : Ask the community a question. For more information, see Using discussions and questions.
Format : Most of the content is in the form of replies to the initial question.
Style : Informal, usually in the first person.
Stream updates : Whenever replies are added, and whenever an answer is marked as Correct or Helpful.