Theoretically assessing bnet based on individual experience should follow this pattern: If you lurk, it is worse. If you post (general sense), it is more gratifying. (Yay, pretty red numbers!) If you want developed (key word, will explain) discussion, it is worse. Reason being that the site is primarily designed with individual experience in mind. Take likes for example; invisible to all but the recipient. Take subthreads; they are a back and forth bouncing between users, using notifications. Take every thread; there is no overall course of development, only disconnected pockets of [b]focused interaction[/b]. BNext is a social network first and foremost, with [i]developed[/i] discussion of less importance than before. What does this mean? Well, when Destiny arrives there is plenty of scope for people to buddy up, and have a discussion in their little pockets. BNext is super-inclusive. You want to talk? Ping someone. Unlike before, when you would most likely be ignored after posting, due to the sheer volume of contributions, you are far more likely to receive a reply and be able to hold an extended discussion. It nurtures the community in so far as it allows people to feel valued, make friends, and play games. Okay, but what if I want a discussion with the [i]community as a whole[/i]? It is not impossible but it will not be as well developed as before. This is due to the muddle of post orders and lack of wider community inclusion (hence why lurking is less satisfying). You are better off seeking alternate venues for developed discussion, and using bnet as a means of interacting and being interacted with. So there you go, BNext explained (at least as I see it). Better in some ways, worse in others. Different. Interpretation depends very much on your perspective and values. While I have my brain going, a suggestion for how the two could both be present on site might be for groups to take on a different model to the mains. The mains would remain a social hub -which, let's face it, is going to be much better for gamers when Destiny launches- while also for the development some crave to still be possible on site in more focused groups. But perhaps that's way too complex. Food for thought, anyway.