Site layout - Forum restructure/ recategorisation? (and remove blogs :) )

In another discussion the possible restructure/ recategorisation of the forums section was mentioned and thoughts invited.... but it was buried in a sidelined topic and almost no-one responded. (Original thread here: http://www.qatarliving.com/qatar-forum/forums/congratulations-to-the-new... )

Personally, I think a reorganisation of the forum topics would be a good idea so I thought I'd raise the topic again in its own thread.

The things Qatari asked for feedback on were:

....

1. What other Forum areas are required? Give me a list of sections that you think are useful and we'll add the best ones.

2. Should I restrict the use of blogs to only people who want to actually keep a "web log" - i.e. a diary or journal. Maybe whoever wants this can request it.

....

So - some thoughts I have:

- I still think the blog function should be totally scrapped. JMHO.

- Failing that, the blogs should definitely be separated from the general forums somehow, for example:
--- by requiring a separate application process - I certainly think making people apply for a blog, rather than giving them one by default, is a good idea
--- by having the blogs appear in a different style, perhaps, and definitely on a different page (ie make them harder to find and therefore not as easy for new members to accidentally make a blog post instead of a forum post)

- The forum topics could be expanded, but only if a concise, easy-to-access summary page of "New Posts" can be accessed. IMO, the (current) "Recent Posts" page is the only (semi-)convenient method for regular users to check the site. If there were to be even more categories in the Forums section, then that New Posts page should list *which* sub-forum section each post appears under.

- I suggest a "New Posts Since Your Last Visit" link on the front page that then takes you to a Summary Page listing (perhaps in tabular form): Forum Category / Thread Title / Original Creator / Number of Comments / Number of Views (if you think necessary) / Last Comment Date+Time / Last Comment Author / and maybe a Last Comment Preview (ie the first 30 characters or something).

- My suggestions for possible new categories of the Forums:

LIFE IN QATAR:
--- Preparations and Setup (or something similar... for initial queries and/or general questions on moving, setting up home, etc)
--- Socialising in Qatar (info on restaurants, events, gatherings, clubs etc)
--- Family Life in Qatar (schools, childcare, activities for kids etc)
--- Doha Shopping (Malls and Souks; where to find certain things)
--- Sightseeing in Qatar (... maybe not necessary)
--- Qatari Culture
--- General Life in Qatar (catch-all area for other stuff)

WORKING IN QATAR
--- Opportunities in Qatar (for all the "what sort of work will I find" queries)
--- Visas and Other Procedural Issues
--- Financial Issues (queries re "what salary" etc)
--- General Work Issues (problems/ miscellaneous)

QATAR LIVING WEBSITE ISSUES
--- News and Announcements
--- Problems or Comments?

Just my 2 cents' worth.

Cheers
Loki