Alright, check out my Journal. I added more specific details.

I already use this as a better source of objective opinion than any shit-laden music media publication. But I don't understand what you want to happen.

Album reviews? We already do those.

Apparently I'm having issues relaying my thoughts. I apologize for that. I attempted to elaborate some more so check it out once it's approved.

A neat thing to include would be average ratings of new albums in the New Releases Rating Forum.

Eh, I can't see this really working. The thing that makes Musicbanter such a great source of music is that you recognise the person giving the review or recomendation. You can form an idea about their music tastes and whether they fit with your own.
Once you start to try and push the content on to other people besides members of the community it isn't going to become any more useful than a regular music publication, because only a small percentage of readers would actually decide to become further involved in the community.

An excellent point.

I also enjoy open forums because it affords people that aren't journalism majors opportunity to express their opinions. In a blog atmosphere, it's almost impossible to carry people's interest unless you're a fantastic writer.

MusicBanter is fine as it is. There are already great, well-written album reviews and the Members Journal section is pretty much almost like reading a zine.

Hey I only just arrived at the doorstep here a couple of days ago and i am very much enjoying it! I've been posting around the place for a good eight years, at various sites on various topics - so far the posters here seem genuinely welcoming and there seems to be a good range of topics/ ideas available to post on... very good indeed! Keep up the great work moderators! :-)