Pre-trip preparation, use blogger for discussion?

I set up this blog because our group would like to get to know each other through online discussion.  So far, we've been using email.  In my experience, email is the path of least resistance - nearly everyone is comfortable using it.  However, using an online forum has an appeal for discussing certain topics in a sort of "closed off area" online - that is, you go to a specific URL to participate the conversation, rather than searching through your inbox amongst many, many conversations. It makes it possible to post an article or image that some individuals want to discuss in depth, but others may not have as much to say on.  It also allows everyone to go back to it at a later time if they want the information.

Also, there is something to be said for not clogging up inboxes.