Trade forums are giving the traditional media a run for their money. The sheer wide acceptance in such a short span of time should tell you trade forums have obvious advantages over its competitors:
First-hand opinion: The opinion received on these forums is not from some academician or consultant who is paid to talk. It is received from actual people who have been there and done that. This information is invaluable to a new participant as they can gain from other partners' experiences.
Networking: Apart from the regular e-bay tips, participants benefit as they can refer each other to known US wholesalers. This works only as long as the website, which hosts the forum, verifies its participants, which is done by moat today. The website may know that it is not legally liable for the content, but they also know that they will not survive very long if the content is not reliable.
Not easily manipulated: Manipulating the traditional media has become easy since there are only few competitors and each is as good as the other. To keep business in the web domain you must have a reputation of consistently publishing immaculate content. The competitiveness gets the best out for participants.
Cheaper: For the average participant, trade forums are a welcome break since the content is free and user generated. Each helps the other, the host only provides a space thus the costs are minimal.
Customized: Trade forums are customized in the sense that any newbie can post a question and get an answer. They are spontaneous and often up to the mark. The participant is saved the hassle and conducting business becomes easier and smooth.