If you're still interested in blogging research, check out
problogger. It's a great place to start, whether you hope to monetize or not. It will also give you some other links to articles that can help you determine the best path for the type of blog you would like to create.
I know what you're saying about forums and the like. I would love to get to that place (i.e. a community rather than just my personal outlet), but building content comes before readership, and I guess in my mind I need readership before I can progress. Best of luck!