Editing PBNation (section)

== Paintball media and industry influence ==

=== User-generated content ===

PBNation differed from traditional paintball magazines because most of its content was contributed by users.

Members could publish information without waiting for a magazine's editorial or printing schedule.

This allowed rapid discussion of tournament results, new equipment and industry developments.

However, user-generated content also varied considerably in reliability.

Rumours, opinions and unverified claims could circulate alongside firsthand accounts and manufacturer announcements.

=== Equipment manufacturers ===

Paintball manufacturers used internet forums to communicate with customers.

PBNation provided opportunities to discuss new products, answer technical questions and receive feedback.

The platform's large audience made it commercially significant to equipment companies.

It also allowed customers to compare products and discuss manufacturer support.

=== Tournament organisations ===

PBNation hosted discussions of major tournament organisations, including:

* [[National Professional Paintball League]]
* [[Paintball Sports Promotions]]
* [[National Xball League]]
* [[Millennium Series]]
* Regional tournament leagues

Users shared event information, photographs, results and opinions.

Some threads provide contemporary evidence of tournaments for which official records are now difficult to locate.

=== Media recognition ===

PBNation received recognition from paintball publications and mainstream media.

Historical accounts report that SPLAT Magazine named it Paintball Website of the Year in its 2007 awards.

The website was also discussed in Forbes and the Chicago Tribune.[2]

The recognition reflected the growing importance of internet communities within paintball.