How about in the user profile there could be a text area (like an expanded comments area) for the user to add in a mini-commentary, review, feature, picture of their dog... whatever. Kind of a "blogging junior" approach. It would adhere to the forums settings.
Once completed, users could post their "blog" alert in a shout box format, or as part of their user info in a post.
From the admin side, there could be predetermined categories for "Whats New" items, such as commentaries, reviews, etc. Any posting could be monitored with an alert like the current notify button. Whats New could have the option for admins to approve before posting.
This capability would further tie users into the community, provide constant news input, and provide an interim blogging capability.
