Having just read the Wii - Godfather thread it would appear to be the ideal example of how forums/blogs play a part in sales.
I personally think that the process is essentially unfair however. For example who are the people who write reviews and take time out to write in forums and blogs? People who have a passion for the industry and gaming in general. So these people normally have tastes that are much more discerning when compared with joe public. Essentially because the people in these feedback loops are so discerning and their opinions are so readily accessible then they can have an almost stifling effect on the industry. Alternatively if more of the joe public participate in the feedback loop it can have the opposite effect obviously and push the industry forward faster.
Essay Pro