I've participated in storylines managed in two different manners: one board per self-contained storyline and one storyline that could spread over multiple boards (where each board represented a location).

Most RP stories tend to be run in a self-contained board or set of threads. Each thread may have a specific segment to contribute to the overall story. These boards are plot- or plot-segment based.

Location-based, where each board represents a specific locale within a setting, creates a strong sense of place. The storyline takes on a concrete feel because the story moves, like people do, between "physical locations". This also means that a storyline is spread over several boards. The latest post might be lost without the Daily Posting listings.

Location-based can also be more free-form because they are based around a location. People post about their daily offerings in the temple, for example. The locations provide a way for people to immediately jump in and interact with other characters and gradually ease into the greater storyline.

What are your experiences with boards? Do you prefer location- or storyline-based boards?