General Differences between tourney and ring games...

[MLor]

I started playing poker online at Party two months ago. I spend the majority of my time in tournaments in the $10 - $50 buy in range. Read some books and have been playing position and hand groups according to Malmuth/Sklansky's Hold'em for Advanced Players. Problem is, i keep getting ground out in 4th or 5th place. If i can make it to 3rd i more often than not can win the tourney. My trouble spot is making the jump from fourth to third. Seems too early to loosen up but the blinds get too big to stay tight. Any strategy suggestions?

I keep hearing that ring game strategy and tourney strategy are vastly different. Any general info on what differences there are would also be greatly appreciated.