Have forums had their day?

[Syl]

I went away for 4 days, when I came back and logged in here, barely a handful of new posts had been posted .
Has social media finally taken over even the most fervent of poster? or have people simply grown bored of discussion?

Question....Have forums finally had their day?

[Syl]

And when I next log in, if there are no replies....I will know the answer.

[Tommy Monk]

I am not on any social media like fakebook or twatter, and I am happy to keep posting here.


I've just been really busy lately which is why I've not been posting much over last couple of weeks or so...

[Ben Reilly]

I definitely think that social media is killing forums off.

[JulesV]

I went away for 4 days, when I came back and logged in here, barely a handful of new posts had been posted .
Has social media finally taken over even the most fervent of poster? or have people simply grown bored of discussion?

Question....Have forums finally had their day?

Treat members with respect.
Members can throw insults at each other, that's fine.
But it is unforgivable when insults come from admin.

[Maddog]

I went away for 4 days, when I came back and logged in here, barely a handful of new posts had been posted .
Has social media finally taken over even the most fervent of poster? or have people simply grown bored of discussion?

Question....Have forums finally had their day?

Treat members with respect.
Members can throw insults at each other, that's fine.
But it is unforgivable when insults come from admin.

Social media is full of insults too.

But one news story could have hundreds of posts making it more active than a forum with a handful of members.

[Original Quill]

In a “Forum”, the SUBJECT MATTER is the context, whereas in a “Social Network”, the PERSON and their profile is the context. It is the person who posts that makes the content valuable to the reader, and the personal connection is the #1 reason their post will get engaged with.

Frankly, I agree with tommy in that I’m inclined to stay off Facebook and other social networks.  They tend to be trivial and boring.  I like to discuss what's going on, and Forums are geared for that.

The inactivity here is owing to loss of LW members.  Absent any controversy, it's all Tweedledum and Tweedledee.    As any cook knows, its the spice that generates interest.

[Syl]

I am not on any social media like fakebook or twatter, and I am happy to keep posting here.


I've just been really busy lately which is why I've not been posting much over last couple of weeks or so...

I am the same as you, not on any social media sites....I did try Facebook but found it boring, and for some reason I was suspended from Twitter even though I hadn't even made any posts....so I dont bother with that either.

Just here and one other forum...both very quiet and the minute.

[Syl]

I definitely think that social media is killing forums off.

It's a pity, I joined forums in 2007, and they were busy and lively back then.
Maybe most people prefer the one liners or the posing for selfies and spreading them about rather than proper discussions....which is one thing forums have always done well in.

[Syl]

I went away for 4 days, when I came back and logged in here, barely a handful of new posts had been posted .
Has social media finally taken over even the most fervent of poster? or have people simply grown bored of discussion?

Question....Have forums finally had their day?

Treat members with respect.
Members can throw insults at each other, that's fine.
But it is unforgivable when insults come from admin.

Do you still post on Dogs?

[Syl]

In a “Forum”, the SUBJECT MATTER is the context, whereas in a “Social Network”, the PERSON and their profile is the context. It is the person who posts that makes the content valuable to the reader, and the personal connection is the #1 reason their post will get engaged with.

Frankly, I agree with tommy in that I’m inclined to stay off Facebook and other social networks.  They tend to be trivial and boring.  I like to discuss what's going on, and Forums are geared for that.

The inactivity here is owing to loss of LW members.  Absent any controversy, it's all Tweedledum and Tweedledee.    As any cook knows, its the spice that generates interest.

Eddie is more left than right, so am I, though neither of us bang on about our preferences in politics much.
I agree that any forum needs differences of opinion to flourish, who wants to post on a Stepford forum?

[Original Quill]

Frankly, I agree with tommy in that I’m inclined to stay off Facebook and other social networks.  They tend to be trivial and boring.  I like to discuss what's going on, and Forums are geared for that.

The inactivity here is owing to loss of LW members.  Absent any controversy, it's all Tweedledum and Tweedledee.    As any cook knows, its the spice that generates interest.

Eddie is more left than right, so am I, though neither of us bang on about our preferences in politics much.
I agree that any forum needs differences of opinion to flourish, who wants to post on a Stepford forum?

I don't want to get into personalities. But, as an avowed LW'er, I believe there are only three of us left. And between us, I am the more progressive...so even the three of us argue between ourselves.

[Maddog]

I definitely think that social media is killing forums off.

It's a pity, I joined forums in 2007, and they were busy and lively back then.
Maybe most people prefer the one liners or the posing for selfies and spreading them about rather than proper discussions....which is one thing forums have always done well in.

Every news page has a Facebook page for discussion. So every news event can be discussed by people that follow that news page.

Think the SOL forum, except everyone is a real person (most anyway).

I have discussions every day on Facebokk with people all over the planet..

What you're describing is Instagram, which is the selfies and shit. It's where I look at pictures of my kids amd granddaughters.

For serious political discussion, I'll be honest. Facebook blows forums away. You just have to set up your page that way..

There are is ott less fake shit on Facebook too. You can't hide too long on there. You're friends can see what you post.

[Syl]

Eddie is more left than right, so am I, though neither of us bang on about our preferences in politics much.
I agree that any forum needs differences of opinion to flourish, who wants to post on a Stepford forum?

I don't want to get into personalities.  But, as an avowed LW'er, I believe there are only three of us left.  And between us, I am the more progressive...so even the three of us argue between ourselves.

I think maybe your definition of Left is different to mine.

[Syl]

It's a pity, I joined forums in 2007, and they were busy and lively back then.
Maybe most people prefer the one liners or the posing for selfies and spreading them about rather than proper discussions....which is one thing forums have always done well in.

Every news page has a Facebook page for discussion. So every news event can be discussed by people that follow that news page.

Think the SOL forum, except everyone is a real person (most anyway).

I have discussions every day on Facebokk with people all over the planet..

What you're describing is Instagram, which is the selfies and shit. It's where I look at pictures of my kids amd granddaughters.  

For serious political discussion, I'll be honest. Facebook blows forums away. You just have to set up your page that way..

There are is ott less fake shit on Facebook too. You can't hide too long on there. You're friends can see what you post.  

I like the idea of less fake shit....I guess I didn't use my facebook right.
Also at the time a couple of forum trolls was trying to get personal info about me and mine, not sure why because I am an open book, but i didn't want pics of my family in some idiots hands.

[Maddog]

Every news page has a Facebook page for discussion. So every news event can be discussed by people that follow that news page.

Think the SOL forum, except everyone is a real person (most anyway).

I have discussions every day on Facebokk with people all over the planet..

What you're describing is Instagram, which is the selfies and shit. It's where I look at pictures of my kids amd granddaughters.  

For serious political discussion, I'll be honest. Facebook blows forums away. You just have to set up your page that way..

There are is ott less fake shit on Facebook too. You can't hide too long on there. You're friends can see what you post.  

I like the idea of less fake shit....I guess I didn't use my facebook right.
Also at the time a couple of forum trolls was trying to get personal info about me and mine, not sure why because I am an open book, but i didn't want pics of my family in some idiots hands.

See, and in your case, it was nut jobs on forums that caused the problems.

You sorta have to own your shit a bit more on Facebook and Twitter. None of this pretend fantasy shit that plagues forums.

That being said, Facebook isn't nearly as much fun as it used to be. Everything is offensive now or against some stupid guidelines.

[Original Quill]

I don't want to get into personalities. But, as an avowed LW'er, I believe there are only three of us left. And between us, I am the more progressive...so even the three of us argue between ourselves.

I think maybe your definition of Left is different to mine.

It's possible. There is a continuum within the normal range of left/right, which tends to go the way of the public perception of normal. I'm a little to the left of that.

My focus comes from my own analytical calculations, and is unaffected by the public perception of normalcy. Primarily, I'm guided by the value of equality. I follow empirical evidence, not the way my neighbor feels. If there is any inequality, there had better be a damn good reason.

[Syl]

I like the idea of less fake shit....I guess I didn't use my facebook right.
Also at the time a couple of forum trolls was trying to get personal info about me and mine, not sure why because I am an open book, but i didn't want pics of my family in some idiots hands.

See, and in your case, it was nut jobs on forums that caused the problems.

You sorta have to own your shit a bit more on Facebook and Twitter.  None of this pretend fantasy shit that plagues forums.  

That being said, Facebook isn't nearly as much fun as it used to be.  Everything is offensive now or against some stupid guidelines.

I just used Facebook to see the posts and pics my family posted really, plus a couple of forums related to where I once worked and where I grew up, stuff like that.

Forums suited me more, especially when they were busier, because, though like you say there are some who use them to either troll or big themselves up, if they stick around, it soon becomes obvious who is genuine and who isn't.
Plus...on some forums, (this and tother one I am on) people can still speak freely and give opinions that might offend, but they don't get banned or castigated by the faux outrage that I keep hearing people go on about on some social media sites.

[Syl]

I think maybe your definition of Left is different to mine.

It's possible.  There is a continuum within the normal range of left/right, which tends to go the way of the public perception of normal.  I'm a little to the left of that.

My focus comes from my own analytical calculations, and is unaffected by the public perception of normalcy.  Primarily, I'm guided by the value of equality.  I follow empirical evidence, not the way my neighbor feels.  If there is any inequality, there had better be a damn good reason.

Left or right, there will always be inequality.

[Maddog]

See, and in your case, it was nut jobs on forums that caused the problems.

You sorta have to own your shit a bit more on Facebook and Twitter.  None of this pretend fantasy shit that plagues forums.  

That being said, Facebook isn't nearly as much fun as it used to be.  Everything is offensive now or against some stupid guidelines.

I just used Facebook to see the posts and pics my family posted really, plus a couple of forums related to where I once worked and where I grew up, stuff like that.

Forums suited me more, especially when they were busier, because, though like you say there are some who use them to either troll or big themselves up, if they stick around, it soon becomes obvious who is genuine and who isn't.
Plus...on some forums, (this and tother one I am on) people can still speak freely and give opinions that might offend, but they don't get banned or castigated by the faux outrage that I keep hearing people go on about on some social media sites.

I don't disagree. Facebook reflects more of how you act in public, forums are more like how you act at home.

[Original Quill]

It's possible.  There is a continuum within the normal range of left/right, which tends to go the way of the public perception of normal.  I'm a little to the left of that.

My focus comes from my own analytical calculations, and is unaffected by the public perception of normalcy.  Primarily, I'm guided by the value of equality.  I follow empirical evidence, not the way my neighbor feels.  If there is any inequality, there had better be a damn good reason.

Left or right, there will always be inequality.

And that's a sour thing, something always to be questioned...and avoided when possible.

[Syl]

Left or right, there will always be inequality.

And that's a sour thing, something always to be questioned...and avoided when possible.

In a perfect world, yep.

[JulesV]

Treat members with respect.
Members can throw insults at each other, that's fine.
But it is unforgivable when insults come from admin.

Do you still post on Dogs?

Yes, sometimes.  

Posting to me on a level playing field, is ok. But posting insults in the role of "I am the boss round here" is not ok,
cos a mod is expected to have selfcontrol of their emotions while preaching to members to show self control.

Instead of dragging other websites into this thread why not concentrate your thoughts on this site, Syl?
And if you want to throw questions around, you could always ask questions like "why did Korben leave?"


Or maybe none of this is anyone's fault, let's leave it at that.


@ Korben, if you are looking in - I hope you are well and enjoying the summer weather.

Stay safe, everyone!  

[Ben Reilly]

Treat members with respect.
Members can throw insults at each other, that's fine.
But it is unforgivable when insults come from admin.

Do you still post on Dogs?

Yes, sometimes.  

Posting to me on a level playing field, is ok. But posting insults in the role of "I am the boss round here" is not ok,
cos a mod is expected to have selfcontrol of their emotions while preaching to members to show self control.

Instead of dragging other websites into this thread why not concentrate your thoughts on this site, Syl?
And if you want to throw questions around, you could always ask questions like "why did Korben leave?"


Or maybe none of this is anyone's fault, let's leave it at that.


@ Korben, if you are looking in - I hope you are well and enjoying the summer weather.

Stay safe, everyone!  

If you're going to say an admin acts like that, you should name names. You're being a bit sneaky, actually.

[Syl]

Do you still post on Dogs?

Yes, sometimes.  

Posting to me on a level playing field, is ok. But posting insults in the role of "I am the boss round here" is not ok,
cos a mod is expected to have selfcontrol of their emotions while preaching to members to show self control.

Instead of dragging other websites into this thread why not concentrate your thoughts on this site, Syl?
And if you want to throw questions around, you could always ask questions like "why did Korben leave?"


Or maybe none of this is anyone's fault, let's leave it at that.


@ Korben, if you are looking in - I hope you are well and enjoying the summer weather.

Stay safe, everyone!  

Why are you always on the defensive?

The OP asked one question, your answer was off topic really, but I responded and asked a pertinent question in answer to your reply.

Not sure why you have mentioned Korben, but as you have, and if he does look in, I will echo your good wishes to him......have a good summer Korben.x

[HoratioTarr]

I went away for 4 days, when I came back and logged in here, barely a handful of new posts had been posted .
Has social media finally taken over even the most fervent of poster? or have people simply grown bored of discussion?

Question....Have forums finally had their day?

I think everyone's fucked off to Mumsnet. Where else can you go to get figuratively ragged by the minge hairs and tossed around by the tits? It's like feeding time at the watering hole on that place. Lots of pushing and shoving and moos of outrage. I suspect quite a few of the Delilah's from Dagenham and Pru's from Pontefract are actually blokes.

[Syl]

I went away for 4 days, when I came back and logged in here, barely a handful of new posts had been posted .
Has social media finally taken over even the most fervent of poster? or have people simply grown bored of discussion?

Question....Have forums finally had their day?

I think everyone's fucked off to Mumsnet.   Where else can you go to get figuratively  ragged by the minge hairs and tossed around by the tits?   It's like feeding time at the watering hole on that place.   Lots of pushing and shoving and moos of  outrage.  I suspect quite a few of the Delilah's from Dagenham and Pru's from Pontefract are actually blokes.

Have you not got over getting banned from there on your first day yet?

[HoratioTarr]

I think everyone's fucked off to Mumsnet.   Where else can you go to get figuratively  ragged by the minge hairs and tossed around by the tits?   It's like feeding time at the watering hole on that place.   Lots of pushing and shoving and moos of  outrage.  I suspect quite a few of the Delilah's from Dagenham and Pru's from Pontefract are actually blokes.

Have you not got over getting banned from there on your first day yet?

I wasn't banned as I can still log in. Or perhaps they unbanned me

[Syl]

I never tried, tbh, if Mumsnet was the only forum around I think I might take up knitting.

[Didgee]

NO, they have not had their day Syl

This will only happen when nobody continues to reply

If things are quite, be inventive as I know you

Ask though provoking questions you do not agree with

[Syl]

NO, they have not had their day Syl

This will only happen when nobody continues to reply

If things are quite, be inventive as I know you

Ask though provoking questions you do not agree with

I try to do my bit.
This forum is a lot quieter since you stopped posting actually......

[lolly]

I like Facebook. (except for the censorship of certain subjects) I know people say it's boring and full of people posting their dinner etc but surely that's down to the user and not FB, FB is a platform and how you use it is down to you. Mine is full of people and pages that I am interested in.
I run a small forum and also many FB groups and always admin in the background most don't even know I am the admin

Absolutely nothing wrong with having a quiet forum that speeds up here and there depending on the mood of its members. at the moment most people are worn down and fatigued and just don't have anything left to give.

[Syl]

I like Facebook. (except for the censorship of certain subjects)   I know people say it's boring and full of people posting their dinner etc but surely that's down to the user and not FB, FB is a platform and how you use it is down to you.  Mine is full of people and pages that I am interested in.
 I run a small forum and also many FB groups and always admin in the background most don't even know I am the admin    

Absolutely nothing wrong with having a quiet forum that speeds up here and there depending on the mood of its members.    at the moment most people are worn down and fatigued and just don't have anything left to give.  

Not sure how long you have been reading here, but this forum has had times when it's busy and bustling, not so much now, but there are still usually some quality threads on the go.

I dont do social media, which is probably why I don't get bored with forums....I do hanker after the days when they were really busy with lot's of different posters dropping in.
I started off on the Mirror forum, which truly was inclusive to all and always bustling. Mind you that was back in 2007, and lots of other distractions like Twitter, which had just started, have taken off in a big way since then.

[eddie]

I like Facebook. (except for the censorship of certain subjects)   I know people say it's boring and full of people posting their dinner etc but surely that's down to the user and not FB, FB is a platform and how you use it is down to you.  Mine is full of people and pages that I am interested in.
 I run a small forum and also many FB groups and always admin in the background most don't even know I am the admin    

Absolutely nothing wrong with having a quiet forum that speeds up here and there depending on the mood of its members.    at the moment most people are worn down and fatigued and just don't have anything left to give.  

Hey Lolly! Nice to see you posting! I like your direct style.

Facebook isn’t good for debate though. It’s too full of people who don’t really understand the concept of debate, don’t you think?

[Ben Reilly]

Agree that it's good to see posts from Lolly -- you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. As we used to say back when this place was really booming -- get stuck in!

[lolly]

Thank you, Eddie and Ben.  

I go through stages of being a prolific poster and then a prolific lurker.

Some good discussions are to be had on FB groups but as long as the admin is not too heavy-handed and let people fight it out a little bit nor too light-handed and deal with the trolls.  

In the groups, if someone is picking a fight or poking people   I will do a search and see if that's always the case or if they might have a point.    if they are always causing a row and will argue with a mirror, I will remove them if it's my group, or block them if I am just a member.  The lucky thing with FB a block really is a block.  Shame forums don't have the same abilities.  

[lolly]

I like Facebook. (except for the censorship of certain subjects)   I know people say it's boring and full of people posting their dinner etc but surely that's down to the user and not FB, FB is a platform and how you use it is down to you.  Mine is full of people and pages that I am interested in.
 I run a small forum and also many FB groups and always admin in the background most don't even know I am the admin    

Absolutely nothing wrong with having a quiet forum that speeds up here and there depending on the mood of its members.    at the moment most people are worn down and fatigued and just don't have anything left to give.  

Not sure how long you have been reading here, but this forum has had times when it's busy and bustling, not so much now, but there are still usually some quality threads on the go.

I dont do social media, which is probably why I don't get bored with forums....I do hanker after the days when they were really busy with lot's of different posters dropping in.
I started off on the Mirror forum, which truly was inclusive to all and always bustling. Mind you that was back in 2007, and lots of other distractions like Twitter, which had just started, have taken off in a big way since then.

My first forum was digital spy in 2004. before I even had a spall check and so my posts in all their dyslexic glory were on show for all to see, people were so lovely about it and didn't use it to score points back then An amazing forum with so many good debates and giggles but it declined so badly over the years it became so you dare not post anything in fear of getting a ban.  I got a ban the same day as I asked for my account to be deleted.  

[Syl]

I have heard of digital Spy but never posted on it.

Lol about the spell check, I couldn't even type when I first joined a form, by the time I had typed out a reply fit enough to press send....the topic had moved on.

It's nice you found here, hope to see you giving your opinions on lots of different subjects. x

[HoratioTarr]

I like Facebook. (except for the censorship of certain subjects)   I know people say it's boring and full of people posting their dinner etc but surely that's down to the user and not FB, FB is a platform and how you use it is down to you.  Mine is full of people and pages that I am interested in.
 I run a small forum and also many FB groups and always admin in the background most don't even know I am the admin    

Absolutely nothing wrong with having a quiet forum that speeds up here and there depending on the mood of its members.    at the moment most people are worn down and fatigued and just don't have anything left to give.  

Hey Lolly! Nice to see you posting!  I like your direct style.

Facebook isn’t good for debate though. It’s too full of people who don’t really understand the concept of debate, don’t you think?

Talking of Facebook, I can't look at Mark Zuckerberg without a shiver of revulsion. Don't ask me why but I find the man repellent.

[eddie]

So do I, Horatio. I think he’s a greedy little shit.

[Ben Reilly]

Even forums today are Facebook-ized -- when I started on forums back in 2004, they didn't have "like" buttons, emoji and such. Facebook is so massive that it's causing people who have nothing to do with it, imitate it.

Also, I remember when emoji were called "emoticons." Who dictated the switch?

I'm getting old, I suppose. And a bit drunk.

[Syl]

Even forums today are Facebook-ized -- when I started on forums back in 2004, they didn't have "like" buttons, emoji and such. Facebook is so massive that it's causing people who have nothing to do with it, imitate it.

Also, I remember when emoji were called "emoticons." Who dictated the switch?

I'm getting old, I suppose. And a bit drunk.

You and Eddie only seem to visit here nowadays when you are both 'a bit drunk'.

The forum definitely has a different vibe without you both here.

It's not a criticism, I realise people are busy and life moves at a quick pace, or maybe it's just the joy of posting here has diminished for you both....whatever the reason, you are missed, just wanted to say that.

[Maddog]

Even forums today are Facebook-ized -- when I started on forums back in 2004, they didn't have "like" buttons, emoji and such. Facebook is so massive that it's causing people who have nothing to do with it, imitate it.

Also, I remember when emoji were called "emoticons." Who dictated the switch?

I'm getting old, I suppose. And a bit drunk.

You and Eddie only seem to visit here nowadays when you are both 'a bit drunk'.

The forum definitely has a different vibe without you both here.

It's not a criticism, I realise people are busy and life moves at a quick pace, or maybe it's just the joy of posting here has  diminished for you both....whatever the reason, you are missed, just wanted to say that.  

It's because they can't tolerate you sober.

[Syl]

You and Eddie only seem to visit here nowadays when you are both 'a bit drunk'.

The forum definitely has a different vibe without you both here.

It's not a criticism, I realise people are busy and life moves at a quick pace, or maybe it's just the joy of posting here has  diminished for you both....whatever the reason, you are missed, just wanted to say that.  

It's because they can't tolerate you sober.

Cheeky bugger.

[eddie]

Even forums today are Facebook-ized -- when I started on forums back in 2004, they didn't have "like" buttons, emoji and such. Facebook is so massive that it's causing people who have nothing to do with it, imitate it.

Also, I remember when emoji were called "emoticons." Who dictated the switch?

I'm getting old, I suppose. And a bit drunk.

You and Eddie only seem to visit here nowadays when you are both 'a bit drunk'.

The forum definitely has a different vibe without you both here.

It's not a criticism, I realise people are busy and life moves at a quick pace, or maybe it's just the joy of posting here has  diminished for you both....whatever the reason, you are missed, just wanted to say that.  

He was joking. It was a Thursday night, we wasn’t drunk! We tend to log on at weekends because we have more time, that’s all.
Thank you for saying we are missed. Truth is, we miss having the time and energy to post. Life is a little hectic sometimes.

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