Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
- tom_tom_go
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Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
In answer to forum functionality (quick links):
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 33&t=11555
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 33&t=11555
Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
I personally like the way the forum is managed and clicking two or three times is not really any effort for crying out load....
This forum suits me and I guess other members also. I don't have a problem with anything on it. If I like something I only need to do click and to be honest I couldn't care less if I had to do six or a dozen clicks. The younger generation go hell for leather when they txt, so a few clicks on here shouldn't be too hard for them.
I feel this thread is wondering off somewhat, the OP is, (Internet "forums" are a thing of the past)...Have a look on any search engine and you will find hundreds of them.......
This forum suits me and I guess other members also. I don't have a problem with anything on it. If I like something I only need to do click and to be honest I couldn't care less if I had to do six or a dozen clicks. The younger generation go hell for leather when they txt, so a few clicks on here shouldn't be too hard for them.
I feel this thread is wondering off somewhat, the OP is, (Internet "forums" are a thing of the past)...Have a look on any search engine and you will find hundreds of them.......
ROD
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
But when you visit some of them, where 5 years ago they were having 50+ posts a day some are now lucky to reach 5+, the issue becomes that the members drift off due to "lack of interest". I am guilty of this having abandoned a number of forums (of differing subjects) due to lack of input.
Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
I don't keep a count Jimmy, but I think our forum gets quite a few everyday. But then again at certain times of the year there must be a slow down, especially with our hobby don't you think. I for one can't get to cold, so standing around in the garden running our locos just can't happen for me really. But then there are other things we can do certainly, like build stuff for the line, or even some wagons or line side. It's a hobby I enjoy and I will carry on with the forum until I move on to a better world...Hopefully....
ROD
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
Board games are increasing in popularity. The tabletop game section of 4chan is one of the busiest boards (mind you, most of it is Warhammer).philipy wrote: βWed Dec 04, 2019 12:21 pmAt a slight tangent and drifting somewhat Off topic, I'v just seen an item that apparently "Millenials" are taking to board games in a big way. So much so that there are actually now Board Game Cafes and one in London somewhere has a selection of 1400 games that you can play with your friends whilst you drink your (presumably multiple) coffees. It's not quite modelling but at least its a drift away from Soshul mejah.Peter Butler wrote: βWed Dec 04, 2019 11:00 am Already our younger generation are lethargic and obese due to the lack of exercise and any physical activity,
I've noticed a few "student" pubs also have board games available.
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Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
Interesting to look at this thread as a new member.
Are forums declining ? often in new content, but one needs to consider if forums are being used as a resource. Often regular subjects have been dealt with time and time again, but can be researched by newcomers without adding anything new. This is why 'new' subjects like board gaming get a lot of traffic to their forums as it's all new info for the internet generation.
To an extent Facebook groups are replacing forums for specialist subjects, but I don't find them as easy to use as a 'proper' forum like this. Also there are quite a lot of people who, quite justifiably, won't use FB or other 'social media' although pedantically any forum is a social media too.
Keeping a forum vibrant isn't always easy, but it helps if moderation is done well and promptly. Taking two weeks to approve a new member isn't exactly a model of good management.
Are forums declining ? often in new content, but one needs to consider if forums are being used as a resource. Often regular subjects have been dealt with time and time again, but can be researched by newcomers without adding anything new. This is why 'new' subjects like board gaming get a lot of traffic to their forums as it's all new info for the internet generation.
To an extent Facebook groups are replacing forums for specialist subjects, but I don't find them as easy to use as a 'proper' forum like this. Also there are quite a lot of people who, quite justifiably, won't use FB or other 'social media' although pedantically any forum is a social media too.
Keeping a forum vibrant isn't always easy, but it helps if moderation is done well and promptly. Taking two weeks to approve a new member isn't exactly a model of good management.
- tom_tom_go
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Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
If you had experience of running a phpBB forum then you would understand why approving every registration instantly is not a good idea.Paul_in_Ricky wrote: βSat Jan 11, 2020 3:07 pm Taking two weeks to approve a new member isn't exactly a model of good management.
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Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
I do have experience of running forums actually, but TWO WEEKS ? really ? I've never had to wait that long to join any online forum or service before.
Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
You only need to look at Reddit or 4chan to understand why approval is needed
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Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
No issue with needing approval at all, absolutely good practice.
The issue is how long it takes. Two weeks, plus needing an extra prod to via an email to an administrator ? pretty poor in the 21st century.
There should be two or three moderators monitoring content in the forum and new applications. Authorising new members should take no longer than 48hrs at a maximum.
- Busted Bricks
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Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
I run a couple of FB groups and on the more busy ones I have a couple of co-admins that can also approve members. Always good to have several people to share the task.
Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
Is it really that important to be approved quickly. You can still see all that is going on within the forum and view all the threads, so waiting to be approved for me is not an issue. Has for Facebook, I don't use it that much nowadays mainly because of the idiots that go on it and the language can be often really nasty, as can the comments. Ok, this is a really friendly forum and no one is really nasty. Most members are very civilised, in fact all are, except for one that will be nameless. And if anything doesn't seem to look right or a member may have done or built something that is some what odd, I do a lot of odd stuff... There is always the option of sending a PM.
Enjoy our short lives and everything that goes with it. I do after what I have been through these last few years. Can't wait to get our line sorted again......
Enjoy our short lives and everything that goes with it. I do after what I have been through these last few years. Can't wait to get our line sorted again......
ROD
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
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Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
I think you will find that this forum is very strong when it comes to contributors...
ROD
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
- Peter Butler
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Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
It is true we always get more communication flowing when there are active contributors on the Forum. However, I have been aware of a number of names which appear on the 'Registered users' list who turn out to have joined as members months, or sometimes years previously, only to find they have never contributed anything. There is no reason why they have joined at all but they have passed the entrance process anyway. How can checks on their suitability be assessed?Paul_in_Ricky wrote: βMon Jan 13, 2020 1:38 pmYes, if you want a forum to thrive.
I have no idea how checks (if any) can possibly be made to be able to approve applicants for membership of the Forum. I have been a member, and active contributor, for many years now and have seen members start, disappear, and then return, only to find they are not suitable company amongst others here. They might have been accepted based on previous experience only, not current activities or thoughts.
People who apply to join, by implication, want to contribute. More active contributors make the forum better.
In reality we are not playing the numbers game, those who are interested enough to join and remain as contributors will reap the most pleasure and benefit from the help and support of other members. I treat members of the Forum as a group of friends and have made personal contact with several of them. Long may it continue.
The best things in life are free.... so why am I doing this?
- tom_tom_go
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Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
I have modified the user registration page to say that unless you email AFTER creating an account then the account will not be activated.
Now, let's get back to the trains please...
Now, let's get back to the trains please...
Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
Well said Peter. A lot of members don't contribute at all, but don't you think also that they just what to find out and learn from just reading and looking at threads maybe. I have seen quite a few just joined members who go onto the "For Sale" thread to sell an item and you never hear from them again.
Tom, isn't this an "Off-Topic" thread...
Tom, isn't this an "Off-Topic" thread...
ROD
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Life is so easy when I run my trains.
https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 41&t=11364
https://www.youtube.com/@fairywoodlightrailway
Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
I have followed this thread from the start and have finally been shamed into contributing something as I guess I am one of those members who doesn't contribute much, at least recently, although I did manage an entry in the quarterly photo gallery a few months back.
I can't really comment on the health of forums in general. The only other one I belong to is the E type Jaguar forum which is extremely active. There is always something new to read and I've learnt most of what I know about the car from it, though, again, I rarely contribute. But it has a different type of content - mainly people asking for help or advice and there are always plenty of people who know more than I do.
As for this forum, it certainly seems quieter than it once was in terms of new topics, but I don't think it's a thing of the past. A lot of people seem to use the Facebook group now but that's really only good for posting the odd photo or asking a question. Posts soon disappear into oblivion and you can never find something again that you saw the previous day. I find it very irritating and completely unsuitable for long running threads that tell a story or provoke a discussion. That, I think, is the strength of the forum, plus the fact that it is a searchable resource.
As for myself, I haven't contributed recently as I haven't had anything to contribute. I am retired so don't have much time for modelling ! No, that's not really true, what I lack these days is energy and motivation. But I did make good progress on the line last year and I have another project on the go so hope to be able to write something soon. In the meantime I do come here regularly and keep up with what's being posted as, perhaps, others do so perhaps the health of the forum shouldn't be judged just on the number of new posts.
Perhaps, instead of just taking from the forum, I should make more effort to make an occasional comment even if I've nothing really to say. The odd "I like what you've done" or similar would add a little bit of life to the forum and maybe encourage those who've taken the trouble to write about their efforts.
I can't really comment on the health of forums in general. The only other one I belong to is the E type Jaguar forum which is extremely active. There is always something new to read and I've learnt most of what I know about the car from it, though, again, I rarely contribute. But it has a different type of content - mainly people asking for help or advice and there are always plenty of people who know more than I do.
As for this forum, it certainly seems quieter than it once was in terms of new topics, but I don't think it's a thing of the past. A lot of people seem to use the Facebook group now but that's really only good for posting the odd photo or asking a question. Posts soon disappear into oblivion and you can never find something again that you saw the previous day. I find it very irritating and completely unsuitable for long running threads that tell a story or provoke a discussion. That, I think, is the strength of the forum, plus the fact that it is a searchable resource.
As for myself, I haven't contributed recently as I haven't had anything to contribute. I am retired so don't have much time for modelling ! No, that's not really true, what I lack these days is energy and motivation. But I did make good progress on the line last year and I have another project on the go so hope to be able to write something soon. In the meantime I do come here regularly and keep up with what's being posted as, perhaps, others do so perhaps the health of the forum shouldn't be judged just on the number of new posts.
Perhaps, instead of just taking from the forum, I should make more effort to make an occasional comment even if I've nothing really to say. The odd "I like what you've done" or similar would add a little bit of life to the forum and maybe encourage those who've taken the trouble to write about their efforts.
Brian
Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
Totally agree Brian, I find myself constantly going back over past items for reference and ideas, ok the PhotoBucket debacle has meant many pics. are un-viewable but there is much info to be gleaned on here.
Grant.
PS glad your enjoying your retirement.
- tom_tom_go
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Re: Internet "forums" are a thing of the past
This is why photos should be uploaded to the forum rather than using 3rd party image hosts.
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