Forum vs social media

[DinoToyForum]

We have surpassed 900 members now So yeah, close to our previous max on v1.

I was wondering.  Are the number of post per day less then they used to be?  It seems that way to me.

Here are the stats, the forum history is at the bottom of the page and shows number of posts and topics by month http://dinotoyblog.com/forum/index.php?action=stats It seems to be pretty steady.

I have been thinking about this and wonder if the rise and rise of social media (especially Facebook and Facebook groups) may lead to the death of forums. It feels that way sometimes. 

[docronnie]

Our Pinoy Toy Kolektor forum is still alive, but it's like a ghost town and the thread about dinosaur toys seems to have been deleted.

Most of the toy collectors have joined other toy groups on Facebook, but PTK is now on FB too.

I think the DTF forum is still healthy. Congrats! 😃

[Hynerpeton]

I don't want us to go.

[Yutyrannus]

We have surpassed 900 members now So yeah, close to our previous max on v1.

I was wondering.  Are the number of post per day less then they used to be?  It seems that way to me.

Here are the stats, the forum history is at the bottom of the page and shows number of posts and topics by month http://dinotoyblog.com/forum/index.php?action=stats It seems to be pretty steady.

I have been thinking about this though and wonder if the rise and rise of social media (especially Facebook and Facebook groups) may be leading to the death of forums. It feels that way sometimes. 

Well, I don't any of us are leaving, so the forum should be fine .

[tyrantqueen]

I can't stand Facebook. I'm glad to be able to use a forum.

[sauroid]

i dont want to migrate to any social networking sites. let's all stay in the DTF.

[Balaur]

I agree. I have a facebook account that I go on litterally, once every four months, and when I do, spend about one minute on there, for whatever reason. So, yes, I don't use facebook. I like it to be all forum and blog.

[DinoToyForum]

In general I've tried to embrace Facebook and Twitter from the point of view of the DTF. There are dinotoyblog accounts for both. But these big social media sites loom over the forum community as does a Walmart over local supermarkets. It is a little concerning, but whatever will be will be. I still think the forum is the best place for proper discussion, but Facebook provides that instant gratification which is a little more hard earned on a forum.

[Gwangi]

This forum in particular serves such a unique purpose that I don't really see it going down due to social media. Along with the blog this is THE place for toy dinosaur and dinosaur model enthusiasts. Even if other forums fall as long as there are fellow collectors in this hobby, this place should be safe.

[Yutyrannus]

I agree with everything said already, forums are much better and more useful than things like Facebook. Forums are more fun too .

[DinoToyForum]

With members as dedicated as you the DTF has nothing to worry about.

[docronnie]

In general I've tried to embrace Facebook and Twitter from the point of view of the DTF. There are dinotoyblog accounts for both. But these big social media sites loom over the forum community as does a Walmart over local supermarkets. It is a little concerning, but whatever will be will be. I still think the forum is the best place for proper discussion, but Facebook provides that instant gratification which is a little more hard earned on a forum.

I like forums better because you could easily locate the topics you want to read and post on.  On FB, topics and discussions vanish within the day, specially if you have plenty of members, who post a lot of photos and topics.   You have to scroll down to find the topic you're interested in.  You could only pin 1 topic though, in our group's case, it's the rules and regulations.  Although files can be added and discussed on.

I agree with the above post of dinotoyforum. 

[SBell]

Besides, here we all have a focus. On Facebook, could you imagine what it would be like seeing what everyone else does and is beyond dino toys!? The horror I say! (Monocle drops).

That said, I have several friends on FB from here. Sometimes the worlds can collide with little issue.

[tyrantqueen]

I don't like the emphasis that social media sites like Facebook (and Myspace, for us old folks who still remember that ) place on "friending" other users. Some people add other users to make themselves look more popular, regardless of whether they know or like that person or not.

And Facebook is a little too intrusive for my liking. That sort of stuff I would rather just save for real life.

[Hynerpeton]

I can't stand Facebook. I'm glad to be able to use a forum.

It has its yays! But mostly nays.

[Paleogene Pals]

I feel more comfortable using the forum. I have a FB page but feel much more in tune with the folks on DTF.

[ITdactyl]

My sentiments would just echo Tyrantqueen's. 

The Dino Toy Blog FB page already serves as a nice extension.  I'm just curious if you'd consider adding posts about any interesting threads in the DTF (aside from the usual dino toy reviews).

[DinoToyForum]

My sentiments would just echo Tyrantqueen's. 

The Dino Toy Blog FB page already serves as a nice extension.  I'm just curious if you'd consider adding posts about any interesting threads in the DTF (aside from the usual dino toy reviews).

Yep, I occasionally do, but should more often.

[amargasaurus cazaui]

Both places have their pros and cons, honestly. You can do most of the things you do in here with Facebook if you select the right options and set it up. You can make closed groups within Facebook dedicated to one stream or thread or topic easily.You can also choose what you see or do not see that others post and vice versa. The main isssue and problem I get with facebook is the spammers, hackers and just general idiots that are thick at the site.The nature of the community and how it is designed is built around your telling your hometown, friends, school, and workplace which can cause issues and even more issues.
  The nice thing about the forum here is knowing from day in and day out, who the members are mostly, and having a general idea where everyone is coming from or what they are in a general sense about. We do not get alot of the "pfishing for attention" type stunts done on facebook, like the fake story about Charles Manson being released from prison and so forth.
  Another very attractive feature of this forum, for me, and one I am glad I kinda urged into being, is the use of specific reference threads for each brand and genera of toy figures. Here, if you want to study Sauropods, you can look there and follow the threads for. Or if you are partial to Shane FFoulkes work, or David Krentz, or Malcom, you can pull up their threads and view their work, ideas and comments. Regardless the dinosaur related topic, you can normally find a thread for it and learn about it or else make it yourself and see what others offer. While you can do something similar on Facebook, you do get all the spam, and people who post without alot of understanding of the topic. I saw a topic on fossil identication there....the fellow posted a picture of something he got from a box of old legos at a  garage sale and could not identify. Turned out to be an old stick of spearmint gum.
   PS- another thing Facebook is heavy with are self imposed experts in every topic just ready to set off a drama storm if anything they suggest or advance is questioned, or even commented on. So drama reigns sometimes

[Patrx]

I'm in agreement with much of what's already been said. I'm glad to have the forum apart from social media, and I think forums in general, specifically those centered around specific interests and niches, will be fairly resilient. Social networking sites are more personal, better for communication between friends and family. This is an excellent group of people, but, with due respect, I've no interest in your weekend plans, political views, and other personal information.