What denotes a successful forum? Number of folks registered? Number on line at any given time? I've wondered about this ever since I joined my first one, hooked up by "dial-up" service, so miserably slow, I often fell asleep waiting....images were absolutely impossible, videos unknown. Email often "timed-out", having exceeded the ISP time limit for receiving a download! My Explorer forum, http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php, right now has 178 members logged in. Nonetheless, there are only about 10-15 of us always involved in active discussion, just like here. There must be some kind of "binding" attraction which causes this, as I've seen it on other forums having very diverse bases. SOF right now: 2 members, 14 guests, 21 robots. WTH are "robots"? And, small wonder no PMs entered about this time of day are answered. And, some, never. Just trying to understand this new "dynamics" of everyday life. Frank
A successful forum isn't just down to 'numbers' that have joined The one I left to come here, admin did everything to keep the numbers up and destroyed the forum We ended up with weird people on there and they took over the forum to their taste It became a nightmare for me, so I left A forum that slowly grows is better, we get to know each other and hopefully pass on our civilised manner to newcomers, who want the same kind of forum as we do
The last forum I was on wouldn't allow much political discussion, but allowed trolls to run rampant. This forum is the most friendly one I've found so far.
As for PMs, the alert on mine is off. I'll get an alert that I have one but after a couple of replies...nothing. I look and there is a reply but I wasn't alerted. Speaking of replying to PMs....I sent you one about QFT when you bought that up on a forum post. I never got a reply from you. If you are so busy that you can't reply "thanks" ....you won't be getting any from me ever again. Robots have been explained on here numerous times, Frank. Google it.
In my opinion, if people are still enjoying themselves here, it's a successful forum. Some other forums have a profit motive, so they would determine success by the amount of money they were making from it. I'd like to see more people, and maybe a little more activity, but only if we could retain the same flavor. That is discussed here and in other places.
Sometimes the ones that make money are just too big. I'm assuming they make money because they're huge. I am a member of 2 very big forums but don't post on them. Think I have about 11 posts on each one and I've been a member for many years. For me a successful,forum is one that I can become friends with some of the members. I have to feel a connection and want to get on the forum to see what my "friends" are doing. It's not so much about the topics but the people. Yes, sometimes I ask a question which I could probably google but I want personal opinions and experiences from people I know somewhat. Also, a good place to left off steam or rant and see that others have the same issues and that helps. No forum is perfect and there are some people that irritate me and I'm sure I irritate many also.
You're so right Chrissy, on the previous forum, I used to ask questions to get things going and as you say, I wanted their views. If we looked everything up - conversation would be lost.
I value the opinions of regular people more than I do the experts in some ways. People might be wrong, so I won't blindly believe whatever I'm told, but the experts will deliberately lie.
I like this forum,I mainly stick to the brain stimulating games ( I say that for my own benefit) Yes I sometimes ask questions , I could look up n Mr Google but like Chrissy said it creates communication, as we have a wide variety of experienced members in many walks of life to offer advise, or give correct answers we may be "looking" for.. I must thank Ken for this forum ...I quite honestly believe the forum has helped me I many ways including recovering from a brain freeze ....I don't think I've mentioned this here if I have just skip over it Last October,I got up at 1.30 am to visit the loo ,which is in our bedroom ( ensuite ) I then walked down the 16 mtrs passage to the kitchen to get a drink ,I went into the walk I pantry to get a snack ,after getting a drink out of the fridge ,but found ....I couldn't reach out to pick up the dried fruit I was reaching for ...The next thing I remember waking up on the very cold tiled floor ,soaking wet from wetting my PJ's ,which I was obviously not aware Of .........( I have never had that happen in my life before) after spending a few nights in hospital having every test imaginable doctors could not give me an answer .....why ?? something like this would happen at my age , it was a suspected I had a seizure however tests showed no indication of having a seizure. I found my brain was "slow"..after the collapse for about 2 -3 months .. but I continued to work at it playing games on here ..and I'm convinced by playing the games it "healed" my "slow brain issue " ....I'm back to my normal self and have not had any further issues
@Kate Ellery - So pleased things have improved for you - keep going as you are and keep that brain active
I think forums are what you make them. It's down to choice one may not suit and another might. I think as over fifties or older we should try and get along and just agree to disagree on subjects. Try not to take things personally. We all have bad days and issues which may affect us on a day to day level. Try to see humour if you can. Even on days you may not want to.
Joining a forum to discuss your hobbies or other interest can be fun and informative. Joining a forum that's members are 50 and above opens up a different set of issues. If you are a senior, sooner or later you will find that things aren't what they used to be. Health issues, relationships, and just getting though the day can sometimes be a challenge. Being on a Seniors forum means you have lived at least one half of your life, so you no longer feel the need to impress others for acceptance. By now you pretty much are who you are, probably won't be doing any major changes in your values. For me, I feel I can respond to anyone on this site without fear of attack. That is indeed rare in this day of internet forums. The underlining success of this forum lies with it collection of posters who can make me think, reflect or just laugh when I need it. The common bond here isn't a hobby. Getting older happens to everyone and to have a place to air your fears or doubts, is a big help.