In my opinion, you can blame it on one word–Facebook.
I personally know of, and have seen former and current FSM modelers who now post MUCH more frequently on FB than on this site. I hope I don’t sound too cynical when I opine that the reason for that may be the fact that on FB, your audience is really more of your confirmed “friends” who are more likely to give you effusive praise than any group of mixed persons on any given forum? Then again, maybe it’s just a desire to get moreresponses, period; there ARE times on this forum when the responses are few and far in between, for whatever reason. There are some major modelers who now exclusively post to FB.
I have to say that I have not yet fallen to that tendency and don’t plan to any time soon. I will post mostly finished photos up on my FB page, or greatly truncated versions of “in progress” photos, but I would much rather post here, for various reasons.
Personally, I don’t believe that anybody “abandoned” the forum because of the (gasp!) “big change”. [:O] And if they did, well…don’t let the door hitcha, as far as Im co’ncerned. If you’d leave a forum because of that, that’s like running away from home because your parents had to do a little remodeling when the aged infrastructure of your home gave way.
Yeah I agree Karl. Lots of great builders that I used to follow here and elsewhere have pretty much left forums for Facebook[N]. I dislike facebook myself so I won’t be seeing them anymore. Also, lots of private SIGs on Facebook as well that can’t even be viewed by the casual observer…
Facebook is useless crap to me. I don’t have now or foresee any interest in it. In short I’m on forums for the long haul. Call me old fashioned I guess. [;)]
Facebook is useless crap. I’ve seen and heard far too many stupidity than I care to see posted by friends and family alike. I, too, have no desire to open a facebook account either. To me, FB is just a big waste of time.
What is it about Facebook that makes me go “no thanks”? I even dislike giving out personal e-mail addresses. I suppose I’m more of a ‘lone wolf’ than a ‘herd’ member.
My dad said, “If everyone were jumping off a cliff, would you jump off too?” I guess that was before para-gliding and bungee cords… [;)]
I don’t mind Facebook, it’s one of the best ways I have of keeping in contact with my Army buddies. That being said, I post on Facebook far less than I do here, and nothing I post on Facebook has anything to do with building models. I don’t really see the point of posting WIPs or anything there. I’ll just stick to the forums here for that. I’ve learned more in my nearly two years here than I have in the last 8 years since I got back into the hobby.
Gnetlemen, there is no need to be so narrow minded. You only get out of Facebook what you put in it. Do most youngsters use it to start drama and brag about things they don’t really accomplish? Yes. BUT we are not 14 years old and immature! We are adults so we utilize Facebook accordingly! But if you are mature, like you gents are, there is NO need you cannot use it as another tool, especially for modeling, you can put in your arsinal.
EXAMPLE!
I’m only 24, but I wanted a way to reach out to the young people (and people of all ages) about the benifits of building RC with balsa and composits. “Balsa flys better”. I wanted to get them away from all of that read-to-fly foam crap. Builing and designing is a dying art. So I set out to bring “awarness” and started a group called “Balsa Model Aircraft Builders Association”. Needless to say in a years time we now have over 2,000 members!! Countless posts per day. We also have members donating kits, tools, wood, etc to help with builds. All passing along good deeds and knowledge. There are quite a few 80+ year old members. All sharing there advice and knowledge to the younger generation.
I single-handely created and outlet for amazing pilots, builders, designers, and those aspiring to get together and teach/learn. If it was not for Facebook, I would not have been able to do that. I have no knoledge of how to start a forum.
So before you call Facebook a “pile of crap” or “a big wast of time”, why don’t you give it a try and spread some knolwdge instead of a narrow mind? Were not 14 year old girls, so you should have no issues with drama! LOL
Its not just kids and teenagers that post stupid stuff on FB. I’ve see plenty of adults of all ages in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and older post stupid stuff as well. Believe me, you wouldn’t believe the stories I’ve seen and heard.
SubarooMike is 24? Heh - you’re still a pup and still dont know how the real world works. I agree with Greg. There are those that don’t want to get involve with the social media. It’s not that were “narrow minded” nor “closed minded”, it’s a choice we make.
Agree with Bish and others that I just dont have a need for FB, Forums here are fine although my wife had set one up for me. We have good talented people here with common interests. Thats perfect by me.
So I take it you do know how the world works? Slightly condesending, and naive to think that you do at any age. There is not a fellow alive who knows how the world works. Only perceptions.
I don’t think we have to try something to be able to decide its not for us. We can get an understanding of how somthing works simply by listening to others. I know drinking poison is not good for me, but i have not had to try it to find that out.