WhatIfRebel, I think you’re going to find the same kind of experience on any social medium you choose. The issue isn’t Facebook, but people and human nature. That a moderator or admin banned you because he didn’t like your post isn’t Facebook’s fault, it’s that moderator’s fault.
I expect that on any given social media platform, you’ll likely find a similar mix as on Facebook. Most groups will comprise more or less normal folks who like to build models, paint figures, etc. Then you’ll find some people who put their e-muscles on and exploit the features of social media. People who run the groups or pages will do whatever they want, as far as the rules or policies of the platforms will let them.
Some will try as much as possible to be fair. Some will apply any restrictions-no ad hominen attacks, no bullying (which has a fluid definition), and so on-as a zero tolerance rule. Others will be so arbitrary in how they run their groups as to make it unbearable for the average person. All I can say is let the buyer beware.
Investigate a group before you join. You’ve asked us for advice about groups, which is a good idea. Another is to observe the group for a while, if possible. See what kind of content people post. Is there a lot of bickering? Are there some members who are pretty much loudmouths who like the inherent anonymity of the Internet? Are the members more collegial, supportive, and focused on the subject?
Kick the tires before taking the ride.
The other advice I offer is not to let the kind of behavior you describe bother you. There’s nothing you can do about it, it’s that group admin’s sandbox, so there’s no point letting it irritate you. I think of a Biblical reference-shake the dust of that group from your sandals, and leave it behind.
Hope that helps you!
As far as other platforms go, I’m only active on Facebook. Several clubs I belong to use it as a free forum, instead of having to get hosting and pay for it. So, I accept the negative aspects. I find the design and the constant, short-attention-span development by Meta to be more annoying. I work in software development (Quality Assurance analyst-I test software), and if our company put out something of the quality of Facebook, our customers would all drop us. But inertia is powerful, and there are only so many hours in the day to burn online.
I will say one positive, that it is very easy to post something quickly on FB, compared to traditional forums. But that leads me to another FB negative, and that is that posts are quickly lost, like “tears, in rain”. (The warden in “The Shawshank Redemption” has an appropriate simile, but the nannybot won’t let me post it.)
Good luck in your search!
Best regards,
Brad
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