On 07/11/2013 12:30, Sacha wrote:
On 2013-11-07 11:05:38 +0000, Bill Grey said:

"Sacha" wrote in message
...
I'm concerned for the future of this group which I've enjoyed hugely
for 16 years. Some have been here longer than that. But given the
number of those who used to post and who lurk (I know of a few, not
many now) the response to the suggestion that we widen our horizons,
look at a blog and consider looking at others and discussing their
content, were - forgive the pun - seeds on stony ground. I don't
know if this is because of disinterest, complacence or a belief that
urg will continue into the mists of time. It won't. Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon
www.helpforheroes.org.uk

You have a point Sacha. C ouple of NGs that I have posted to have
declined dramatically or gone to the wall. As you say, Facebook has
taken over quite a lot, and although I have jined it I can't say I
enjoy uing it.

Nick who posts on this NG must surely have noticed the decline in
correspondence in the Walking NG - it is largely subscribed to by
technical questions about gear. A Fishing NG has just about finished,
not having had a bite for a couple of years. An American NG - at least
largely subscribed to by Americans, has slipped out of sight into
Facebook.

I have often said I'm no gardener compared to the contributors to URG,
but I can sometimes offer suggetsions (though not intellectual
gardening stuff) and enjoy receiving advice whenever I need some. The
"old hands" are needed as reference points for us gardening dumbos.


Bill

Thanks for contributing to the discussion Bill and the same to John. I
think those of us who enjoy urg and want it to continue have to look at
introducing other topics. And we can do that by looking further afield
and coming back here to discuss and learn. The number of regular
posters here is now rather small and I have seen just the same on the uk
food group. Numbers are way down. Yes, I think Facebook has taken over
to a large extent and as discussion groups can be formed there, I think
that will continue to be the case. To keep a newsgroup alive and an
interesting place to be, we have to have more and more interesting
topics but that is just my opinion. If others don't want that it's a
group decision.
Perhaps I am a Luddite, though I have been in computers for the last 45
years I will have to be dragged screaming before I join either facebook
and twitter, the security side of it scares the hell out of me.