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At the risk of being unpopular
On 06/11/2013 18:40, Bob Hobden wrote:
"Sacha" wrote... 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. Compare it now to what it was just 3 or 4 years ago. Facebook and Twitter are taking over in a big way and while I do understand the resistance so many urglers have to that and had it myself, those are the facts. Newsgroups are dying as a result. Today, I have seen maybe 2 or 3 posts. The weather is filthy, few people are out there gardening, nonetheless what has happened here. Almost nothing. And, depressingly, I've received an email from someone who says they rarely look at urg now, see fewer and fewer posts that interest them and will not be renewing their NIN sub. After all, people, we can't go on discussing when to harvest onions or plant potatoes, or lily beetle for ever but that is, indeed, what is happening. So, I suppose that what I'm saying is that urg has two choices, either look at fresh material, such as blogs or posts on Twitter from some very expert gardeners, nurserymen, seedsmen, journalists and discuss them here, or simply fade quietly into oblivion. If what the majority choose is the latter, that's fine. It's happening right now, imo and I'm very sorry to see it. But if the majority want urg to survive, we do have to think about the big wide world that has overtaken newsgroups. Really, we do. Before I'm attacked by the usual suspects, I'd like to say that, either way, it won't affect me that much, personally. I'll be sorry to see urg go but as long as I can keep in touch with the friends I've made here, it won't be the wrench it would have been a very few years ago. If the majority is determined to turn its head away from gardening blogs, for example, so that we have fresh material to discuss, so be it. How many more years can we discuss when to harvest runner beans or plant garlic? I agree that Newsgroups appear to be fading away quite quickly now, I posted to another Ng a few days ago a technical question that 3 or 4 years ago would have had probably more than 10 knowledgeable replies by now, but I've had nothing at all. My understanding is that the old hands have gone to Forums instead but they don't appear to be my sort of thing from those that I've seen and tried, too disjointed somehow. I tried one again yesterday to try to get an answer to my question but didn't like it at all. What they see better there than on Newsgroups beats me. I came off Facebook because I saw nothing in it only dire security defaults which most don't seem to understand or even care about, even parents with children don't seem to concern themselves. Having friends might have helped. :-( As for Twitter it sounds like a Tower of Babel which would not be my cup of tea but I suppose I'll have to try it sometime. Perhaps I'll get into it, millions seem to. What I think is wrong is the way firms BUY the "likes" on facebook. How often do you see "Like us on facebook for the chance to win £10.00" OR "Your chance to win one of 1000 burgers by liking us on facebook" And many, many more examples. As for twitter it makes me think of the 200 or so sparrows roosting in one on my conifers, A lot of noise and all trying to outdo the others. No thanks Not for me. David @ a still blustery side of Swansea Bay |
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