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Is the forum worthwhile?
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Message
Posted
Looking down the list of topics on the forum many of the sections haven't had a post for months. Many of the threads that do begin soon fizzle out and it's always the same few members who respond. I get the feeling that the majority of POL members simply don't look at it.
What so others think? I'd miss it but I'm not sure many would.
Posted
It is pretty much the same small group of members that tend to participate and take an active role in the forum, which to some extent, still works fine, but more participation from new members for instance would undoubtedly benefit the site.
We don’t seem to be picking up these new members for some reason, I don’t have any reason to offer as to why this is…
I have suggested on a number of occasions that the forum could be flagged up on the gallery, and elsewhere maybe. Not all participants/posters on the gallery are aware of the forum - that’s my take on it anyway!
Posted
A valid point Peter. And with irresistible logic it’ll be the same few members that respond to it.
Alan is right, we need new members, but I have no clue how we do that. I’m reasonably sure that more people read the forum than respond to it. I base that on the time when the forum used to show the number of views a topic received…this was some years ago. We lost that info following a major website upgrade. Back then, if you received no response you could see that 20 people (for example) had viewed the post. Better to get some actual responses, but at least you knew somebody had looked at it. There’s no reason to believe it doesn’t still happen.
I think it’s still worthwhile. You pick up useful tips, see a wide range of art, often get a laugh, and members are very supportive of other people.
Posted
I think most people will already know hoe strongly I feel about the forum and the lack of support we have , it’s definitely the same people posting and commenting. Alan is correct in his opinion that a lot of newer members don’t even know about the forum and post away merely on the gallery, I do understand that some people don’t like to post on the forum for various reasons, shyness, feel they don’t have anything to contribute, or are fearful that they might say something wrong or look foolish . Don’t worry about that I do it all the time , as to feeling that you don’t have enough knowledge etc , chatting and asking questions even if they think it’s silly or just to simple it a good way to learn.
How do we get more people interested in the forum and the the gallery as well as that’s slipping recently, I simply don’t have a clue, definitely needs some marketing input and probably research into why the site is not doing as well recently.
Warners are advertising on several platforms , so is it a general apathy that’s causing the lack of interest, or aren’t we modern enough for a younger generation, is hobby painting something that’s seen as more for older people??.
All I can do is to continue using the forum as I personally find useful and it’s definitely a good platform for learning for free.
Posted
It's a great shame and I have to admit I don't know what to do about it. It would be interesting to see a breakdown of POL members according to age; I'm 70 and my feeling is I'm probably about average. Most forums seem to be lively and entertaining whereas ours is becoming almost moribund yet it clearly says FORUM at the top.
Maybe people would just rather paint than talk about it? I'm a member of CAMRA and I'd much rather drink beer than talk about it!
Posted
I think it is worthwhile Peter. Interesting topics some lively debate occasionally. I read it everyday but I certainly could make more of a determined effort in my participation. The forum is already listed within the menu so people should be aware it exists. I think Paul has a good point. Some people are shy or they may not want to appear to say something that might be foolish. These things are life and people should not fear them as their voice becomes lost. The forum is a place of learning, discussion and lightheartedness.
Posted
I think it’s still worthwhile. You pick up useful tips, see a wide range of art, often get a laugh, and members are very supportive of other people.I particularly agree with these points, also Paul's point about learning for free. The offering and sharing, by others here, of their knowledge, wisdom and critique has been invaluable for my growth as an artist. I just hope I've managed to return the favour occasionally. The thought of not having the forum feels disheartening and a bit sombre to me. It is inspiring to see, and read comments on, other members work, within a format that is more than just the gallery. Long live the forum.
Posted
I look at the Forum most days and do enjoy it. When I first used the Gallery it was some time before I dipped my toe into the Forum, and I think Alan makes a good point that there is no mention of it on the Gallery to encourage people to join in. Also Dawn used to keep an eye on things and intervene where needed, and it seems she has not been replaced in this so it sometimes feels rudderless.
I would certainly miss it if it died, but I also appreciate Peter’s point about lack of comments on some posts for days.