I'd like to hear your opinion...

[Ross]

I really don't see the need for additional groups. It's sort of like additional boards (such as Slippertalk). I think we should go back to the old way.

[WhiteRabbit]

Well what it seems to me - the social groups I check regurlarly don't have a lot of activitity in them anyhow ?
don't think they are taking away from board discussion.
as for those who want to read all the stuff - I don't think you need to me a member to read the posts ?
not sure about that.\

anyway not sure they are affecting board activity - but could be wrong - I can go either way

[Becca]

I think we should go back to the old way as well. I think that the social groups are a good idea, but I think it would be best if all discussions were availaible in the forums for everyone to read even if they do not feel like joining in the discussion. I too have noticed a decline in postings on the forums. Don't get me wrong, I think the social groups are a wonderful idea and I belong to several, but in all honesty, I forget to check them out for updates since email notices aren't sent out when a reply is posted.

[Marty]

Few quick thoughts before my son takes over the keyboard

- usually this time of the year internet traffic slows down everywhere, so that could be one reason
- there is a new software update that is supposed to fix a lot of the bugs with groups.
- If we want social network type of activity I can always spend some time on JungleHobbies.com. Due to the lack of time it's been pretty much abandoned, but if somone wants to help out and is knowledgeable in running a board/social network kind of site we could get that going

if the general concensus is to get rid of social groups, I can just disable everyone's access to them and life goes on like before.

[cb977]

Good idea with making use of the JungleHobbies.com site

and I think we'd all be happy to cease the social group activity here.

Let's get back to what we were before
The BEST forum in the world!!!

Thanks Marty

Originally Posted by Marty

- If we want social network type of activity I can always spend some time on JungleHobbies.com. Due to the lack of time it's been pretty much abandoned, but if someone wants to help out and is knowledgeable in running a board/social network kind of site we could get that going

if the general concensus is to get rid of social groups, I can just disable everyone's access to them and life goes on like before.

[cb977]

I'd also like to thank everybody who shared their views on the subject...


this place ROCKS!

[jkofferdahl]

I use them but also think they're a bit segregationist. The forums should adequately provide us space to discuss the various aspects of the hobby.

[Paul]

JungleHobbies has -- no offense, Marty -- been quite lame. I stopped even checking in there a long time ago. (Not that I'm blaming you, Marty ... you've got plenty on you plate already. Just doesn't seem to have much interest there judging by the complete lack of traffic.) If the social groups did remain, I would have to agree with the others -- disband any orchid social groups but either keep the non-orchid groups or create additional subforum sections for those groups -- not unlike the "Pet Depot"

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Paul

-- disband any orchid social groups but either keep the non-orchid groups or create additional subforum sections for those groups -- not unlike the "Pet Depot"

I don't think it can be set up that way, we're better off with the whole social group idea going bye-bye

[Shirley]

Originally Posted by Lagoon

The OB doesn't seem to be as lively as it once was, perhaps the new social groups are taken a toll on the rest of the forum. I do like the idea of these groups, but I would not miss them if they were gone.

If the social groups can be kept, I would like to see them for anything other then orchids.
What about the other things we grow as social groups?
Hoyas -- Cacti & succulents -- Aroids?
Perhaps outdoor gardens? Trading board??

I am certainly in agreement with what Lagoon has posted. I liked the way it was before. I made a point of reading the social group posts and joined two of them but I find that I go for days without even checking them now. I also would like to see non-orchid topics separated from the regular forums. Sometimes I read a posting and then wonder "why on earth would they post that on Orchid Board?" Do we really need to cover the other aspects of our lives here??