There were times, that one can find places online to put a forum link in, free for anyone.
And then one was able to scroll these pages, to find a forum of interest.
Well, I haven't found any page like that.
I know about one forum only, that still is very active, it's the German 3d-board.de
But I don't wanna move to another forum, I wanna see this forum here running.
Aren't there any people some of you may know and invite them to our place here?
Yesterday I was really close to delete the forum, I really don't see any reason anymore to keep it online.
So if anyone knows some one who would join, tell them please.
I mean serious, almost a year now, and the forum is, honestly said, dead :(
Seems like forums in large have been replaced (for worse) by social media.
But even social media have pretty much played out its role.
AI is taking over more and more on those platforms - so what's left ?
Actually, it is estimated that around 60% of postings on social media is now some AI garbage.
Currently on this very forum, there are 344 "guests" ... and still this forum is - as you say - dead.
Go figure ...
I'm actually a bit surprised you have kept going for this long, since it's costing you money to keep it alive.
I'm sorry, but I can't think of any person I know who would hang on to - and hang out on - a forum.
They are all flocking on various social media platforms and have very little interest in speaking their mind.
Most effort they can muster is hitting a "Like"-button - at best.
More than that and they can't be bothered.
I mean, just look at places iike Deviant Art.
Not too long ago it was a nice place where people met and had (sometimes animated) discussions about artwork.
Now it's a cesspool of AI generated porn, because the powers that be decided to make more money.
So, to summerise - most active here is you and me and we can communicate (if we want) through other media.
So if you think that this is not worth the effort anymore and want to delete the whole thing, it's ok by me.
// The times you talk about is the beginning of your post was when The Internet was free for all. But then it got commercialized and FUBAR-ed //
- John -
The dead internet
AI talking with AI, I know, what you mean.
Well, you and me and MKDAWUSS, and some in the "background" sending me messages.
And you're right, it cost me money, while the forum doesn't really cost that much.
If it would be about money (and yes, sometimes it is) I would delete at first the gallery. Cause that isn't used at all and if the forum ever should become more alive, I could find an online gallery for free to connect to the forum.
Yes, those days, the beginning of the internet so to say, so wonderful days.
People were real and much more kind. There was the thing called netiquette and people took that serious.
Forums were blooming, chats were sometimes overrun, hard to follow up, cause so many people joined at once.
Wonderful times indeed, but sadly it became very fast filthy and dirty and even dangerous.
If I could turn back time .... (to say it with Cher)
https://rumble.com/v4ccyb8-cher-if-i-could-turn-back-time-1989.html?e9s=src_v1_s%2Csrc_v1_s_o&sci=5fe9c04f-1c7e-4ff9-892b-8f5cfa4038ae
On my part, I don't use the gallery because I have my own site.
With a tabbed gallery according to theme.
Actually, my Internet adventure started out back in the 28.8 dial-up modem times.
So that makes me a .... dinosaur !
- John -
Now you made me laugh out loud :D
There is one sound I won't forget to my very last day.
The sound the modem made, when dialing up :))
One dino waving to the other 8) (https://i.postimg.cc/dtbWnn8P/dino-coffee.png)
Oh, you mean that WrrrrrrrClingKaDingKaDingPssssssshhhh ... when the world was black-and-white ?
- John -
Exactly :D
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XF2PY3Uf7G4
Aaahhh ... the nostagia ... :)
But I can't help but notice we have digressed a tiny bit from the main subject.
Are forums outdated ?
The aswer to that is ... probaby ... yes.
- John -
While forums have been largely replaced by social media, I think they've become more niche rather than outdated. They still serve a purpose for more specialized places of discussion with conversations a lot easier to follow - and with longer lifespans - than most social media sites. They're also places that still pack a little of that old school anonymity, as many social media outlets tend to prefer actual identities over avatars and screennames.
Oh that's fine :)
New topics will grow from digression and maybe ew ideas, how to attract people :)
I like the thought about the niche!
But how can we get more people into our forum?
Agree on niche.
Social media are terrible places for artists.
- John -