This thread is for the general discussion of the Article The Rise, Fall, and Flicker of Standalone Forums: A Look Back at Internet Communities. Please add to the discussion here.

Sadly the internet has changed for the worst IMO. I believe in the Dead Internet Theory, the reason why social media is so big is because they're more profitable than forums. Of course forums still have a purpose in our world, otherwise we wouldn't be here posting on one or have forums of our own! Forums are like cool underground caverns. You find them out in the wild, and you get curious so you explore and might even find one or a few that are interesting so you join them! Or in the case of a underground cavern, you explore it lol.

I think that people are redoubling their efforts against platform algorithm choke-holds. I know, at least for myself, all I see everywhere on the major social media sites is nothing but political discussion, bashing, and flat out propaganda. I'm tired of it. In fact, within the last month, I've retreated back to full time foruming (new word?, probably not.) for a breath of fresh air. It's actually nice being among the quiet. I almost feel as if I'm visiting a library! Surrounded by tons of books, subtle conversation, and loads of opportunity!

Not sure it's just me, but I found the article hard to read because of the contrast. Other articles were fine.

 

The first time I got into participating and using forums was during that Golden Days period and it was a lot of fun. Around a year ago I stumbled upon some forums and decided to partake in the experience again. Definitely missed it.

I think that people are redoubling their efforts against platform algorithm choke-holds. I know, at least for myself, all I see everywhere on the major social media sites is nothing but political discussion, bashing, and flat out propaganda. I'm tired of it. In fact, within the last month, I've retreated back to full time foruming (new word?, probably not.) for a breath of fresh air. It's actually nice being among the quiet. I almost feel as if I'm visiting a library! Surrounded by tons of books, subtle conversation, and loads of opportunity!

I think so. I truly believe we’ll see a rise back to forums in the near future. It may be in a year, two or three. But it will happen. I’ve seen them decline, rise and fall. As long as community owners focus on the postive things and not so much negative, forums will always serve their purpose.

 

There are many avenues that forums cover that other sites don’t. There are niche based where social media sites aren’t. We don’t follow algorithms nor trending topics. That’s the main thing.

 

Forums are knowledge bases and critical to the internet. Without them, the internet wouldn’t be so powerful like it is today.