It seems to be the forums' greatest ally.

Is this where we are? I have to ask , is there anyone who wants to see forums thrive? Survive?

I'm just wondering where forums are in your daily routine. Do you come looking to just reply to (vs start) a thread? Just a reader?

Just want to hear your thoughts

Life has taken a large part of my forum time lately, but I think I can safely say when i come on I am looking to reply most of the time. There are times when i dont reply on purpose because I think some collectors just aren't making the effort.

Just in general, if you can't be bothered to read past threads asking the same question you are asking; then why should I be bothered to answer the same question over again.

There is no doubt I want forums to survive. I don't even have a facebook. Forums are my main way of reaching the collecting community. I don't think they will die, but we have all seen them suffering due to people flocking to something new.

trappedtexan wrote:

There is no doubt I want forums to survive.  I don't even have a facebook.  Forums are my main way of reaching the collecting community.  I don't think they will die, but we have all seen them suffering due to people flocking to something new.

Same situation here. I regularly read the forums and partake in TIG. It's a shame many people have migrated elsewhere but it seems to be a natural progression techwise. That said, the alternative is not for me so I hope the forums continue to exist and may even see a resurgence somewhere down the line. For me, I still enjoy reading and participating in general and also enjoy checking out the sections like Tosch and Off Topic.

I am guilty of being sidetracked still working on a happy compromise :scratch:
Information on forums will always be the shining light.

I'm new to forums. I don't do social media such as Facebook, not interested. I guess I'm guilty of asking lame questions. But I do my research before asking, believing I may have found something new or nuanced regarding a figure that I couldn't find researching on TIG. The information is amazing on TIG, people did a lot of work, but anecdotally speaking it seams the research/ discussions regarding origins and variations of figures peaked a few years ago on TIG. I am older, not tech savvy at all. First and only forum. I joined because I recently became addicted, obsessed with collecting in general and collecting variants, and the information found on TIG is comprehensive. In terms of starting threads vs replying, being new to hobby I would more than likely start threads(have questions). I do regular read since joining. I just really enjoy the research aspect of TIG which has seemed to peak. In conclusion, the research done by those, and those that run the forum is greatly appreciated, and my apologies if people like me are a source of your frustration on TIG.

What's unfortunate is that even with new, interesting topics/ weekly topics and posts, lack of traffic is still a problem.

I had some topics planned for tomorrow and Friday but again..let's be real, how much participation will they really attract? (Hint: check out LrdSatyr8's "mini" QOTW revival)

That aside, I enjoy the forums. I don't use any type of social media, and it's still a continued well of information/great community of collectors that share this wonderful world.

I come here and the other forums every day to see, and have a read at new stuff.
I also still try my very best to point people to the forums, to join and take advantage of the topics already posted within the various forums, but it seems that most of the time, most people just want an instant answer without having to read forum topics or searching for them. Face book is a big cause of this, and I admit that most of my time is there now, although I would love it to be here and other forums instead.

M4K3R1 wrote:

...but it seems that most of the time, most people just want an instant answer without having to read forum topics or searching for them. Face book is a big cause of this...

“Your meatloaf will be ready in eight seconds, Homer.” – Marge Simpson
“D’oh! Isn’t there anything faster than a microwave?” – Homer Simpson

Yes, I agree this is a big part of it. Nothing spoonfeeds like social media. It has its plusses and minuses, and while I use FB I do prefer the goode auld forums and try to check in every day.

The whole situation does make me wonder what is going to eventually replace the social media format though!

I prefer sites over social media. On the site, links get tacked in place and can always be found. On Facebook, sometimes I want to re-look at something and if some time has passed, I have to scroll through what seems like endless posts to try and find what I was looking for.

I try and come here once a day. Sometimes it is every other day. I don't always have anything worthwhile to add though.

The instant gratification is certainly a huge factor. And I am the first to admit that there are things we can do on social media we simply can't here which sucks.

Recently I did a live broadcast for a FB page. I was live on video for 90 minutes talking about SW, TIG , my collection , TIG, the future of collecting, TIG . It was very interesting and certainly was a unique experience I'd love to do here but just can't. I see the appeal but I don't have to like it.

My hope is that the forum platforms start to learn that we need these things too. I think they have to be hurting as forums start to dwindle so maybe they'll catch up.

I guess the bigger question is do we need to just accept that answers have to be instant? Have we gone beyond the capability of accepting some waiting?

If I have a Star Wars question, I can wait for an answer. It's not like it is life or death. As a forum user, I think people should have reasonable expectations that it may take a day for a question to get answered thoughtfully.

I personally like the forums for sales. I just can't catch them fast enough on Facebook. Every now and then, there is something offered that I would be interested in, but unless you are randomly on Facebook at the right time, items are gone FAST if they are priced right and of interest. Kind of comes down to luck sometimes.

The live broadcast sounds neat, but honestly, if it was recorded and just posted on a site, that would be the same to me. I'm rarely able to sit down and watch something at the time it shows. I usually just record stuff and watch it when my schedule works. Or YouTube works as well. I can watch something when I'm ready.

DarthBerizing wrote:

The instant gratification is certainly a huge factor.

I think you said something a while ago along those lines ... "facebook is a formidable platform" I think was your phrase. It has critical mass now and all be said - it is more satisfying to get an acknowledgement in seconds/minutes rather than days or not at all on a forum.

Forums sadly seem to have become a place of archaeology for information. You can search, dig and find gold in past discussions -- but not everyone wants to go digging.

I don't know what the answer is ...

I watched that live broadcast you did JP was great thanks for doing that.
I've been a member here since 2011 and still not passed the 700 post mark, so you can safely say that I am not really a huge user of forums (I'm the same on all of them) but I do visit most days, but admit that sometimes if I am not logged in and there is nothing worth reading then I wont even bother.
The problem is as others have said that facebook is instant, got a question ask on there and get the answer within an hour (if not quicker)
Also think that because we can access facebook on nearly everything we own its easy to be active on, I know that I hate using forums on a mobile (Cell phone for my US friends) especially if its a taptalk forum.
Also I have to admit that selling on there is quick I've listed stuff and sold the lot the same night.
I like to think that places like this will exist for the future because trying to find anything on facebook is a nightmare and so much info gets lost that its the same questions over and over.

I'm not a huge user (poster) on the forum but it is still the best source of information around. Sometimes social media moves to fast and I prefer this format by a mile. I do log in most days when Im active on the net but sometimes life just takes over.

I have made good friends and this place has saved me money and in some cases my reputation as a seller ensuring I post accurate descriptions.

No changes needed for me to remain a loyal viewer and part time poster.

Most good things are worth the wait and the legitimacy and accuracy of answers provided here has stood the test of time and will continue to do so IMO.

My 2 cents

i love the forums it just seems there is definitely lack of content as of late . I check the forums regularly but there just seems to be nothing new and exciting with the exception from a collectors point of view , the recent pickups of fellow collectors . im not on social media and never will be . I love this place and the people that seem to post here are very genuine and knowledgeable . my heart will always be within the forums I just feel most new collectors and in their frenzy to grab anything and everything have moved to facebook

I come here for three things, generally.  First, to learn.  I am no newbie when it comes to Star Wars stuff, but I don't know of any other toy or collectibles line that has more variations and fakes.  It is not something to pick up easily and educating yourself keeps the hobby fun.  Second, socializing with those with like minds and interests.  Third, maybe finding that last piece to your current project.

I enjoy it here, but am an adult with a full time job, a marriage, three kids, etc., etc.  Things happen.  My Step-Father just died and I have not been on this site in a few weeks because of it.  But, I come back eventually.

I find myself browsing alot of forums. But I also contribute as well. Many times I'll post something and wait for awhile for any responses. Some forums are more active then others. But I try to do my part in keeping them active!

Shanester, sorry to hear about your Step-Father. You're right about busy lives. Last year I was working part time and found a fair bit of spare time to interact and update some of the guides on TIG (one thing I do love about forums is how easy it is to update them with new and evolving info ). This year has been different because I've been in full time training. By the time I get home and deal with Jnr and household stuff the evening's almost gone. Weekends have been busy this summer but now winter is around the corner might get some more time at home in the warm and chances to go online more.

Artoo_Detour wrote:

Shanester, sorry to hear about your Step-Father.

Likewise. Hope you're doing better.

I come on here to read mainly. I'm nowhere near knowledgeable to start a topic and don't have a lot to add to some of the great debates other than thanks for the info.

I was initiated over on swfuk and that will always be my home, but I've found myself posting less on there too. I guess with communication the way it is I find it easier to DM my friends on FB in group chats than to post something which doesn't add value.

5 years ago I'd come to a forum to socialise. Now I find a lot of that has moved elsewhere.

I agree that the image hosting on FB is the big swinger for me. The image hosting of other software does not work for me like putting images on FB does.

Since joining a few Star Wars forums over the years, If honest, I have veered toward using SWFUK the most. This is mostly down to wanting to buy and sell stuff which is far easier to do with fellow UK folk. I will however always check in, and use the TIG reference guides when needed.

The perhaps downfall of forums is the fact that every collector wants to buy and sell to build their collection. This process is much easier and almost instant through social media. If this process could be replicated or improved upon you would be onto a winner. One flaw of selling on FB is the more things are sold, the more they are lost down the listings.

A TIGBay SW sales website would be a welcome addition to all collectors.




PS: I want a cut if the TIGBAY idea is a success.

You know, the thought has crossed my mind over the years of a heavily vetted SW selling site. Approved sellers, some level of guarantee,etc..

The issue is in it's actual practice. I mean how can you really be sure? Have everything shipped to us frist?

Sounds like a headache to me.

darthmatt22 wrote:

Sounds like a headache to me.

Pretty much. Huge investment and maintenance for seemingly little reward. Just standing up the platform would be a beast, then add in maintaining the sites integrity.

DarthBerizing wrote:

Just standing up the platform would be a beast, then add in maintaining the sites integrity.

I had thoughts of getting something like this started a little while ago, but quickly gave up on the idea. The technology would be time consuming and expensive, but the administration involved would be a killer, especially resolving disputes.

I'd sure love to see someone take a crack at it and succeed though!