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Two different dynamics right ?
I think Facebook serves more of a business function but can't touch the forums for their library of archived info.
It does seem that a lot...a lot...of newer hobbyists feel more comfortable with Facebook than posting on Forums. I think the FB experience is a lot more "anonymous" and allows for more discrete interaction - "likes" ect. You don't have to "put yourself out there" like you do, when you post to a Forum.
Thoughts ?
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I just started a FB, been on the forums for a couple of years. Actually made the FB at the urging of some frog friends. Its pretty funny to see the reactions of my non-frogger friends when I post a pic of my frogs...waaaay different than posting a pic on the forums. I think they both have their place, but I agree that the forums are the best way to get information, inspiration, and to make connections with other froggers.
-Field Smith
Some frogs...
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I think everyone wants a different place to go, when they feel aggrieved....it's only natural to want to storm off the Forums and go....somewhere...anywhere, else. And more importantly, to a place THEY can control. lol. Humans are funny.
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I had a FB account for two years without anyone i knew knowing it. Then a froger i talk to sent me a friend request and the domino starting falling like crazy. There's alot of stuff that goes on and gets talked about behind the scenes on FB that i would have never been privy to otherwise.
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There's a big misconception that FB is "tighter" or more secret, I think. I hear about the associated drama and behind the scenes stuff, as you say, as well. And anything typed is always going to be able to be retrieved. I don't think there is anything "secret".
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not secret but things that would never be put out in the open forum.
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its odd. I find that the frog pages at facebook, gets a whole different set of eyes. Some people dont want to sign up for forums and just use the FB page, instead of the forums. I like looking at them both.
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Yep, I agree. Totally different dynamic and I can't exactly put my finger on exactly why. It could be as simple as people are either tenative or lazy -to start an account on a Forum but since they are either already on FB or percieve that it's "easier" to use and surf FB....I really don't know...
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I guess I've had a completely different experience. For most of my life, it was just my dad and I. I didn't know anyone else who was into this stuff; I still barely do. Everyone on my FB page just acts like "oh it's that weird Kate girl and her little froggie woggies" I actually had someone put "froggie woggie" on my page once. I came to the forums to find others like me.
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^^ ok...now there's something interesting. I've actually had a couple PM's and conversations lately that indicate that maybe some people view the Forums as "above their head" - too scientific. I am thinking that's a big part of the Forum / FB split....
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Really? That's too bad. I really enjoy the scientific stuff! I can't say I get it all, I'm a marketing and business major, but I love going beyond just owning a couple frogs and reading in-depth. It's fascinating!!
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I see something else worth examining....the FB crowd seems MUCH more conservation oriented. Less captive breeding / hobby oriented.
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Another thing to consider is that you can set up groups on FB (like the Atelopus group, the Gastrotheca group, etc...) where only people working with the frogs (and toads) can share info and not be hounded by people looking for frogs. Then later the info can be made public. Not saying this is the ideal situation, but sometimes it is for the best.
-Field Smith
Some frogs...
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There can be private pass coded subforums here too.
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Oh I didn't realize that...definitely good to know.
-Field Smith
Some frogs...