The Fora: A Higher Education Community

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: eigen on April 25, 2021, 08:34:05 PM

Title: It's been two years!
Post by: eigen on April 25, 2021, 08:34:05 PM
I can't quite believe it's been about two full years since we originally found out the CHE forums were closing, and worked to set up an alternate site, but since I just got billed for another year of hosting... it must be that time!

We're currently sitting at 2520 members (although a number aren't active), and 71,568 posts (up from around 25k a year ago). We're up in activity relative to last year (100 posts per day on average relative to 80-ish), and have around 63 members active online each day. We're also still (slowly) gaining members- lots of them are spam accounts, but we continue to approve new non-spammy members with regularity.

I wanted to start this thread to check in with the community as a whole. I know there have been some rocky portions and discussions over the last year, so:

Are things working for you?

Do you have changes you want to see?

Do you have thoughts, or concerns you want to bring to the group as a whole?
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 25, 2021, 09:42:03 PM
Wait, what? Holy crap!

(I'll step aside and let others give their input. I just had to register my astonishment.)
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: marshwiggle on April 26, 2021, 03:48:56 AM
Quote from: eigen on April 25, 2021, 08:34:05 PM

We're currently sitting at 2520 members (although a number aren't active), and 71,568 posts (up from around 25k a year ago). We're up in activity relative to last year (100 posts per day on average relative to 80-ish), and have around 63 members active online each day. We're also still (slowly) gaining members- lots of them are spam accounts, but we continue to approve new non-spammy members with regularity.


I just want to express my appreciation to the people who volunteer their time to make this possible. You're doing a great job.

Just a question regarding "active" members: How many sign in at least once a week?

It may sound a bit paradoxical, but I'm curious about the habits of the people who observe but don't post. I've been in that position myself (which may surprise some) on other forums.

Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: mahagonny on April 26, 2021, 04:16:17 AM
QuoteIt may sound a bit paradoxical, but I'm curious about the habits of the people who observe but don't post. I've been in that position myself (which may surprise some) on other forums.

They'll be joining us as soon as they have been properly cleansed (anti-racism training).

QuoteI just want to express my appreciation to the people who volunteer their time to make this possible. You're doing a great job.

+1
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: lightning on April 26, 2021, 05:05:35 AM
Quote from: mahagonny on April 26, 2021, 04:16:17 AM

They'll be joining us as soon as they have been properly cleansed (anti-racism training).


The fora does not require an anti-racism training certificate.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: Harlow2 on April 26, 2021, 05:58:02 AM
Eigen,  thank you for all your hard work. I know you aren't asking for applause, but you've done a remarkable job.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: Puget on April 26, 2021, 06:01:16 AM
Quote from: Harlow2 on April 26, 2021, 05:58:02 AM
Eigen,  thank you for all your hard work. I know you aren't asking for applause, but you've done a remarkable job.

Seconded!
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: Hibush on April 26, 2021, 06:15:08 AM
Thanks so much for getting this organized and keeping it going. Finding a host, starting the forum software and getting our valuable domain name were big contributions at the outset that were absolutely critical. The continuing effort is paying off handsomely!
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: Hibush on April 26, 2021, 06:15:51 AM
Quote from: marshwiggle on April 26, 2021, 03:48:56 AM
Quote from: eigen on April 25, 2021, 08:34:05 PM

We're currently sitting at 2520 members (although a number aren't active), and 71,568 posts (up from around 25k a year ago). We're up in activity relative to last year (100 posts per day on average relative to 80-ish), and have around 63 members active online each day. We're also still (slowly) gaining members- lots of them are spam accounts, but we continue to approve new non-spammy members with regularity.


Just a question regarding "active" members: How many sign in at least once a week?

It may sound a bit paradoxical, but I'm curious about the habits of the people who observe but don't post. I've been in that position myself (which may surprise some) on other forums.

I posted some similar stats  (https://thefora.org/index.php?topic=372.msg63608#msg63608)back in February. While it does not show weekly signins, there are just over 100 people with 100 posts and another ~400 with at least two posts, which gives a similar sense of how many are really active.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: spork on April 26, 2021, 06:26:04 AM
Quote from: eigen on April 25, 2021, 08:34:05 PM
I can't quite believe it's been about two full years since we originally found out the CHE forums were closing, and worked to set up an alternate site, but since I just got billed for another year of hosting... it must be that time!

We're currently sitting at 2520 members (although a number aren't active), and 71,568 posts (up from around 25k a year ago). We're up in activity relative to last year (100 posts per day on average relative to 80-ish), and have around 63 members active online each day. We're also still (slowly) gaining members- lots of them are spam accounts, but we continue to approve new non-spammy members with regularity.

I wanted to start this thread to check in with the community as a whole. I know there have been some rocky portions and discussions over the last year, so:

Are things working for you?

Do you have changes you want to see?

Do you have thoughts, or concerns you want to bring to the group as a whole?

Thank you eigen for creating and maintaining the site. Also thanks to the moderators who are assisting in the day-to-day operations.

A thought: I wish there was more diversity among posters in terms of geography, type of employer, career stage, etc.  For example, I always learn something new when someone who works in Canada or the EU posts. It helps reinforce the reality of SPADFY.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 26, 2021, 07:43:40 AM
Thanks for keeping the lights on, eigen. This forum has been a good source of support and information.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: little bongo on April 26, 2021, 07:46:45 AM
Thanks, Eigen and moderators!
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: lightning on April 26, 2021, 08:53:13 AM
Is there any kind of anonymous gofundme or something like that, so we can contribute to the hundreds of $ that it costs to maintain this site?
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: Morden on April 26, 2021, 08:54:05 AM
Thank you Eigen and moderators!
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: apl68 on April 26, 2021, 10:23:26 AM
Another thanks to our moderators!

For some reason it feels to me like it has been more than two years.  The old Fora have receded a long way in the rear-view mirror.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: mamselle on April 26, 2021, 11:24:57 AM
Many thanks.

Your curatorship and attention to issues is most appreciated, as is that of the co-planners and moderators.

M.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: sinenomine on April 26, 2021, 11:27:09 AM
Thank you so much, Eigen and mods — and fellow readers and posters!
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: Vkw10 on April 26, 2021, 11:53:15 AM
Quote from: lightning on April 26, 2021, 08:53:13 AM
Is there any kind of anonymous gofundme or something like that, so we can contribute to the hundreds of $ that it costs to maintain this site?

I'd be happy to chip in on costs, too. I learn something every week on the fora.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: eigen on April 26, 2021, 12:05:02 PM
Glad to hear people are enjoying it!

I can see what it's possible to dig up on posting statistics, but I don't really have any access (I don't think) on the back end that isn't available to every member- Hibush has done a great job of rounding up data on this using posting stats before.

I appreciate the offers to chip in- at this point the costs aren't huge. If we outgrow our hosting and need to move somewhere more expensive, I may consider it in the future- but for now I consider it a donation to a community that's given me a lot over the years.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: wellfleet on April 26, 2021, 01:02:43 PM
We appreciate both your generosity and your hard work!
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: alcibiades on April 26, 2021, 03:11:23 PM
As is obvious from my post count, I'm a lurker and not a regular contributor, but I wanted to chime in to thank Eigen and the mods who have kept this community going. I learn a great deal from both the regular and occasional posters, and I really appreciate the existence of this space!
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: hmaria1609 on April 26, 2021, 07:31:38 PM
Thanks to eigen and co for the big move and maintaining this site! :)
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 26, 2021, 09:14:34 PM
eigen did and does all the work. I just reject spam registrations polly_mer misses.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: mahagonny on April 27, 2021, 12:38:42 AM
Quote from: lightning on April 26, 2021, 05:05:35 AM
Quote from: mahagonny on April 26, 2021, 04:16:17 AM

They'll be joining us as soon as they have been properly cleansed (anti-racism training).


The fora does not require an anti-racism training certificate.

No, but mandatory anti-racism training is coming for most of us at work, and this forum is for currently employed college faculty.

Quote from: lightning on April 26, 2021, 08:53:13 AM
Is there any kind of anonymous gofundme or something like that, so we can contribute to the hundreds of $ that it costs to maintain this site?

Great idea. I will contribute if someone sets it up, as long as I can do it anonymously.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: AJ_Katz on April 27, 2021, 05:11:46 AM
Thank you eigen and other moderators for your volunteer time and efforts!  The Fora continues to be a wonderful resource and community.

I wonder, how do new people find out about The Fora now?
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: Larimar on April 27, 2021, 05:24:16 AM
Quote from: AJ_Katz on April 27, 2021, 05:11:46 AM
Thank you eigen and other moderators for your volunteer time and efforts!  The Fora continues to be a wonderful resource and community.


+1 to this. Thank you, moderators.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: Langue_doc on April 27, 2021, 05:51:54 AM
Quote from: Larimar on April 27, 2021, 05:24:16 AM
Quote from: AJ_Katz on April 27, 2021, 05:11:46 AM
Thank you eigen and other moderators for your volunteer time and efforts!  The Fora continues to be a wonderful resource and community.


+1 to this. Thank you, moderators.

+1. Thank you, moderators!
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: darkstarrynight on April 27, 2021, 07:17:59 AM
Thank you, eigen and moderators! I value this community, its advice and support.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: cathwen on April 27, 2021, 09:28:48 AM
I am adding my thanks.  Your work is much appreciated.
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: The Future on April 27, 2021, 10:48:13 AM
eigen:   
Bravo, take a bow, & thanks! 
Title: Re: It's been two years!
Post by: mahagonny on April 28, 2021, 07:12:10 AM
OK, last night's post was not so genteel. I apologize. Controversy belongs somewhere else.

Again, thanks for keeping up the forum. I've met many interesting people here. I'll chip in if you need $ help.

I'll desist from the thread henceforth.

Have a nice day.