Post #567381 by Vince Martini on Thu, Dec 2, 2010 7:42 PM

On 2010-11-23 20:41, bigbrotiki wrote:
I appreciate the notion of supporting a Tiki fan who is serving this country -while we go to parties. However, it seems to me that Tiki Central has been pretty anemic lately in terms of new content, and posts in general. This maybe partly because these days, folks have more important things to worry about, which is absolutely valid. I believe though that it is also because of the fragmentation effect that Facebook is having on groups like Tiki Central: On Facebook we can much more specifically choose our circle of friends, and we are more the creators of our environment. We do not have to contend with people who do not agree with us, and can express our individual selves more specifically. But since many of us spend too much time on the computer already, Facebook time gets deducted from other internet groups. These groups splinter into many mini communities, making larger sites less and less frequented, while people retreat into their own private Idaho. So I believe that for whatever valiant reason, solicitation of participation on other sites should be kept to a minimum.

I am not saying do not write this guy, I am just providing food for thought.

I understand what you are saying, and why you are saying this. But at the same time, Facebook may cause splintering and isolation, but it also contributes to reunion and the introduction of new people into one's sphere of influence.

I have been very active on TC (less active as of late due to a job change) and very much enjoy this forum and this community. I have participated in mug and music swaps, PM'd members and built relationships. But, Facebook has been a very effective tool for me to put a personality to a name, know more about a person beyond our shared love of tiki and maintain an active network of communications.

You folks who are immersed in the west and east coast tiki scenes have communities built up around you. Actually, you really don't need Facebook to stay networked with other members of the tiki community, they are all around you. The events are in your backyards. For those of us living in the miasmatic jungles of Arkansas, it is a much different reality.

Tiki Central has been a fantastic resource for me to connect with the tiki community and its happenings. Facebook has been a fantastic resource to allow me to connect with the folks who comprise the tiki community. Through Facebook I have built friendships from what were acquaintances only months prior.

I think the two naturally enhance one another, not mutually exclude and work against one another. I believe your point is actually a commentary about the complacency of internet users, not the sites they use. Think about it, I just logged on to Facebook and Tiki Central at the same time. Several other 'active' users will do the same thing many times throughout the day.