Similar forums?

[mayble]

Is anyone here active in any other forums similar to this one?
Most of the ones I've found don't have much activity going on.
Any suggestions, other than facebook?

[dfcauley]

I don't know, but I would be interested also in knowing the answer to that question. I have been a member on this one for a long time. I have always loved this forum and the many friends I have made here. But..... I am thinking the rules are a tad too strict, people's opinions are not allowed and if they are not agreed with the topics get locked. I personally love a healthy discussion on certain topics.

[chirpy]

dfcauley ditto.

[cindy]

I think with the cost of running a forum like this is very costly, a lot of the groups out there have turned to facebook groups...they are basically free! Response time is fast, pictures upload quickly, networking is more world wide.

The Facebook groups and the Finch Forum are a daily guide/tool that is part of my birding experience.

I have been on this forum a long time as well. Discussions are good and healthy as long as respectful.... but when it turns very personal and hurtful it is no longer fun and helpful.

I must say for the most part the Finchforum has been a great source of information, lasting friendships, a place for sharing and at times a good source of comfort.

[chirpy]

cindy I completely agree!

I have learnt so much here and made just awesome friends! I have laughed and cried over finch stories here and the same on the off topic portion of the site.

It has been a place I come to before I check my email and facebook that is how much I enjoy this forum I guess facebook isn't quite the same or is it easy to be "on top" of the forum as its harder to read and search for posts.

[lovezebs]

Hey Folks.
This is the first and only forum that I had ever joined. Never looked for others. I love this forum and am quite fond of most of the members here, even some of the slightly cantankerous ones. Adds a liittle bit of spice to life.

What I'd like to know, is where is everybody??? I mean there are so many members and yet you never really hear from a huge number of them. What's with that?

As to expressing opinions here... I admit, that I have gotten into hot water a couple of times for some of my comments even though they were not what I would call rude. Maybe we should have a ' ' site (???) where we can vent some feelings openly, and if somebody doesn't like it, just don't go on that site.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

I think that Facebook and other social media sites are KILLING forums such as this. That is "one of the reasons" that I refuse to join Facebook. This forum is still one of the most active compared to a couple of the other dog, reptile and car forums that I belong to. Hope it remains that way. Bob

[Ginene]

Lol lovezebs!!! I have only been on the forum for 1 year and have seen many people join and many people leave. Sometimes we never know the reasons people drift away, but I usually assume its just the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Others have to get out of finching for one reason or another, and then others leave abruptly . I have met amazing people and have learned so much in such a short time. I don't mind the moderators monitoring the discussions, as I have been known to put my foot in my mouth way too many times .

@mayble...I am a member on a parrotlet forum too. The people there are very nice and the info is terrific too. The site is not as "fancy" as the FF, but I do enjoying stopping in once in a while. I also enjoy Cindy's FB pages and the Bengalese FB page too! But I must say that I have yet to find another forum that even comes close to this one. This forum is like my home away from home! The people here have carried me through the most difficult times in my life (finch wise) and they have celebrated with me through the happiest times too!

[fhgwgads]

I have to say that when I started with my zebras and was looking for information this was the most prominent place that showed up in searches. I haven't seen to many other forums and none as large as this one. Though every place is going to have it's good points and bad points. I agree that there is a wealth of information here, and I have learned a lot and met many good friends! No matter where you go there are always going to be differences in opinion, heavy discussions, debates... but for some reason after being here and getting to know people I feel that there are many people I have become friends with that are very passionate, supportive, understanding... Ginene I think everyone puts their foot in their mouth at one point or another... here or elsewhere.. but what matters is that we learn from it. I myself.. and I am sure many others have said things we didn't intend to.. or worded them in a way we didn't mean (which is one thing about the internet... the lack of tone).. but at least for myself.. I have always had the best of intentions and care about others and their feelings. That is what is great about my time here.. meeting the people I have that are now my friends who can understand that for the most part everyone has their good and bad days.. that everyone has their own opinions.. but we join together on all those days.

I do agree with the fact that tensions can run high and sometimes rules aren't followed.. and feelings do get hurt! But that is a fact of the internet and people in general. And that is the difference between a forum and just a regular information site. People are going to have opinions.. and especially when there is a debate people are going to defend their position. Sharing emotions or interpretations of things.. as long as it is in a civil and respectful manner is something that I greatly value here or anywhere else. And I believe that if people are locked in a disagreement the best thing to do is to walk away from the situation and leave it be. To respect others and their opinions.. accept that you have one but others do as well. If they differ.. than so be it.. but you shouldn't force the matter. I think dfcauley does have a point. We have rules here.. but how should they be interpreted? I have read them over a few times and have found myself confused when I thought I was following them. And I have been confused at the range of what falls within following the rules and what doesn't.... or how one thing is fine yet another isn't. I would also be interested to see if there are other forums.. what they have to offer.. what the community is like. I would be grateful for suggestions from those who have some!

And I would imagine that a good part of the members here join to get advice on a certain matter and then move on, or they simply use it as a place to find information.. which is fine as well!

[Mands]

Short and sweet for me - this forum has taught me a different way of life, one that I have enjoyed every day. It is my first stop in the morning and last stop at night.

Thanks to everyone for everything. You are a great bunch of people. Your knowledge and kindness is invaluable to me.

Mands

[debbie276]

I think dfcauley does have a point.

Have to agree with this also.
I've never had so many of my posts be deleted, or edited as I have within this last year as I have the entire time I've been a member (before 2009 under a different name).
I also have been confused at the range of what falls within following the rules and what doesn't. I think it's "the squeaky wheel get the grease" thing

That being said I truly don't think you will find a better forum then this one

[cindy]

Lol lovezebs!!! I have only been on the forum for 1 year and have seen many people join and many people leave. Sometimes we never know the reasons people drift away, but I usually assume its just the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Others have to get out of finching for one reason or another, and then others leave abruptly . I have met amazing people and have learned so much in such a short time. I don't mind the moderators monitoring the discussions, as I have been known to put my foot in my mouth way too many times .

@mayble...I am a member on a parrotlet forum too. The people there are very nice and the info is terrific too. The site is not as "fancy" as the FF, but I do enjoying stopping in once in a while. I also enjoy Cindy's FB pages and the Bengalese FB page too! But I must say that I have yet to find another forum that even comes close to this one. This forum is like my home away from home! The people here have carried me through the most difficult times in my life (finch wise) and they have celebrated with me through the happiest times too!

Thank you Ginene....the FBk group pages have grown some. Hard to believe it was started a short time ago as a way to help a member on the FF by using a FBk group chat feature. We took turns staying on with through the night until her flock was stable.

[dfcauley]

Glad to know I am not considered the bad guy here......I just think we all need to either respect others opinions (harsh as they may be) or move on to another post so that those who want to can continue the topic without it being locked.

[fhgwgads]

dfcauley you aren't a bad guy and certainly not THE bad guy! Sure, we all have opinions. Some of us share them more than others.. I think that is clear. But just having an opinion and sharing it doesn't make anyone a bad person! But I definitely agree. Once a point is made you cannot force people to agree. You have to move on and respect everyone else's right to their opinion. As Cindy said.. arguing continuously just makes things not fun. And nobody should be singled out!

[Colt]

dfcauley - I also tend to agree with you.

That being said, I love this forum and always have. I've been a member twice now. (The first time I lost my log-in info and access to the email account I registered with so I had to start another one.) I enjoy "seeing" my friends posts each day and love the feedback I get and the help I'm able to give other people. But I know some very knowledgeable people like Candace (@CandoAviary) are no longer members because they were banned. I found her to be very helpful so Facebook is the only way I can keep in touch with her currently. Personally I think it's funny that we have posts of hers stickied to help us but that's beside the point. I've also noticed a trend since my joining where the quality of the posts have gone down.

@Mayble - I know you asked for groups not affiliated with Facebook, but there are some very good forums on there.

Other than that, the BirdBoard --> http://birdboard.com/forum/ was a forum I used to frequent when I had hookbills, but they did have a very active community as well as a section for softbills and finches in addition to all the other companion birds.

So hopefully that helps you out and I didn't step on any toes.

Edited to add:

I also believe Backyard Chickens has an area for finch keepers.