Do you use forums anymore, for support on tech, etc?

[Darkmage4]

This kinda goes with that discord post. However, I don't think I can post on it since its 4 months old? If I could, I apologize, and someone can merge the post, if that's still a thing?


I go onto a support forum to get help. I post every detail they ask, give log files, etc. Write out a paragraph of what I think is wrong, what I do to reproduce the steps. yada yada. Like any support forum asks.

A day goes by. Nothing. A week goes by. Nothing. 2 weeks go by. Nothing. You get the gist. A rule of "No Bumping Allowed. Support will get to it" Ok, so, a month goes by and nothing. While my post gets buried in other unanswered posts, except for what they pick and choose. You can't even message a Mod, Dev, or Admin, otherwise you could be subject to a ban (Btw, this isn't a proboards forum, but a self hosted one) This has happened to me on several forums for tech support on some major issues I needed help fixing with their software. Or even computer itself.

I remember back in the day 10-15 years ago, you could post on a support forum and actually get support! I've since then haven't been active in any forum for anything except this one here and there.

I miss forums how they used to be. Discord I really do enjoy, and am part of many communities. But trying to find specific answers has been super hard lately just searching online. For the most part though sites like Github and reddit have been good for help sort of. But I feel like forums are starting to phase out a lot more for live chat. I am seeing less and less Official support forums, and more live chats or calling, and a possible Discord link. I'm still all for Discord, and what it does. But, even I find myself not wanting to join discord, because if I am already apart of a forum, like for Minecraft Mods, and the developer says "Support only on Discord". I will usually try to work it out myself, or not use that particular mod. I am apart of so many communities and discords that I haven't really been active of, because it was for a 1 time question/support, and have since then left said community.


What is your opinion on this? Forums, even though old software, and I know sites like ProBoards are trying to keep up with the times, but what happens when forums are no longer being used?

[User 180565 is taking donation]

My biggest issue with forums now days is time. I'm part of maybe like two anymore that catch my attention and are pretty loose on rules. As much as I respect ProBoards ToS they have always been pretty strict lol. Not blaming them due to them wanting a family courtesy type of hang out but some sites are kind of funner to let loose on and just bs with some users. Proboards will always have a special place in my mind. Another issue I run into is every time I want to start a message board or have something that I think is a good idea interest just suddenly gets lost. I feel like creativity is sinking, now days the only way you want something specific done is to hire someone that not everyone has the funds to put the effort into. Not everyone has the ability to do it on their own and it's pretty close minded if you do have to think that way.

I do appreciate the ones that do put the work in however. Maybe someday I might be able to put something together that brings in activity. Something however just comes up to where I have to put my funds I to adult type of living. I do understand it's not always a pretty theme that makes the site but it's nice to have a specific forum exactly how you want, it's your board however.

Personally if any type of site doesn't have their own active official support they completely aren't worth it. Compared to other PBS is top notch and I feel like it's not going any place no matter what version it's going to end up on.

[Darkmage4]

Mar 18, 2023 15:45:36 GMT -8 User 180565 is taking donation said:

My biggest issue with forums now days is time. I'm part of maybe like two anymore that catch my attention and are pretty loose on rules. As much as I respect ProBoards ToS they have always been pretty strict lol. Not blaming them due to them wanting a family courtesy type of hang out but some sites are kind of funner to let loose on and just bs with some users. Proboards will always have a special place in my mind. Another issue I run into is every time I want to start a message board or have something that I think is a good idea interest just suddenly gets lost. I feel like creativity is sinking, now days the only way you want something specific done is to hire someone that not everyone has the funds to put the effort into. Not everyone has the ability to do it on their own and it's pretty close minded if you do have to think that way.

I do appreciate the ones that do put the work in however. Maybe someday I might be able to put something together that brings in activity. Something however just comes up to where I have to put my funds I to adult type of living. I do understand it's not always a pretty theme that makes the site but it's nice to have a specific forum exactly how you want, it's your board however.

Personally if any type of site doesn't have their own active official support they completely aren't worth it. Compared to other PBS is top notch and I feel like it's not going any place no matter what version it's going to end up on.

I was thinking of using a forum alongside my Discord, but most of my members would rather be apart of discord. Since now they allow public and private threads, and you can read the conversation easier than ever.