QUO VADIS, Shadowmusic members?

[abstamaria]

When this brilliant forum shifts to archive mode, I understand members will no longer be able to post, ask questions, answer, supplement what they wrote before, and so on. To permit that, an alternative forum will have to be created, probably on another platform, hopefully one that will not require involved administration.

It seems worthwhile to set up that alternative or successor forum, even on a provisional basis, and to post directions or links to it here, before this site archives. That way members who wish to continue to post will know where to go.

There are popular platforms such as WhatsApp and Viber, but these do not seem suited to the interaction available on the present message boards. They do not permit one to read messages on a per-topic basis, because messages are simply published in the order posted, without regard to topic.

As mentioned before, Facebook is worth considering, On Facebook, comments by members can be posted on specific topics, as here. Broad subject headings, such as “Drums and Drummers” and “ Echoes” can be segreated into albums. Photos are easy to post in high resolution on Facebook, a big plus. And Facebook is free.

There are many “Shadows” Facebook pages now, including one on “Fiestta Red Stratocasters” and “Guitarists Inspired by the Shadows.” Jim’s excellent curated page on Shadows albums exists on Facebook. Still, no Facebook page is formatted in a manner similar to the message boards here; such a page will be unique and I believe worthwhile.

There are probably other options, but what seems useful is to have a successor forum for messages set up and a signboard posted here to direct members where to go when they can no longer post here.

My thoughts only.

Andy

[Iain Purdon]

Thanks Andy

Jim is indeed planning a Facebook group with similar aims to this one. It will be subject to the limitations of Facebook. His enterprise will be entirely separate from this site and will require moderation, which I understand he is expecting to undertake. As an aid to transition, I will keep ShadowMusic going until Jim is ready to launch. I will then make sure that members here know about Jim’s group.

Hope this helps - Iain

[abstamaria]

Thank you, Iain, that is good to know. This site is irreplaceable, but l am happy we should be able to continue to correspond.

All the best,

Andy