Is Facebook killing off the traditional forums?

[Hurdy]

I have recently been trawling the internet on my old haunts around various VAG forums and have noticed a distinct lack of recent content. Are the traditional forums being superseded by the spate of Facebook forums popping up left, right and centre?
There was a time when I couldn't keep up with the forum postings and private messages, but now I come on them less and less and when I do come back the lack of posts is quite disconcerting. 

[rich83]

I agree. People want stuff answering in a split second, not to mention Facebook reaches a wider audience instantly.

I maybe check in here once/twice a day. Just look at the posting stats and you can see it's been on the decline for the last 3years. Not just this forum either

Comparing October 2016 to October 2013 there was less than half the posts and half the new topics

[DANBOY66]

it is a shame as on here info is easily found on facebook I read something and 3 weeks later I can't find it   

[rdfcpete]

It's an interesting point, maybe to some extent.

Although, I never feel like posting in a Facebook group would necessarily get me the quality of answer or reply I could get on this forum or a similar enthusiast focused one, despite the fact the make up of people is probably very similar or nearly the same. You're also open to more unnecessary criticism and unstructured feedback too, so it seems.

I think Facebook demands a different level of input and output with one line replies and quotes, whereas in a forum you're more likely to feedback more useful findings and facts in a larger and properly structured post. Just IMHO from what I've gauged comparing the two 

For me personally, FB would never match the level of learning and information you can find/gain compared to something like this sorta gaff 

[Tfsi_Mike]

The info can be exchanged more quickly on facbook as it's people's palm, most of the day.

The groups can be fairly childish and lean more towards buying / selling / promoting (which can be useful).

I admittedly spend less time on the forum, but Im generally busier and have less time for everything.

I hope the forum continues to Tickover as it has been great over he years

[dubvrs]

All forums have taken a hit in posts since all these favebook groups. The mk5 facebook group I lasted 1 hour after constant technical posts with stupid answers and the same question over and over again. It seams gone of the days of people having cars issues and researching a forum for answers.

[4ndy]

Lives and people change (grow up )  Family life, work, other commitments Even a car change can make a difference. Some have a woman or even a man in tow so that can eat into forum time (26 seconds roughly)

[AJP]

I'm not on Facebook. Through principle.

What I have noticed is that this forum is a little slower than what I was used to a few years ago (asn, ukmkivs etc). That said, there are still a few decent, knowledgeable chaps on here (many of whom have posted in this thread) so it remains a valuable resource to me.

A new 'Hurdy's R' thread might liven things up...

[doylebros]

I'm not on Facebook either and haven't no plans join it but I do use and enjoy this forum.

This forum for my money had in its earlier days of the mkv history some super inquisitive members,who made some fantastic posts to help like minded members get the best out of their car, be it performance - show and go - general mods or what would it take and how I get my car to your standard.

I joined it at the tail end of that history but found some posts as good as any fine book I've read to glee the knowledge I sort.

There are still plenty members on here who are very knowledgable on the MKV platform and offer other members quality advice on issues and problems a dealer would like to have access too.
It's just most of the problems have been encountered and the answers are found to others members problems without posting on the forum,it's found by Google search but still linked to posts within the forum itself.

[Tfsi_Mike]

I think a mix of getting lazy or short of time and wanting mass attention (rather than wanting to contribute to the 'community') has led to people putting more updates of their builds on Facebook and neglecting the forums.

 It is generally quicker and easier to post to Facebook though, not having to host pictures etc

[Orc]

Technology John...........

[grey golfster]

I REALLY hope not, but it has to be said that the evidence shows that facebook groups are growing....

Personally I really dont want to go down that route, but then I'm an old fella and find the whole thing rather childish, with way too much lightweight attention seeking. I guess I'm a faceybox stalker,  don't really  join in because I cant keep up...the constant alerts about utter tosh, are a right pita to me!

This forum has been indispensable to me, a fantastic resouce populated by some very knowledgeable and incredibly helpful people. Long may it continue! Thanks fellas!

[bigeyd]

I think forums are better as you are just a username,yes you do get bullying and trolling but the safety net is that it is just a forum,on Facebook it is more personal.
I had a halfwit on here call me the c word which if it was on Facebook I personally would feel more peeved.
The forum getting less busy is sadly the nature as the mk5's become less and less as is the likelyhood of less desirables frequenting here,I seen it happen on Audi-Sport and Club GTI

[Tfsi_Mike]

With the nature of the proper enthusiasts Vs most of the 'undesirables'  as our cars get older, cheaper.  I think we'll keep the right user base to be honest.  Long live the Forum  Haha.

[AJP]

With the nature of the proper enthusiasts Vs most of the 'undesirables'  as our cars get older, cheaper.  I think we'll keep the right user base to be honest.  Long live the Forum  Haha.

Now how do I retweet this?.....