Forum Musings
Posted on 19. Dec, 2005 by Brian Reid in General
Not long after I created the rebeldad.com forum reader TK pointed out that there already exists a large and frequently visited at-home dad forum at www.dadstayshome.com/dadforum. I have to confess that I hadn’t been there in some time. The dadstayshome.com home page has the feel of an overambitious, under-updated page, so I’d assumed that things were pretty dormant there. Not so.
The most remarkable thing about the dadstayshome forum was its isolation — that community seems utterly cut off from the Yahoo! groups/convention clustering of at-home dads, and it was obviously not on my radar screen. As far as I can tell, despite a community of 300+, no one there even mentioned the convention. So some cross-pollination would be in order.
So I’m in something of a bind. If readers here feel there’s a distinct need for a rebeldad forum, I’ll keep it. If not, I’ll fold up and link to the dadstayshome.com one. Let me know in the comments.
SillyDad
19. Dec, 2005
I like the idea of unity. Personally, I hate having to jump all over the net to all kinds of forums that are literally trying to do the same thing with the same long term goals. It is more enjoyable to know that I can visit one site and there is all I need right there.
If Dad Stays Home home page is quiet with an active forum, Rebel Dad could essentially be their home page.
Just some thoughts,
Steve
Don
19. Dec, 2005
I guess a thanks is in order for mentioning my site. Though I am not so sure it’s the most flattering of mentions
I had actually emailed you a number of times over the past few years about cross linking but never had a response. The same was the case for slow lane. The isolation was not intentional just seemed like no one was interested in my little site that has been online since early 2000.
My forum was a basic guestbook for many years. The new phpbb bulletin board has been a great addition. We have many dads that visit daily. It’s a nice place to vent and get opinions or share stories.
As for the convention, I believe we had a mention of it a long time ago. To be honest, I was not really interested in it. I felt I would much rather take the time and money to go on a vacation with my family.
I’m always open for cross linking. Your site is one of the best dad blogs online.
Rebel Dad
19. Dec, 2005
Don -
Didn’t mean to shut you out, and I didn’t mean to damn with faint praise. I’m really impressed with the forum. I’ll start cross-linking more aggressively.
Thanks for your hard work in getting such a wonderful community up and running.
Jeff
19. Dec, 2005
Cross pollination is definitely in order.
There seems to be 2 separate dad communities. Unity would be a very good thing.
I’m not opposed to moving over to the other board.
Philip
19. Dec, 2005
Different forums have different feels, and some who are comfortable talking here may not feel that way there. I say keep it. Different forums also foster more ideas and don’t get stuck in a rut where everyone is marching in lockstep.
Jeff
19. Dec, 2005
O.K. To flip flop like the Democrat I’m registered as, Philip has a good point. I think its worth keeping yours for the sake of those who feel comfortable speaking up here, and linking or mentioning the other from time to time.
I’m such a sheep.
Don
20. Dec, 2005
Anyone is welcome at our site
We have over 350 registered members and probably about 20-30 active posters. Most of the topics tend to be fun and light hearted though we have our share of serious discussions. One thing I have found is we have many different personalities and come from varying backgrounds but everyone gets along for the most part.
The more dad sites the merrier. I am just happy we all have a place to go where we can relate to others that share some of our same experiences.
Happy Holidays!
Don
silviomossa
20. Dec, 2005
The two sites seem to have pretty different purposes to me. Their discussion forum (which I’ve now registered for, thanks) isn’t like anything here, the former being more reader-driven and the latter being driven by Rebel Dad, the keeper of the page. Sorry if that mischaracterizes either site, but that’s how I see them — equally valid in different ways.
And like Don, attending a convention isn’t of interest to me either. But I enjoyed reading about it (and other things) on this site, and hopefully I’ll enjoy discussing other things on Don’s page. There is room for everything.