AlterNet Closes Down the Forums
In a surprising move, AlterNet has decided to shut down the AlterNet Forums and go instead with a story-by-story comments-based system for visitor interaction. After years of building a unique community with the Forums, one that continues to be cited by others across the Web, this move will effectively short-circuit an undervalued part of AlterNet that's gone unnoticed by many. As one of the hosts of the Forums, I've been privileged to see them in action, sometimes in real time, and in those rare moments, the Forums have had a real and immediate effect on people's lives. It's been an honor for me to have been a small part of the equation there. Valossa, my original sponsor, remains a good friend and confidante. Don Freidkin, our community manager, is a flat-out genius as far as I'm concerned. Tom Elliot, Trina, Mik, Cristina, Dori, Scoop, ZoeZoe, Luaz, and everyone I've "met" at the Forums have touched my life during these last couple of years there.
We're hoping to find some server space for a kind of "Best Of the Forums" in the coming days, as well as a way to archive the existing Forums so that they won't eventually turn into dead links for all of you who've linked to various posts as references in your own research. In the event you have any trouble finding what remains of our community, please feel free to bookmark this page and return here for any updated links and directions as soon as I have a clear idea of the community's future.
Finally, thanks to AlterNet, in spite of my position against closing the Forums. You made them happen in the first place. Your new feature, Peek - the Blog of Blogs, and the coming Echo Chamber, will certainly enhance your presence on the Web. And you continue to be the premier clearinghouse for alternative news, as well as thoughtful editorials from the progressive Wing of the Web. The very best of luck to you.
Tranny (aka HMonk)
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The AlterNet Forums Have Moved
The new home for our community is now located at CafeUtne.org. The Forum's title is "Never Give Up forum - Working to fix the world." You'll find it here: ALTERNET FORUMS NEW HOME. You may have to re-register (free) in order to post comments as before at AlterNet. Hopefully you've bookmarked this page in order to find our community again. Please email any community members who may have had trouble finding our new home. Thanks.
posted by The Heathen Monk | 3:48 AM
9 Comments:
what a shame! what a damn shame!
i don`t understand this move. it makes no sense. haven`t the controllers read all those posts by new members saying that out of all the forums, this one has been the most informative and has been the best one for discussion of topics ranging in all worlds? haven`t they read the many posts by newbies that express how they`ve been looking all over the web for a forum like this that discusses their own feelings and thoughts?
i just don`t understand this. peace, bunkie.
Heartbroken! The only forum I felt comfortable in! So many regular posters that will miss it terribly, the easy discourse, valuable information shared. I was hoping this was an April Fool's joke but that was yesterday.
K
Well, look at it as being our chance to build something Bigger and Better. With this team anything is possible.
Hey, Tranny~Love to love ya, Baby~
Now Let's Get Drunk.
Val
Aw, Val...so good to seeya! Thanks K, Bunkster! Ya'll make me feel all fuzzy and warm, right here on the back of my neck - oh! Forgot that I was drunk already - NEVERMIND! (Seeya over at ANet's Side_Bar & Grill)
Such a sad day... far more depressing than I thought it would be. So many fabulous memories, incredible insights, brilliant research and truly fascinating contributors who have become friends and neighbours in this wireless world.
I'm heartbroken, too. This was way too soon for the end of an era. Thanks for the link to your blog. I've got it bookmarked now.
Mary C.
Thanks for stopping by Cristina, Mary. I'm heartbroken too, but trying to "keep a stiff upper keyboard." I stopped by this morning to see if the plug had been pulled, and it hasn't happened yet, but I didn't feel comfortable posting there anymore. It was an odd sensation. We'll see how the last hours go. Maybe we've got time for one more food fight in the Side_Bar ~
This is just a manifestation of one of nature's most powerful forces; In an open system, everything moves from order to entropy (the Second Law of Thermodynamics)or....."Ya' just caint have nuthin nice"
Catpoopbehinddacouch
Thanks for your vigilence, your optimism, and for giving the Alternet "family" a home. I feel there has been a disaster--fire, flood, or more like a Waco, but with survivors--who need a place to live immediately. And you took everyone in, Tranny, just like a heathen monk. A very special thank you for staying with me all the way, on my very rough ride, for your e-mails and phone calls, you are truly a light that shines brightly in this very oppressive darkness we all must live in. But you never let go of anyone's hand. And we all got safely across. You are truly a beautiful man whose goodness shines even into the prisons where the evil system houses its most innocent in America, the Native American, whose only crime was to object to the murdering and thieving of Indian people.
I would like to take this opportunity to say hi to everyone in a personal way. I missed you.
Kindest regards,
Janis Schmidt
courage@gwtc.net
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