Are facebook and Youtube hangouts slowly killing Stunthanger?

[wwwarbird]

He's no longer here either

 Seemed like a 'Jet clone to me, good riddance.

[Curare]

...and after a brief but entertaining hiccup, Stunthangar resumes it's peaceful slumber....

On the plus side I've learnt what POR-15 is.

[wwwarbird]

 Hard to figure specific reasons, but I've noticed for quite some time now that there aren't nearly as many posts/threads related to new builds and related activity as there used to be on the forum. I really miss that. On the other hand, there has been an ongoing noticeable growth in posts that don't really have much (or anything?) to do with building or flying our C/L models. Somehow, it would be nice to see the focus here get back to C/L modeling, the forums original intent. Leave all the other unrelated stuff to another forum or something. For example, I'm a Hot Rod guy too, but I don't come here wanting to see or talk about car stuff. I don't know how much real difference it makes, but all us of keeping that in mind might help out Sparky by not chewing up extra server space too?

 Thankfully, there are still a token few examples like Doc and Ty that keep cranking out and showing us new projects. There are some other "regulars" that we can usually count on too, but it seems like very few anymore. Some of this probably has to do with our aging group, but there's still plenty of folks here that could be adding fresh new content. I'll admit that I've slowed with my own additions, only for lack of any new activity since last spring in my shop. Same problem as some others here I'm sure. I will be back to work soon with painting the P-38 though, and look forward to adding some new stuff here then.

 Another thought is that myself, I've always used building and finishing posts from others here as inspiration to get off my duff and get down in the shop. Personally, lack of new content here definitely makes a difference in my level of ambition and related shop activity. For a long time now I've really missed seeing Sparky's building/painting posts here, always good stuff, and at a level to aspire to. I get his desire to use some other formats, but I'd much rather just find his additions right here on the forum rather than chasing some other complicated avenue. That's just one example, but things here are definitely a lot different than they used to be, and I miss it. 

 BTW, I don't participate in FB or any other social media, and if I have my way I never will.

 

[Dan McEntee]

    Well, one issue that is affecting things is something we can't do anything about, and that is time marches on! As times change, people change and their situations change and they have to adjust accordingly. I think most of us have read posts by Andre Ming on the list, mostly related to combat, Fox engines and such. I knew Andre from a Yahoo special interest group related to vintage enduro motorcycles called VINDURO  that he owns, and I think I joined that group before Stunthanger came into existence. VINDURO was a hot and happening forum with tons of technical information on rebuilding, repairing, restoring and racing vintage off road dirt bikes. Many, many cool guys and many members are/were former factory racers, mechanics and such. I forget how many members it has reached, but like this site, had members from all around the world and I have been fortunate enough to have met some of them and able to call Andre and the others friends. But, like the subject of this thread, facebook comes along and a VINDURO facebook page gets started up and members start drifting over there. Action on the original Yahoo slowed to a crawl but it is still up and running and has seen some renewed interest as Andre has retired and has more time to devote to it, and others drifted back due to the same burnout on FB as others here have experienced. I have never participated on FB because mainly I don't have time to spend on it. I don't know how some of you guys do it, but sometimes I have trouble checking in here! But there is one huge similarity between Stunthanger and VINDURO, and I'm sure other groups  share also, is the ability to archive information. I have done it on both sites numerous time to recall some tidbit of information I needed but wanted to make sure of. They can't do that on facebook, from what I understand. This site is a virtual encyclopedia of almost ANYTHING that you could want to know about building and flying a stunt model and all the other disciplines listed here with it. I don't think you can come close to that on facebook. And on top of that, it's a much SAFER site in many ways. The passage of time will tell the whole story of how things progress and I intend to stick around and watch it happen.
    Type at you later,
     Dan McEntee

[James Holford]

    Well, one issue that is affecting things is something we can't do anything about, and that is time marches on! As times change, people change and their situations change and they have to adjust accordingly. I think most of us have read posts by Andre Ming on the list, mostly related to combat, Fox engines and such. I knew Andre from a Yahoo special interest group related to vintage enduro motorcycles called VINDURO  that he owns, and I think I joined that group before Stunthanger came into existence. VINDURO was a hot and happening forum with tons of technical information on rebuilding, repairing, restoring and racing vintage off road dirt bikes. Many, many cool guys and many members are/were former factory racers, mechanics and such. I forget how many members it has reached, but like this site, had members from all around the world and I have been fortunate enough to have met some of them and able to call Andre and the others friends. But, like the subject of this thread, facebook comes along and a VINDURO facebook page gets started up and members start drifting over there. Action on the original Yahoo slowed to a crawl but it is still up and running and has seen some renewed interest as Andre has retired and has more time to devote to it, and others drifted back due to the same burnout on FB as others here have experienced. I have never participated on FB because mainly I don't have time to spend on it. I don't know how some of you guys do it, but sometimes I have trouble checking in here! But there is one huge similarity between Stunthanger and VINDURO, and I'm sure other groups  share also, is the ability to archive information. I have done it on both sites numerous time to recall some tidbit of information I needed but wanted to make sure of. They can't do that on facebook, from what I understand. This site is a virtual encyclopedia of almost ANYTHING that you could want to know about building and flying a stunt model and all the other disciplines listed here with it. I don't think you can come close to that on facebook. And on top of that, it's a much SAFER site in many ways. The passage of time will tell the whole story of how things progress and I intend to stick around and watch it happen.
    Type at you later,
     Dan McEntee

On a FB group. Stuff is archived. As long as the original poster didnt delete the post. It can be found with the Search feature like here.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Angelo Smyth]

I was on facebook for a while. After some time it got aggravating, so I whittled my friend list down to family only. That was better, but even so things came up that created friction. About three years ago I deleted my facebook account and have never looked back.
facebook is a social cancer, and I’m glad to say I’m in remission.

AMEN to that!

[James Holford]

Now in no way am I saying FB is better than here. Because it isnt. You simply cannot get the info on FB like you can here.

 The FB Control Line Flying group is just another place to talk control line. It has its perks but also has its downsides. It's more or less catered to the sport flyers with a mix of everything else.


 And the Youtube hangout is a place for those of us to live stream and work on projects and talk about control line flying in real time. Live. Sure topics do veer off and such but that's the way it goes.

 Heck a couple of us often get on live stream and BS and build our planes at random times of the day or not and it's not on youtube.

  Year or so ago Tom Creasey and I would get on every sunday morning and shoot the bull and work on our winter projects. Without Sparky bringing the hangout to us we would have never even thought about it.


 Now I'm not trying to sell facebook to anyone nor will I beg or tell anyone they must get on our group. It's just another place to talk control line. It has its rules just like here. 

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[GallopingGhostler]

Seems like topics have tapered off a bit lately. I wonder if the several facebook control line pages and the twice-weekly YouTube hangout are slowly draining Stunthanger of content. I follow many of the facebook CL pages and I watch the YouTube hangouts.  I see a lot of stuff out happening out there in the control line universe and it seems like only a bit is making it onto this forum. Remember to keep posting here as well, folks!

I think it related to lessened activity. The decreasing amount of posts in happening in all forums, RC Groups, RC Universe, Cox Engine Forums, Brotherhood of the Ring, Stuka Stunt, Hip Pocket Aeronautics and etc.  Recreational activities even such as motorcycle riding is down. We've had 2 motorcycle shops locally close within the past couple years.

The only reason why it seems there is more activity in facebook is that it is widely used, and even the curious can easily join. You just click join, and after admin clicks OK, you're in.

However, there is a tremendous amount of off topic type tangent posts within those FB groups. It is what it is, good for some things, not so good for others. Perhaps occasionally mentioning Stunt Hangar or posting a link back to Stunt Hangar will encourage people to come this way.

My postings are down, but that is because of my involvement in charitable activities and age has been creeping up on me. I'm not the same I was 10 years ago.

[Glen Wearden]

I'm not sure I'm wording this correctly, but the few times I've looked at facebook, it has looked to me like a great venue for narcissism.
Glen Wearden

[Sean McEntee]

Now for a millennials' perspective

       The facebook pages and Stunthanger CAN go hand in hand.  People wanting to connect with other modelers will think to look on facebook first, as there are facebook pages for just about everything under the sun.  Having a few good experienced people on that page helps newcomers sort through the influx of information that is put out on it.  In my opinion, there are quite a few folks on those groups that barely know what they're doing and have no business dishing out advice, but that's just me.  Its still a good way for folks getting back into the hobby to get information or ask a quick question.  I usually send folks a PM with a link to this form, and that if they have any more questions, to jump on here and do some research.  facebook can be a good recruiting tool for here. 

       There is the picture size issue, and I understand that there is nothing to be done about it. I post pictures of projects on facebook to just get it out there and maybe inspire folks.

       For those that poo-poo facebook, like already mentioned, its what you make of it.  I have a lot of family and friends that I keep in touch with on social media.  I use it to monitor my Soldiers, ranging from 19-24 years of age.  Kids post everything on social media, so I keep tabs on them that way and can usually identify issues that they're having (marital issues, depression, significant life events, ect) through their posts.  facebook also helps me remember their birthdays and anniversaries  .  I also use it as a networking tool for work, keeping in contact with people that I have previously worked with and some work-related pages that we in the UAS community use to share information.  There's allot of people out there that seem to try to win the political battle by posting useless garbage on it, but that's pretty easy to filter out.


     

[Joe Yau]

It is each it's own to me..  all serves it's purposes. 
 
Stunthanger - Technical infos, AMA Events,  New ideas, Resolving Trim & Run issues, Flying techniques, Set ups, Classified section, etc.
 
facebook - Photo, Video, New control line product like ultra light CF props, composite wing / fuse parts etc.  Also Control Line clubs in other countries,  World Championships FAI Events World Wide. 
 
You Tube -  Flight Videos at the WC, Nats, Local contest. Self coaching flights,  building techniques, painting tutorial etc.
 

[john e. holliday]

I do not think the picture size is a problem, even the ones I post.  If not large enough I click on link/address below the picture and enlarge if it needs to be for viewing.   But as far as FB if I get something I don't like I delete it.   have a niece that could use a good bar of soap in the mouth.   I'm no angel either and have to ask forgiveness once in a while.

[Mike Griffin]

To Wayne's point of the decline of pertinent posts on this forum and Sparky's post about being down a good percentage.  If you think it has slowed down here, check out Leonard's forum.  It has become almost stagnant.  Some of it I am sure is due to attrition..

Mike

[Mike Griffin]

Attrition is definitely one of the causes.  Just think of all that have died in the last year alone, that used to post on here. One was a local club member.  I can think of one out of south Louisiana, two from Florida, etc. I think for every new member, we lose two.

Absolutely TY and it is only going to get worse.

Mike

[Ken Culbertson]

facebook is killing ALL forums.  That's not exactly news!
Want to do something simple that will help?  Increase your picture size.  The fact that I have to go through a big process to reduce the size of normal Iphone photos to post them here CERTAINLY reduces my participation.

I am with you on that but the solution is to figure out how to take lower resolution pictures.  Sparky just had to add another drive just for pix.  I download mine to "paint" and resize the ones I want to 25%.  Only takes a couple of minutes.  It would be nice if something on SH end could automatically resize them but that takes time and $$$.  My IPhone takes them about 400% too big.

Ken

[James Holford]

I am with you on that but the solution is to figure out how to take lower resolution pictures.  Sparky just had to add another drive just for pix.  I download mine to "paint" and resize the ones I want to 25%.  Only takes a couple of minutes.  It would be nice if something on SH end could automatically resize them but that takes time and $$$.  My IPhone takes them about 400% too big.

Ken

Tapatalk app!!!!!!!!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Elwyn Aud]

I use facebook mainly as a place to post photos. Most of C/L planes and people. Probably around 1500 pics at present. Unfortunately not organized very well. Originally intended to just post a few action shots but  it got a bit out of hand.

[wwwarbird]

facebook is a social cancer,

 Quite possibly the best description of FB I've ever heard. IMO it's coming up on having ruined and entire generations "real life" person to person social abilities. Sean makes some good points but I'm still convinced the world would be a better place if it had never existed.

[Joe Yau]

Quite possibly the best description of FB I've ever heard. IMO it's coming up on having ruined and entire generations "real life" person to person social abilities. Sean makes some good points but I'm still convinced the world would be a better place if it had never existed.

yea..  But it all depends how you use it.  I actually have two facebook page.  One is dedicated to CLPA, and the other for Hi-End Audio systems (home & mobile). Lots of great infos in fb. 

[GallopingGhostler]

facebook is a social cancer,

Quite possibly the best description of FB I've ever heard. IMO it's coming up on having ruined and entire generations "real life" person to person social abilities. Sean makes some good points but I'm still convinced the world would be a better place if it had never existed.

This YouTube video makes an interesting point in a humorous sort of way, I think you all will enjoy because of its frankness. First time I had E-mail and a terminal of my own to work from was my first job in aerospace back in 1982. (In college, I was limited to punched cards and a few shared then primitive 8 bit business and scientific computers accessed late at night because they were booked during the day.)



The humor is in the man's explanation and the cartoon art, not jabbing the millennials, but explains the problems that full access at a very young age with social media creates.

[RC Storick]

For a short time, SH had a Farcebook page. That was until I found out that Mark Suckerburgh was a CIA agent and Darpa was the real inventor and everything is monitored and all DATA is sold for a profit. What better way to gather DATA on everyone than to have them spill their guts on every move they make throughout the day. Oh, I almost forgot one better way is to have them Pay for their own DNA test to see who they are? Think I am wrong? I bet I am not!

If you are on facebook do yourself a favor and leave it before they know what color toilet paper you have in your bathroom.

If you have facebook on your phone they monitor your movements within 10 feet 24-7 pretty creepy

[Dave_Trible]

I've tried in vain for years to get my (grown) children to get off facebook and not tell the world everything going on in their lives.  I've seen one daughter upset and outraged over others opinions about what she does.  That thing has an off switch.  Better for everyone in my view to dump it.  I also wonder: I'm on the computers quite a bit-like everyone else but could it be we are doing more 'modeling' on the keyboard these days than at the building table?  Maybe that's why a whole lot less seems to be getting done? 

Dave

[wwwarbird]

  I also wonder: I'm on the computers quite a bit-like everyone else but could it be we are doing more 'modeling' on the keyboard these days than at the building table?  Maybe that's why a whole lot less seems to be getting done? 

Dave

 Bingo. 

[Ara Dedekian]

          From a flip phone toting old geezer. . . . facebook is insanity!

          Ara

[john e. holliday]

You know the cell phones are almost as bad.   When my daughter can get on her phone and type in my number and see where in town I'm at.   I don't have any apps on my phone except the directory of people I call or message,  the weather app and solitaire.

[Avaiojet]

There's plenty of information about Forums on line.

There's all kinds of Forums, thousands of them.

The bottom line is a Forum is just people. People ARE the Forum.

The quality of the individual and the way these individuals present themselves AND relate to others in the Forum, sets the quality of the Forum.

Like the movie, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."

People aren't perfect.

Go on line and research Forums.

Answers are there.

[Mark Mc]

I also wonder: I'm on the computers quite a bit-like everyone else but could it be we are doing more 'modeling' on the keyboard these days than at the building table?  Maybe that's why a whole lot less seems to be getting done? 

Dave

I've been thinking about that the last couple of days.  I spend more time on Stunt Hangar, CEF, the RCG CL section, and Outerzone than I do at the work table.  It's so easy to just sit down and page through posts when I get home from work.  I've got to just clear off some room and just get back to building one of the 20 projects I've got in the pipeline, and leave the computer turned off.

Mark

[Deric Herrmann]

Speaking from the viewpoint of someone getting back into the hobby / sport from being absent for 25 years I may be able to offer an outside opinion regarding facebook / Youtube / Stunthanger.

First, I believe facebook is a social tool, not much else. If you want to post pictures, tell folks when you're flying next, or just want to show off pictures of your plane so your relatives can see, it's great. Relatives are not going to get onto Stunthanger to see your rigs and it's a nice place to post those things. Maybe gain some interest from a younger person that sees Uncle Joe's plane and would like to build something like that. Advice on facebook? Eh... Might be better places.

Youtube? I watch tons of it. But I also have a complete and real grasp of reality that just because someone does something on there doesn't mean it will work for me or tun out as well as it did for them. It just may be there 1021st plane build.

Stuntahnger falls into the category of me finding people, networking and finding real solutions to problems I have building or flying. I take all that i see on facebook and Youtube and ask a few people on Stunthanger if this info is true and does it actually work as described. Just because it's on the web doesn't mean it's true. I like talking to people and networking, building long term relationships to find long term solutions to the things I'm coming up against. What worked for me 25 yrs ago doesn't work now and I'm having to learn a ton of things. I love it and have found some true gems of humanity.

The real question we need to ask is not which area is getting more air time. What we need to ask is how do we get a younger generation interested in a wonderful hobby that will teach them some great skills that they can use in everyday life? Fortunately / Unfortunately, Youtube and facebook are those avenues to do this. But we also need good quality folks in their area that would like to mentor people on building and flying techniques that they will need.

Stunthanger is that mentoring machine that is so desperately needed in our hobby.

[Dwayne]

AMEN to that!

facebook is like any other tool, if used right it's awesome. I'm that guy, I've found 3 guy's I knew when I was a kid back in the 60's, I use it to keep in touch with friends and family   who have moved, C/L  rc pages, motorsports but mostly for our local music scene and where the jam sessions are. If someone starts posting things I don't like I simply unfolow or block them, very easy to do.   

[Tom Vieira]

Speaking from the viewpoint of someone getting back into the hobby / sport from being absent for 25 years I may be able to offer an outside opinion regarding facebook / Youtube / Stunthanger.

First, I believe facebook is a social tool, not much else. If you want to post pictures, tell folks when you're flying next, or just want to show off pictures of your plane so your relatives can see, it's great. Relatives are not going to get onto Stunthanger to see your rigs and it's a nice place to post those things. Maybe gain some interest from a younger person that sees Uncle Joe's plane and would like to build something like that. Advice on facebook? Eh... Might be better places.

Youtube? I watch tons of it. But I also have a complete and real grasp of reality that just because someone does something on there doesn't mean it will work for me or tun out as well as it did for them. It just may be there 1021st plane build.

Stuntahnger falls into the category of me finding people, networking and finding real solutions to problems I have building or flying. I take all that i see on facebook and Youtube and ask a few people on Stunthanger if this info is true and does it actually work as described. Just because it's on the web doesn't mean it's true. I like talking to people and networking, building long term relationships to find long term solutions to the things I'm coming up against. What worked for me 25 yrs ago doesn't work now and I'm having to learn a ton of things. I love it and have found some true gems of humanity.

The real question we need to ask is not which area is getting more air time. What we need to ask is how do we get a younger generation interested in a wonderful hobby that will teach them some great skills that they can use in everyday life? Fortunately / Unfortunately, Youtube and facebook are those avenues to do this. But we also need good quality folks in their area that would like to mentor people on building and flying techniques that they will need.

Stunthanger is that mentoring machine that is so desperately needed in our hobby.

Good points, Deric!  hope to see you out at Lunkin field or the Buzzard's home turf!

[John Gluth]

" What we need to ask is how do we get a younger generation interested in a wonderful hobby that will teach them some great skills that they can use in everyday life? Fortunately / Unfortunately, Youtube and facebook are those avenues to do this. But we also need good quality folks in their area that would like to mentor people on building and flying techniques that they will need.

Stunthanger is that mentoring machine that is so desperately needed in our hobby. "

Yes, Thank you Deric. Since the early 1960s, interest and building skills were cultivated as quoted, from friends and family. For that I’m grateful. Whoever you are that know me, THANK YOU! Many on this forum have shared and received mentoring, currently and LONG before Internet forum and social sites.
In this digital age, I’m proud of those who take time to cultivate mechanical skills in a youngster person-to-person.