Is BITOG just a version of social media or is it something else?

[vavavroom]

My girlfriends Lola, Katya, Crystal, Amber, and Tiffany have all said I should socialize more but not too much.

 

[vavavroom]

By the way, the 'Like' button has disappeared. Things will be a little less social.

 

[TiGeo]

I think some of the confusion may stem from the concept of a bulletin board (BBS) pre-dating the definition of social media, which I think was really sort of honed/defined during the MySpace era.

Technically, when we used to dial into a BBS with our modem, we were participating in something that doesn't quite fall under the definition of social media, because it wasn't a website or application, but it did allow for social networking. The same could be said for IRC, which was really a "system" that enabled networking, but pre-dates the concept of a centralized web platform or app for that explicit purpose.

ICQ would probably have been the first really popular app that fits the definition, but of course there was also AIM, MSN...etc. Then emerged the web platforms like MySpace, Facebook...etc.

The concept of a privately owned forum is really the evolution of the BBS if we are trying to nail down its genesis. However, because it does leverage a web platform, I think that does result in it falling under the definition of social media.

Dial-up bulletin boards...I remember doing them with our family IBM PC in the '80s....yeah, not quite as interactive but I can remember "chatting" with folks and then AOL and chat rooms...again...old but by today's standards "social media" none the less.

Social Media = "socializing online"

 

[Pablo]

You're pigeon-holing definitions to suit your narrative.

No, I am merely making a distinction and having a discussion. I am listening (reading) what you are saying.

 

[Hall]

I still don't consider that social media. Social media makes connections very public.

You don't use Facebook, Twitter, etc or anything, do you ? If you did, you'd know that those connections aren't public.

 

[y_p_w]

You don't use Facebook, Twitter, etc or anything, do you ? If you did, you'd know that those connections aren't publ

 

[OVERKILL]

Dial-up bulletin boards...I remember doing them with our family IBM PC in the '80s....yeah, not quite as interactive but I can remember "chatting" with folks and then AOL and chat rooms...again...old but by today's standards "social media" none the less.

Social Media = "socializing online"

Yup, though the official definition you and Zee posted both notes applications or websites, which the BBS pre-dates, hence my qualifier about it not exactly qualifying, same goes for IRC. But the modern "spin" on the BBS, web forums, absolutely qualifies.

 

[KrisZ]

If they're big enough, they'd be targeted no different than Twitter. Read the site's rules:

Sure, with a warrant.

Not a phone call from a representative.

I would not be too sure about that. Just like you can let authorities or other government agents into your house without a warrant, the same applies to the owners of this forum.

Also, since we have a gun sub-forum, it is almost guaranteed FBI monitors it.

 

[Pablo]

I would not be too sure about that. Just like you can let authorities or other government agents into your house without a warrant, the same applies to the owners of this forum.

Also, since we have a gun sub-forum, it is almost guaranteed FBI monitors it.

Sure, agree if the OWNER says yes no problem.

As for the FBI monitoring the gun lube section?? I kinda doubt that, but would not be surprised. Our government wasting time, money, energy monitoring innocent citizens no longer surprises me. I guess what surprises me is how the supposed open minded set (with 60's roots) is OK with such a thing in 2023.

 

[wemay]

Same as Social Media.

 

[TiGeo]

BITOG = social media

 

[Hall]

BITOG = social media

Uh-oh, you went and did it ! Well, you reiterated what's already been said, much to the dismay of many....

 

[CKN]

Some of the social media sites they OP mentioned have their place-others not so much. BITOG is a form of social media. There would be even less interaction (probably 95%) if the search function of this site was used.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Some of the social media sites they OP mentioned have their place-others not so much. BITOG is a form of social media. There would be even less interaction (probably 95%) if the search function of this site was used.

Admin could disable posting, and then it could just turn into a Wiki with the use of the search function.

 

[TiGeo]

Admin could disable posting, and then it could just turn into a Wiki with the use of the search function.

 

[Astro14]

Admin could disable posting, and then it could just turn into a Wiki with the use of the search function.

If we did that, we might have to moderate the content, optimizing the search effectiveness and answers by removing all the off topic posts, wrong answers, foolish responses, and bad information...

Do we really want to go down that road?

 

[hrv]

If we did that, we might have to moderate the content, optimizing the search effectiveness and answers by removing all the off topic posts, wrong answers, foolish responses, and bad information...

Do we really want to go down that road?

if we do all that there wont be much to read on BITOG.....

 

[ZeeOSix]

Do we really want to go down that road?

It was sarcasm, hence the at the end.

 

[53' Stude]

I am proud of not ever being a member or user of any of the huge social media or content posting platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tictok, etc. I don’t even know what they look like since I have never gone to their web page or downloaded the associated apps. I don’t see the need for them and don’t feel I am missing anything by not following the herd. I still get and read a national daily newspaper (WSJ) delivered to my front door six days a week.

But I use this site and enjoy (most) of the discussions. Am I deceiving myself? Is this just a version of the bigger social media platforms or is this site so narrowly focused that it is not social media but more of a product user’s forum? Or are they the same thing?

For the members here who are users of social media sites, how is this site different and what feature overlap?

IMO, it’s a site people can learn from. Plenty of knowledgeable folks here. I was never on social media and won’t ever. So, no I don’t think this site is anywhere related to social media. I come to learn new stuff and help others if I can.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Social media is a term for websites and applications that allow users to share information, ideas, and content through virtual communities and networks.