Curious about RB Forum vs RB Facebook Page

[Randy Karasek]

Over the past couple years the posts/questions/finds to the RB Forum have greatly slowed compared to the RB Facebook page which feels active (2.7K members) and multiple topics per day. This thread is intended to discuss some reasons why? I know there are some strong opinions of the "evil Facebook" but to me it is just one of many possible hobby related tools that will continue to move forward regardless of a "never will use" decision. I regularly use both, at least some minutes every day, find both useful. The following are some of MY opinions, agree or not...

RB Forum

• Pro: Free and easy to post
• Pro: Years of long term persistence
• Pro: Simple and advanced searchable
• Con: Way too many dead-subcategories
• Con: Can't drag/drop, copy/paste pictures
• Con: Default should display the most recent posts

RB Facebook

• Pro: Free and easy to post
• Pro: Feels easier to post pictures
• Pro: Very active
• Con: Short term interest, threads quickly swallowed by new
• Con: I haven't found a way to search history

I will continue to use the RB Forum simply for persistence and search abilities. I find it invaluable for research of "has this variation been discussed before" or for finding some amazing stories/pictures of old time friends and dumping. I will also continue to use RB Facebook for its value.

What are some possible items Dan could *practically* add/change to make the RB Forum more usable for you? I am sure there are numerous options/plugins, but only should add/enable if general users express interest.

Remember, the RB Forum is quite configurable, and two items that I had to make for day-to-day viewing. Please be aware when you are logged in under your user name there is:
.

RBUserConfig1.png (5.23 KiB) Viewed 4415 times

which provides a number of categories and "tabs" within a category. Of specific is Board Preferences -> Edit Display Options
.

Of most important for me is to change to display Threads "Newest post to oldest". This way I click on a thread, read the most N recent replies and stop. The default for an active thread means lots of scrolling to get to any new content.

Also, I had to defeat the "Display signatures". Some posters were putting walls of text, and repeatedly seeing that again and again in their replies distracted from the thread topic.

My usage from the New/Active/Unread/Mine buttons is always click on "New", read the most recent replies to threads of interest, and then click on Unread and "Mark All As Read" for the topics that don't interest me. I work all day in front of computer, and find couple minute breaks to quick view anything new a nice mental relax.

[curt]

I am not a big poster anywhere but I have been a member of this forum for almost 20 years i think and i still check in on a few times a week. I love that I can easily find old topics here such as cleaning cans and still enjoy reading threads when they come up.

My entire facebook feed is pretty much beer cans and breweriana. Not sure what happened to my old friends but they have been replaced by beers cans on facebook. Most of the new finds and great pics are now on facebook as well as many buy and sell options. That is positive.

The only negatives to facebook I can think of.

1. Its hard to find posts again even if you have liked it
2. Lot of scammers but a couple of pages have gone to great lengths to identify, ban and call them out.

[keithker]

Randy thanks your comments.

I have my RB forum and Facebook always loaded. One can get whatever was recently posted by clicking on the "new" button in the top right corner.

Here is my url that always provides the most recent information:
https://www.therustybunch.com/phpBB3/se ... d=newposts

I usually just refresh the page to get the most recent items.

It provides all the recent input no matter which thread it is in.

I make every effort to post in both the forum and on Facebook. This ensures the widest dissemination of hobby items and keeps the historical information that is easily searchable in the RB forum.

[Randy Karasek]

The only negatives to facebook I can think of.

1. Its hard to find posts again even if you have liked it
2. Lot of scammers but a couple of pages have gone to great lengths to identify, ban and call them out.

Fully agree with both Curt. I believe I started on the RB Forum in 2004 and there are 1,000s of archived topics that are so easy to search. I sure hope collectors continue to post here since one day those collectors will be gone, and hopefully tons of great memories don't go with. Working on the RB Yearbook I have used the RB Forum search many times.

As for scammers, sadly anything internet/email related, everything must be very concerning. Run strong antivirus software, question validity of EVERYTHING, never click on a link until mouse hover and verified it looks legit. NEVER give password or personal information online unless certain https SSL and the other end you trust. Gone are the crude, poor English send money to Africa, these scammers are so elaborate now, so many authenticate looking posts/email. Question and re-question, always trust your gut if it doesn't feel right. Change passwords often.

[MI-Cans]

I am partial to the RB Forum.

While some of you like the new button, I like its neighbor - ACTIVE. I think it brings up any site with any recent activity. There's a predetermined list that get searched and if meeting the criteria it will get listed. Searching the RB Forum can be an adventure with the depth of information and knowledge that's archived.

I like that some topics can turn into what seems like a genuine conversation between either novice or experts participants of the Hobby. If you can't learn something here...go find a different Hobby.

The Social Media alternatives, don't like 'em, don't use 'em, so I have nothing to comment, either positive or negative. If you like it and use it, by all means enjoy it but just don't push it on me.

For me, the perfect compliment to the RB Forum is Randy's BMV. Think about it. Over 40,000 pages of Hobby information, data, history and more. If I can't find something between the two sources, sometimes I think it doesn't exist. Those of you familiar with my postings know that I generally look for questions that I can find answers to. If I can post a good enough answer, that makes my day and I'm happy in my little fart bubble of this Hobby.

My $0.02...

(MI-Cans)

[stringsx24now]

I check this forum at least once a day, many times multiple times a day. I have started to dip my toe into Facebook, looking at it maybe once a week-especially when this forum goes slow on new posts (like just in the last couple of weeks).
I really not a fan-so far-of Facebook. I find it confusing, frustrating, and waayyy to many ads. I cannot find things I saw just hours ago, let alone days, so a continuity of one subject is lost in the ether-world. I can scroll down not even that much and the posts start repeating themselves (thus the frustration part). Just a day ago my wife posted something on our page non-beer related. A BBCA'er kindly responded positively, and when went back to look, we can't even find our own post! (on our own page!)(It was some pictures).
So, keep the posts coming here. Please don't let this website wither away.....

[henry porter]

I visit this forum at least once a day. I will never give Zuckerberg one iota of my data to sell, so I'll never have a facebook account. In fact, I have facebook's servers blocked at the host level.

This forum is WAY more valuable than any social media site.

[willssoda]

My opinion. With FB it pops up in your face when you log on if it's one of your groups so it's a reminder and in a way lures you in. I sometimes forget about the forum and may go a couple or few days before visiting. Is there a way to have a pop up reminder for the forum?

[Randy Karasek]

Is there a way to have a pop up reminder for the forum?

Many web browsers (at least Edge, Mozilla, Chrome) have settings to control default/home web page. Usually just a right-click somewhere, Settings and then typing/pasting a URL.

There is also this topic from Microsoft how to have browser/page open after Windows login https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/win ... 18302b0c02.

If you leave your computer running but "locked", see the following for action on screen unlock:
https://superuser.com/questions/15596/a ... to-windows

I don't want to redefine my HomePage from current Google since use it all the time. However, I do have both RB Forum and Facebook as buttons on my top button bar.

[burgiedave]

Inactive in breweriana I still retain interest. Via this forum and NABA subscription is my education. This group being the closest to social media I've become it provides the quench needed to satisfy my quest for more. R.B. is the rock star. Have never sourced the competition.

[idigrust]

I love both, my greatest issue with FB is that there are about 60 beer can / breweriana pages that all have the same stuff posted. It's like the Department of redundency department !

also, HAPPY 26th anniversary to the RB Website ! June 18th 1998 - 2024.

[bantam10]

I love both, my greatest issue with FB is that there are about 60 beer can / breweriana pages that all have the same stuff posted. It's like the Department of redundency department !

also, HAPPY 26th anniversary to the RB Website ! June 18th 1998 - 2024.

That's why I only post in like 2 lol

[Lovegun]

This forum i.m.h.o. is still king when it comes to reference material involving this hobby, hands down. Dan and all who have contributed are to be thanked for that. This site and chapter has introduced me to many many dear life long friends. For that I am thankful! However I just don't get on here as much as the Facebook Rusty Bunch site. In fact like said, there are many different hobby related groups and pages, many with great resources for buying/selling and even trading. Not to mention marketplace, which I have scored some incredible stuff from. I get the feedback and respect those who refuse to use it. However for the good or bad of Facebook, it's where about 98% of all internet hobby traffic is now.

[willssoda]

Is there a way to have a pop up reminder for the forum?

Many web browsers (at least Edge, Mozilla, Chrome) have settings to control default/home web page. Usually just a right-click somewhere, Settings and then typing/pasting a URL.

Sweet. Thanks!



There is also this topic from Microsoft how to have browser/page open after Windows login https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/win ... 18302b0c02.

If you leave your computer running but "locked", see the following for action on screen unlock:
https://superuser.com/questions/15596/a ... to-windows

I don't want to redefine my HomePage from current Google since use it all the time. However, I do have both RB Forum and Facebook as buttons on my top button bar.

[Jay]

I have always enjoyed the board. The layout, members, easy to post and respond. I have not and will never use Facebook for multiple reasons. The few times I did lurk on the RB Facebook site from my wife’s phone it seemed like some pretentious folks posting the same stuff and some newbies telling dumping veterans they don’t know how to clean cans. I’ll stick to the board no matter how old it gets. I can appreciate anyone collecting cans, but this is the Rusty bunch. Maybe there should be a separate FB site for Deep pockets and shiny cans. The word “resource” can be used for a lot of different motives.

Just my skewed opinion

Jay

[pinnacle-project]

Since I do not use Facebook, I cannot make my own comparison between the two. Based on other's comments, the part that stands out to me is being able to search for old topics on this site. The amount of information on this site is staggering. Being able to find old posts is a great benefit. This site, combined with Randy's free BMV software is an unbeatable one-two punch.

[Cap-Sealed]

I've been here from the start, but what I like about FB, is you get a lot more feedback/discussion on posts that I make there than here. I only go to 3 or 4 FB sites. Many times when I make a post here, especially after spending 30-45 minutes uploading show/digging photos with comments, I hear only crickets for my efforts....

[bodean]

The RB is the gold standard as far as I know. I don't have facebook nor any other 'social media', then again I don't have a cell phone either so take my opinion for what it's worth. I'm always impressed with what I learn here. Very helpful for a novice collector.

[bantam10]

I've been here from the start, but what I like about FB, is you get a lot more feedback/discussion on posts that I make there than here. I only go to 3 or 4 FB sites. Many times when I make a post here, especially after spending 30-45 minutes uploading show/digging photos with comments, I hear only crickets for my efforts....

Yep same. Hell of an audience on the Facebook groups !

[Randy Karasek]

I really hope the RB Forum remains for many years, and somehow becomes more active again. There is so much history here, and that little text box upper right corner with the text "Search" allows for quick access to YEARS of past info and photos. Can't beat it.

However, not trying to convince anyone of anything (other than dammit get your 2024 RB Yearbook info to me before July 31) but just fact. Friday evening I posted just two pictures on the BCCA Facebook page, and within less than 30 minutes there have been 38 responses, multiple comments, and one Facebook Messenger chat...
.

[idigrust]

and as is usual with FB, I can't find your post !

[Randy Karasek]

and as is usual with FB, I can't find your post !

Fully agree, FB is junk with respect to persistence and finding anything even just hours old. I thought Facebook used to allow "Share -> More..." and copy/paste URL for a specific article. I can't find anything, which means few minutes of share and not long after the old bit bucket. I have tried doing some Search and that facility is very poor.

FYI: I posted on the BCCA page, not RB page. Forwarded you the post. I have done some reading to see if some way to "auto forward" to other sites (e.g. to the RB Forum) but seems only thing so far is to forward videos.

[kamsquared]

I do look at Facebook beer can pages quite a bit. I think the appeal is the ease at which you can post pictures and stories/info.
HOWEVER, I agree that finding old posts is almost impossible. I can't even find stuff I posted.

[Cap-Sealed]

I do look at Facebook beer can pages quite a bit. I think the appeal is the ease at which you can post pictures and stories/info.
HOWEVER, I agree that finding old posts is almost impossible. I can't even find stuff I posted.

If you search on your name, you can usually find your post on FB. Also, make your post searchable, like if you post a picture of a Log Cabin Beer can, and the title of the post has "Log Cabin" in it, then search on log cabin, it will pop up. It's not that hard to find something you posted on FB.

[Jay]

Rusty bunch web site all the way….social media sucks..

[Dammit Jim!]

I have both, but the reality is they're like two different tools with different uses. This is much better for in depth discussion and the dissemination of information. Facebook is more quick interchanges and posting eye-candy (breweriana, dumping, etc). If I'm not traveling or too busy, I'm on both at least once a day.

[Cap-Sealed]

Facebook has the pulse of the hobby right now. You are missing out on so much it but it's your choice. I like both, but if you want/like feedback to your posts, then FB is the place to be.

[MI-Cans]

ENOUGH ALREADY!!!

Do we really need to have these periodic discussions to promote or condemn one site or the other?

No one is stopping anyone from using any site.

If you like it, you’ll use it! If you don’t like it, you won’t use it! I can’t put it any simpler than that...

It’s human nature. Nobody likes being told what to do, how to do it, what to use, how to use it, etc. Websites are no different.

So please stop using this website to promote a competitor to this site. Use one or the other, or use them both! I don’t care. Don’t tell me what you’re doing on that site, tell me what you’re doing on this site.

It shows a total lack of respect for Danny and the time and effort he puts into this site and others he’s responsible for.

Opinion expressed is my own and not intended to influence anything.

Respectfully,

(MI-Cans)

[Randy Karasek]

The reason I started this thread was the RB forum seems to be dying, the RB Facebook page very active. My questions were what could possibly (realistically) be done to the RB forum to return to more active. I have done some reading and not sure if possible the following:

• Simple button on the top to default post to General Discussion
• Forum has too many topics. At least change such that top section has General Discussion, Advertise and Members Only, the few that get any activity
• So many "dead" topics, the person that started them doesn't manage or post anymore. Move then under an "Archived -> topic"
• Facebook page makes adding photos easier/faster
• Can the RB Forum allow copy/paste, drag/drop of photos?

Frankly I don't see recent posts stating anything about you MUST use Facebook or even read any post that contains the word Facebook. Another idea I have been looking into any way to auto-sync/pull some RB member posts on Facebook to RB forum/topics. I guess from some of the feeling on this board, Facebook is absolute evil, while others simply view it as another tool to exchange hobby information. As part of the RB Yearbook chatting with collectors via Facebook Messenger has been invauable.

I will not pursue the auto-sync, and I will stop taking time to copy some great Facebook posts to share to this forum. Other than items I would prefer the power of RB forum persistence/search, I am leaning to posting Facebook only, not double work to also share here.

Bottom line this forum is dying, the only active thread is "What NASCAR racers are you choosing this week". And nobody forces anyone to ever read a thread. I skip over all NASCAR, other topics I don't care, others should do the same.

-Randy

[zoinkss]

We started this discussion awhile ago and there is absolutely NO disrespect intended.
In Sep 22 - viewtopic.php?t=51850&hilit=facebook
Facebook RB is the quick and easy and from there i think the RB forum gets some new users. One of the main reasons I keep my RB membership is so I can periodically use this site to do research on old subjects.
IF anything ever happens with the FB site, the information could be lost or taken away or, God forbid FB might actually start charging for storage or something.
The RB site can benefit greatly from the FB site as it brings in a lot of new users potentially. and from that dues. The one thing we lose on the RB site is that some posts about can info are only going on the FB site and not easily searchable and if a member goes away on facebook, their posts may also go away.
RB has done the finest job in research and database. AS I stated in 2022, I would love to see if there was someway to pull any good or important posts from FB and put them in the general discussion so that info can be saved and shared with those on RB that don't do FB.
Both sites are quality and there is always room for discussion in how we can use both sites in conjunction with each other to benefit the members.