I think they are probably going to close these boards

[mouse4702]

.... due to lack of traffic.  And I think the first sign is making it more difficult for newbies to find the "Community" pages. 

What do you think? 

[fishpieface]

Mods, with all due respect, you can see we have issues, that's what we are all saying. I'm sure I speak for most on this thread in asking why we can't be treated and respected like the adults that we are. Indtead of just keep warning people and banning them, why not actually listen and discuss with us. It feels like somebody's only got to hit the report button about something and the writer of that something gets banned - does anyone actually read the "offending script" to see if it really is offensive to an adult community who are here of their own free will?
Just asking. 'Cos it's getting stupid.

[dark_castle1]

Alan, there is absolutely no point in any of us contacting you because as usual nothing will be done ! The mods have succeeded in basically killing these boards with their childish attitudes of scolding and banning ADULT posters who take no offence to what is said in here because we are ADULTS and jokingly chat to each other in the language we use in everyday ADULT life not the childish life the Moderators seem to live.

R.I.P. Family, Home and Garden

[dark_castle1]

Just take a look at other threads in this forum Alan and you will see another poster going to leave and that poster is a lovely lady that would do you a good turn long before she would do you a bad one and I very much doubt she would because she does not have a bad bone in her body.

Even though she has her own hurdles to overcome she is forever there for everyone, helping, giving advice and cheering people up. The lovely, warm, kind, thoughtful lady I speak of is RAINYDAYWOMAN who is much thought of by everyone and will be sorely missed by all.

[*chez*]

I used to come home from work and switch on the computer.and FHG was my home page.. I couldn't wait to chat , get and pass on advice. etc... and because I was on Ebay  I'd also buy and sell. .. Check my feedback on this ( my posting account)  I haven't bought anything since last July. because I haven't been in to chat. and I can't even remember the password on my  main account   It's boring  ( no offence to anyone) .  I don't want to have keep re reading my posts in case I've used a word that even a child wouldn't regard as swearing or offensive..     If someone I talk to and care about disappears I want to be able to ask if they are ok... not  get a warning or a ban for asking..  they might be Ill or have a more serious problem than being banned from  a forum.. 

I have made some good friends on FHG.. some I've kept some not, some I've met and some I never will. but those friendships will carry on elsewhere because  I now find these boards  impossible to enjoy.  I'll still pop in now and again. but most of my posting will be done elseswhere.

I'm sure Ebay will manage without me... probably won't even notice Ive gone..   they'll survive  ifFHG  does close... or go the way of the Irish pub.. one post every   3 months...  but they won't be a community. 

[mouse4702]

Dear Alan, thank you for the reassurance.  I do enjoy it on here and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has health issues which mean that this board is something of a lifeline. 

[fishpieface]

I was going to say no more after my last post, but I will say I totally agree with Dark-Castle and Chez

about people, lovely, kind people who have many problems of their own to face but still find time to

be here, supporting others through difficult decisions, tough times and just doing things that brighten

up other peoples' days.  I know, I've been on the receiving end.  Through these inspirational people

I've learnt much stuff that's important in life and hope, whenever I see a need I can do something positive

about, I will repay those kindnesses.

That's all now, I think!

Thanks,

Fishy

[dark_castle1]

Just an idea ! Those of you who wish to chat and stay in contact with each other open a group or such like away from here and let FHG die a dignified death.

Whoever arranges the group could contact posters and invite them then there would be no moderators would there ?

[ginap.123]

Shouldn't have to be like that though DC.

[cee-dee]

Yes, the mods can see what's afoot in groups even if you make them private.

[*chez*]

trout!

[twishy123]

Bless you Chez 

[dark_castle1]

twishy and chez, message ^^^^^^^^^^^^ there.

[twishy123]

Is your surname 'Grey' by any chance Mr Mod?........ as in 50 shades of? 

*packs suitcase*

[**towery**]

nice goldfish  twishster

[twishy123]

Thank you towery... I think the specs make me look 'telligent    

                        

[bitsnknots]

I always thought you were 'telligent Twishy.  

[malacandran]

Should these "chatting" boards even be here, on eBay?

eBay is a commercial market-place. It exists to allow buyers and sellers to exchange goods and money.
The buyer sends the money - the seller sends the goods. That's a basic principle, which is at the heart of trading.

It's relied on by trading institutions such as shops and supermarkets. They want your money.  Not your opinions on irrelevant issues, like who did you watch on last night's TV, or do you believe in God.

I mean, suppose you went into a supermarket to buy some groceries. Would you expect to see a "community" chat-group in the corner, voicing political opinions, or talking about what books they're reading?

That would surely be rather bizarre.....so why is it happening on eBay?

[**towery**]

---

@malacandran wrote:

Should these "chatting" boards even be here, on eBay?

eBay is a commercial market-place. It exists to allow buyers and sellers to exchange goods and money.
The buyer sends the money - the seller sends the goods. That's a basic principle, which is at the heart of trading.

It's relied on by trading institutions such as shops and supermarkets. They want your money.  Not your opinions on irrelevant issues, like who did you watch on last night's TV, or do you believe in God.

I mean, suppose you went into a supermarket to buy some groceries. Would you expect to see a "community" chat-group in the corner, voicing political opinions, or talking about what books they're reading?

That would surely be rather bizarre.....so why is it happening on eBay?

---

at least 2 of my local supermarkets  have coffee shops,  the market place has over 12 places you can sit, and there is free wifi in most places in the town centre

the boards have imparted knowledge to many thousands of users over the years

whether  ebay knowledge

item , law

these last few boards are about half of what were around

people used to post in the boards while waiting  for auctions to get  near to the end,

or while hunting aound for ideas

ebay have lost many of the browsers , bidding on things while reading the boards

i am sure if they didnt have the boards they would be inundated with those questions that can bee simply answered by a board  regular

[harrydog10]

I think its called Community for that very reason. Communicating with one another.