Is Talkbass a Social Networking Site?

[Bruce Lindfield]

So - being an old fuddy-duddy I have never looked at MySpace,Facebook,Twitter etc. But I have been asked on a few surveys recently, whether or not I use Social Networking sites? So does this one count...

[Mark Latimour]

No. I'd rather not network with you Bruce.

[TheDarkReaver]

No, it is a message-board forum. The idea is not to network but to have discussions in a public forum.

[Mark Latimour]

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

No, it is a message-board forum. The idea is not to network but to have discussions arguments in a public forum.

Fixed.

[Komakino]

A friend of mine was writing an essay for a Communications Studies course a couple of years ago and asked me the same question. I concluded that it was, because there is the social aspect of like-minded (and not so like-minded) people coming together to discuss a common interest (as well as the esoterica of Off Topic), and there is the networking aspect of people meeting up in real life, giving advice, sharing information on equipment, sharing contacts and making aquiantances, that sort of thing. I expect there are many people who now include other TB members among their list of friends and some who occasionally or reguarly meet up off of the internet. I would consider that to be social networking.

[Marley's Ghost]

Thankfully it is not. I am becoming more and more convinced that Facebook is evil.

[TheDarkReaver]

Originally Posted by Komakino

A friend of mine was writing an essay for a Communications Studies course a couple of years ago and asked me the same question. I concluded that it was, because there is the social aspect of like-minded (and not so like-minded) people coming together to discuss a common interest (as well as the esoterica of Off Topic), and there is the networking aspect of people meeting up in real life, giving advice, sharing information on equipment, sharing contacts and making aquiantances, that sort of thing. I expect there are many people who now include other TB members among their list of friends and some who occasionally or reguarly meet up off of the internet. I would consider that to be social networking.

On the other hand: If a woman uses a hair brush to get herself off does that mean that a hairbrush is sex toy?

Just because forums are used by some in a fashion akin to social networking sites does not necessarily mean that it is one. I would personally say that the internet forum is a precursor to the social networking phenomenon, as some elements of social networking to exist. However, forums tend to have a high level of user anonymity that go against the trend of social networking.

So in conclusion; Talkbass does contain a social networking element but overall it would not be considered such.

[MakiSupaStar]

It's not considered social networking if you're connecting with a 2400 baud modem Bruce. Next thing you're going to tell me that you're records are the same as compact discs.

[Komakino]

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

Just because forums are used by some in a fashion akin to social networking sites does not necessarily mean that it is one. I would personally say that the internet forum is a precursor to the social networking phenomenon, as some elements of social networking to exist. However, forums tend to have a high level of user anonymity that go against the trend of social networking.

This is all true. I would also add though that TB is a bit more than 'just' a forum because of the associated contact sharing, meet-ups and that sort of thing.

I would still consider TB to be a form of social networking site, in the loosest terms at least.

[Komakino]

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

It's not considered social networking if you're connecting with a 2400 baud modem Bruce. Next thing you're going to tell me that you're records are the same as compact discs.

Don't be daft... records are far superior to compact discs!



And Bruce will discover that when he eventally moves on from wax cylinders

[MakiSupaStar]

Originally Posted by Komakino

Don't be daft... records are far superior to compact discs!



And Bruce will discover that when he eventally moves on from wax cylinders

Perhaps. Maybe we'll find out when the meds wear off and he wakes up from his nap in front of the tele.

[Komakino]

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

Perhaps. Maybe we'll find out when the meds wear off and he wakes up from his nap in front of the tele.

...and shakes his stick at us young whippersnappers for ruining his nap!

[MonetBass]

Well, according my new company policy, it could be considered a social networking site, but I voted no because (thankfully) this site isn't blocked here at work. Some content is, though.

[baalroo]

I voted "definitely" but only because TB is more LIKE the experience Ive had on social networking sites than it is DIFFERENT. ALL of the same things happen on both, TB is just moderated and less flexible than something like FB. Like someone above said, social networking sites are basically just a giant internet discussion forum set up in a slightly different format... still all the same stuff you get here (plus a little more).

I however don't think you could answer the "do you use social networking?" question with a "yes" if you're only on TB, it's too bass-centric and the point of social networking is creating a forum like structure without needing the single overarching interest to anchor discussion within a specific context.

However, if you enjoy TB I can't see any reason why you wouldn't enjoy a site like Facebook. Basically facebook is exactly like this Off Topic forum, except it would Likely include just your very favorite people from TB, your favorite people from any other sites you visit, and your friends (IN REAL LIFE) and family.

[DWBass]

It is a social networking site but also used in other public ways. You can set your personal settings as private as you want and only have a few select 'buddies' or keep wide open where everyone can see your business. I personally have reconnected with literaly hundreds of old school mates and friends who I lost touch with over the years. It's all in how you use it.

[bassybill]

For me - yes. I socialise here and have a network of people I'm in contact with, both online and in several cases in person. Social + Networking = Social Networking.

[L-A]

It is not, but only because it's not its first objective. However, Talkbass still *results* in much networking.

[CapnSev]

I say no because I actually get some useful information out of here.

[Rocker949]

No

Because of what DarkReaver and CapnSev said.

[MatticusMania]

I say it is, sorta. I mostly come on here to socialize. Sure, I get some good info on the other forums, but I mostly just want to shoot the **** in OT.