Why Battleward?

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Gene
Posts: 167
Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2023 12:16 am
United States of America

Why Battleward?

Post by Gene »

It is my fervent desire to bring together all members of the various groups I belong to under one banner, here, in Battleward. As a member of several Facebook groups, numerous FB chat groups, two Signal groups, and a couple of other small, niche communities, consolidating our interactions would significantly simplify communication and collaboration across our projects.

The primary reason for this move is to streamline communication for all involved, especially as I navigate my later years. I acknowledge that this desire may seem self-centered, but it is driven by a genuine need to manage my time and interactions more efficiently.

Additionally, recent experiences with Facebook's moderation algorithms have highlighted the platform's unpredictability and the challenges of dealing with unwarranted bans. These automated systems often penalize users for innocent comments, creating frustration and disrupting valuable discussions. A case in point is our friend Jay-Jay, who after years of participation, faced an unjust ban and after unsuccessful attempts to overturn it, withdrew from online engagement altogether. His absence is deeply felt, as he was a vibrant contributor with many insightful and thought-provoking ideas.

By consolidating our interactions on Battleward, we can mitigate such issues and foster a more secure, controlled, and creative environment. A private website and forum offer several advantages; here are 3 of the most important:
  • Enhanced Security: Greater control over who can participate. Each grouping or category in the forum can be set to privacy and only those users selected can read and post.
  • Creative Freedom: The flexibility to create and add new content without restriction and to share it with all users.
  • Community Building: A dedicated space for our community to grow and thrive without the concern that someone might express a questionable utterance.
The website has seen a fluctuating but generally positive trend in visitor traffic. For instance, May 2024 saw 13,700 unique visitors, the fourth highest month to date, while February 2024 peaked at 19,100 unique visitors. To maintain and grow this audience, it's crucial to keep the content fresh and engaging.

Currently, my ability to update the website is limited, but I intend to focus more on promoting the forum and encouraging participation. A vibrant forum can significantly enhance our community engagement, providing a robust platform for discussions, project updates, and collaborative efforts.

I haven't actively promoted this forum as much as I could, but that is about to change. I urge all members who have been on the sidelines to step into the light and bring along friends who share our interests.

And eventually, I hope to pass this on to someone willing to maintain and update the website. Until then, your participation and support are crucial to our collective success.

Join us in this endeavor to create a more connected, dynamic, and secure community. Your contributions and engagement are what will make Battleward a hub of creativity and collaboration.
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