Published on 12, July, 2020
I sometimes use the "search" function to look up some questions I have to see if someone in the past has already ask similar questions. And when I look at past posts, like posts that were 6 years old, the people who were actively replying to posts back then (e.g., having many posts/replies and top contributor), pretty much all of them are not actively posting now. Actually, it doesn't even have to be that long, a lot of people who were active 3 years ago are not active now. So I'm curious, what causes people to leave? Is it because they got what they needed (e.g., originally needing advice on how to get a diagnosis and then they got one)? Or is it because they get bored of having to answer the same questions over and over for so long? Or is it because they had some bad experience here? Or is it because they later got a negative diagnosis and felt they don't belong? Or is it because they got too busy in life (e.g., work, family, friends, and other demands)? Or is it because they realised that they like the forum too much that they are spending too much time on it and should take a break? Or is it because they found a different ASD group (e.g., more local, more focused)? Or because they moved to a different country?
Do you think you will still be on this forum 5 years later?
Probably all of the reasons you mentioned. I also think it is the quality of conversation and its ability to grow, stay relevant as people evolve. I am sure there is a potential for long lasting community relevant to people at various stages, but it needs to be managed and maintained. I think Facebook had some role in it as well. There are a number of closed groups. But I don't know enough, I am not on fb.
Does anyone know what is happening on fb?
For those that are on facebook. I find the 'British women with Aspergers UK connect group' really helpful, it's a closed group where people can post any queries or issues and discuss with other group members. I also belong to 'Just Aspies please' which is worldwide in theory but predominantly American, it can get rather dramatic! I have my own group on facebook too and that's really the only reason that I made a new facebook count. Basically it's a mixed bunch with facebook groups, some are good and some not so good. I would suggest that if anyone joins any ASD facebook groups then it is best to join a closed group where posts can only be viewed by group members.
Thanks for the information about the 'British women with Aspergers UK connect group' and 'Just Aspies please'. It's a really good idea to make a new FB account just for this! I actually never thought of it, so even though I knew these groups existed, I never joined them as I didn't want notifications from these groups to over flood my other FB stuff. And I also would like to keep my diagnosis private to some people, so I don't want others to find out that I belong to ASD groups. So creating a new account for these things is a good idea to get access but not interfere with other FB activity!