Original post: I think I'm going to shut down stylethread. I just don't have the time to devote to it, and it's just taking money. Somehow, one of the affiliate advertiser accounts shut down and I have to go through the ad approval process again. Some of the best affiliates automatically declined my application because of the deactivation.
The only thing that has kept me from shutting it down is the value of the friendships I and others have built here.
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"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
I have made several of you content creators on the stylethread facebook page so you can continue sharing posts (you can sign your posts with your initials if you want, i.e. "~LW" because everyone with a manager role will post as stylethread.)
If you want to become a content creator, please just post "CC" on the stylethread facebook page, and I'll hook you up.
If we do lose the forum, there are lots of ways to maintain those relationships. I'd be sad to see it go, but I also understand with the lack of activity. I was just reminiscing with someone how I've seen so many grow here, marriages, houses bought, babies had and grown to beautiful children, from school to careers to new careers. I've watched as lots of us became more the cyber friends offering support through good, and bad times. This place was a lot more than a fashion forum. Thanks for all you've done D!
I would be sad to see it go, but I understand if that is the decision you are coming to. Would you keep the facebook account for us to chat with one another in, or take down everything stylethread related? How quickly are you thinking?
I agree with IAPT. I'm sad and really going to miss it. But I certainly understand that we don't get the activity that we once had. if it's become a time and a money drain, I get why you would have to come to this decision. I feel like I've made real friends here, not just "internet" ones.
Can you create a private group (or non-private, whichever you decide) on Facebook? It's free and we can continue to stay in touch.
I know I've valued my time here. It's been over 10 years since I first found the Lucky forums, then moved to FashionHag, then over here. I can't believe all that's happened since then and I'm so appreciative of the advice I've received and the friendships I've made here.
Oh dear, I rather avoided clicking on this topic in the chat window as I thought this might be the case... I think many of us feel the same way...we've grown so much from this very one-dimensional fashion site into a community of aquaintances and friends. It will certainly be difficult for me to watch the closing of this "little world of words" in which I know my own life story has been documented. I know for me personally what started as a place to go for inspiration in my fashion choices turned into a safe haven for me put into words what my struggle and triumphs were and receive thoughtful responses. I'd love to protest loudly but as others said already, the idea that it's a financial burden is uncomfortable. My selfish desire to still have this safe haven shouldn't override logic. :(
I totally understand -- it's my safe haven, too. I honestly don't know how I would have managed my cancer without the overwhelming support of the stylethread community. Like I said, breaks my heart to consider this.
How many of us really keep in touch? 20? I can make all 20 admins on the facebook page so we can share posts and connect. I can place previews of the facebook page and pinterest along with member blog posts on facebook.com.
Once I am able to focus some time and money toward a more engaging and sustainable community, I think we can maintain our core group via other social media in the meantime...
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"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
Not to push the FB group idea, but I will anyway! In addition to keeping the public-facing page on FB running, it would be pretty simple to create a private group. That way, if anyone has a discussion they'd like to post or pictures to share that they don't want the world to see, there is still a safe haven there.
I'm so sad. Tears in my eyes, lump in my throat. Remembering all that you ladies have helped to see me through when I couldn't confide in others. I will miss you, my Stylethread Family.
I understand completely why this is happening. D thank you so much for bringing together such a beautiful, stylish, intelligent, and big hearted group of women together.
I am using Proboards (free version) for another group and I like it a lot. It's few-frills but has most of the features of this forum including PMs. It's not pretty and there will be a banner ad at the top, but if people want a message board, it's a good option.
Plus the membership can be closed so no new (spammy) people slip in.