Thanks for all the PMs and emails supporting CBF and pleading for us to carry on. I was on hols and didn't reply to any of them, it doesn't mean I don't care or have fallen out with any of you. I have no desire to see it go but I am not desperate to keep it going and certainly don't want it to end up like some forums with the administrator posting every morning and nobody else comes. If we die we die while we are still twitching
Facebook is threatening our very existence - people who discovered Calis because of CBF, or made great friends because of CBF, or found their dream home because of CBF don't even come here anymore - they forget what we managed to introduce into their lives which is still highly relevant to them today, but they don't support us anymore. And that hurts.
I am as guilty as anyone (and I own the bloody place!) - I take a photo on holiday in Calis and stick it on Facebook, often forgetting to put it on CBF. As I said many times, this is fine if you want an internet in 10 years time which is made up almost exclusively of Google, Amazon and Facebook owned sites - that is a real prospect to me. Independent sites like CBF need support if you want us to support local causes and allow people a voice when wronged - these FB groups are fine, but once someone posts about being ripped off or assaulted they don't want the responsibility and hit the delete button - we are seasoned campaigners and out the wrong uns. How much have Facebook raised for local kids and animals? F all...and never will...
I accept we are caustic, sarcastic and even rude sometimes
- but you can fight your corner without fear of being muted or deleted. CBF isn't for pussies I accept that so if you don't like strong debate on serious issues please go wrap yourself in cotton wool and don't feel obliged to ever return to our forum. It's for grown ups. If you want to leave just leave, no need to announce you are flouncing out the door.
Thanks for your support - let's see where we go. But simple as this - if you post details of events (upcoming and ones you have been to), post details of what you have been up to in town, post photos and information, you will keep us going.
Above all, try and help new members and keep your sarcasm for us old hands