UKS - the way forward

[stillcrafting]

I didn't come to this thread via Facebook. I've not even seen anything on FB about it. One of my teamies posted a link in our UKS Social Group.

Haven't we always had separate threads for each team and house? If so, why would the Social Groups make any difference? Maybe I'm missing something there, I don't know. Social Team Groups don't have to be talkative all the time, or at least, mine doesn't. We know we are all there for each other through thick and thin. We have times of talking loads and then we'll have the occasional time where other things need us. But we always navigate back as soon as we can. After all, you can't keep good friends apart for long. I'm worried that that will go if we end up on Facebook.

[MaryAnne]

It'll take me a while to process all this but one thing I can say with near 100% certainty is that UKS will not be moving to PRIMARILY a FaceBook group. I would be more likely to have a PAGE that directed people to UKS and that highlighted things of interest.

On the image resizing issues, the new version of vB we now run does resize things automatically in a thread, but not in the gallery. That is something I can look at.

Just 2 things I noticed in a quick read, I'm sure there will be more once I work thru it all. But I am glad that people have taken the time to comment. Keep doing so. It'll all help shape the future of UKS.

[faerie]

Hope thing are better for you this year MarryAnne
I would hate to see UKS close I check in daily am part of a good points collecting team.For me FB would not work I dont post any LO's on there and things are so fast moving I think things would just get lost. I would love to see less restrictions on points collecting e.g not having a limit on the number of cards and having to send in proof if you do more than the allotted amount of LO's. Maybe points for other paper related projects. I do a lot of mixed media and would love to share more if it could be made easier.
I have found things more challenging with posting as 4 years ago I started loosing my eyesight and have 20% left I had posted a LO and had somebody being very negative as I had made a spelling mistake! I think there would be more negativity on FB.
So I say long live UKS!!

[Eileen C]

I hope that 2016 brings lots of good things for you and your family, Mary Anne.

As we start a new year it's a search for a 'new normal' for me, having recently been unexpectedly widowed. I hope that I'll get to do a bit more scrapping, so I'm back on UKS looking for more inspiration.

I think a link to Facebook in some way is good, as so many (but not all) of us are very active there, but there is still room for a forum platform, I'm sure.

And yes, huge thanks to you, Mary Anne.

[eClaire]

Hi MaryAnne

I would hate to see UKS go. I am very lucky to be in a chatty team. We have met up and even organised our own retreats, I feel that my team mates are friends and I like having UKS as our "base". I am not a FB fan and am delighted to hear that we won't move there completely, but links seem a good idea for those who live on facebook.

I think the donate button for a small fee would be fine and maybe make people value the site more.

[cheekymole]

MaryAnne - glad you are on the mend and thank you to you and all the other helpers that keep this site going.

I must admit I don't visit half as regular as I used to as I've "gone off" scrapping a little lately. I do bob in and out though and it would be sad to see it go.

Maybe there could be a few boards for alternative crafts and I would happily help out with those if required.

I agree with others regarding Facebook, most people find that easier as it's easily accessible via an app when out and about too.

First and foremost though it's YOU who needs to decide whether it's still right for you, your health and your family. YOU always come first and don't feel obliged to do it for anyone else

[Dan99]

MaryAnne I'm so sorry to hear of the bad time you've been having, I hope that 2016 is a much better year for you!

As for myself, I had my leg in plaster for the last 5 months of 2014 and I basically haven't done any crafting since August of that year, at first because I couldn't and then because I had just gotten out of the habit. I just checked my blog and there have only been 8 posts in the last year and a half ish, that says it all! I have resolved that 2016 is going to be different and I'm going to get back into it again. Through all of that UKS has remained a constant for me however, I love seeing what people are up to and being inspired even when I haven't been productive myself and check in here at least once a day, usually more.

I have tried both Facebook and Twitter and didn't take to either, finding the level of narcissism on both to be not to my taste. I would be very sad indeed to see UKS go, if I can help to ensure it's future in any way please let me know.

[daisychain888]

MaryAnne, thank you for giving us all the opportunity to discuss the future of UKS, all the hard work you have put in does not go unnoticed and I wish you all the very best for an onwards and upwards recovery

I can only echo what's already been said - I can remember a time when I used to suffer withdrawal symptoms if I couldn't get onto UKS and I would log on several times a day to keep up with the chat. It's inevitable that things change, due to work commitments and family life I'm lucky if I can pop in once a week now, my life is definitely richer because of meeting people, that I now consider life long friends, through UKS so although my ability to join in has decreased I would miss UKS if it were to disappear completely.

I think the couple of points you have picked up on in particular may help and I would be happy with a 'donate' button

[leigh11]

So sorry to hear you've been unwell, but glad you are on the mend!

I too have been AWOL for far too long. After our team disbanded I kind of stopped visiting. This was the first forum I joined so would der be sad to see it go. I still craft whenever I can, I go to monthly crops which def keep the mojo going lol but have to admit that most of my inspiration now comes from Pinterest!

If I could help in anyway just yell-am a SAHM so around during the days xxx

[suffolkscrapper]

Hello Mary Ann - it's been quite a few years since I posted. Like Carole I think the social groups changed the feeling of UKS quite a bit. I would love to get involved again - and maybe actually do some scrap booking again! My favourite thing about UKS used to be the virtual crops. my word we had some hilarious laughs! I've med life long friends with several women because of UKS so a big thank you for that. I hope 2016 brings you health and happiness. I shall start finding my way round again.

[Crafty Sandra]

For those who arent in a group and just want to chat I started a Tuesday chatter thread this morning. Even if youve not much to say a simple Good Morning would be good.

[PRINCESSRUTH2]

Hello MaryAnne i hope pray for peace and health for you 2016.

[elainevking]

I take on board what you say Suky.. but our team have personal chats too and it's never once been an issue.
I also agree with Sarah that I don't see how having social groups affect anything as you can always contribute to the 'Community Chat' thread if you wish. You done have to join a social group.
I am happy if a 'donate' button were to be added .. as someone else said, there are no magazines to contribute to these days.
A link on FB would be great to stimulate some extra 'traffic' if needs be. It's been great to see so many faces on here.

[thriftycrafter]

Sorry to hear about your heart attack, I'm another that didn't know, but really there's no reason I should as I'm not in the same team, that's the thing with UKS, it's big, and that's good. Good to hear that you're recovering well though, your name has always been an authority and a sign of continuity here.

The houses and teams are good. If things are shrinking perhaps teams could amalgamate as ours has with another shrinking team, it's given people a bit of a reminder to check in.

I do struggle to find things on occasion here, but I don't think I'd have a hope of finding the weekly challenge for example on FB, it would be about a thousand posts down on day 1. I can't upload pics on FB very easily, it seems to turn them sideways. I haven't mastered the putting pics in the comments thing but manage to get them sized ok for the old way of uploading.

There would have to be lots of different groups of pics on FB which might be harder to find than here. I just can't see how it would work.
I do struggle with locating things since the old team threads went and the social groups came, but I usually get there eventually, especially if I remember to sub to the thread, you can't do that on FB, or can you? I don't know it's all too big and manic over there. I use it, don't get me wrong, but work it? Nope, I just bimble about in the dark.
How would you do a cyber crop on FB? scary.
Please stay.

[darm]

personally i love coming on here and think we could make it great again. it has been part of my online routine for years now. I mostly use my team thread as our team have developed a close bond and we as a team like to do challenges. i look in on the general thread and community but there are not as many posting as their used to be,

i like the idea of bords for other crafts as well, making it appea to new people and others who changed crafts. I tend to go all over the place and do one craft for ages and then switch. even a colouring book section as they are all the rage.

maybe link in challenges so they can be done with different crafts, not jt scrapbooking or have slightly differernt alternative.

I also loved the cyber crops and use to make sure my weekend was free