At the AGM on Sunday one topic we discussed was whether we should set up a Facebook group for the Non-theist Friends Network (UK). There were pros and cons discussed.
The cons were that:
- Many of our members (and many people interested in the work and ideas of our network) do not use Facebook (for a variety of reasons)
- It would be yet another place to have to check for interesting posts or discussions, adding to the sense that we may miss things.
The pros were that:
- Many people are used to following groups or pages on Facebook and so regularly check to see if there is anything new, even on their phones through the day
- Lots of young people use Facebook. I’m 51 and it is a little alarming that I’m referred to as young at some NFN meetings so it would be good to encourage some actual young people to engage in (or with) the network
Rhiannon sent us a couple of vibrant Quaker Facebook places she is involved with that may illustrate what ours might be like:
- Quaker Renewal UK group (here). (You do NOT have to sign up to facebook to read this – just close their pop-up window with ‘Not now’ or cross in top right corner. You WILL have to be signed up to facebook if you wish to join the group and join in the discussion – Trevor)
- Reading QF&P page (here) (much the same as comment above)
And the Quaker LGBT Fellowship UK also has a Facebook group (here). (N.B. That’s a closed group so you cannot see the activity there without joining first – and being signed up to facebook.)
It would be great to hear your thoughts – just add a comment below this post. (‘Dumbledad’ who posted this is our Steering Group member Tim Regan)
Nontheist Friends Network 
I’ve thought of another disadvantage. We’re a relatively small group (in terms of membership) and many do not use Facebook. Any Facebook group could quickly look empty of discussion. Though I guess we could always turn it off after a year if it doesn’t work.
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Happy to join, would see occasional posts mixed up with all the other facebook posts
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I’m joining your group as we speak, and as a regular Facebook user (46th birthday on Monday!) would be much more likely to see posts and discussions there, but very happy to make a special trip to view this page since as you say, not everyone is a Facebook user.
I personally am wanting to be here because inclusivity is important to me, and I wouldn’t want to see anyone left out if the group migrated onto Facebook. Incidentally, I have just requested to join a non-theist Quaker page. I wonder if it’s yours?
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Nice to hear from you Helen.
I’m a bit confused about your references above.
When you say ‘joining your group as we speak’ I’m not sure which group you are referring to. The three facebook groups listed in the original post above (Quaker renewal, Reading QF&P and Quaker LGBT) are not specifically Quaker non-theist (NFN) activities but given as being of general quaker interest and examples of UK Quaker facebook groups.
Also, when you say ‘I have just requested to join a non-theist Quaker page. I wonder if it’s yours?’ you are not recorded as a follower of THIS (UK NFN) website. Perhaps you signed up for the US non-theist site (which we link to here in the top left column) or some related US site or facebook group?
To FOLLOW (and receive notifications) from this NFN site, please enter your email address and click on Follow where it says ‘Follow Blog by email’ towards the bottom of the Right Hand column. (Should I consider moving this nearer the top of the column?). If you are looking at this on a mobile device, you may have to scroll to the bottom, choose ‘View Full Site’ then again scroll towards the bottom to find the email Follow link – sorry that’s so complicated!
Hope this helps! Would be interested to hear here if you are able to follow us.
Trevor Bending
(PS. I have now moved the email follow link to top of right column, but you will still need to scroll down on mobile devices).
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Hi Trevor, by joining your group, I mean sending my £10 cheque to NFN membership secretary…. I’m already a Follower of 2 of the listed Facebook pages (Renewal and LGBT).
I thought I had subscribed to this NFN blog; I put my email address in somewhere. I’ll try again. Maybe it’s because I’m on a mobile.
If you don’t yet have a Facebook page, then I imagine it’s the US site; can’t tell yet as they’ve not yet added me.
I’ll let you know if I struggle!
Looking forward to engaging with you all.
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One disadvantage of a blog as opposed to a Facebook group (unless I misunderstand blogs) is that blog are a conversation from one person with replies from others. Facebook groups put less onus on one person and facilitate more free dialog…
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That’s only because blogs are often personal. This isn’t and so all are welcome to join in and create the conversation. Unfortunately facebook has come to dominate the market place and people with their online time filled up by facebook don’t look further afield. On a personal note I hate facebook for all sorts of good reasons! But others are welcome to create a non-theist facebook presence if they wish.
I do hope more may make the effort and create a conversation here. (Would there be any advantage in using Disqus?).
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Reluctant to set up a Facebook group if it will leave some behind/fracture the discussion. Just wondering how a follower of this blog can suggest a post topic. I have one. Should I email it to you?
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I’m trying to encourage other members of our Steering Group to contribute to this website. There are already numerous articles by them (see the Articles page) and some specific pages and posts by them. This page for example was created by Dumbledad who is a member of our S G Tim Regan.
We could have guest contributors and in the meantime I’d be very happy to post a suitable item under your name Helen if you’d like to send it to me trevor (@) humber.co.uk otherwise also contribute by commenting as you have been.
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