- News all the latest
- Theme Park explore the park
- Resort tour the resort
- Future looking forward
- History looking back
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- Start date
- Favourite Ride
- Helix <3
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
- Favourite Ride
- Pirates of the Caribbean - Paris
- Favourite Ride
- Dizz, Bobby’s Yarn Land
- I despise social media with a passion and haven’t used any for many years now.
- It’s far easier and more structured to have deep and meaningful (most of the time…) discussions in a forum format as oppose to comments and group pages.
- The site and it’s community feels much more special for me. It’s something we’ve created and nurtured over many years and it feels far more rewarding than having a page on someone else’s platform that has a lot of likes or followers.
- For me at any rate there’s also the sentimental side of things. I’ve been around the forums for donkeys years (albeit not quite as long as some of the other stalwarts of the community) and it’s a key part of my life.
- Cut the BS. No marketing, no promotions, no algorithms or influencing. Just plain and simple post-by-post discussions and debate.
- Favourite Ride
- Closed season on TST
- Favourite Ride
- Batman: Gotham City Escape
- Favourite Ride
- Crux
- Favourite Ride
- Batman: Gotham City Escape
- Favourite Ride
- Nemesis
- Favourite Ride
- Helix <3
- Favourite Ride
- Journey to the Center of the Earth
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What is keeping you on forums in the social media age?
Jonathan
TS Member
There's a swear box in the Tavern?The small change from the f*****g swear box in the tavern.
I put a tenner in at a time.
I'm screwed.
Skyscraper
TS Member
And the hosting must cost them a fortune!Out of interest, how does the site make money? There are no ads, and there’s no kind of paywall or “premium membership” offering either, so I’m struggling to see where the revenue stream comes from.
Craig
TS Administrator
I think most of my own reasons have been covered in previous posts. There's not really the opportunity for "long read" discussion on social media. Facebook, Twitter etc is great to grab updates about stuff that's going on, but it doesn't allow for the real long, interesting back and forth discussion that we have on here.
I also think it's much easier to get to know people when you're on a forum too. Back when I first joined TTF, you almost felt like you knew someone off the back of their posts on the forum. As much as we all have a common interest in theme parks, that only goes so far. So it's great to know people's likes, dislikes and even personality before they attend a meet. It makes things much easier to get settled in, and is a great ice breaker despite the large group being a bit daunting at first! It's difficult to get that amongst a myriad of Facebook comments.
Sure we could go down the route of sponsored content etc, but I feel that takes away from being an actual fan site when you're dishing out talking points by your sponsor. We're really proud to be independent of anything like that, and tell things how they are on the likes of our social media posts (as much as we get it in the neck for "moaning" sometimes!).
As for premium memberships, we've actively avoided that because we want to have everyone feel like they're on an equal footing here. Someone who signed up for free could have some of the best points in the world, and I don't think they should feel they're a "lesser" member because someone else has donated a few quid to the website for a badge next to their username or something. Heck we even ditched member ranks when we started TowersStreet (aside from thanking our wonderful contributors and former team members) for the same reason.
Is running TowersStreet expensive? Probably not as much as you'd think, but there's still a three figure annual cost there. That said, we've grown up as part of the wider enthusiast community and built life long friendships thanks to it, so we kind of consider it as giving something back in return for what we've gained over the years. Sacrificing what is essentially the cost of a weekly coffee is small change for what we get from it in return....usually
I also think it's much easier to get to know people when you're on a forum too. Back when I first joined TTF, you almost felt like you knew someone off the back of their posts on the forum. As much as we all have a common interest in theme parks, that only goes so far. So it's great to know people's likes, dislikes and even personality before they attend a meet. It makes things much easier to get settled in, and is a great ice breaker despite the large group being a bit daunting at first! It's difficult to get that amongst a myriad of Facebook comments.
Basically...it doesn't, it's entirely self funded by myself and Sazzle. The problem with ads is they have to be ridiculously intrusive these days to even have a remote chance of bringing in any sort of sensible amount. I'm not a huge fan of ads in the first place, and when those ads start to take away from the flow of discussion by just chucking in a random ads disguised as a post etc it's not a great look. I'm sure you've all seen the crazy level of ads that's on national and local newspaper websites to get an idea as to what I'm on about.Out of interest, how does the site make money? There are no ads, and there’s no kind of paywall or “premium membership” offering either, so I’m struggling to see where the revenue stream comes from.
Sure we could go down the route of sponsored content etc, but I feel that takes away from being an actual fan site when you're dishing out talking points by your sponsor. We're really proud to be independent of anything like that, and tell things how they are on the likes of our social media posts (as much as we get it in the neck for "moaning" sometimes!).
As for premium memberships, we've actively avoided that because we want to have everyone feel like they're on an equal footing here. Someone who signed up for free could have some of the best points in the world, and I don't think they should feel they're a "lesser" member because someone else has donated a few quid to the website for a badge next to their username or something. Heck we even ditched member ranks when we started TowersStreet (aside from thanking our wonderful contributors and former team members) for the same reason.
Is running TowersStreet expensive? Probably not as much as you'd think, but there's still a three figure annual cost there. That said, we've grown up as part of the wider enthusiast community and built life long friendships thanks to it, so we kind of consider it as giving something back in return for what we've gained over the years. Sacrificing what is essentially the cost of a weekly coffee is small change for what we get from it in return....usually
evilcod
TS Member
TL;DR but have you considered an OnlyFans?I think most of my own reasons have been covered in previous posts. There's not really the opportunity for "long read" discussion on social media. Facebook, Twitter etc is great to grab updates about stuff that's going on, but it doesn't allow for the real long, interesting back and forth discussion that we have on here.
I also think it's much easier to get to know people when you're on a forum too. Back when I first joined TTF, you almost felt like you knew someone off the back of their posts on the forum. As much as we all have a common interest in theme parks, that only goes so far. So it's great to know people's likes, dislikes and even personality before they attend a meet. It makes things much easier to get settled in, and is a great ice breaker despite the large group being a bit daunting at first! It's difficult to get that amongst a myriad of Facebook comments.
Basically...it doesn't, it's entirely self funded by myself and Sazzle. The problem with ads is they have to be ridiculously intrusive these days to even have a remote chance of bringing in any sort of sensible amount. I'm not a huge fan of ads in the first place, and when those ads start to take away from the flow of discussion by just chucking in a random ads disguised as a post etc it's not a great look. I'm sure you've all seen the crazy level of ads that's on national and local newspaper websites to get an idea as to what I'm on about.
Sure we could go down the route of sponsored content etc, but I feel that takes away from being an actual fan site when you're dishing out talking points by your sponsor. We're really proud to be independent of anything like that, and tell things how they are on the likes of our social media posts (as much as we get it in the neck for "moaning" sometimes!).
As for premium memberships, we've actively avoided that because we want to have everyone feel like they're on an equal footing here. Someone who signed up for free could have some of the best points in the world, and I don't think they should feel they're a "lesser" member because someone else has donated a few quid to the website for a badge next to their username or something. Heck we even ditched member ranks when we started TowersStreet (aside from thanking our wonderful contributors and former team members) for the same reason.
Is running TowersStreet expensive? Probably not as much as you'd think, but there's still a three figure annual cost there. That said, we've grown up as part of the wider enthusiast community and built life long friendships thanks to it, so we kind of consider it as giving something back in return for what we've gained over the years. Sacrificing what is essentially the cost of a weekly coffee is small change for what we get from it in return....usually![]()
Well done both of you and thank you...you have a lot to put up with, and have to pay for it.I think most of my own reasons have been covered in previous posts. There's not really the opportunity for "long read" discussion on social media. Facebook, Twitter etc is great to grab updates about stuff that's going on, but it doesn't allow for the real long, interesting back and forth discussion that we have on here.
I also think it's much easier to get to know people when you're on a forum too. Back when I first joined TTF, you almost felt like you knew someone off the back of their posts on the forum. As much as we all have a common interest in theme parks, that only goes so far. So it's great to know people's likes, dislikes and even personality before they attend a meet. It makes things much easier to get settled in, and is a great ice breaker despite the large group being a bit daunting at first! It's difficult to get that amongst a myriad of Facebook comments.
Basically...it doesn't, it's entirely self funded by myself and Sazzle. The problem with ads is they have to be ridiculously intrusive these days to even have a remote chance of bringing in any sort of sensible amount. I'm not a huge fan of ads in the first place, and when those ads start to take away from the flow of discussion by just chucking in a random ads disguised as a post etc it's not a great look. I'm sure you've all seen the crazy level of ads that's on national and local newspaper websites to get an idea as to what I'm on about.
Sure we could go down the route of sponsored content etc, but I feel that takes away from being an actual fan site when you're dishing out talking points by your sponsor. We're really proud to be independent of anything like that, and tell things how they are on the likes of our social media posts (as much as we get it in the neck for "moaning" sometimes!).
As for premium memberships, we've actively avoided that because we want to have everyone feel like they're on an equal footing here. Someone who signed up for free could have some of the best points in the world, and I don't think they should feel they're a "lesser" member because someone else has donated a few quid to the website for a badge next to their username or something. Heck we even ditched member ranks when we started TowersStreet (aside from thanking our wonderful contributors and former team members) for the same reason.
Is running TowersStreet expensive? Probably not as much as you'd think, but there's still a three figure annual cost there. That said, we've grown up as part of the wider enthusiast community and built life long friendships thanks to it, so we kind of consider it as giving something back in return for what we've gained over the years. Sacrificing what is essentially the cost of a weekly coffee is small change for what we get from it in return....usually![]()
Proper warm hearted thoosieness from both of you.
Craig
TS Administrator
Now a swearbox for this would fund the site..and my holidaysthoosieness
Ian
TS Team
What Craig doesn’t know is I’ve been secretly pimping @Joel out for years to try and claw back something for my time and (minimal) contributions around here. Uptake has been… Low.
But suffice to say, I’m aligned with many of the views already shared here.
It’s almost ironic in a way. I feel you build much more rapport and understanding with key people in a forum format than I generally ever did on Facebook groups or similar, despite people and their profiles being one of the core components of those platforms!
But suffice to say, I’m aligned with many of the views already shared here.
It’s almost ironic in a way. I feel you build much more rapport and understanding with key people in a forum format than I generally ever did on Facebook groups or similar, despite people and their profiles being one of the core components of those platforms!
Joel
TS Technical Admin
I tell you something, it's a mighty damn shame we're not paid per word posted, because the team would be SQUILLIONAIRES after this closed season, and even this topic alone...
It's also a bloody good job we're not charged per word posted, because Craig and Saz would be very very broken (more so than they already are...
)
It's also a bloody good job we're not charged per word posted, because Craig and Saz would be very very broken (more so than they already are...

RyanUK
TS Member
I use social media daily, my usage was much higher a couple of years ago…many can say we’ve scaled back our social media usage because of “the way it is” and rubbish it can be full of. It can very easily get out control when discussing something on Facebook or Twitter. Sometimes it can be more of a personal dig at people whereas a forum you actually feel more of a community. There are some good pages out there on social media but also some damn rotten ones which I’ll have no involvement with - without naming names I know their publications have been been what you could put probably put into the fake news category.
Of using social media, I’d say it’s three-way for the way I receive my theme park updates - Facebook, here, and YouTube video updates.
The beauty of a forum is you broadcast to the world and can read as an outsider, if you’re not a member (I did for a while). Whereas with social media, especially Facebook, you’re pretty much devoted to signing up and can choose whether your involvement is public or private, based on settings.
Of using social media, I’d say it’s three-way for the way I receive my theme park updates - Facebook, here, and YouTube video updates.
The beauty of a forum is you broadcast to the world and can read as an outsider, if you’re not a member (I did for a while). Whereas with social media, especially Facebook, you’re pretty much devoted to signing up and can choose whether your involvement is public or private, based on settings.
NuttySquirrel
TS Member
Did you ever think about crowdfunding for the website upkeep? I like that you've stayed away from the concept of premium member fees but I do think there are probably enough of us that are happy to contribute in a small way that you could cover the hosting fees at least.I think most of my own reasons have been covered in previous posts. There's not really the opportunity for "long read" discussion on social media. Facebook, Twitter etc is great to grab updates about stuff that's going on, but it doesn't allow for the real long, interesting back and forth discussion that we have on here.
I also think it's much easier to get to know people when you're on a forum too. Back when I first joined TTF, you almost felt like you knew someone off the back of their posts on the forum. As much as we all have a common interest in theme parks, that only goes so far. So it's great to know people's likes, dislikes and even personality before they attend a meet. It makes things much easier to get settled in, and is a great ice breaker despite the large group being a bit daunting at first! It's difficult to get that amongst a myriad of Facebook comments.
Basically...it doesn't, it's entirely self funded by myself and Sazzle. The problem with ads is they have to be ridiculously intrusive these days to even have a remote chance of bringing in any sort of sensible amount. I'm not a huge fan of ads in the first place, and when those ads start to take away from the flow of discussion by just chucking in a random ads disguised as a post etc it's not a great look. I'm sure you've all seen the crazy level of ads that's on national and local newspaper websites to get an idea as to what I'm on about.
Sure we could go down the route of sponsored content etc, but I feel that takes away from being an actual fan site when you're dishing out talking points by your sponsor. We're really proud to be independent of anything like that, and tell things how they are on the likes of our social media posts (as much as we get it in the neck for "moaning" sometimes!).
As for premium memberships, we've actively avoided that because we want to have everyone feel like they're on an equal footing here. Someone who signed up for free could have some of the best points in the world, and I don't think they should feel they're a "lesser" member because someone else has donated a few quid to the website for a badge next to their username or something. Heck we even ditched member ranks when we started TowersStreet (aside from thanking our wonderful contributors and former team members) for the same reason.
Is running TowersStreet expensive? Probably not as much as you'd think, but there's still a three figure annual cost there. That said, we've grown up as part of the wider enthusiast community and built life long friendships thanks to it, so we kind of consider it as giving something back in return for what we've gained over the years. Sacrificing what is essentially the cost of a weekly coffee is small change for what we get from it in return....usually![]()
Craig
TS Administrator
If the costs ever got silly, then perhaps we'd consider it. But it's relatively small in the grand scheme of things, and we don't want to get into a similar situation with a sort of premium membership where donators believed themselves to be above others who choose not to. I know that would be unlikely for the vast majority, but the possibility would be there.Did you ever think about crowdfunding for the website upkeep? I like that you've stayed away from the concept of premium member fees but I do think there are probably enough of us that are happy to contribute in a small way that you could cover the hosting fees at least.
Rick
TS Member
NuttySquirrel
TS Member
Or putting the Nemesis refurb thread behind a paywall?We should start charging for Tavern+ membership really.
Skyscraper
TS Member
Nah you just have to sign your life away in order to access it.Or putting the Nemesis refurb thread behind a paywall?
James
TS Founding Member
Start fining members who continue repetitive discussion!Or putting the Nemesis refurb thread behind a paywall?
Jonathan
TS Member
What keeps me on forums, and this one in particular? Other people have summed my thoughts up pretty well, but for me, it's the general community. I've been a part of a number of Towers forums over the years, but the reason I've stuck with what's become TST is the community behind it. I've moved around the UK quite a few times in my life (excluding uni, I'm now living in my seventh property), and have always found it hard to make friends in a new place. Having TST as something of a constant has really helped. Life over the past 12+ years hasn't been easy, and I really value the support I've had from the members on here. I genuinely don't know where I'd be in life if it weren't for this place.
Zeock
TS Member
This site would be very rich by now if this had been implemented earlier.Start fining members who continue repetitive discussion!
