September posting # 18: Yahoo Groups
Ah, Yahoo groups. I used to belong to so many; they were my “go to” place for online fandom, but now just a couple are active. I loved the linear conversations, the feeling that I could actually keep up with what was going in my fandoms without having to search all through Cyberia (read: tumblr) to keep up on things.
I want a new, improved Yahoo, with linear conversations AND all the great pics, gifs, etc. you can get elsewhere on the net.
I have to sign into Yahoo groups every once in awhile. Up until recently, the link for Groups showed up on the left hand side of the screen, in their list including mail, news, sports, etc. Just recently Yahoo “downgraded” groups so that the link doesn’t show up on the home page at all – you have to click “More Yahoo Sites” to find it.
I hope this isn’t a sign they plan to get rid of it. But considering how temporary most internet spaces have proven to be, I wouldn’t be surprised.
I want a new, improved Yahoo, with linear conversations AND all the great pics, gifs, etc. you can get elsewhere on the net.
I have to sign into Yahoo groups every once in awhile. Up until recently, the link for Groups showed up on the left hand side of the screen, in their list including mail, news, sports, etc. Just recently Yahoo “downgraded” groups so that the link doesn’t show up on the home page at all – you have to click “More Yahoo Sites” to find it.
I hope this isn’t a sign they plan to get rid of it. But considering how temporary most internet spaces have proven to be, I wouldn’t be surprised.
And after all, people can always post links to the graphics.
One of my theories is that tumblr is the latest manifestation of the push and pull of modded communities vs. people wanting total free expression. One of the reasons people went to LJ was to escape modded Yahoo groups, and then people made LJ groups with even tighter restrictions than most Yahoo groups.
There are certainly a lot of reasons why so many people became disenchanted with LJ, but I think that's part of the reason.
I've noticed that "groups" was moved to "more yahoo sites," awhile ago, so maybe there's hope that they're not going to get rid of it. I hope not.
I never imagined communication in fandom would become increasingly difficult, but that's certain what has happened.
And, yes, I hope Yahoo keeps groups around for a good long time to come.
It also felt more personal.
I sure hope they stay around because it's such an important part of fandom history :-)