I really hope I'm not opening up a can of worms but I really was thinking about it, because I was one of the many who felt this way and ever since Radu's recent thread, I've changed my views...A LOT.
*DISCLAIMER* I AM ONLY SPEAKING ABOUT HOW MY OWN PERSONAL THOUGHTS COULD NOT BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. I AM NOT SPEAKING ABOUT ANYONE ELSE'S THOUGHTS
Some students expressed their concern that this site has become "too much like social media now" and that's why they stopped engaging. Well, I USE to agree with that. But in my opinion, it couldn't be further from the truth.
On social media, we have endless, nonstop, annoying and badgering ads that we can't filter out. We have knee-jerk posts and horrible comment sections full of trolls that make secret accounts just to cause bullshit and stir the pot. Here, when we have assholes, the admins sweep that shit up and give a good ass smacking immediately. On virtually ALL social media platforms, it's "Sorry. We're gonna ban YOU because you don't like the bully we cater to." We see fake people shoving products in our faces, and rage-inducing news articles we have no control over if we see them or not.
A majority of free speech has been yanked from these platforms. And on social media, unless you pose in your lingerie or recently had a baby, no one cares about your posts. You can post up on FB "Hey guys! Finally got this dream guitar after years of hard work!" And if you're lucky to get any comments, it seems a majority will be gossiping behind your back in one way or another. Here? You can say "I passed my driver's test today!" And you'll get like 15 comments of people supporting you. It's insane
I remember I posted a long time ago about overcoming addictions and it opened up a whole line of people coming clean about their victories and battles. We all came together. That's not what social media does. Social media exists solely to tear you down from the inside out.
Also? Ever since my hiatus I took a LOT from many other online guitar schools. I won't say which ones, but as this place stands as a guitar school, this community has NO competition. It's hands down THE BEST. On other sites, you see students crying out for help and no one responds. It'll be swarming with activity but NO ONE NOTICES EACH OTHER. Here, we get noticed. We get heard. Sure we could all use a few more lessons, but we now know these AMAZING features ARE coming. I feel so blessed and so thankful.
Sometimes you gotta wander far from the barn to see how cozy your haybed really was. I'm glad I took a step away because now I see how awesome this new endeavor is really going to be.
Love the admin team. Love the students. Love Synner.