I think that the amount of viewing, and therefore participation, depends on where it is placed on the list. I never look at the Brexit one, for example, because it is tucked away down at the bottom by the ads.
Thinking logically, the place for environmental and conservation discussion should be in with the Holistic sections. After all, one of the core principles of holistic management is that the environment is central to everything that is what done with regards to land management
I know it is a relatively quiet part of TFF, but it is certainly growing and will no doubt be gaining traffic on the back of Groundswell.
AyeI think it should be a headline section on here personally. So in the top section.
We need to talk about and promote the environmental benefits of farming.
Sorry but I have to disagree. Nothing against holistics but its by no means the only route for the environmentally concerned. One of the core principles of a lot of people's farming is that the environment is central . To imply that holisticians (?!) have the monopoly on that would be a backward step .Thinking logically, the place for environmental and conservation discussion should be in with the Holistic sections. After all, one of the core principles of holistic management is that the environment is central to everything that is what done with regards to land management
I know it is a relatively quiet part of TFF, but it is certainly growing and will no doubt be gaining traffic on the back of Groundswell.
For good or bad, surely all agriculture is environmental? IMHO one of the main downsides of the internet is that it creates ideological and intellectual ghettos. If environmental issues are separated from Agricultural Matters a proportion of members will never look at it.
True, but perception is also what matters on the internet. The general public are too often being "told" by the media farmers don't care about the environment. Regardless of truth, I bet it we polled 1000 people over half would say that was "true".
So its up to us to show our environment credentials, talk about them, wear them as a badge of pride. We can no longer just sit quietly and take a dignified silence knowing we are in the right. We need to show we are in the right. The big question I have, is if we create the forum, will it be really busy. As if we create it and it isn't used then it will just reinforce the public opinion. We are masters of our own fate, we just need to seize the day.
All good points, though I doubt Monbiot will use TFF traffic statistics to hang the industry out to dry.
How much time does it take you to create a sticky or a new sub forum?
I have no firm view one way or the other but surely a Conservation section, being placed prominently (near the top) may encourage some more non-farming or more eco-minded visitors/members to look in on the forum? A more diverse offering besides just agriculture, if that makes sense? I don't know if that is desirable in the minds of the owners and operators mind!