Would you be interested if I started a Facebook group for for us if/when this forum goes down?

[Hermes2020]

Are there perhaps alternatives to Facebook we could consider? I think anything European would be preferable to a USA-based platform.

 

[Hermes2020]

This is the ChatGPT response to my query:

https://chatgpt.com/c/69818709-5b18-8329-8fad-7909085c482f

Perhaps there are some possibilities.

 

[Grapes]

Hermes, the link doesn't lead me to anywhere. @Hermes2020

 

[Hermes2020]

Hermes, the link doesn't lead me to anywhere. @Hermes2020

That's strange. I just checked and it works for me. Here is a copy and paste of the answer:

Yes — there are several good alternatives to Facebook (Meta) for hosting interest-based communities and groups that are either based outside the U.S., decentralized, or focused on community (not algorithmic social feeds). The best choice depends on how you want your group to function (discussion forums vs. chat, privacy priorities, event/calendar features, etc.).

These aren’t traditional “Facebook groups” but let you build communities with privacy, data control, and often GDPR-friendly hosting:

Federated / “Fediverse” Options

These are open-source systems where anyone can host a server (often in Europe or elsewhere), set rules, and connect with other servers worldwide.

• Friendica – A decentralized social networking platform that connects instances (servers) and supports group communication, discussions, and content sharing similar to Facebook-like networks. It’s part of the federated network, so you can interact across multiple servers.
• Diaspora – Open-source, privacy-focused social network (pods can be hosted anywhere). It lets users create groups (“Aspects”) for sharing posts with specific audiences.
• Mastodon – A federated microblogging service (more like Twitter than Facebook) but with strong community building potential around hashtags and instance themes; best for shared interests and topic-focused interaction.
• Lemmy (similar to Reddit within the Fediverse) — community boards and topic-driven discussions hosted on independent instances.
• Mobilizon – A Europe-originated open-source platform focused specifically on group management and event planning (not-for-profit, privacy/FGDR-friendly). You can create groups, manage events, and connect people around interests like arts or exhibitions.

If your priority isn’t decentralization but a group feature set similar to Facebook Groups, these options work well (note: these aren’t always small U.S. companies, and many support international use):

Forum-Style / Organized Discussion

• Discourse – A structured forum platform you can self-host or pay to use, great for thematic art communities and long-form discussion threads.
• Tribe – Customizable community platform with discussion boards, polls, and integration features (good for organisations).

Chat-Focused & Real-Time Communities

• Discord – Though U.S.-founded, it’s widely used globally with servers and channels for organised interest groups; very strong for real-time chat, voice, events, and niche communities.
• Telegram Groups/Channels – Excellent for large groups (up to 200,000 members) and flexible sharing (files, polls, announcements). Not U.S.-centric and popular internationally.
• Slack – More professional, excellent for structured channels and group discussions (used worldwide).

While some aren’t direct Facebook group replacements, they cater to specific creative communities:

• CultureInside – A social networking site for artists (European-based network for visual arts, exhibitions, collaborations).

Not fully Facebook-like, but useful for interest communities:

• Reddit – Topic-centric forums (“subreddits”) allow deep discussion and community organisation (not U.S. government controlled but headquartered in USA).
• Tumblr Communities – New community feature with interest-based group pages.

If you want full control (including data localisation outside USA), you can use software to create your own community platform:

• Open Social Network tools like HumHub, Oxwall, Open Source Social Network (OSSN) — can be self-hosted and tailored to group needs (forums, events, media sharing).

Summary​

There are viable non-USA-centric alternatives if your priority is privacy, GDPR compliance, open standards, or avoiding large U.S. tech corporations. Decentralized federated platforms and event-focused tools offer community features but may differ in style from traditional Facebook groups. For classic group conversation and media sharing, hybrid model platforms like Discord and Telegram remain very strong even though they are global.

 

[PaintBoss]

Thank you very much, Hermes, that is intriguing and helpful. Yes I’m willing to consider a lot of different avenues. It has to be user-friendly, and administrator friendly for someone like myself. I know a lot of people are not comfortable with Facebook. Which I totally understand.

 

[Bartc]

I use FB, though no love for Meta and its owner.
Don't see how you would transfer this format, however. There are chats you can attach to a group I see, and they slow down loading in older systems. Not at all sure if something like the forums is possible.
Not sure FB is the best bet, but whoever takes it on, Christine, is going to be doing the work, so I won't complain.

 

[Marksmomagain]

Do you write/post to a public group from your relative's account? Or are you only reading and observing?

Hi Grapes:
No, I've never posted anything to FB. My relative is totally fine with me reading their FB. They themselves haven't even used it for at least five or six years, nope they don't even open it up... I look at it for real-time area news/weather from the neighbors (storms and such), lost-and-found pets and certain public groups (art included). There are a couple art groups that I would really really like to be able to access, but I ain't (yep, I said it) signing on... nope...

Hi Paint Boss:
I didn't know that being private makes it easier to police the group against trouble makers. That makes sense then why so many groups are private... If it does go that way then I wish you much luck and success..

 

[PaintBoss]

Thank you, Mark. I’m hoping somehow these will work out so everyone’s still included.

 

[Joy]

@Grapes, the link didn't work for me either, as I have not registered for ChatGPT.

Thanks for all of this great info- I really enjoy the artists and structure on CS. Also I have seen mentioned were Paint My Photo and Painting Friends. Another is Artists Forum. I think I used to post there many years ago, but there does not seem to be much organized activity. Still, it is another option. Painting Friends seems more artists oriented to learning, but I don't see any challenges. PMP seems to be geared towards posting and likes, rather than interaction. Hard to tell, as one must register to use them. I have been using WC and CS. Several years ago, I posted occasionally on a French language art forum, but I can't seem to find it anymore.

As some have pointed out on other threads, many of the forums are structured towards a quick browse and likes, not learning.

 

[Nerys]

I do not have FB. For anyone else with no FB. Perhaps some other place.

 

[Hermes2020]

@Grapes, the link didn't work for me either, as I have not registered for ChatGPT.
........

Apologies for posting the ChatGPT link; I wasn't aware that it would only work for registered users.

 

[Jade]

If we can find a viable non FB alternative I'm interested too. I guess even something like Reddit could work ok, not exactly like here but we could do something. I've not used the others mentioned but hopefully there's something that could keep us all together.

When I had a look around at some other forums the lack of challenges you can do together put me off, I have enjoyed those here but these sites might be ok if needed and maybe would be open to developing some challenges even. I know some sites have challenges though too like WC and I haven't tried there before but know not everyone wants that. But I guess, CS may also still be ok* everything crossed

I have come along after a lot of the previous history but I knew quickly on arriving that this was a special place. Whatever happens hopefully it will be good for us all And if the worst happens, I'm grateful that it's shown me the power of community and art. (I"m usually a lone wolf lol ).

 

[LizC]

I suppose a challenge thread by a member could be started on other forums too just like any other thread

 

[Jo Castillo]

As a family we use Telegram. You can use it online or an app. Group conversations, private with individuals or more. No ads. I've had a few messages from unknown people, I just delete. I don't have it open to my phonebook/contacts. Just family members. I have a couple of other chats with friends separate from the family. Easy to use. I have a few years of archives there to search. You can see media for each group. You can make phone calls and send voice messages. We don't use that so we can look without sound blaring if you don't use headphones in public. Seems viable. Also you can encrypt. No charge in general. You can have more than one moderator. You can comment or like in conversations.

 

[PaintBoss]

Thanks Jo!

 

[Hermes2020]

As a family we use Telegram. You can use it online or an app. Group conversations, private with individuals or more. No ads. I've had a few messages from unknown people, I just delete. I don't have it open to my phonebook/contacts. Just family members. I have a couple of other chats with friends separate from the family. Easy to use. I have a few years of archives there to search. You can see media for each group. You can make phone calls and send voice messages. We don't use that so we can look without sound blaring if you don't use headphones in public. Seems viable. Also you can encrypt. No charge in general. You can have more than one moderator. You can comment or like in conversations.

That's an interesting suggestion. I asked ChatGPT about its equivalence to Facebook:

Is telegram an alternative for Facebook?

Yes — Telegram can be considered an alternative to Facebook in certain ways, but they serve somewhat different purposes and appeal to different use-cases. Here’s a clear comparison:

Core Functionality​

Telegram

• Primarily a messaging app focused on fast, encrypted communication.
• Supports individual chats, group chats, channels, voice chats, file sharing, bots, and some social features.
• Strong emphasis on privacy, minimal ads, and security.

Facebook

• A social networking platform built around public and personal profiles.
• Focuses on feeds, posts, multimedia sharing, groups, events, marketplace, and social interactions.
• Includes messaging (via Messenger), but Messenger is a separate app in many regions.

Key Differences​

Feature	Telegram	Facebook
Primary purpose	Messaging & secure communication	Social networking & content sharing
Profiles	Basic user profile	Detailed social profile with timeline
Public interaction	Channels for broadcasting	Posts, comments, likes, shares
Groups & communities	Large groups & bots	Groups with rich features
Ads	Minimal (no native ads)	Ad-supported
Data & privacy	Optional encryption (Secret Chats), less data harvesting	Extensive data collection for ads
Marketplace / events	Limited	Built-in Marketplace & Events

When Telegram is a Good Alternative​

• You want fast, secure messaging without heavy tracking.
• You prefer channels or groups for community updates.
• You don’t need a full social feed or profile-centric social network.

When Facebook Is Still More Suitable​

• You want a public social presence and broad network engagement.
• You care about events, marketplace, detailed social interactions.
• You want photos/videos in feeds with reactions and comments.

Summary​

Telegram is an alternative to Facebook for communication and community broadcasting, but not a full one-for-one replacement if what you seek is a rich social networking experience with profiles, news feeds, events, and marketplace features.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

I have downloaded the portable version of Telegram (no installation required) and will play with it.

 

[Nerys]

Perhaps a subreddit?

 

[Nerys]

r/CreativeSpark

 

[PaintBoss]

Thank you Hermes. That is helpful. There’s pros and cons to both. I’m interested in what you think of it.

Hi Nerys. I haven’t done much on Reddit. Can we post photos of our work there?

 

[Nerys]

Yes one can post pictures with comments.