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Accessibility
Pros
Free and easy to sign up to with limited steps to access group
Easy to access once signed in as a member and can be logged in via Facebook account
Cons
Can be too easy to access and especially when used on mobile which can be socially unacceptable when in the presence of others
Have to log in (if cookies have not been set)
Understanding
Pros
Many users already have Facebook so easier to join groups and posting is easy to understand
Users tend to frequent Forums to search for specific content and sometimes social interaction
Cons
Users are confused between a Facebook page (typically large and public) and a Facebook group (typically small and private)
not all users are versed in posting good and concise content to be fully understood and require prompting for further information
Notifications
Pros
Email and screen alerts with new posts and responses
Email alerts on new content and specific responses to your posts
Cons
Filtered comments which are automatically based on perceived relevance to the user
Notifications can sometimes be overwhelming when topic is popular
User Intent
Pros
Ideal for specific interest groups
Community based platform with strong links to specific interests
Cons
Can be confusing in naviagtion between the numerous interest groups and pages
Not intended for short term social interaction
Privacy & Security
Pros
Privacy options have open, closed or secret options for information publicly displayed
Private data is not sold or analysed and each visit is anonymous via analytics
Cons
Data is analysed by Facebook and used for advertising into their feeds. Accounts and profiles can easily be cloned and scamming is prevalent
Spam posts can appear but generally they are instantly removed by a team of moderators
Mobile use
Pros
Mobile support and enhanced graphical display make it more appealing to users
Better overall user interface and layout when viewed on PC or tablet
Cons
Difficult to enter lengthy textual content with phone virtual keypad
Not as functional on mobile so not as portable unless using third party software
Content
Pros
Easy to post and share images and information to a specific target audience
All posts are shared with other like-minded people and tends to be more relevant and engaging content
Cons
Group content competes against other content in the user's facebook stream which is often more relevant
less graphical content and more textual based posts
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Accessibility
Pros
Free and easy to sign up to with limited steps to access group
Easy to access once signed in as a member and can be logged in via Facebook account
Cons
Can be too easy to access and especially when used on mobile which can be socially unacceptable when in the presence of others
Have to log in (if cookies have not been set)
Understanding
Pros
Many users already have Facebook so easier to join groups and posting is easy to understand
Users tend to frequent Forums to search for specific content and sometimes social interaction
Cons
Users are confused between a Facebook page (typically large and public) and a Facebook group (typically small and private)
Not all users are versed in posting good and concise content to be fully understood and require prompting for further information
Notifications
Pros
Email and screen alerts with new posts and responses
Email alerts on new content and specific responses to your posts
Cons
Filtered comments which are automatically based on perceived relevance to the user
Notifications can sometimes be overwhelming when topic is popular
User Intent
Pros
Ideal for specific interest groups
Community based platform with strong links to specific interests
Cons
Can be confusing in naviagtion between the numerous interest groups and pages
Not intended for short term social interaction
Privacy & Security
Pros
Privacy options have open, closed or secret options for information publicly displayed
Private data is not sold or analysed and each visit is anonymous via analytics
Cons
Data is analysed by Facebook and used for advertising into their feeds. Accounts and profiles can easily be cloned and scamming is prevalent
Spam posts can appear but generally they are instantly removed by a team of moderators
Content
Pros
Easy to post and share images and information to a specific target audience
All posts are shared with other like-minded people and tends to be more relevant and engaging content
Cons
Group content competes against other content in the user's facebook stream which is often more relevant
less graphical content and more textual based posts
Currency
Pros
Good for messaging between clubs and friends whilst on the move
Content disappears after user scrolls past and little long-term content searchability
Cons
Content is usually current and older posts can be 'revived' when a user adds a comment
Sometimes takes longer for responses on posts due to less mobile usage
Images
Pros
Easy to view rich media, live video and other visually displayed content
More textual content that is searchable via Google and therefore relevant subject content
Cons
Sometimes pointless replies using Gifs and other visual responses to posts
Not so good for graphical content but Galleries can easily accomodate members photos
Sharing
Pros
Easy to share with friends and family or to groups and pages
Easy to share links to most other sites via social links icons
Cons
Not too easy to share outside of Groups platform without linking back to Facebook
Some social media sites restrict sharing via incoming links
Posting
Pros
Posts on public groups are shared across all friends and family
While posting through Facebook groups is easier, in the long run its best to use a platform that you can export and store data if necessary
Cons
Displayed comments can be confusing or filtered which leads to less beneficial engagement
More of a text-based platform so requires keyboard (virtual or physical) for input
Moderation
Pros
Some moderation exists in the groups but is not always instantly adressed
Moderation within the forums is generally very good and thorough by a team of moderators
Cons
Facebook posts are largely undermoderated content which can include bad language and bullying of other users
Moderation can sometimes be based on an individuals' perception of offensive or controversial content
Searchability
Pros
Content is searchable within the groups but is limited by timeframes
Search engine spider's content, so when a user shares a problem and a remedy then a search engine shares this and helps other owners...like a real community should
Cons
Posts can't easily be searched, browsed, or categorised. This leads to large amounts of duplicate content, wasted admin time, and excellent discussions get lost
Content is completely searchable but can deliver large content of results which can take a time to refine the results