Category Archives: Peer Reviews

Solving Social Media’s ‘Local Paradox’

Posted on Thursday, October 6, 2022 by • No comments yet
Stanford SOCIAL INNOVATION Review

A new article in a Stanford University journal underscores various failures of Big Tech social media, and highlights Vermont’s own Front Porch Forum as a better way.

In the bowels of social media giants, like NextDoor and Facebook, live online spaces for local social networks to take hold (e.g., a neighborhood based Facebook group). 

One might think a healthy form of social connection would come from these local online networks because they’re grounded in real-world relationships and physical space — you could literally bump into that posting’s author on your way to school drop off — but in practice, as this article points out, local social media can be even more toxic than global platforms. It’s dubbed the ‘local paradox‘. 

The solution to this local paradox, they say, is to build networks that are values-driven, closely moderated, trusted, and local. Further, they share Front Porch Forum as a leading example. 

“I’ll stick with Front Porch Forum”

Posted on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 by • No comments yet

Cindy in Westford shared with her neighbors yesterday…

I recently posted a query for someone to give us quotes on a culvert installation. I was overwhelmed by the number of responses I got – both recommendations and direct outreach from providers.

Where else but FPF does this kind of neighborly conversation happen?

Please consider supporting this magic with a donation – every little bit helps.

BTW – just my opinion, but I recently gave Home Advisor a try, and, well, never again. I’ll stick with Front Porch Forum.

Thanks, neighbors.

Thank you, Cindy!

Best of social media

Posted on Thursday, August 23, 2018 by • No comments yet

VPR correspondent, Stephanie Green, shared her FPF experience on the radio this morning. Looking to her neighbors for recommendations on a good plumber, she was “astounded to get 13 useful replies in 24 hours…. I had no idea so many people read these posts so closely – or felt so passionately about their plumbers. And the re-connection to my neighbors was heartening. This, I think, is social media at its best, and it’s a relief when we’re daily buffeted by national headlines about social media at its very worst.”

Read or listen to her commentary at http://digital.vpr.net/post/greene-best-social-media

 

Vacation tips from neighbors

Posted on Thursday, April 5, 2018 by • No comments yet

Traveling soon? Your neighbors on Front Porch Forum just might have some stellar recommendations!

“I reached out on FPF for tips on places to visit and things to do while in Florida. I was looking forward to seeing family but dreading the Florida part of the trip. However, thanks to kind and seasoned travelers on FPF, I got a lot of tips that had me eating in a Greek restaurant in a sponge-diving community, kayaking down the Weeki Wachee River, and swimming with manatees. What a helpful community!” • Carl in East Montpelier

Where to turn when you need help at your home?

Posted on Thursday, October 5, 2017 by • No comments yet

Front Porch Forum! From interior decorating to plumber and electrician recommendations, and drying out a wet basement, our neighbors can help.

“Our home has a baby and a dog, and that combination tends to lead to a messy house. Due to our work schedules, it was becoming apparent that we needed help with cleaning! Recommendations came to us through Front Porch Forum, and we couldn’t be happier.“ • Justin in Morristown

“I followed through on a recommendation from FPF and found a terrific interior decorator! Once again, FPF has been a valuable resource for me!”
• Sara in Warren

“Thanks to FPF I found an amazing painting service!” • Rachel in Winooski

“Thank you to all the folks who sent the names of electrical people. I appreciate your help and willingness to share. FPF rocks!” • Denise in Waitsfield

“Thank you all for recommendations on basement people. FIVE people sent me messages … and one called me at work. I appreciate your suggestions!!”  • Kia in Waterbury

Recommendations from our neighbors can be so helpful. Post your needs on FPF for quick results!

Home repair help from neighbors

Posted on Monday, June 5, 2017 by • 2 comments

Overwhelming support from neighbors!

“Thank you for everyone who reached out to recommend their “go to” roofers. We’ve got a lot of contractors to get in touch with, such a wonderful community to be a part of!!!” • Ashley in Ripton

“Thanks so much to all the neighbors who responded to my post for help finding a person/company providing water drainage support for my basement. FPF rocks!” • Denise in Waitsfield

“When in doubt go to FPF– I must have had 10 people send me names of contractors who could put foam insulation under my kitchen floor. Thank you!” • Lynda in Middlebury

“I want to thank everyone who responded to my request for recommendations for painters. It was rewarding to see so many replies. Thanks Front Porch Forum. I have found a painter!”
• Joann in Burlington

Need to fix something in your home? Or have a project needing attention?  Ask your neighbors for recommendations on FPF!

Sharing insights with neighbors on pruning fruit trees

Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 by • No comments yet

“It is my privilege to advise fruit tree owners in the time honored ability to further their orchards’ health and fertility. Thanks to FPF for bringing my neighbors insights to my attention and giving me a chance to advertise my own expertise. Please contribute to this our medium by giving to https://frontporchforum.com/supporting-members.”  

• Padma in Middlesex

Thanks Padma! Glad to see you making the most of Front Porch Forum.

Many in Monkton respond with plumber recommendations

Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2017 by • No comments yet

“Sending out a thank you to all in the community who responded to my request for a plumber recommendation. We have a wonderful resource here in Front Porch Forum. Thank you, everyone!”
• Kristen, Monkton FPF

Thousands of business recommendations flow through Front Porch Forum

Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2017 by • No comments yet

“A few weeks ago I posted on our Front Porch Forum seeking recommendations for XC boots in our area, and several people wrote to say Onion River Sports was the place to go. So we went there and, sure enough, my sister found the perfect boots. The salesperson patiently helped her get fitted properly, and, after years of XC skiing, she says these are the best boots she’s ever had. Yay for Onion River Sports and FPF posters. Thanks again!”
• Kathy, East Montpelier FPF

What’s your question?  Ask neighbors on your FPF and shop local!

Vermont contractors use FPF to find good customers

Posted on Sunday, October 2, 2016 by • No comments yet

“Thanks to everyone who suggested roofers for the project I listed last week. I met several roofers, got bids that were all competitive and decided to go with Clayton Flye who many of you FPF members mentioned. He had a brief gap in his schedule and jumped right on the project, finishing the job this afternoon. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the work. I let him know I would be adding my name to a growing number of Front Porch Forum‘s satisfied customers.”
• Tina, East Montpelier FPF

Click here for details about putting FPF to work for your business or nonprofit.

About Blog

Ghost of Midnight is an online journal about fostering community within neighborhoods, with a special focus on Front Porch Forum (FPF). My wife, Valerie, and I founded FPF in 2006... read more

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