In the digital age, where social media platforms often breed toxicity and division, one online community stands out for its civility and sense of community – Front Porch Forum in Vermont. With nearly half of the state’s adults as active members, Front Porch Forum has become the go-to platform for Vermonters to interact with their neighbors in a respectful and engaging manner.
Unlike popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, Front Porch Forum prioritizes real-world interactions among neighbors over online engagement. The site, which reads like a neighborhood internet mailing list crossed with a small-town newspaper’s letters-to-the-editor section, has eschewed growth hacks and recommendation algorithms in favor of slow and deliberate growth.
One of the key factors contributing to Front Porch Forum’s success is its heavy moderation. With twelve full-time employees dedicated to reading every user post before publication, the site ensures that personal attacks, misinformation, and spam are swiftly rejected. This meticulous moderation process has led to Front Porch Forum being one of the highest-scoring platforms on New_ Public’s „Civic Signals“ criteria, which measures the health of online communities.
Users of Front Porch Forum attest to its positive impact on their communities. From selling items and sharing local news to engaging in substantive debates on important issues, Front Porch Forum has become a central hub for civic engagement in Vermont. The site’s emphasis on respectful exchange and adherence to community norms has created a space where neighbors can discuss divisive issues civilly and constructively.
Front Porch Forum’s founder and CEO, Michael Wood-Lewis, attributes the site’s success to its focus on fostering real-world connections rather than online engagement. By treating the platform more like a corner pub than a social media network, Front Porch Forum has created a space where users feel safe, informed, and free to express their opinions without fear of backlash.
While Front Porch Forum’s model may not be easily replicable in larger and more diverse states, its success in Vermont serves as a beacon of hope for those disillusioned with the toxicity of mainstream social media. As the site continues to grow and expand into new regions, its commitment to fostering community connections and promoting civil discourse remains unwavering.
In a world where online interactions often devolve into hostility and division, Front Porch Forum stands as a shining example of how technology can be used to bring people together rather than tear them apart. By prioritizing civility, community engagement, and real-world connections, Front Porch Forum has carved out a unique space in the digital landscape that offers a refreshing alternative to the chaos of mainstream social media platforms.