In reply to Jimmy Smutek.

@Jimmy - I think you are expecting orange juice from a cow here. If anything, social media has stratified the layers of discourse to the extent that if one's needs fit within a relatively shallow level of discourse, Fb is "good enough". I agree that it doesn't facilitate in-depth discussion, but then it was never meant to be. On the other hand, it is incredibly good at facilitating ACCESS to individuals with whom you COULD have in-depth discourse through another (more appropriate) channel.

As an example, my wife is a fine artists who does abstract oil painting. She has upwards of 800 friends in her Fb community, mostly comprised of other artists, gallery owners, curators, and critics. The threads extend much as they do in AWP, and - as you say - the level of discourse is somewhat shallow. However, whenever she goes to a gallery opening, art show, or other event, she instantly connects with her Fb friends in-person. Fb gives her a significant head start on making more stronger connections.

AWP's move to a another venue might offer improvements in some ways, but perhaps might lose out on the factors that make Fb incredibly efficient in maintaining member participation.