Im 33. Never really got involved with most forms of social media. Am more engaged with this forum already than all social media activity combined over my lifetime. I find most social media toxic, confrontational, cheap point scoring nonsense. People tend to forget there are actual living breathing people sat on the other side of the words they type.
Here the ethical, cooperative, humorous, friendly dynamic for the most part is palpable even if there are inevitable rare exceptions. Its the beating heart of the platform. Its what engages your users. Not everything is about making money even if thats the ultimate end goal for all users and FI.
The value that experienced users offer new users like myself is spectacular. The scope to have robust, well thought out discussion is excellent for the most part even if people inevitably disagree and it spills over sometimes.
The ability to have a good faith disagreement with someone on one talking point and find common ground on another is a common theme you dont find in too many places online. Harnessing that niche optimally is so so crucial.
You can spend all the money you like on marketing but the biggest marketing tool you have is free. Word of mouth, engagement and discussion with the community will take you a longer way to reaching your goals than anything else.
University's wouldnt work without the lecturers. You are the institution, your lecturers are essentially what gives the institution value in any ethical sense. Your lecturers exist within this place for free. Same goes for @The-FIG. Its invaluable to keep them all onside by listening to their constructive criticism, they do absolute wonders for your product. They engage your community like no other.
Would be wise to listen to your experienced members @DANFI. They add so much more value to your platform than you can imagine, especially in a time of spectacular growth of new users.