[beezle]

I have used FPF as a sometimes resident of VT.

First off, you need to register with a local address/real name and the communities are generally population/geographic. So three or four towns along a common route may be combined giving a total population order 5k. That would be the default group a post goes to, though there is the option to also include "nearby" areas. Remember, nearby in VT is measured in miles.

Second - the vast majority of the postings concern lost/found pets, farm animals and packages, people looking for services - plumber to chimney sweep to excavation, things for free or sale, and announcements (closures, openings, events).

There is a low volume of "discussions". Very few people engage with the overtly political posts. Posts that do get some traction are road and safety issues and recently, school budgets.

It is not facebook/reddit/twitter. More of a pin up bulletin board system that allows quick replies.

[mason55]

Sounds like my local semi-rural NextDoor posts. Lost dogs, cats, the occasional horse. Updates when the main road gets closed. Recommendations for local businesses. And occasionally a politics post that most people ignore while a few people argue for weeks.

I’ve heard that NextDoor in suburban and urban areas is quite a cesspit but ours is pretty helpful and cordial.

[mistrial9]

> NextDoor in suburban and urban areas is quite a cesspit

yes it is, and with an additional bonus of lurking law enforcement building profiles, and their unpublic commercial partners in an arms race to do more of it.