The Factom Slack is where the community is. There are several channels for different topics. It's civil, professional, and well moderated. If you want to know the state of things that's where you will find the information. I don't have the link but it will be a page or few back.
Many crypto projects have moved their activity to Slack and other forums to avoid all the trolls here. Serious projects need a well controlled discussion group at some point in development. This in no way should be taken as "abandoning" their users/investors. It should be viewed as a "step up" in professionalism.
I do not personally know if FACTOM has a Slack channel but, if they do, and you want to know whats happening: Join the Slack...