Will this forum die?

[Haloface]

While heavy snow prevents me from going out the door today, I thought I'd address this certain issue.

The last 2 months has seen what some *glares at a particular person* have called an inevitability - the death of our beloved forum and, as such, the remainder of our old Ayonae community.

I remember a few months ago, active membership stood at around 75 people. With alarming speed this has dropped to currently 56 people. This wouldn't be so bad if discussion was still going ahead, but most front pages have threads that are months old, and in this section, especially, a month old thread is a shocking indicator, a section that once upon a time used to have 10 or more discussions going on at once, reaching into 20, 30, 40 pages, over many weeks.

Of course the obvious reason is a lack of regular new members which guarantees that, down the road, those who depart (or are forced to) will not be replaced and, logically, numbers will dwindle. But as others have pointed out, it could also be due to a stalemate in political views and the same old person a v person b argument, like a broken record. Finally, others think it is due to overmodderation and punitive behaviour, particularly dangerous when members are, quite literally, irreplaceable.

Whatever the reason, we need to consider the serious possibility of Ayonae not being here in 6 months if the remaining 56 members (or, possibly, 25 really active posters) don't do something desperate to save the situation.

And I think it warrants saving. All we have to do? Start a conversation on one thing each week, or every two weeks - and in turn contribute your own view to someone elses conversation. Maybe all this place needs is a bit more proactivity, a bit more energy. I think maybe these historic forums warrant it. If we all drop by and post once a week, I think it can make all the difference.

I've personally known for a long time that we have more in common than EQ, or politics - and that's eachother! *gay group hug*

[Sixee]

Or we could just blame your new marriage for allowing you, one of the principle pot stirrers, not to be here to do what you do.

[Jedd Corpse]

I check here every day... I barely ever post

This forum is dead =(

[Kanyli]

I haven't come across much to post. Slow news season. But if more people don't begin joining...

[Ailwon]

Not a lot going on right now that begs debate. I check it every day.

One odd thing did happen this last week...I got the oddest desire to go back and play EQ again. Of course, it was quickly squashed by the memories of spending 6 hours trying to get my body out of Black Burrow as a newb and the sobering realization that I have no idea what my credentials were for that game.:(

[Ibudin]

Some reason, I am like the rest. Check here daily but don't have much to post about. Makes no sense to beat on each other over subtle differences in opinions anymore.

[Cloudwalker21]

I still lurk, but don't really have the desire to throw myself into the debates when they turn into mincing words rather than discussing ideas. I post sometimes on the games/books/movies forums, but in general I tend to stay away from this forum as an active participant.

[Elemak the Enchanter]

Yeah I'm still lurking more for the TV/Books/Games section

[fildien]

I still lurk, but don't really have the desire to throw myself into the debates when they turn into mincing words rather than discussing ideas. I post sometimes on the games/books/movies forums, but in general I tend to stay away from this forum as an active participant.


^^ this
i dont really like the arguing and senseless petty stuff of this particular forum. plus, ive had 2 rotator cuff surgeries in the last month and typing is hard so lurking is easier.

[Haloface]

Well, A) it's nice to see so many responses, and B) I get what you're all saying, but maybe people have subconsciously picked up on the point of this thread because I'll be damned if there hasn't been this much activity in months! :P

[Kivorn]

How can it be dying? Im back.

[Akom of Cazic Thule]

I visit every day, but I generally don't post in anything but the gaming / nuggets forums.

[LummusL]

Halo, your original post well covered the bases. Right now there is not much to say that has not already been said. That or any point that could be made are lacking in any real relevance. For most things it is a case of just letting the chips fall where they will while life goes on. Dealing with day to day stuff is really enough right now. Check back when its not bitter cold.

[Haloface]

Yeah, perhaps you're right Lumm. I hope so anyway, because I just don't know if 'we've got nothing else to say that hasn't been said before' is a good enough excuse, because that's been the case since this forum's conception, and yet we've still rambled on about the same old topics and the same point of views with the same old people.

Well, let's hope it picks up. I do think it helps if all of those who say they come here still, but don't post - actually make a conscious effort to do so. Not in the longer run, of course, but in the short term it could be just the thing to spark interest here again.

[Haloface]

PS you may be back Kiv, but you hardly post!! :P

[Selwen Soulgazer]

I was without a comp for a while. Cant get it to load past windows xp screen. On the old comp for now. Still lurking.

[Osgiliath666]

Still around...

[Fandros]

Well, it became obvious over the past 12 months that the rabid lefts big dream of change was more of the same ole same ole.

So now they're losing passion and drive, and those of us more moderate and to the right are just waiting till they finish shooting themselves in the foot.

Told ya....it wasn't going to change a thing getting the Left in charge...they are the most self destructive and blinded group of folks ever...top that with just as corrupt individuals drawn to such positions and you get a big mess.

By definition Democrats are more liberal, that means a wider selection of opinions and different interest groups.

Oh , and the massive mess of a health care bill that the more clear headed on the left now recognize as a disaster didn't help matters....of course with the massive upset in MA things will change...maybe a bill that actually is worked on instead of forced down the throats simply because they can....

Who's going to win the Oval office in 2012 is the question now methinks.

[LummusL]

I am guessing some douche bag from some party who will promise much, deliver nothing and listen to the voters only long enough to get elected. It doesn't matter what flavor the Koolaid is really. Berry Blue or Cherry Red. The rat poison all tastes the same.

[Fandros]

I am guessing some douche bag from some party who will promise much, deliver nothing and listen to the voters only long enough to get elected. It doesn't matter what flavor the Koolaid is really. Berry Blue or Cherry Red. The rat poison all tastes the same.

$$ we have a winning answer.

Need to make some fundemental changes to how bills are made, make all votes on a single bill and that'll help get rid of the secondary monies that come in from special interest group ( which will of course lessen the reason for the corrupt to seek those positions ).

[Palarran]

If we could somehow apply the version control systems currently used for software development--or anything similar--with bills, it would be a lot easier to track changes and such too.

[Kanyli]

In all seriousness, imagine what the bill would look like that would be required to change the current system.

The upside is that more people are finally becoming aware of these things - there's hope yet that some aspiring politician in a future election might take up the cause.

[Sixee]

You have to make it painful for them to continue doing things they way they are. And the only way most of them get hurt is in the pocketbook.

[Fandros]

In all seriousness, imagine what the bill would look like that would be required to change the current system.

The upside is that more people are finally becoming aware of these things - there's hope yet that some aspiring politician in a future election might take up the cause.

100% agree, couldn't have said it better myself.

[Nekko1]

I dont believe it will die, We all just have grown up our responsibilities, commitments, lifestyles and jobs just dont allow for the same emotional triad without some pixels.

I didn't give a crap or bother thinking about a lot of the issues discussed here until the last two years which seemed to lean more to rl and Ive got to thank the community diversity here to open my mind to other thoughts ect.

I work do the home thing watch a movie or show and thats it other than reading more news channels than ever thanks to you all. I check in most daily if even from a mobile device. tech4tw

[Osgiliath666]

The boards will pick up around the mid-terms.. Maybe we can give Rover a 1 month reprieve arpund Nov so we can all rant and rave like the old tims?