Has Activity on the SWF Forums Declined Over the Last Few Years?

woody189

woody189

Member
I've been out of the hobby for about 2 years so I haven't been visiting the site in that time.
I was wondering, is it just me, or has activity on these forums really gone down over the last few years? I may not remember since it's been so long, but I feel like there used to be more people posting
 
reefraff

reefraff

Active Member
Lot of people are out of the hobby because of the economy and there are less people entering so the boards are all slower.
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
I am on a few different forums. I see people moving around from forum to forum a lot. Different communities appeal more to some than to others.
 
woody189

woody189

Member
It's sad that the economy has reduced participation in the hobby, but I definitely believe. I had no idea it was going to be so expensive.
This is the only forum I'm a part of and I'm happy with it. Maybe I would enjoy another forum more, but I would feel like I was cheating on SWF considering all the help you've provided me. I probably woudln't be active in 2 forums at simultaneously.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I have seen a major decline in the forums over the last few years while other forums are thriving. Im not blaming it completely on the economy. Like spanko said, people are moving around a lot and find other forums that suit their needs. "needs" being situated more locally or having buy and sell forums and a lot less moderation.
Imo, these forums are on their way out and i too am looking around and seeing what my options are. Since there arent that many regular members on these forums like there used to be, the thoughts, ideas, opinions, comments and suggestions are less diverse then what they once were, which doesnt appeal to me. However, i am sticking in here till the bitter end anyways, and as spanko said, i might be moving around some as well to find a place that will suit my needs.
 
woody189

woody189

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/392053/has-activity-on-the-swf-forums-declined-over-the-last-few-years#post_3479530
I have seen a major decline in the forums over the last few years while other forums are thriving. Im not blaming it completely on the economy. Like spanko said, people are moving around a lot and find other forums that suit their needs. "needs" being situated more locally or having buy and sell forums and a lot less moderation.
Imo, these forums are on their way out and i too am looking around and seeing what my options are. Since there arent that many regular members on these forums like there used to be, the thoughts, ideas, opinions, comments and suggestions are less diverse then what they once were, which doesnt appeal to me. However, i am sticking in here till the bitter end anyways, and as spanko said, i might be moving around some as well to find a place that will suit my needs.
Yea, I'm sure it's not just the economy, but it probably is a factor.
That's exactly what I noticed Snake. About there not being as many regulars with opinions etc. I may begin browsing too then, it just feels naughty. lol.
And when it first happend, I said it was a terrible move on SWF's part to get rid of the Classifieds section and I really feel it was. Not saying that's the driving force, but it all counts and that was a major benefit for everyone. Such a great way to trade/buy/sell. I'm sure SWF had their reasons, but I just don't understand what they were.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I just got back on here less than a year ago i think. I was banned for three years before that. I remember back in 2006-2007 when the classified section was going and there were a lot more people then and a lot more new post turnover. Oh well. I havent been here the entire time is what im trying to say.
 
darthtang aw

darthtang aw

Active Member

And when it first happend, I said it was a terrible move on SWF's part to get rid of the Classifieds section and I really feel it was. Not saying that's the driving force, but it all counts and that was a major benefit for everyone. Such a great way to trade/buy/sell. I'm sure SWF had their reasons, but I just don't understand what they were.
I
As a business owner, there is no way I would allow someone else to sell the same stuff I do in my store. This is a business first, a forum last.
 
woody189

woody189

Member
That's very true, and a good point. However, I do feel that since they allowed a classified section and it was such a big part of the site, they probably should have kept it. Also, most people that are going to buy from this site will buy from this site anyway. If they wanted to buy/trade with other reeefers, they will find another way to do so (C-list, another site, the bay, etc.).
I definitely get what you're saying, but I think it hurt their traffic more than it helped their business.
An example of what I mean is the artist J.Cole. When his album leaked, he said that he didn't care because the people who were going to buy his album, will still buy his album. The people who weren't, won't. The free bootleg downloads are always there, but the supporters will still support (I did). Weird example, I know, but I think it clarifies my point.
SWF had a lot of traffic and I'm sure they lost at least a little bit from getting rid of the Buy/Sell. I doubt they gained much business because people who wanted used merchandise will find it elsewhere. People who wanted to buy from SWF will still buy from them. Only difference is now there's less people on the site.
now I'm contemplating going joining another site, partially because I will be looking for a Buy/Sell section so I can buy frags for my new tank. If I do, and I like it better, there's a good chance SWF won't be my Go-To site in the event that I do need a bulk order.
That's just how I see it.
 
darthtang aw

darthtang aw

Active Member
That's very true, and a good point. However, I do feel that since they allowed a classified section and it was such a big part of the site, they probably should have kept it. Also, most people that are going to buy from this site will buy from this site anyway. If they wanted to buy/trade with other reeefers, they will find another way to do so (C-list, another site, the bay, etc.).
 
I definitely get what you're saying, but I think it hurt their traffic more than it helped their business. 
 
An example of what I mean is the artist J.Cole. When his album leaked, he said that he didn't care because the people who were going to buy his album, will still buy his album. The people who weren't, won't.  The free bootleg downloads are always there, but the supporters will still support (I did).  Weird example, I know, but I think it clarifies my point.
 
SWF had a lot of traffic and I'm sure they lost at least a little bit from getting rid of the Buy/Sell. I doubt they gained much business because people who wanted used merchandise will find it elsewhere.  People who wanted to buy from SWF will still buy from them. Only difference is now there's less people on the site.
 
now I'm contemplating going joining another site, partially because I will be looking for a Buy/Sell section so I can buy frags for my new tank. If I do, and I like it better, there's a good chance SWF won't be my Go-To site in the event that I do need a bulk order.
 
That's just how I see it.
In all honesty, they saw a drop in sales I believe. Also, the good majority of us here on the forum, don't buy much anymore. If anything at all.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
While the forum is seeing less and less activity, it looks like their Facebook page is thriving with comments and questions. I wish they'd send them over to the forum more to get it more active here again.
 
gemmy

gemmy

Active Member
I'm a bouncer between forums now. I post on SWF when I feel I have something to add, which is doesn't seem to be happening. Maybe if the forum picked up more, I would post more.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemmy http:///t/392053/has-activity-on-the-swf-forums-declined-over-the-last-few-years#post_3479562
I'm a bouncer between forums now. I post on SWF when I feel I have something to add, which is doesn't seem to be happening. Maybe if the forum picked up more, I would post more.
LOL...I am here all the time....mostly reading...and watching for spam and trolls.....I comment once in a while that I like stuff....and SOMETIMES I answer a question if someones methods had not gotten to it yet BAHAHAHA
It's nice to have a couple of responses in agreement to a question....I don't think the OP's need 10 though
 
kiefers

kiefers

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///t/392053/has-activity-on-the-swf-forums-declined-over-the-last-few-years#post_3479563
LOL...I am here all the time....mostly reading...and watching for spam and trolls.....I comment once in a while that I like stuff....and SOMETIMES I answer a question if someones methods had not gotten to it yet BAHAHAHA
It's nice to have a couple of responses in agreement to a question....I don't think the OP's need 10 though
+1
 
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