Is it just me or,....

[snakeblitz33]

Are the fourms really slowing down a lot to y'all?
It's a Saturday and there were only 25 threads that were updated.
Reasons? Suggestions? Why is it so slow??

 

[geoj]

Yep, this is what happens when the site www host can't do there jobs. Every one moves on....

 

[gemmy]

Also, it is getting warmer. People are going out and doing more. It seems the site is more active in the winter.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Well. It's more active in winter after Christmas when people get their gift tanks. No gifts in summer. On other forums, they arent slowing down. Some are even gaining momentum.

 

[flower]

I think ours slows down because folks get the help they need here, so there isn't too much to worry about or ask qustions on how to fix something. We get updates on tanks, and they most often are "looking good".

Snake, with your helpful how to methods, noobs don't have to ask us for help anymore. Just read all about how to do it from your posts...they don't even have to trouble you personally anymore.
The aquarium has been over run with political garbage, and only a few even care to post on it anymore. It used to be over run with important stuff like fuzzy kitten pictures and info on BBQs and margaritas.
LOL.....see what you did

 

[btldreef]

The site has been slow for quite a while, but when the weather is nicer they do slow down. Even my reef club notices a drop in attendance at meetings this time of year

 

[rickross23]

Im here!

 

[snakeblitz33]

I highly doubt my methods threads keep people from posting. I can't tell from the post, but I think you were just joking with me. I'll take it like that unless you say otherwise.

 

[meowzer]

LOL......I can't speak for other forums....because the couple I have visited were not very friendly IMO......BUT in the few years I have been here I have seen highs and lows.....
I do believe forum IT issues frustrated some people and they gave up (no patience LOL) BUT also the economy has chased a lot of people out of the hobby too.....
All we can do is hang around and wait for peeps to come back....or welcome new ones

 

[snakeblitz33]

Your right Lois.
What can yah do? lol... Just stick around and hope for the best, I guess.
I am going to post a thread about my garden this year in the aquarium. LOL If anyone is interested - at least it will put another thread on the "New posts" screen. Jeesh.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391494/is-it-just-me-or#post_3472255
I highly doubt my methods threads keep people from posting. I can't tell from the post, but I think you were just joking with me. I'll take it like that unless you say otherwise.
LOL...part of my post was a joke (the aquarium part) but not all of it. I really think lots of the new folks are looking for answers to questions and when they find the answer they move on. Some post a question and never even check back for the answers they got.
If I was just looking for info and hit on one of your how to threads...They may never post a thing but got the help they needed. I google for info all the time, and I'm directed often to read some post from another forum, I read the info and move on...I stay here because this site is home to me. However be assured, I meant it as a good thing...how many times do we want to re-post for the tenth time how to cycle a tank...your how to threads are great.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Thank you, Flower.

 

[beth]

As Lois said, I think many have exited the hobby due to the economic down turn, and some who might have picked up the hobby, haven't because of the expense of being a marine aquarist and the economic uncertainty.
The prolonged IT problems did drive many off, but that has been more or less resolved for awhile now.
I think the social aspects of the internet generally are changing from what they were a few years ago. Change is inevitable.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Are forums dying? Not necessarily these forums - but are people moving on to other social medias? No way! LOLOL
I'd rather a forum than the facethingy

 

[mantisman51]

There was a thread about how slow it was last year around March or April, but it seems to be far slower now than then.My theory is that people are far more averse to credit cards than they were, so discretionary spending, like for a hobby, is down. I know I have gone to spending almost nothing on my last SW and FW tanks because I am (SLOOOOOOWWWWLLLY) building a house out-of-pocket, with no loan, so I can't afford to spend on my tanks. But even if I wasn't building a house, $30 shipping has pretty much kept me from ordering online-and some places are $39 shipping. Plus, how long has it been since there was a cartoon with fish characters in it? Yeah it's silly, but every movie to come out with fish in it gets millions into the hobby.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Your right, we need another cartoon fish movie... not another show on animal planet like Tanked...
I will be building my home out of pocket just like you pretty soon! I know what you mean about budgets!!!
I thought that the economy was on the upswing though?

 

[geoj]

Fewer people and a consolidation of clicks looks to have created less interesting threads.
Example: if I want to use copper to cure Ich, no longer is there a group that would help me do it.

 

[snakeblitz33]

I've even noticed that some of the "regulars" are even posting less than normal.
Even some of the mods that used to be around all the time aren't coming back as often if ever.

 

[beth]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391494/is-it-just-me-or#post_3472302
I've even noticed that some of the "regulars" are even posting less than normal.
Even some of the mods that used to be around all the time aren't coming back as often if ever.
Not too unusual. I've been here forever and there have been countless turnovers in forum members as well as most mods.
I just don't think the hobby is as popular as it once was. Likely due to cost.

 

[saxman]

I pop in at least 5 times a week (M-F), and typically a couple of times a day. If the threads seem covered, or it's something I'm not interested in (or don't know about), I don't post. I do get frustrated with slow sites, ads, and hard to navigate sites, and sometimes I just don't want to "deal". Cranberry and I go to great lengths to keep our own site up and running properly for that very reason.
Lots of peeps are indeed getting out of the hobby or are making the switch to FOWLR setups from reefs, which is another reason some reefing sites are slow as many lack good FO or pred forums. I also think many folks are tired of hearing regurgitated old info as opposed to first-hand experiences, which means that folks are becoming more picky about where they spend what little time they allot for such activities.
Finally, folks are planning summer vacations, graduations, etc. this time of year, and we all know "life" generally comes first.