let's go back !!!!!!!!

[pinbrook]

I still use this place but answer posts and people i choose to. It is still obvious that some think this is a place to demand support or cant not have a meaningful debate.

I think what i have noticed over the past couple of weeks - apart from the huge reduction in posts - is in fact less of a "demand" for support. Lots of posts now go without a response for much longer thus forcing people to look elsewhere.

Less activity on the community seems to equate with less expectation.

I believe that too much community activity to a certain extent fuelled the expectation of a reply - ie it was a victim of its own sucess

If you post a Q and check back 20 mins later and notice that every Q except yours has a reply you tend to think - oh dear why is my Q not answered? i'd better bump it because i'm sure its an oversight. But if there are several other Qs without reply you are more likely to think - I'd better wait awhile longer. And if you cant wait - you might actually start the self help route - either search or cough up for support

There is less debate nowadays, probably to the detriment of the community, but as with humour, debate can often be misconstrued.

[gabrielcrowe]

so, would you say that because of the lack of banter, the community is more helpful, and focused, but less fun?

[Duncan Rounding]

I think that forum questions are seasonal. I'd be interested in the annual monthly stats to see if it's really true. We seem to see a surge in questions from new members at certain times of year. January seemed to be quite active IIRC for example.

Have others noticed this?

[Mark H]

so, would you say that because of the lack of banter, the community is more helpful, and focused, but less fun?

Yes. Also, we seem to be seeing new people and lurkers helping out with technical questions to fill the gap left by some who have moved away.

[pinbrook]

we seem to be seeing new people and lurkers helping out with technical questions

This is a huge step in the right direction, it makes it more of a community rather than the old situation where people demanded help from frequent posters.

because of the lack of banter, the community is more helpful, and focused, but less fun?

Yes indeed. It used to irritate me to have to trawl through the banter to find the relevant reply. However I do miss the friday afternnon - lets blow off some steam thread in AOB...

[cbarling]

I think when there's a lot of banter always between the same people and it's within a thread on a serious topic, the impresssion is created of an exclusive club that only insiders can join. In my opinion, and all that's all it is - my opinion - this discourages others from joining in.

I think the same in threads in AOB is absolutely fine.

So overall, I'm very happy with where the community is now. However, some light hearted stuff in AOB would make it even better.

Chris

[grantglendinnin]

I've noticed a lot of stuff which was never discussed or even mentioned here has risen on this other forum, which is a good thing. I don't think it's healthy to channel everything down one path - and it's always a good day when you can vent your anger with some profanities thrown in for good measure

Nonetheless, the random posts in AOB is missed.

[gabrielcrowe]

excellent. sounds great!

hehehe

[george]

God this forum is boring, boring, boring

Actually wee man, you have a point. Not a goat point though.

[jont]

Not a goat point though.

Why do you tease the man so?

[chris ashdown]

Who told you I was wee, and what exactly was you refering to!!

[Buzby]

Any clues on where this "other place" is

Many thanks

Jason

[grantglendinnin]

Any clues on where this "other place" is

Many thanks

Jason

Turn right at Junction 12.

[Buzby]

Found it. Many thanks.