First I would like to say that I enjoy all the information and insight that I gain from these forums. The shear amount of links and information I have gained from here is astounding.
Though I do not know the particulars of why others have left or stopped posting, I know there are a few reasons as to why I don't post often as I would like, and possibly this is the same for others. In the end, our common goal should be the same, and that is to make this forum a fair and welcoming environment where people can discuss their views and beliefs and DISCUSS them in an INTELLIGENT manner. We are after all trying to save the human race
Secondly, what I am about to say is not aimed at any one particular person and is not meant as an attack. As open minded individuals I hope that we can take this as it is, which is my observation, and perhaps we can all work together and make this a more productive forum than it has been lately.
One thing I have noticed in the short time here at Avalon is the following. There is a tendency in a lot of threads to not actually stay on topic, and in fact threads often get hijacked on a regular basis, whether it be by a certain person preaching their particular message, bombarding a thread with pic after pic after pic, spouting random paragraphs of non-related information, or any one of numerous other ways. Why would you pay the $5 if every time you posted you were ridiculed or your discussion just ignored?
This causes frustration to an OP when they see their topic get taken way off course and keeps them from posting again. In a time when information is knowledge, the idea that someone may not share a particular view or piece of info is very disheartening. As I posted in
This Thread, we will never all agree on the same things and should stop wasting our energies arguing, pointing fingers, demanding proof, or acting as a broken record with a certain line of belief.
Another issue that causes confusion and frustration is the complete lack lately of the use of the SEARCH function. At one point last week I didn't even want to log on because I figured I'd just see another 10 threads about the f***ing Swine Flu. As any Library Science Major knows, for information to be useful and accessible, it needs to be in an organized manner and contain information that is relevant to a particular topic. If it is not, or does not, it detracts from it's effectiveness and makes the person seeking knowledge have to work harder to clarify things and possible move on to another source.
And so I ask, let us all try to focus on bettering this forum and making it THE place for knowledge in these areas of study. Let us all work towards the common goal of advancing our knowledge and consciousness through intelligent and relative discussion. Let us not judge one another for our views or beliefs. If there is a discussion that you don't believe in, or think is absurd, then at least take the time to comment and share your view or insight, in a meaningful and polite way, without taking away from the OP's purpose.
Sorry for the length on this and any ill perceived negativity. It's just something I have been thinking and wanted to share it with all.
On a more positive note and possibly the reason why most people are not around... IT'S SPRING TIME!!!