I see a few things as causing the decline:
1. Most recent is the starting of the Facebook page. I see several regulars (now becoming former) from here posting there. I believe that since most of us don't live and die by our computers and social media, we take limited time for these communications, and one is replacing the other;
2. I blame Outdoor Channel. Since they took over these group of shows their commitment to regularity has been poor. The shows that were tied to this forum come and go, are moved around in the schedule, and they are repeated sparingly, if at all, on Wednesdays;
3. When I make the following statement I am not ripping Michael or Marshal in any way! With Outdoor Channel in charge there is a change in the drive and diversity. Once again, I am not calling Michael lazy or cashing it in, but there is a difference when it is your company, you call the shots, and then you sell the product, and when you are employed by or contracted to a parent company. It is easier to produce a product, gain sponsor support, and then sell it, then it is to produce what someone else calls appropriate.
These three things, and others smaller items, are what I see as taking away from this forum. Ruger giveaways drew in many one time members who were just here for the giveaways, but some hung around and played a little. But, as diversity in programming declined and leadership by some field experts disappeared on here, the participation has dropped.
I still come here for two reasons:
1. I much prefer this platform over the book of faces;
2. And, I love you guys