The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: McGyver on August 02, 2014, 05:08:55 PM

Title: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: McGyver on August 02, 2014, 05:08:55 PM
The number of posts on this site has been steadily declining for the past few years. Are we letting our guard down? 


Stay Vigilante!
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: tombogan03884 on August 02, 2014, 05:56:33 PM
The drop in post count was discussed a while back, (early June ?) the opinion seems to be that it is the result of members having "summertime" commitments, and increased Facebook posting.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: McGyver on August 02, 2014, 07:27:46 PM
I don't mean the usual summer "slump", what I see is a trend of usual posters disappearing for a long period of time, like 6 months or so. I just hope folks aren't gettin' too complacent with the way things are. We have a lot of work to do and will never be finished! AT least Bloomy's new "group" is shooting itself in the foot! LMAO!    :P
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Big Frank on August 02, 2014, 07:34:46 PM
Like Tom said some of them quit coming here because they're on Facebook all the time. It's sad to see so many people leave the site. And some are still lurking about but don't have time to post.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: TAB on August 02, 2014, 08:16:03 PM
Work related for me. :'(
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: jaybet on August 02, 2014, 09:29:26 PM
There's definitely a drop in posting...I think the website became more corporate when they were bought by Outdoor- just changed the vibe a little.
I am in touch with many forum posters by different means, but it would be nice if we all made an effort to try to rock it up here a little more.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Magoo541 on August 03, 2014, 09:29:13 AM
I used to be in here every day ,but like others, work has me running pretty hard (just did my time for this upcoming week and it'll be close to 80 hours).  But I think some of my decline is to the OP's observation and what Jaybet said as well.  Still top forum on my book marks. ;D
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: crusader rabbit on August 03, 2014, 11:36:12 AM
Subtle changes sometimes result in dramatic drops in posting activities.

I saw this happen to HotAir.com.

When Michelle Malkin sold the site, participation declined substantially.

In my case, I'd been posting multiple times per day, and now I rarely even visit the site.  Can't give specific reasons except to say the vibe changed.

Here, too.

Crusader Rabbit
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Solus on August 03, 2014, 12:27:13 PM
An example of the 'vibe' change:   When was the last time anyone spoke of the corner...either of their likely hood of being sent there or plans for additional facilities.  Was a time when we worried about restocking the snacks and drinks there.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: tombogan03884 on August 03, 2014, 12:29:46 PM
Solus, I think that stopped when pizza prices went up  ;D
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Conagher 45 on August 03, 2014, 12:38:28 PM
I still show up here and read what is going on , a lot of replies are already posted and not much more than I could add with out being redundant or show some stupidity.  ;D
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Timothy on August 03, 2014, 01:50:02 PM
We're around but posting less, certainly!  Marshal'ette hasn't posted in nearly a year either.

I've noticed that Marshal has turned off all of the blog, NRA-ILA postings that were annoying me and a few others.  Sometimes that was all that was being posted during a given day! 

Thanks for that BTW, Marshal!

I just have become so enamored of our presidents accomplishments that I feel that all is well with the world and the country in general so I've nothing to comment on anymore!

Ya, right... ::)
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Solus on August 03, 2014, 02:28:51 PM
Solus, I think that stopped when pizza prices went up  ;D

Well, Tom, with all the faults the folks here say you have, they can't add "Doesn't have a sense of humor"   

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: les snyder on August 03, 2014, 10:27:15 PM
I'm relatively new on this site, but my background is in the competition shooting area...USPSA pistol and USPSA multigun (3 gun)... over the years, though, shot some IHMSA silhouette, bowling pin, skeet and 5 stand for the 5 years at the Chevy Truck Sportsman's Team Challenge... there doesn't seem to be a lot of competition oriented members of the site...
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: TAB on August 04, 2014, 12:53:22 AM
I'm relatively new on this site, but my background is in the competition shooting area...USPSA pistol and USPSA multigun (3 gun)... over the years, though, shot some IHMSA silhouette, bowling pin, skeet and 5 stand for the 5 years at the Chevy Truck Sportsman's Team Challenge... there doesn't seem to be a lot of competition oriented members of the site...

Before I moved out of ca, I was very much into trap and averaged 10+ comps a year. And at least 5 sessions a week.  Closest range is now 3 hours away. ;(
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: billt on August 04, 2014, 06:50:21 AM
I think a lot of this is Internet wide. People are just not investing as much time in forums and the like. Also, people's routines change. I usually get up early every morning when I'm not working, (Monday through Thursday morning), and go through my E-Mail, and check in here, and several other forums to see what's going on. Also, a lot of companies have really cracked down on work time Internet use.

I work weekends, and when I shut down my computer on Thursday night, it stays off until Monday morning. When I retire at the end of this year, that will change, along with a lot of my habits. I may be around more or less depending. I definitely will start shooting and reloading far more during retirement, which will no doubt cut down on a lot of forum browsing.

Another thing is a lot of forums, (thankfully not this one), have been invaded by way too many smart asses. ARFCOM comes to mind as the leader in that department. Nothing turns off a newbie more than to make a post, only to have 10 guys jump down their throats with insults. Common courtesy has really declined on a lot of sites and forums over the last decade. People used to think before they typed. Now, not so much. Many of these types are young, parental basement dwellers no doubt.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: alfsauve on August 04, 2014, 07:25:12 AM
I'm relatively new on this site, <snip>... there doesn't seem to be a lot of competition oriented members of the site...

Welcome, Les.

I think for the most part, we're sort of the backwater of competitors.  There are some top drawer ones on here,  but for the most part we regular folks who don't want to invest the time and money to be on the leader board.   I'm an also ran myself.  My claim to fame is being on "page one" at GSSF matches in Ga.   And possibly we don't need another "competition" forum.  There are plenty of others dedicated to USPSA, IDPA, ATA, etc.  where type "A" competitors can discuss the nuances of the rules, procedures and equipment.

Now not to say we don't brag when we do something worthy, like <cough, cough> shoot the Dawnsonville GSSF match CLEAN.   We would all like to be up there in the competitive ranks, of course.  Just not willing to pay the price.   Hence we don't stress out on all the current issues involved in the various competitions.   You'll find those on BrianEnos or the other forums

We (can I speak for the group?) welcome hearing about it, so please don't anyone hesitate to post your latest accomplishments, or miserable failures.  We'll console, cajole, commiserate and congratulate you as appropriate (or inappropriate).     We'll laugh, cry, learn and help (as much as we can).
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: PegLeg45 on August 04, 2014, 09:38:14 AM
Solus, I think that stopped when pizza prices went up  ;D

Now that's funny right there.......  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

From a political standpoint, what we can say about the current jackass-in-chief and his three ring circus has been said, and the current state of affairs and the general ass-hattery leaves many of us without words.

As far as gun-related postings, Many folks are either too broke or too busy to do a lot of shooting or gun building (which provides us with things to discuss).......I have acquired a couple of older handguns over the last year or so that are nothing fancy, but they might be worth posting a range report on (particularly one of extreme sentimental value with a cool family story), but I just haven't taken the time to wring them out.

Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: lhprop1 on August 04, 2014, 09:44:54 AM
Just wait until the next 'crisis' comes along.  Things have been pretty quiet for a while, but they always pick up when something bad happens.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: JC5123 on August 04, 2014, 10:18:04 AM
Relationship, work, and building the dream home. Starting to get back on here more.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: GASPASSERDELUXE on August 04, 2014, 01:02:51 PM

Seeing as FQ apparently is no longer around and several others the Tom would get in fights with
over all sorts of subjects. That seems like it is rather boring and uninteresting at times.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: tombogan03884 on August 04, 2014, 02:38:23 PM
Seeing as FQ apparently is no longer around and several others the Tom would get in fights with
over all sorts of subjects. That seems like it is rather boring and uninteresting at times.

I've been thinking the same way.
Especially FQ, he came up with a lot for me to work with.  ;D
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: billt on August 04, 2014, 04:01:12 PM
I haven't seen TW or FQ around for a long time.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: tombogan03884 on August 04, 2014, 04:42:48 PM
No word at all about TW, which worries me.
Last posts from FQ he was in central Fla with bad internet.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Solus on August 04, 2014, 06:50:47 PM
No word at all about TW, which worries me.
Last posts from FQ he was in central Fla with bad internet.

TW was last active a year ago next week.   
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: billt on August 04, 2014, 08:11:36 PM
TW was last active a year ago next week.

God, I didn't know it was that long.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Hazcat on August 04, 2014, 08:40:42 PM
TW is alive and doing fine.  My son and Deepwater went pig hunting with him about 6 or 8 weeks ago.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Timothy on August 04, 2014, 09:14:55 PM

TW is alive and doing fine.  My son and Deepwater went pig hunting with him about 6 or 8 weeks ago.

How's he doing, Haz?  I haven't corresponded with him since he moved.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Hazcat on August 05, 2014, 12:43:40 AM
I have talked to him a couple of times.  He seems just fine, in fact I would say very happy.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Rastus on August 05, 2014, 05:46:44 AM
Things are picking up a bit with Haz back.  :)  Good to see you back Haz....miss that TW character and Deepwater too. Please let Deepwater know I have my HF antenna up and that we should try to communicate on HF when he has the time.

I went to work with a new company 2 years ago and that pushed a lot of my time back.  Then a few months ago my wife started chemo and that journey is turning to surgery so I've lost some spare time I need to spend with her.  Surgery tomorrow, then after a month 6 weeks radiation and then recovery.  Chemo nearly killed her several times and they ended up cutting it short but the results appear to have been excellent killing cancer. 

Then there was that automatic posting stuff.  You'd look to see what was going on and nothing but robo-posts...didn't work too well.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: tombogan03884 on August 05, 2014, 06:54:58 AM
Glad to hear TW is alive and well, I was beginning to wonder about both.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: ellis4538 on August 05, 2014, 09:44:47 AM
Good news Rastus!  Keep us posted.

Richard
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Pathfinder on August 05, 2014, 01:13:50 PM
Couldn't help notice that no one asked, but I've been offline too!  8)

Of course, what with being a newlywed and all, I have a good excuse - Alaska! Been on an extended vacation with the lovely wife, ogling moose and watching bull caribou scratch themselves, almost like being in The Corner, eh?
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: tombogan03884 on August 05, 2014, 01:34:49 PM
We knew you'd gotten married, but ALASKA ?
Unless it was in January you just got onto the "We hate/envy you" list !
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: jaybet on August 06, 2014, 08:11:04 AM
Congrats on all of that, Pathfinder!
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: santahog on August 13, 2014, 10:56:27 AM
Congrats to Path!!
Similar excuse for me.. Rotated spousal units, married 3 months Friday.. Working on "other stuff".
Promised I'd give it all a break to give the time to her to build a basis to put up with me when I get involved again..
Got a good looking read-head again.. C'mon guys.. Priorities!!
Been replacing what was lost in 10 while I was in South America. (Still sick about missing out on that Versamax at Buds a few weeks ago!!!) Since I've been otherwise entertained, I've picked up a FNX 45, G-19, G-30, 2 Adams (piston) ARs. Other stuff too, I think. Building up ammo again, so very slowly..
Got rid of one AK and (my last  :-[) 1911..
Ended up in Kennesaw, (needing to sell 3 acres in Alabama now). I remember when Kennesaw first shocked the easily frightened by requiring firearm ownership, with every possible out one could think of. I giggled to myself and thought "I should ever be that lucky".. Well, here I am!! Got the girl and everything!!! (Bad news is, she's a registered Democrat..  :o I've got work to do.. Did I mention she's REALLY good lookin??) She doesn't mean it, really.. She just did the youthful choice thing, went to work and never gave it anymore thought..
Met Alf a couple of months ago! I have to say, Alf has been the consistently "nicest" guy on the forum, and in person, he's just as nice.. I like him..
Everybody I've met in the course of just being in Kennesaw brags about the firearms law here. It tickles me..
Gotta get going.. Be back in some months...
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Rastus on August 15, 2014, 02:03:59 PM
Good news Rastus!  Keep us posted.

Richard

Surgery went great...got postponed a week because too much blood thinner in her blood.  Good thing we got postponed according to the surgeon.  Pathology report on Monday....they said maybe today, Friday, but you know how that goes...HA...it'll be Monday.  A month of recuperation and then 6 weeks of radiation 5 days a week.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Michael Bane on August 21, 2014, 11:25:30 PM
Between moving to the new Bunker and work, I've just been hammered into the ground...I look at my travel schedule for this fall and I want to throw up. By the end of the day I'm just mentally dragged out...all I want to do is sleep.

I'm trying to get a little better grip on stuff, including the Forums!

Sorry...

Michael B

PS: Rastus, thoughts & prayers...
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Rastus on August 23, 2014, 07:13:27 PM
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.  4 or 6 lymph nodes had cancer but we were expecting that.  Full blown info from the oncologist later this week.

Life is good.
Title: Re: Anybody Else Notice?
Post by: Timothy on August 23, 2014, 09:33:39 PM
Life is life, Rastus, and your attitude speaks volumes for your character! 

God Bless you and yours...