Forums losing interest?

I view regularly for inspiration, but do not post much, unless I can post something constructive or have a question on something. I also have interests in other hobby fields. I have seen the ''Where is everybody'' and ''Forum losing interest'' mentioned on many other forums, so this is probably just the nature of how forums work.

But what seems to be trending, at least I think so, is image hosting. Some sites, CSF included, are showing images replaced by a picture about ''Updating your 3rd party account''. Something to do with the set up of the image hosting services, and storage costs, (I don't know because I don't use them). This may have an effect on visits to the website to either view or post images of an ongoing project. Just a thought.

JohnnyK

I enjoy this site. It has a wealth of information that would be difficult to find else where. 

 

Wanna bet?  There are other sites if you look long enough.

I enjoy this site. It has a wealth of information that would be difficult to find else where. 

Some discussions of a similar nature at

Airliners and Civil Aircraft  RE: where IS everyone

 

Personnally, I will always prefer a forum than a Facebook group. On the forum, you can easily search by subject or the last subject you have posted. It's not possible or very hard to do this on Facebook. 

You're always going to have ebb and flow in any forum. Time of year. Work. I do my part to try and check in as often as possible. If I can answer a question I will. Or if I can be of help in a thread. John

I, too, noticed the forums has been losing interests as of late. I'll admit, I do get on about 3 times a day. I do post responses from time to time but not as often as I do in other model forums.

Rob Gronovius

 

 

PontiacRich

 

 

mustang1989

That does suck Rich. Admittedly, I hang out alot in the Group Builds and WIP sections of Auto as well as Aircraft but rarely hang out in the newcomers or General Modeling forums. Point taken and I hate to hear that about your questions. In doing my part, where are they and I'll look for 'em?

 

 

 

 

Thanks Mustang.

 

Both of my questions are in the painting and airbrushing section.

 

 

 

 

 

I just went to look at your two questions. One is very specific to a type of airbrush and compressor combination. The amount of people in the hobby who have that specific setup could be miniscule, let alone be members of this forum and have happened to look at that section of the site. Lots of the subforums here have very little movement beyond crickets chirping and tumbelweeds rolling.

And the type paint is a higher end paint not widely used by the more casual builders that occupy our membership. Kinda like asking guys at a sports bar what type of wine they suggest. There's a chance you get an answer, but most likely you'll get blank stares.

 

Maybe Mustang.  That's good input.  

I'm finally getting traction on the paint question.

 

Rob Gronovius

 

PontiacRich

 

 

mustang1989

That does suck Rich. Admittedly, I hang out alot in the Group Builds and WIP sections of Auto as well as Aircraft but rarely hang out in the newcomers or General Modeling forums. Point taken and I hate to hear that about your questions. In doing my part, where are they and I'll look for 'em?

 

 

 

 

Thanks Mustang.

 

Both of my questions are in the painting and airbrushing section.

 

 

 

 

 

I just went to look at your two questions. One is very specific to a type of airbrush and compressor combination. The amount of people in the hobby who have that specific setup could be miniscule, let alone be members of this forum and have happened to look at that section of the site. Lots of the subforums here have very little movement beyond crickets chirping and tumbelweeds rolling.

And the type paint is a higher end paint not widely used by the more casual builders that occupy our membership. Kinda like asking guys at a sports bar what type of wine they suggest. There's a chance you get an answer, but most likely you'll get blank stares.

 

lol. That's one heck of an analogy Rob.

PontiacRich

 

 

mustang1989

That does suck Rich. Admittedly, I hang out alot in the Group Builds and WIP sections of Auto as well as Aircraft but rarely hang out in the newcomers or General Modeling forums. Point taken and I hate to hear that about your questions. In doing my part, where are they and I'll look for 'em?

 

 

 

 

Thanks Mustang.

 

Both of my questions are in the painting and airbrushing section.

 

 

I just went to look at your two questions. One is very specific to a type of airbrush and compressor combination. The amount of people in the hobby who have that specific setup could be miniscule, let alone be members of this forum and have happened to look at that section of the site. Lots of the subforums here have very little movement beyond crickets chirping and tumbelweeds rolling.

And the type paint is a higher end paint not widely used by the more casual builders that occupy our membership. Kinda like asking guys at a sports bar what type of wine they suggest. There's a chance you get an answer, but most likely you'll get blank stares.

PontiacRich

 

Bish

 

 

PontiacRich

 

Don Stauffer

I seem to have noticed less activity for some time in several of the forums in the past few months.  I know a few folks believe that the modifications to the forum posting procedure and such (the recent change in look and feel) may be the problem.  What do folks think- is there a drop in interest in the FSM forums, and if so, what do you think is the reason?

 

 

 

 

 

I've been a member since July 2005.  I lost interest when they revamped the site and I didn't like the new format...I found it much harder to navigate.  About the same time, I took up Scuba diving and my world changed.  I was able to take two things I love, Scuba and photography and combine them.  Since then, Scuba has taken most of my vacation time and trips and photo gear has taken my money.

However, I have a stash of kits and a bunch of WIPs so I'm trying to get back into it.  My biggest hangup is learning to airbrush and the fact that I don't have a dedicated work space.  So with two dogs & two cats (especially the cats) it's hard to keep building.

One thing I noticed since getting back into the forum (admittedly for only one day) is that I've created  two posts, with questions.  There have been multiple views (well over 10 for each) and very few replies.  One thread has 26 views with no replies.  So I wonder if th forum is really open to new (or returning) members.

 

 

 

 

Well i wouldn't take that personally. It could simply be that no one has an answer for you. Look at any post, and you will see the number of views far outweighs the number of replies. If you get one reply for every 25 views, your doing well. I do think many views are by people who are not subcribers and that would account for a big part of it.

I know it can be disheartening when you post and get very few replies, but unfortunatly i think thats the way of all forums.

 

 

 

 

Bish - Point taken, thanks!  That's really good feedback.

 

I did look at your vallejo question yesterday but didn't reply as i have never used any of their sets so could not help. But quite often we don't kow if we can help by the title alone. But i see you have some decent feeback now.

Bish

 

 

PontiacRich

 

Don Stauffer

I seem to have noticed less activity for some time in several of the forums in the past few months.  I know a few folks believe that the modifications to the forum posting procedure and such (the recent change in look and feel) may be the problem.  What do folks think- is there a drop in interest in the FSM forums, and if so, what do you think is the reason?

 

 

 

 

 

I've been a member since July 2005.  I lost interest when they revamped the site and I didn't like the new format...I found it much harder to navigate.  About the same time, I took up Scuba diving and my world changed.  I was able to take two things I love, Scuba and photography and combine them.  Since then, Scuba has taken most of my vacation time and trips and photo gear has taken my money.

However, I have a stash of kits and a bunch of WIPs so I'm trying to get back into it.  My biggest hangup is learning to airbrush and the fact that I don't have a dedicated work space.  So with two dogs & two cats (especially the cats) it's hard to keep building.

One thing I noticed since getting back into the forum (admittedly for only one day) is that I've created  two posts, with questions.  There have been multiple views (well over 10 for each) and very few replies.  One thread has 26 views with no replies.  So I wonder if th forum is really open to new (or returning) members.

 

 

 

 

Well i wouldn't take that personally. It could simply be that no one has an answer for you. Look at any post, and you will see the number of views far outweighs the number of replies. If you get one reply for every 25 views, your doing well. I do think many views are by people who are not subcribers and that would account for a big part of it.

I know it can be disheartening when you post and get very few replies, but unfortunatly i think thats the way of all forums.

 

Bish - Point taken, thanks!  That's really good feedback.

mustang1989

That does suck Rich. Admittedly, I hang out alot in the Group Builds and WIP sections of Auto as well as Aircraft but rarely hang out in the newcomers or General Modeling forums. Point taken and I hate to hear that about your questions. In doing my part, where are they and I'll look for 'em?

 

Thanks Mustang.

 

Both of my questions are in the painting and airbrushing section.

 

Well said Bish....I've only been a member for one year now, and in that short time life things have popped up and slowed my building and forum involvement down. It doesn't mean I've lost interest....just had to step away for a moment. I have found this hobby to be very addictive and enjoyable....I can say the samething about this forum. I have met a lot of great individuals that I have come to consider my friends. 

In regards to the site changing it's format....I wasn't around for the old format, but like any website there will be changes....you either adapt to them or you don't.

PontiacRich

 

Don Stauffer

I seem to have noticed less activity for some time in several of the forums in the past few months.  I know a few folks believe that the modifications to the forum posting procedure and such (the recent change in look and feel) may be the problem.  What do folks think- is there a drop in interest in the FSM forums, and if so, what do you think is the reason?

 

 

 

 

 

I've been a member since July 2005.  I lost interest when they revamped the site and I didn't like the new format...I found it much harder to navigate.  About the same time, I took up Scuba diving and my world changed.  I was able to take two things I love, Scuba and photography and combine them.  Since then, Scuba has taken most of my vacation time and trips and photo gear has taken my money.

However, I have a stash of kits and a bunch of WIPs so I'm trying to get back into it.  My biggest hangup is learning to airbrush and the fact that I don't have a dedicated work space.  So with two dogs & two cats (especially the cats) it's hard to keep building.

One thing I noticed since getting back into the forum (admittedly for only one day) is that I've created  two posts, with questions.  There have been multiple views (well over 10 for each) and very few replies.  One thread has 26 views with no replies.  So I wonder if th forum is really open to new (or returning) members.

 

Well i wouldn't take that personally. It could simply be that no one has an answer for you. Look at any post, and you will see the number of views far outweighs the number of replies. If you get one reply for every 25 views, your doing well. I do think many views are by people who are not subcribers and that would account for a big part of it.

I know it can be disheartening when you post and get very few replies, but unfortunatly i think thats the way of all forums.

That does suck Rich. Admittedly, I hang out alot in the Group Builds and WIP sections of Auto as well as Aircraft but rarely hang out in the newcomers or General Modeling forums. Point taken and I hate to hear that about your questions. In doing my part, where are they and I'll look for 'em?

Don Stauffer

I seem to have noticed less activity for some time in several of the forums in the past few months.  I know a few folks believe that the modifications to the forum posting procedure and such (the recent change in look and feel) may be the problem.  What do folks think- is there a drop in interest in the FSM forums, and if so, what do you think is the reason?

 

 

I've been a member since July 2005.  I lost interest when they revamped the site and I didn't like the new format...I found it much harder to navigate.  About the same time, I took up Scuba diving and my world changed.  I was able to take two things I love, Scuba and photography and combine them.  Since then, Scuba has taken most of my vacation time and trips and photo gear has taken my money.

However, I have a stash of kits and a bunch of WIPs so I'm trying to get back into it.  My biggest hangup is learning to airbrush and the fact that I don't have a dedicated work space.  So with two dogs & two cats (especially the cats) it's hard to keep building.

One thing I noticed since getting back into the forum (admittedly for only one day) is that I've created  two posts, with questions.  There have been multiple views (well over 10 for each) and very few replies.  One thread has 26 views with no replies.  So I wonder if th forum is really open to new (or returning) members.

I've definitely lost interest in forums and also more recently Facebook groups. I still look through some when I'm bored, but To many negative Nancy's around. I've discovered Instagram recently and it's my main place now. Just post a photo and your done. Nice easy way to share your work without the drama. And adding hashtags means people not in the hobby also stumble across your photos. Good exposure all around.

ManCityFan

I am a newbie, and new to the forums, so I can't comment on the "good old days". What I can say is I check the forums frequently, sometimes multiple times in a day, and have found great information, many pictures of absolutely fantastic models and works in progress that have been very helpful. I have posted a couple of times, and got feedback in what I consider to be a pretty quick manner. I have been in other forums, and this one is exceedingly polite, and I can't tell you how refreshing that is! I personally have trouble getting bench time due to life getting in the way. As I am getting to know some of you through the forums, I am finding that I am thinking of you as friends, and even discuss some of the posts with my wife....when her eyes aren't glazed over from my latest diatribe about modeling. She really is a good sport, though, and tries to look interested. LOL I have been holding back on asking newbie type questions, since I can usually find the answer if I search the forum for a while, but I will post if I can't find the answer. I really am constantly amazed at the quality of the builds I have seen on the forum, so many thanks to you all.

 

 

Well except for the wife part lol

I am a newbie, and new to the forums, so I can't comment on the "good old days". What I can say is I check the forums frequently, sometimes multiple times in a day, and have found great information, many pictures of absolutely fantastic models and works in progress that have been very helpful. I have posted a couple of times, and got feedback in what I consider to be a pretty quick manner. I have been in other forums, and this one is exceedingly polite, and I can't tell you how refreshing that is! I personally have trouble getting bench time due to life getting in the way. As I am getting to know some of you through the forums, I am finding that I am thinking of you as friends, and even discuss some of the posts with my wife....when her eyes aren't glazed over from my latest diatribe about modeling. She really is a good sport, though, and tries to look interested. LOL I have been holding back on asking newbie type questions, since I can usually find the answer if I search the forum for a while, but I will post if I can't find the answer. I really am constantly amazed at the quality of the builds I have seen on the forum, so many thanks to you all.

cwalker3

From my desktop, I had to open the Onedrive file and right-click on the picture. The I chose View Online which took me to the Microsoft site. From there I followed your instructions and was able to post the pic below. Thanks for the help.

Once you've logged into OneDrive, you can save it as a link in your browser toolbar and it will take you straight there, no login necessary.  Very convenient.

Oh ; That's Right !

 You are spot on about the staff . Now what about the posters ? They are in many ways my old buddies. It's kind of like sitting around B-S ing about a subject on the old porch, brewskis or coffee in hands and just whiling away the hours doing something creative .

      How many times I have run to this little corner of my life when I hurt emotionally or physically and calm down and enjoy just reading stuff . This is one of my best tools for sharing .That's it .   T.B.

You Have a sense of Humor ?

 LOL.LOL.LOL.LOL. That's why I love coming here . Sure it's been laden with old posts every now and then .Why ? Even a site like this has to slow down sometimes .We can't always be in top form and modeling like crazy .

   Modeling is more than just slam down that box , open it up and stick it together . There's research , painting and so on .

 Then there's life , You know that thing that in some cases makes us want to drop out ? Well let me tell you . In 65 years I have hit that ceiling lots of times . But , eventually the bug starts gnawing at my creativity and off I go . You do to , from what I gather . We'll be okay I believe .  T.B. P.S. Over the years I have put faces to some names and that highlights all of the hype about no interest , Oh Yeah ? Love it here .

JohnMatt

Straight from OneDrive.  Click the image you want to display.  At the top, you'll see an option to embed.  Once you click on that, along the right hand side you'll have a drop down menu for the size you want to embed, I usually pick medium.

Then just rick click and copy the url that's created and post as an image in a forum.

 

I will say that one of the things I like about this forum software is the My Discussions feature.  Makes it easy to remember where you were posting.

 

From my desktop, I had to open the Onedrive file and right-click on the picture. The I chose View Online which took me to the Microsoft site. From there I followed your instructions and was able to post the pic below. Thanks for the help.

modelcrazy

 

hogfanfs

 

 

Bish

 

 

tempestjohnny

I'm one of the guys who has been here since almost the beginning. Have gone through all the changes and revamping of the site. Have seen people come and go. Still enjoy coming here to talk models with my friends who I've never met. Have tried other sites some big some small. Still have one or two I'm a member of but this one just feels right. John

 

 

 

 

I could have written that myself. What everhappens, i still keep coming here. I have joined quite a few other forums but none atract me like this one.

 

 

 

 

 

Tempest, Bish,

I was reading through all the comments and was getting really depressed about the state of this forum. Then I read both of your posts and felt a lot better. You both have expressed the same feelings I have about this site and the members who post here. I will continue to stop in as often as possible until they so to speak, close the doors...

 

 

 

 

 

And apart from anything else, where else can i go where people will put up with my sense of humour and idiotic rambelings.

.

Medical problems have a tendency to make me loose interest in building.  Dropping things, focus problems and a general lack of motivation because of these and a few other problems have slowed my building and sometimes it takes an effort just to get motivated enough to get to the forums.  I don't think I've done more than a couple hours work in the past month.  Last month I didn't even want to go to oru club meeting.

Some of the other model forums seem to be slow too, so it could be a cyclical thing.  Maybe a lot of modelers are tax accountants!    Or maybe people are just busy getting started in the new year.

But as others have said, this forum has the best behaved members who are civil and friendlier to newcomers, so I like it the best.

Now I just have to pitch in and start painting some stuff!  We don't have snow or freezing rain here, so I have no excuse!  

goldhammer

While I don't belong to any other modeling forums, I have been on several 4x4 forums, and the back biting, people being called out on asking questions, and the flaming (not flames on some, but raging infernos) turned me off of them.  My main 4x4 association board has been virtually dead for 2 years, except for 4-6 diehards.

While I have never personally met anyone here, I consider alot of the members friends, and the outpouring of help, offers of kits, etc., is way different than I expected when I first got here, and it was immediate. Extremely refreshing. Everyone here is very supportive of what you are building, no matter what the catagory.  I have found that I have stepped up my abilites from what I did when I got away from it eons ago.

As for involvement by staff at FSM, the main job is to get the mag out, and most probably don't have much time left after life gets in the way.  I know in my job, the last thing I want at 5PM is to do more of it.

All in all, I am very happy to have found this venue, and plan on staying til I get the last injection of injection moulded styrene.

Thanks to all of the folks here for what you do for the hobby, and driving each and every one of us to get deeper and better at what we do.

 

I echo GoldHammer.....I have just been immensely busy lately completing life issues. I Will be back to the bench and the forum soon....this is not just a hobby but a way of life to where you can express your ideas, showcase your build and gain insight from ohters. I am very pleased that I belong to this forum, and consider everyone a friend.