I find that I'm not posting as much but it's mainly because I'm not building as much as before. I've got two young girls (ages 12 and 9). As they get older (especially my 12 year old), they're getting more and more homework and they're staying up later getting it done. By default, that means I'm spending more time with them helping them with stuff like Algebra, layers of the atmosphere and world history rather than being down at my man cave working on kits.
After the kids go off to bed, that's when it's time for my wife and I to have some good quality "us" time. That's when we finally get the chance to download about our days, talk about the kids or sometimes it just means passing out on the couch together. With all that going on, I'm lucky if I build for an hour or two throughout the entire week. Model building is my chance to relax but sometimes I'm just too tired to relax.
Another reason I haven't been posting is because, I think, of what's available out there in terms of kits. What I'm about to say is my own personal opinion only! It is not a blanket statement of fact nor is is "right", but it is my own opinion based on my own tastes: The releases over the past couple of years have been absolutely boring to me. I know others find them very fascinating but I don't. As an example, Airfix has been releasing new, high quality kits which really end up putting me to sleep. MORE Spitfires, Hurricanes, and British bombers that just bore me to tears. Same with "NEW" Fw 190s and Me 109s. Ooo but wait! This 109 is different than the other 109 we came out with last month because this one has a bump on the wing! Sorry but I just can't stand those planes. I know others do and everyone and their brother is out there posting pictures of their latest Hallifax or 109 and I get so tired of the same old, same old.
This morning I read about a new release of the Farman F.190. I had never heard of it before so I looked it up. Wow. A French transport plane from the 1920s. Seriously? I've been begging for years for a Banshee or a McDonnell FH Phantom but instead we get a French cargo plane from the 1920s. This is why I'm getting bored of the hobby. I build what I like to build (if I can find it and afford it) and I don't say as much about it because it's not a German or British plane. I know that if I post it, I'll get three comments on it so why bother sharing?
I still think FSM is the best forum around. It truly is the one that most closely feels like a family to me. I don't contribute as much as I'd like to and that's really nobody's fault but my own. If I want the forum to be a better place, then I have to take a bigger part in it or at least try to. I will try to do that. I need to adjust my own attitude. As others here have pointed out, this is probably the most friendly and supportive forum out there and I need to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
My best wishes to all,
Eric