Couldn't figure any other place to ask this question... I've been here since 2005. Have no idea how many posts I've done during that time. Back a several years ago I could ask a question about something and get numerous answers quickly. In the last couple of years I've noticed a very real decline in the activity on RV.NET. So, where has everybody gone? Other forums, Facebook, etc.

Thunder Mountain wrote:Couldn't figure any other place to ask this question... I've been here since 2005. Have no idea how many posts I've done during that time. Back a several years ago I could ask a question about something and get numerous answers quickly. In the last couple of years I've noticed a very real decline in the activity on RV.NET. So, where has everybody gone? Other forums, Facebook, etc.Can't afford the price of Fuel:(:(:(

I believe you have posted 2,374 times since joining…about 12 times per month.

A lot of answers are available out there, yes by searching here -and also YouTube etc. I think readers in general have shifted to video. Or they're just enjoying their travels :-)

Let me check.......YUP I'm still here.:E

Where have all the members gone on this forum? | Good Sam Community

Boon_Docker
Explorer III
Jun 26, 2022
dedmiston wrote:

Hit that "Notify" button when the politics bother you. The mods may not agree with you that it's political, but it does absolutely no harm and points out things that we miss sometimes.

I've worked with the rest of the mods for 17 years or so and I believe we're all very good about calling balls & strikes where the politics are concerned. We may not see eye to eye on certain issues, but I think we get it right where politics are concerned.

My barometer for this is that we all kind of naturally take pokes at whoever is in office (which I personally agree with and think it's a vital part of our democracy). This means that I'm constantly deleting posts that bash our president and to a lesser degree our congress. This makes it look like I'm supporting the guy in office, which usually isn't the case. But if we have a blue guy in office and I delete the posts bashing him, then I'm a dumb lib. And if we have a red guy in office and I delete the posts against him, then I'm a fascist pig. I'm wrong either way, which kind of tells me I'm not that wrong.

Anyway, hit that Notify button if a post gets under your skin and I'll see what I can do.
JimK-NY
Explorer II
Jun 26, 2022
Most of us are here and contribute because we are interested in RVs and all the associated issues. Most of us are also here to help and go out of our way to provide information and opinions that might be of use to others.

So where does it go wrong and how do forums peak and die? IMO, it the biggest issue by far is the "moderators". I have had this happen to me on various other forums involved with non-RV topics.

After dealing with a highly motivated and highly academically oriented HS student, I learned a great deal about college selection, finances and admission criteria. I participated on a forum for a couple of years, had hundreds of posts, helped countless parents and students navigate lots of difficult issues. Eventually a moderator took exception to some of my opinions and advice. After a 3 day forum suspension, I never bothered to return.

I spent years on a retirement forum which discussed all sorts of financial and other issues related to retirement. I made 25000 posts and had 50000 "likes". Eventually it happened. Someone complained they did not like my advice, nor the choice of words. A couple of others agreed including a moderator. I stopped participating.

I have had moderator issues on this forum as well. Covid was the hot button. A large number of people, including moderators, seem to think Covid is a hoax. Posts involving trying to RV during the Covid pandemic were unwelcome. I had a couple of recommendations deleted which was almost enough for me to quit these forums entirely.

IMO, overly aggressive and poor moderation are tops for killing forum participation. Sure there will always be some argumentative and opinionated participants but that well meaning moderation/censorship is worse and can kill a forum.
winnietrey
Explorer
Jun 25, 2022
fj12ryder wrote:
"In my opinion, we have as a country, gotten meaner and more tribal then anytime I can recall. Pretty sad."

I beg to disagree, it's just reported more often, and in greater detail than it has been in the past. Many things simply didn't get told in the past, now it is much tougher to hide things we would rather simply not see.

As far as more tribal, consider the KKK from around the turn of the century, the Black Panthers from 50 years ago, and now the local out-there militias. They've always been around, but now there's so many cameras out there, very little doesn't get light shone on it, like it or not.

I agree with you on the media thing 100%. But my take (and I get it is a small sample in my little world), But I have been in health care a very long time. Think primary care stuff, so I listen and talk to the patients. I cannot recall hearing what I hear now from the average Joe patient, very much more tribal

I would like to be wrong and hope I am, or maybe I am senile who knows, just don't recall such strong opinions, that is where my statement comes from.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jun 25, 2022
"In my opinion, we have as a country, gotten meaner and more tribal then anytime I can recall. Pretty sad."

I beg to disagree, it's just reported more often, and in greater detail than it has been in the past. Many things simply didn't get told in the past, now it is much tougher to hide things we would rather simply not see.

As far as more tribal, consider the KKK from around the turn of the century, the Black Panthers from 50 years ago, and now the local out-there militias. They've always been around, but now there's so many cameras out there, very little doesn't get light shone on it, like it or not.
bikendan
Explorer
Jun 25, 2022
dedmiston wrote:
winnietrey wrote:
I get tired of the politics, seems like some folks (both on the left and right)
will take every possible opportunity, to interject their world view, no matter how of topic it is, complete with name calling. And act like they are authorities on ever subject. If someone says "in my opinion" that is one thing. But when they act like they are superior to the rest of us mere mortals that is hard to take

Just My opinion!!!

Hit that "Notify" button when the politics bother you. The mods may not agree with you that it's political, but it does absolutely no harm and points out things that we miss sometimes.

I've worked with the rest of the mods for 17 years or so and I believe we're all very good about calling balls & strikes where the politics are concerned. We may not see eye to eye on certain issues, but I think we get it right where politics are concerned.

My barometer for this is that we all kind of naturally take pokes at whoever is in office (which I personally agree with and think it's a vital part of our democracy). This means that I'm constantly deleting posts that bash our president and to a lesser degree our congress. This makes it look like I'm supporting the guy in office, which usually isn't the case. But if we have a blue guy in office and I delete the posts bashing him, then I'm a dumb lib. And if we have a red guy in office and I delete the posts against him, then I'm a fascist pig. I'm wrong either way, which kind of tells me I'm not that wrong.

Anyway, hit that Notify button if a post gets under your skin and I'll see what I can do.

The Notify Moderator feature hasn't worked for many months, maybe a few years. Is it working now?
Reader1
Explorer
Jun 25, 2022
Still here but not as often. Several years ago I wrote a post called, Mistakes we do not wish to repeat. There were 51 responses, and I laughed and laughed. Some were Yikes! moments, some could have ended badly, some cost money but almost all the responses were written by someone who at the time would not have found it funny but later could laugh. I wish I knew how to put it up and all the responses, but I don't know how. I do have it saved though.
winnietrey
Explorer
Jun 25, 2022
I think you folks do a good job moderating; pretty thankless I would think. Pokes are one thing. Nothing wrong with that. It's the in-your-face venomous ones, that are what I was referring too. And I am guessing those hardcore posts drive away many more people than they attract

In my opinion, we have as a country, gotten meaner and more tribal then anytime I can recall. Pretty sad.
dedmiston
Moderator
Jun 25, 2022
winnietrey wrote:
I get tired of the politics, seems like some folks (both on the left and right)
will take every possible opportunity, to interject their world view, no matter how of topic it is, complete with name calling. And act like they are authorities on ever subject. If someone says "in my opinion" that is one thing. But when they act like they are superior to the rest of us mere mortals that is hard to take

Just My opinion!!!

Hit that "Notify" button when the politics bother you. The mods may not agree with you that it's political, but it does absolutely no harm and points out things that we miss sometimes.

I've worked with the rest of the mods for 17 years or so and I believe we're all very good about calling balls & strikes where the politics are concerned. We may not see eye to eye on certain issues, but I think we get it right where politics are concerned.

My barometer for this is that we all kind of naturally take pokes at whoever is in office (which I personally agree with and think it's a vital part of our democracy). This means that I'm constantly deleting posts that bash our president and to a lesser degree our congress. This makes it look like I'm supporting the guy in office, which usually isn't the case. But if we have a blue guy in office and I delete the posts bashing him, then I'm a dumb lib. And if we have a red guy in office and I delete the posts against him, then I'm a fascist pig. I'm wrong either way, which kind of tells me I'm not that wrong.

Anyway, hit that Notify button if a post gets under your skin and I'll see what I can do.
shelbyfv
Explorer
Jun 25, 2022
chuckbear wrote:
JoeH wrote:
chuckbear wrote:
I have posted a few times but after the snarky responses and a multitude of answers to questions I never asked. I have pretty much given up here. There are other forums out there that have people willing to respond with answers that actually pertain to my post. So that's where I go for help or information. Chuck

Hey Chuckbear--- can you list some of the other forums.... thanks

Joe, this will probably get removed but if you see it quick enough, one is here and the other is here. Chuck
Be aware the first other forum linked has a pronounced political element. If you can't swallow that stuff w/o responding, you won't be welcome.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jun 25, 2022
dedmiston wrote:
fj12ryder wrote:
I like a bit of dissension now and again. :)

No you don't.
LOL

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