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Interesting thread Mark, I know we've lost some because HIMSELF blew people off, some have come back, but not with the same enthusiasm they started out with. I read that the average person sticks with a "hobby" about three years, fly fishing seems to fall into that. Most of our readers aren't average take that any way you wish. Here's the sad one, we've lost some folks because they died - others who were their friends just found it too painful to be around here after those deaths. We lost some after Al Campbell died, when Ron Koenig died, and some when HIMSELF passed. There was a string on Fly Fisherman that FAOL would be gone in a month after Al died. They aren't making predictions any more.....
I'm interested in everyone's comments on this one.
Hugs,
LF
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LF,
Honestly, I think there are a lot of reasons. Boredom could be one. This, like many other forums, after a while, the same threads start showing up. How many times is "which 5wt rod should I buy", "what's the best tippet, mono or fluro", "what's the best fly for XYZ fish" interesting to read.
I try to respond to all of those to which I have something to add. If for no other reason, there were so many who helped me out several years ago when I first started fly fishing. I kind of feel like passing on the tradition.
I believe, as you stated, some move on to other interests after the "new" wears off.
Some probably get their feelings hurt over something said, or see a flame war going on and think to themselves, "Hey, I fish and talk about fishing to escape this c**p in my everyday life, why should I spend my liesure time with it?"
Some just drift away for one or more of these reasons.
The key, are new ones coming to replace? Is the community healthy. Can it survive a couple flame wars and disagreements intact without scorching the earth during the retreat.
I think if the answers to the last series of questions is "Yes" it's OK.
Jeff
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Death in a family can do one of two things; either solidify or weaken.
In the case of FAOL I truly believe it's the former.
Part of J.C.'s lasting legacy?
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Some are battling very serious physical and mental infirmities. It requires a tremendous amount of time and energy just to stay alive sometimes.
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Ladyfisher would know better than I,,,,,but I just don't buy the suggestion that FAOL is "unhealthy" and that includes the BB.
John, as usual, makes good points that are hard to ignore.
Jeff, as usual, is looking for that BB utopia where everyone sings kumbaya....good luck with that.
People have left the board, or at least have taken a hiatus, because of the format change. What's up with that?
Like I said John...you usually get my attention. I'll take that FOTW challenge even though I'll probably embarrass myself in the process..
But what is the bottomline...will my offerings alone or collectively with others make the BB "healthier"...if it is indeed sick???? I suppose even my offerings couldn't hurt. :shock:
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OK...I logged out and see what you mean.
I assume this has been a problem since the site's makeover. If so, I'm inclined to believe they're glitches
that either the administration was unaware of or hasn't gotten around to fix yet.
I think the forum thing in particular would discourage visitors /potential new members.
But what are we talking about here,,,,sickness or growing pains???
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Some of you are implying a funeral dirge for FAOL. I didn't intend to suggest that because FAOL has lost some long timers, it cannot survive without them. As the bottom empties, the top is refilled by new folks. There will never be another JC, Al Campbell, Ron Koenig et al, but there will be others, perhaps with smaller feet, to fill their shoes. Even now, we have a few "in the bud" prospects. Yes, the questions do get a bit old and boring, but ONLY to those of us who have been here a while. For others they're informative and vital. Re-mentioning I've been here since "the Moses ......thing", what could I possibly ask that has not already been addressed and answered?. I also don't answer questions for fear, like rainbow..., of demonstrating my ignorance. FAOL could not survive if I was the norm rather than the exception. I depend on YOU the personalities, the characters, the egos , the pros, rod builders, tyers etc . to fill in the void I may create. I confess my interest tends to lean more to the Sound Off forum than to the others and I have a feeling that I'm not alone in that.
Factoring in the economic reality, FAOL is more than alive and kicking . Perhaps I'm showing my age by dreaming of the good old days and remembering folks who helped build the reputation FAOL currently enjoys. Some of those folks can never come back but those who can, I hope they do.
Mark
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John Scott,
My last post was composed before your technical shortcomings post. Having not experienced the problems you cite, I cannot comment as to just how they affect interest in FAOL.
Mark