Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,250
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 18, 2015 9:02:39 GMT -5
I've been noticing a slow but steady decline in activity on the forum, and even in the number of people checking in on a daily basis. Which seems weird considering the amount of new people who seem to sign up on a weekly basis (but then never seem to post anything) and all the likes I see on the Grumpy's Facebook page.
Many of the old regulars seem to have fallen off the radar, and I guess it's becoming a snowball effect. People stop posting, so fewer people check in. With fewer people checking in, fewer posts are created.... Rinse and repeat.
I promised Scott (Grumpy) that I'd do my best to keep the forum going after his passing, so I'd hate to see it crash and burn not even 2 years after his departure.
So I guess I'm soliciting input. Why are you spending less time here? Not enough posts on topics you're interested in? Don't like the "new" forum layout? Don't like the personalities of some of us (Me?). Want to see other topics discussed?
Here's a chance for all of those lurkers out there to post something. If you're too nervous about letting it all out in public, then drop me a PM.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Mar 18, 2015 12:04:42 GMT -5
I've been noticing a slow but steady decline in activity on the forum, and even in the number of people checking in on a daily basis. Which seems weird considering the amount of new people who seem to sign up on a weekly basis (but then never seem to post anything) and all the likes I see on the Grumpy's Facebook page. Many of the old regulars seem to have fallen off the radar, and I guess it's becoming a snowball effect. People stop posting, so fewer people check in. With fewer people checking in, fewer posts are created.... Rinse and repeat. I promised Scott (Grumpy) that I'd do my best to keep the forum going after his passing, so I'd hate to see it crash and burn not even 2 years after his departure. So I guess I'm soliciting input. Why do you spend less time here? Not enough posts on topics you're interested in? Don't like the "new" forum layout? Don't like the personalities of some of us (Me?). Want to see other topics discussed? Here's a chance for all of those lurkers out there to post something. If you're too nervous about letting it all out in public, then drop me a PM. I'd love to see other topics discussed. Off topic, I was going to post about my experiences putting up a couple of TV antennas and canceling my Dish Network service. Seems that "cord cutting" is becoming somewhat mainstream these days, and OTA TV is like a cousin to CB radio. Then there's you Bagger. I don't think people like you.
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,250
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 18, 2015 16:11:01 GMT -5
I've been noticing a slow but steady decline in activity on the forum, and even in the number of people checking in on a daily basis. Which seems weird considering the amount of new people who seem to sign up on a weekly basis (but then never seem to post anything) and all the likes I see on the Grumpy's Facebook page. Many of the old regulars seem to have fallen off the radar, and I guess it's becoming a snowball effect. People stop posting, so fewer people check in. With fewer people checking in, fewer posts are created.... Rinse and repeat. I promised Scott (Grumpy) that I'd do my best to keep the forum going after his passing, so I'd hate to see it crash and burn not even 2 years after his departure. So I guess I'm soliciting input. Why do you spend less time here? Not enough posts on topics you're interested in? Don't like the "new" forum layout? Don't like the personalities of some of us (Me?). Want to see other topics discussed? Here's a chance for all of those lurkers out there to post something. If you're too nervous about letting it all out in public, then drop me a PM. I'd love to see other topics discussed. Off topic, I was going to post about my experiences putting up a couple of TV antennas and canceling my Dish Network service. Seems that "cord cutting" is becoming somewhat mainstream these days, and OTA TV is like a cousin to CB radio. Then there's you Bagger. I don't think people like you. Well, any topic that fits into one of our subgroups is fine. We even have one for general chit-chat so...... Free free to start something. I can't do it all Yea, I figured that my charming, affable and all around good guy personality would be the thing that turns people away. Maybe if I were more like ol' zero-five and how he ran his forum, we'd have people knocking down the gates to get in......
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Post by cbrown on Mar 19, 2015 9:13:01 GMT -5
I think you run the forum just fine. For me, some days I just like reading and not posting. Sort of like sandbagging on the radio. As to adding other topics, sure. But I've noticed quite a few radio forums I'm on that the activity is almost nil. Brownings forum is basically dead, I'm not sure who is even running it at the moment. I've noticed radio activity didn't pick up this winter as it normally does. Maybe people have too many other distractions to bother with radio? What about everyone else, do you notice the same?
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,250
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 19, 2015 10:29:53 GMT -5
I think you run the forum just fine. For me, some days I just like reading and not posting. Sort of like sandbagging on the radio. As to adding other topics, sure. But I've noticed quite a few radio forums I'm on that the activity is almost nil. Brownings forum is basically dead, I'm not sure who is even running it at the moment. I've noticed radio activity didn't pick up this winter as it normally does. Maybe people have too many other distractions to bother with radio? What about everyone else, do you notice the same? I like reading too, but if there's nothing new to read...... Eventually people stop checking in as often if activity slows down. And that only makes the problem worse. I guess these "old fashioned" forums are being pushed out in favor of different style format social media outlets like Facebook. There are a ton of radio groups on there, but I find that the Facebook format is tough to follow and does not allow for subgrouping. But I'm sure it has some effect.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Mar 19, 2015 13:00:54 GMT -5
I like reading too, but if there's nothing new to read...... Eventually people stop checking in as often if activity slows down. And that only makes the problem worse. I guess these "old fashioned" forums are being pushed out in favor of different style format social media outlets like Facebook. There are a ton of radio groups on there, but I find that the Facebook format is tough to follow and does not allow for subgrouping. But I'm sure it has some effect. Agreed, 100%. One of the Nissan forums I'm a member of took a massive hit over the last year or so after a group page was started on Facebook. And Facebook is horrible compared to a traditional forum. Topics come and go so fast and it's almost impossible to search for specific topics. That said, I was up on the roof today making some final adjustments and I'll be posting about my "cord cutting" adventure soon...
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,250
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 19, 2015 13:17:19 GMT -5
I like reading too, but if there's nothing new to read...... Eventually people stop checking in as often if activity slows down. And that only makes the problem worse. I guess these "old fashioned" forums are being pushed out in favor of different style format social media outlets like Facebook. There are a ton of radio groups on there, but I find that the Facebook format is tough to follow and does not allow for subgrouping. But I'm sure it has some effect. Agreed, 100%. One of the Nissan forums I'm a member of took a massive hit over the last year or so after a group page was started on Facebook. And Facebook is horrible compared to a traditional forum. Topics come and go so fast and it's almost impossible to search for specific topics. That said, I was up on the roof today making some final adjustments and I'll be posting about my "cord cutting" adventure soon... Cool! Look forward to reading......
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Post by BBB on Mar 19, 2015 17:28:49 GMT -5
Of course Thank You Sandbagger for your valued time to keep this forum going! I enjoy it immensely and try to contribute frequently. Others post invaluable professional information that helps us keep those brownings and Trams running. That being said I originally had some difficulty trying to join this forum years ago. Not sure if it was a passing glitch, but two other local operators, Ron and 44 specifically tried and could not get the forum to let them sign in. I recall it taking multiple days before I got approved to join. Maybe user error or incompatible browsers were to blame? Is the registration process fully automated or do you have to approve new folks? This raises another point that I believe you actually have to sign in to see anything here. That could just be the format of the server. Other CB forums let you "visit" as a guest infinitely or let you view a certain number of pages before you actually have to log in. Obviously we miss Scott (Grumpy) and all that he contributed to the site when he was alive. His passing in itself may have steered a few viewers away. Not sure how to get around that chestnut other than starting a new Classic Radio Forum if the numbers continue to decline here. Maybe it's like when a new nightclub starts up...everyone wants to check it out, then it has a good run for 5 years and then attendance drops off. Next, everyone goes to the new night club because, well, it's new Just trying to provide some input to see if any ideas could be implemented to improve the Olde Time Radio Forum experience.
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Post by tecnicoloco2000 on Mar 19, 2015 17:45:01 GMT -5
I've been noticing a slow but steady decline in activity on the forum, and even in the number of people checking in on a daily basis. Which seems weird considering the amount of new people who seem to sign up on a weekly basis (but then never seem to post anything) and all the likes I see on the Grumpy's Facebook page. Many of the old regulars seem to have fallen off the radar, and I guess it's becoming a snowball effect. People stop posting, so fewer people check in. With fewer people checking in, fewer posts are created.... Rinse and repeat. I promised Scott (Grumpy) that I'd do my best to keep the forum going after his passing, so I'd hate to see it crash and burn not even 2 years after his departure. So I guess I'm soliciting input. Why do you spend less time here? Not enough posts on topics you're interested in? Don't like the "new" forum layout? Don't like the personalities of some of us (Me?). Want to see other topics discussed? Here's a chance for all of those lurkers out there to post something. If you're too nervous about letting it all out in public, then drop me a PM. Hello SB: I like the way you manage the forum,I believe Scott will be very proud of your hard work to keep his legacy The best aspect that attracts me to this forum is the layout,the goal to preserve old radios on the air,the friendship between members,the respect to each other,the wealth of information,etc.. Please let me know if I can be of help in anyway to preserve the forum Remember spring is coming,people are taking time off with the family,tax money is around the corner,winter storms,many factors contribute to take care of other things or projects,radio is a hobbie that many of us share and enjoy Do not change anything,we just been a little bit lazy to post that's all,I speak for myself Best Regards Andy
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,250
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 19, 2015 21:26:27 GMT -5
Of course Thank You Sandbagger for your valued time to keep this forum going! I enjoy it immensely and try to contribute frequently. Others post invaluable professional information that helps us keep those brownings and Trams running. That being said I originally had some difficulty trying to join this forum years ago. Not sure if it was a passing glitch, but two other local operators, Ron and 44 specifically tried and could not get the forum to let them sign in. I recall it taking multiple days before I got approved to join. Maybe user error or incompatible browsers were to blame? Is the registration process fully automated or do you have to approve new folks? This raises another point that I believe you actually have to sign in to see anything here. That could just be the format of the server. Other CB forums let you "visit" as a guest infinitely or let you view a certain number of pages before you actually have to log in. Obviously we miss Scott (Grumpy) and all that he contributed to the site when he was alive. His passing in itself may have steered a few viewers away. Not sure how to get around that chestnut other than starting a new Classic Radio Forum if the numbers continue to decline here. Maybe it's like when a new nightclub starts up...everyone wants to check it out, then it has a good run for 5 years and then attendance drops off. Next, everyone goes to the new night club because, well, it's new Just trying to provide some input to see if any ideas could be implemented to improve the Olde Time Radio Forum experience. Thank you for all of your contributions. They help us to keep things going. I'm curious about the difficulties that Ron and 44 had. The registration process is completely automatic - I don't have to "approve" anyone. But you bring up a really good point about "guest" access. This forum used to allow guest to read (but not post) on a few of the sub boards. Scott closed it off at some point because of issues with a couple of idiots if I remember correctly. I will look into opening it back up to guests to read a few of the threads and see if that helps. As it stands now, we do seem to pick up at least 2 or 3 new people every week. Unfortunately, most of them never post anything. I'll have to look at the userlogs and see if they even log back on after their initial sign up. But this also ties in with what you said about guest access. It may be that people sign up, look through the threads and decide that our group does not cater to their "type" of CB operation (all knobs to the right etc.), so they don't come back.
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Post by BBB on Mar 20, 2015 9:36:45 GMT -5
I think this has been mentioned before and may be related to mandatory sign on requirement, but Ive noticed that search engines do not direct you to any posts on here. Most other CB radio forums will show up as a result when a topic or keyword is entered into a standard search engine. It's like this site is invisible to them.
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,250
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 20, 2015 9:46:54 GMT -5
I think this has been mentioned before and may be related to mandatory sign on requirement, but Ive noticed that search engines do not direct you to any posts on here. Most other CB radio forums will show up as a result when a topic or keyword is entered into a standard search engine. It's like this site is invisible to them. Search engines cannot find information if the source is not public. If you can't see it without logging on as a member, then neither can search engines.
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Post by cbrown on Mar 20, 2015 10:00:49 GMT -5
Search engines cannot find information if the source is not public. If you can't see it without logging on as a member, then neither can search engines. That might be a positive about allowing guest reading, the engines will have info on this site.
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Post by No Streak on Mar 20, 2015 10:33:57 GMT -5
My wife Facebook's, I get my Grumpy on! Not a Facebook fan a lot of drama. I find here you don't have that problem. Good clean topics and no riff raft. I read a lot of post on here and try starting new ones to provoke interest in a new topic. And I am a OTA person myself of five years nice cutting the cord 56 channels.
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Post by BBB on Mar 20, 2015 10:39:03 GMT -5
I'll ask Ron and Dave to try and register again if they want. I thought I saw Camera Man (Otis?) post on here before and am wondering how many other local operators are registered besides Sandbagger, Spitfire, Monkey Man and myself (Sparky)? Forgive me if I've missed anyone local.
We could make it a point during Classic Radio Roundup and the SNUBWAP to advertise this site ON THE AIR.
It could go something like this:
"and don't forget to register and participate on the Worlds Greatest CB Radio Forum, Grumpy's Old Time Radio Forum where you'll be able to listen to recordings of past and present Classic Radio Round UP water gates and gain knowledge on all kinds of classic CB Radios. Brought to you by Browning Labs Incorporated, Fred's Voodoo Emporium and the Zero-Five Institute of Technology"
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,250
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 20, 2015 13:42:17 GMT -5
I'll ask Ron and Dave to try and register again if they want. I thought I saw Camera Man (Otis?) post on here before and am wondering how many other local operators are registered besides Sandbagger, Spitfire, Monkey Man and myself (Sparky)? Forgive me if I've missed anyone local. We could make it a point during Classic Radio Roundup and the SNUBWAP to advertise this site ON THE AIR. It could go something like this: "and don't forget to register and participate on the Worlds Greatest CB Radio Forum, Grumpy's Old Time Radio Forum where you'll be able to listen to recordings of past and present Classic Radio Round UP water gates and gain knowledge on all kinds of classic CB Radios. Brought to you by Browning Labs Incorporated, Fred's Voodoo Emporium and the Zero-Five Institute of Technology" Once upon a time (in a galaxy far far away.....) during CRR, Grumpy had set up a chat room here and those who were listening via the Spew Radio server could post comments in the chat room. It was pretty popular for a while, but it started to become cumbersome trying to hold an on-air conversation while at the same time, typing furiously away answering chats. Brain Damage is on here, and I think Skeeter might be too.
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,250
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 20, 2015 13:53:51 GMT -5
My wife Facebook's, I get my Grumpy on! Not a Facebook fan a lot of drama. I find here you don't have that problem. Good clean topics and no riff raft. I read a lot of post on here and try starting new ones to provoke interest in a new topic. And I am a OTA person myself of five years nice cutting the cord 56 channels. Forums like this and Facebook each have their place in the grande scheme of things. I like forums like this as they are subject oriented (in this case CB Radio), and the topics loosely relate to the core purpose in most cases. People who enjoy a common interest are less likely to get into major disagreements on that subject. Keep religion and politics out of the mix and we're gold. I also enjoy Facebook to keep up with a wider assortment of friends, and the more generic banter that goes with that. But because the conversations span wider topics, there is always that chance of getting into those "hurt feelings" type of discussions.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Mar 20, 2015 13:59:27 GMT -5
... religion and politics.. Here we go with the religion and politics.
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,250
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 20, 2015 14:26:09 GMT -5
Search engines cannot find information if the source is not public. If you can't see it without logging on as a member, then neither can search engines. That might be a positive about allowing guest reading, the engines will have info on this site. Ok, I've made a few changes and guests should be able to read most of the subgroups without having to log on or register. They can't post though, which is good. But at least this way, people can "try before they buy", and hopefully we'll attract some more "olde Time Radio" enthusiasts....
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Post by cbrown on Mar 23, 2015 8:56:46 GMT -5
Here we go with the religion and politics. Oh lord I hope not. I've seen to many forums go down in flames because of political arguing which always winds up nasty. I'm thankful we don't have that problem here.
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Post by cbrown on Mar 23, 2015 8:58:52 GMT -5
Ok, I've made a few changes and guests should be able to read most of the subgroups without having to log on or register. They can't post though, which is good. But at least this way, people can "try before they buy", and hopefully we'll attract some more "olde Time Radio" enthusiasts.... That's great! If nothing else it will at least allow people to look around and get a feel of how the forum is.
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,250
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 23, 2015 9:18:14 GMT -5
Ok, I've made a few changes and guests should be able to read most of the subgroups without having to log on or register. They can't post though, which is good. But at least this way, people can "try before they buy", and hopefully we'll attract some more "olde Time Radio" enthusiasts.... That's great! If nothing else it will at least allow people to look around and get a feel of how the forum is. That's the plan!
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,250
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 23, 2015 9:35:22 GMT -5
Here we go with the religion and politics. Oh lord I hope not. I've seen to many forums go down in flames because of political arguing which always winds up nasty. I'm thankful we don't have that problem here. Same here. It was rough back on the unmoderated forums on USENET, where it didn't matter what the topic was supposed to be, someone invariably turned things political, and it was like trying to put out the underground fire in Centralia. You just couldn't get rid of it again.
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Post by cbrown on Mar 24, 2015 9:07:14 GMT -5
Ya, we had a small microphone restoration group that suddenly went to heck when politics came into play. I stay away from those type conversations.
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Post by 2600 on Mar 28, 2015 0:41:55 GMT -5
I would chalk it up to slosh.
Like what happens on an excursion boat when something cool comes along the port side. Everybody runs over to the port rail. The boat starts to list, maybe far enough somebody falls over the side.
This scares everyone and they all run back over to the starboard rail. Of course, the boat now starts to list the other way.
Lather, rinse. Repeat.
This forum has had more than one "down" interval over the years. Grumpy lamented a traffic falloff 6 or 7 years ago, and wondered out loud if he should just close it up.
The members jumped in to express their dismay and the traffic soon saw a resurgence.
But the web is continually spawning new and shiny places to go, distractions from the old tried-and-true venues. Before long the shine wears dull and they wander back one by one to their old haunts.
Until the next shiny new distraction.
Besides, the return of nice weather tends to reduce interest in an indoor sport like cruising web forums.
Forum traffic seems to be a lot like weather, just less predictable.
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Post by BBB on Apr 29, 2015 14:08:23 GMT -5
Only thing I hear lately is Crickets. If it weren't for Monkey Man's post about Television stuff, not much is going on.
Is the site traffic down that much? Maybe have to open the entire site to see if anyone bites on some new topics?
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Post by cbrown on Apr 30, 2015 9:39:16 GMT -5
I believe the site is open now. Spring/Summer is a time when people are outside instead of on the computer.
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Post by BBB on Apr 30, 2015 19:28:10 GMT -5
Only a few areas are open.
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Post by No Streak on May 1, 2015 6:36:11 GMT -5
I haven't even looked at my camper yet.
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Post by No Streak on May 1, 2015 6:38:31 GMT -5
I believe the site is open now. Spring/Summer is a time when people are outside instead of on the computer. Maybe not computers, but cell phones my wife can't function without hers. I do most of my posts from my phone myself Tapatalk!
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