Please read this thread from start to finish, and then reply if you give a damn: (and welcome to all the oldtimers who got my PM - but please save us the "Yooohoo I'm back" and read this thread and respond to it, if you still want to enjoy this place)

It's no secret this forum is dying. I've always been on and off and haven't posted much lately, but for years it was always a place full of life and activity to come back to. When JG said a couple months ago that he'll be here to see this forum's funeral, he wasn't joking. And I'm posting this thread because I want to stop it from happening. And I need your help.

We're almost in October, and the last 10 threads on this section's first page are from August (in other sections they even go back to June or May). Yeah there will always be a few guys around to say something in the weather or "random post" threads, and always a couple of threads in the GF section, and a couple of news related threads....but overall this isn't even fifth of what used to be around here. And it will only be less and less from now on....unless we stop it.

I know that with a monster like Facebook, message boards are not what they used to be, but we still got enough people visiting this place everyday. And Facebook is hardly the place for great thread-discussions. It's more about posting a funny status, or uploading pics or commenting on such pics for most people. So this place is still worth saving.

The solution is simple: we need to talk. We need new threads. It is a must. We can't go on and on with just "random obama", "random postin", "news from the neck" and "how's the weather" threads. And EVERYONE needs to post new threads. If we sit around waiting for someone else to start discussions, then nothing will change. There will be less and less threads, and as a result less and less members wishing to even bother and visit this place, because there's nothing new to look at.

All I'm saying is let's try and kick some life. Let's take action. I ask each and every one of us to try and post 2 new threads every week. 1 in "general discussion" and 1 in another section of your choosing.

There's plenty to talk about, almost anything you want, especially in this section when anything goes. You don't have to write a term paper assignment to start a discussion, just talk about something you like or that interests you and ask the others about it. Trust me, the most interesting discussions often come out of the most basic topics. You just got to open the gate and all the goods will flow in.

I'm not saying to start a thread just to say : "I like Disney World, let's talk about Disney World" but instead try and give more details, ask others, try and make it interesting, which rides you liked the most, what you didn't like, compare it to Disneyland if you've been there as well, etc. All I'm saying is pick a topic and go from there. Let's make it 2 threads per person each week, and see if my plan is working.

The real problem around here, is that we don't even bother to post new threads, except for news items, when someone decides to copy and paste a story from yahoo or msn and we take it from there. It's better than nothing, but it's not enough.
The movie "Avatar" came out a few months ago. It's already part of cinema history whether you liked it or not, and despite the fact that most members here are lovers of cinema, noone started a thread to discuss this movie, and I think it deserves its own thread. And what about the NBA finals? Lakers vs. Celtics, no less. And yet not a single thread, despite the fact that 5 or 6 guys I know around here would've posted in such thread for sure, if only someone started it. And it's my fault too, for being so lazy.

And now, for those of you who think I'm crossing the lines, and that my choice of action is wrong, then let me tell you that the alternative of keeping things the way they are is much worse. I'm not worried about future useless threads, because I know that most members here have great minds, and they only need the opportunity to show it. And even if there will be a few useless threads here and there (alongside the good ones), then it's still better than the current situation.

And there will be no police. I'm not gonna chase after people saying stuff like "hey you didn't post your threads this week" (tho it might be fun) but no, you don't do this for me, you do this for you and everyone else, so just post new threads and play along with my plan, and I'm sure we'll all enjoy the result.

That's my offer. I've responded to old PM's I sent a while ago to bring back the oldtimers, and I gave them a link to this thread, because I want them to read this as well.

Anyone here wishing to join my plan and (try to) post a couple of threads every week? please post to say if you're in. Add your name to this list (again, no police or anything; it's totally up to you if you post or not, but please add your name to encourage the other members to try it out. Here's the list thus far:

Fame

I for one would like to see threads that are specific to topics we usually post in the random thread such as Crime or 2010 Congressional Elections. I guess I could start them, but I figure that many members like posting comments in a general type thread.

That's the problem with these type of general threads. They are good to maintain everyday chat, but a lot of interesting topics get lost there very quickly because you simply move on to the next story. And where does it stop really? will we have "general music thread" soon, and later "general general thread" where we only have one thread to discuss everything, because why bother and open new threads? I hate to say it, but despite the "whoring" theme, these threads are not as sexy as they used to be.

We need to refresh. I think you should feel free to start discussions on whatever interests you. As long as you're not attacking any members, I don't see how any of your threads will be harmful.

I know I'm not on here like I use to be. It will be a damn shame if this site dies out. This is a great place to meet people and make friends. I really miss not having the BB Weekends anymore. I would look forward to those weekends where I can get away and see the great people from the BB and intoduce my family to you guys.

We need to bring back the people who left. Don Cardi, Don Smitty etc.

Thanks Fame for bringing this up. LETS MAKE THE BB AS FUN AS IT USE TO BE!!!!!!!!

You must keep in mind that there is a certain economy associated with general topic type threads. They allow a member to range over a number of topics without having to surf from one thread to another. We already have so many threads that it approaches a labor to cover even just severalof them. I think we could afford a few more grouping type threads such as the ones I suggested above.

Hey Fame, how are you doing?


I must admit there are times that I miss topics of interest to me that I'll see later in the "Random" thread or sometimes "News in your area" thread. Some would have warranted, I think, their own thread. By that I mean, topics that I think many of us would reply to.

I'm open to anything legal.


TIS

I must congratulate Fame on being the BB's PR department. Unfortunately, though, Fame, many of your PMs to the old timers didn't reach them as their email addresses are no longer valid (I know this because I get all the returned email errors ). I don't know how many you sent out, but at least 13 were no longer valid.

You're right, though. Even as the forum format slowly dies out to more immediate social interactive sites, there is still value here, and I'm glad you're (again) reminding us of that!

I'll address this more later....

Ciao a tutti!
even if I am not writing since a long long time, the BBs still have a special place in my heart. Life changes and things change. Most of all, time is never enogh. But please believe my affection for this place will never change. This place is special. You, Geoff, are special. Many BBs are special. So, Fame, count me in. I'm here.

...and I have great news....there's a good possibility I'll come visit NYC in april 2012. It's a dream come true. It's something I've been waiting for so long. I know it's a long long time to go, but to me it just makes it even more special. Can't tell you how much excited I am....:-) I don't need to tell you I'll be more than happy to meet all the people I can!!! What about a BB's dinner??? Wouldn't it be great???? :-)

Love as ever,
your Italian friend
Lavi

Thanks for the PM Fame. Gangster BB is still bookmarked on my browser. but i admit i only visit the site once i a while and not posting unlike before that this is part of our everyday lives. its sad that the forum is dying.

hoping old timers will come back to keep the ball rolling.

keep'em coming!

I don't get here as much as i would like but i still love it. Who else would come bottom of all the Fantasy leagues if i wasn't here

Good idea though Fame!

While it's a gallant effort on Fame's part I am not sure how much one can rely on 'Old Timers' to keep the Board fresh & active. Especially when asking for two new threads per week. I have had several 'old timers' ... one of them a moderator, no less... tell me in PMs (or elsewhere) that they rarely even visit the BB anymore because it's not 'the same' as it used to be. Plus I agree w/ olivant about just too many threads/forums.

What you mostly have here is people who reply to threads that are already going. I have rarely, started a thread on my own in the 8 years as a member. But when I have, it's because of a Subject/Movie/TV show/GF Topic that interests me, not because I'm looking to come up with a topic of the week.

That said, will check in more regularly & do what I can to keep the momentum going on threads worth commenting on.

Apple

The idea of mandating so many new threads a weeek probably won't happen. IMHO this is the best board on the internet, but with Facebook and all that goes with it, the air is being sucked out of these boards.

There are also other reasons. First, despite the greatness of the Godfather movies, there is only so much that can be said about them. I have tried to approach some new threads in that section, but it is getting hard to come up with anything original. If there is some hole in a story, the responses will predictibly be:
a) it was covered in the novel this way....
b) some suggestion will be made it was not a hole in the story and
c) it hows FFC and Puzo were sloppy.

How many ways can we say Michael was a bad guy, or discuss whether Fredo should have been killed, or that FFC's daughter was not a good actress, or that III was not as good as I and II?

In the political threads, we all pretty much know where the reulars stand on the political spectrum from right to left, and whatever the issue, the answers from those who post are predictable.

In sports, there's a tilt toward New York teams because the majority of the members come from that area. Other than threads about playoff teams, I do not see a "Go Cincinnati Reds" thread going anyplace.

If the board is revived, great. If it dies it dies, and we can all say we had a great run.

Either way it will happen naturally, and no amount of mandated posting will change it.

Well Apple, you've got a good heart, but by just replying to existing threads, then nothing much will change around here, and people will not bother to come back, and those that are still visiting will be less and less in months to come.

I dont think there are many threads going on right now, I think you mean sections. JG can cut down half the sections we have on here, but that wont solve the problem.

And yeah Apple, I'm not naive. I knew hardly anyone would agree to post 2 threads per week, but it's better to try then not try at all. At least I got everyone's attention, from now on the cards are on the table. When you meet someone in real life you come up with topics to discuss, be it around the table when you're having dinner or on the bus with someone you know. You come up with topics, because you want to talk and not sit in silence. Here in the web world, you can simply log out and no one will know you were here, so it's easy to say that you're not here to post a weekly topic, but if everyone will wait 8 years to post a thread, then we might as well say goodbye right now. Don't get me wrong, it's great that you want to be active, but I think the keyword is 'new'.

Olivant: you're a good man, but I think those threads you suggest will only make things even worse. One of the finest threads we had here in the last six months was the Polanski thread. That thread was a FASCINATING read, a great discussion and great posts from several members. How would a thread like that be possible in the future you have in mind? instead of posting a thread to discuss it, then it will be posted in a general thread, and within 5 minutes it will be replaced by Lindsay Lohan going to jail or Paris Hilton drunk driving. So think about it.

Yes, you got everyone's attention, for now and granted, for a good reason. But good luck keeping the momentum going.

When you are with someone in person, you either make conversation or sit there in silence. Most people will naturally talk especially w/ people they know. The incentive to keep internet forums going is substantially less, because really you are looking at a computer screen. While not waiting '8 years' to post a thread, one will only post a topic that they find interesting and hope that others will respond. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. To post 2 threads (or even 1) per week just for the sake of posting probably wouldn't help in fact it may muck up the Board even more.



Yes, that WAS a good thread. It was based upon a current event. Had Polanski not been taken into custody it would not have been initiated. The NYC Mosque thread was/is another good one. Started because of a current event in the news.

I can think of MANY fascinating, excellent threads that began because of a political season, news story, whatever. But they just aren't going to emerge every day, or even every week. Several times a year is the best to hope for, life is just like that.

The useless Lohan/Hilton type threads are what come in between the big important stuff. (Although Lohan borders on serious because you are really watching a beautiful, talented young woman slowly destroy herself.)

To ask members to post new subjects JUST for the sake of posting to keep this forum alive is probably asking a bit much. I can see it just by the responses here from various 'old tiimers'. But go for it, again it is a good and worthy cause. We'll see what happens.

Things have their life cycles and while the BB may not be what if USED to be due to personalities, other venues, etc...I am sure it'll be around for a while.

What changed the BB that people rarely visit cuz it's not 'the same' as it use to be?

Fame, I applaud your effort. Although I generally don't start threads, I do peek in here pretty much on a daily basis. I usually post, but only if I feel I can add something. I would rather have quality over quantity, and that's not just with myself, but the others as well.

Speaking only for myself, I had been away from the boards due to computer problems, that have only very recently been (mysteriously) healed.

I have been checking in a bit more lately - now that I'm not totally shackled to my local public library - and I'm always interested in reading a thread that....well, interests me.

I admit I have not started a lot of threads, but that's just me, I guess...

I, too, certainly miss the "old days" but I think everything in this life goes through a kind of "natural evolution" and perhaps this is what has happened to the BB.

I most certainly would not like to see this forum totally die off. I think it would be a shame.

But, when I do feel I have something worthwhile to say, I will say it. (Like Mr. Ed the talking horse. )

Signor V.

Well Mig, I think what changed the forum is that most of the teenagers are gone. There were many of them a few years ago, so there was a vivid mix of youngsters and adults (one of the reason this forum is such a special place, age was never an issue) but now that school is over etc, I guess they are too busy to come here, or they found new hobbies, and yeah that's life. Things are more stable with adults - look at all the members who posted in this thread and you'll see that they're all over 30, I think.

I don't think there will be many new members in the future as well. The Godfather movies will always be popular and people will always google for it and may find this place....but yeah, forums are not what they used to be.

I tried to talk about it and see if we can find a solution. The weekly threads for sure is not a nice option, but I just couldn't think of anything else. It's not just quantity I'm after, SB. 'quality over quantity' is a nice slogan, but it's not black and white. Maybe I'm not as high-minded and pure as one should be, and I guess the idealists would eat me for breakfast for suggesting the weekly threads, but I'd rather be low and base, and dare I say practical, because the quantity in this specific forum usually means quality as well. Because the people here are quality, and that's what counts. I can honestly say that I've learned a lot from many posts in this forum, and saw a lot of 'basic' threads turn into something really wonderful. So that's why I'm not afraid of it, and I believe such threads will do nothing but good in the end. I thought a little "boost" might make a difference, even for just a few weeks, but I should respect what everyone said in here and just take it easy, so no more speeches from me on that issue

Thanx everyone for taking the time to read and respond, and thank you for all the kind words

Hi all,

I just wanted to say thanks to Fame for getting me back here, I haven't been in quite a while and it's purely because of getting a crazy job in the interim that has taken up pretty much my whole life... However it is really lovely to pop back in and to see so many familiar 'faces'

I appreciate the quality over quantity argument, and certainly there's no point posting just for the sake of it, but I definitely agree that forums need nurturing and a bit of gentle encouragement from time to time. Maybe even if people think that it needs to be more organic than '2 new threads a week', just encouraging us all to keep it in mind might liven things up a bit and result in more regular/more engaging posting? (I hasten to add that I don't mean the posting has been anything less than engaging, I'm just saying one can never be too interesting )

Either way, kudos to Fame for being so passionate about the forum, and making the effort to get in touch with those members who had not been here in a while - I think that's the sort of thing that will keep this board alive and it's a credit to the community that people feel so fondly and think so highly of it.

Best wishes to you all,

Joolsie x

Joolsie, if you want to see quality over quantity, you should look at the mirror. I chose to send the PM to you as well, because I rememberd you even tho you've "only" made 170 posts. I remember you more than people with thousands of posts because every one of your posts was top quality.

Oggie was easy to write to - such a friendly fella who always looks you in the eye. It's a real shame he's not around.

And Lavinia, well all the guys here are in love with her!

Best of luck to all of you, whether you stay or not!

Fame, you're a good guy!!! I think just starting this thread is a good thing. I vaguely remember Joolsie, but how nice that he/she stopped in. People are thinking about it anyway.

As for me, I'm fairly easygoing and open to new threads. To me this site is all about fun and leisure with old friend and it's great along the way to meet new friends.


TIS

You haven't seen my rap sheet, have you?

You had me until you said "old" timers. I ain't old yet.

Oh who am I kidding, I'm old.

Sorry, all the new stuff on the web is SO SHINY.

Let a 25 year old jump in here...

I've posted new threads lately in TV/Movies, but of the 2, I have 1 reply. Discussion is slow these days or about things I have no interest in.

I used to come here every day and now it's mostly just for the fantasy football thread.

And for say Boardwalk Empire's thread, there's not a whole lot of analysis or discussion going on about a current show. Just news tidbits mostly. On another forum I visit there's so much more depth with the topics.

It seems like everyone got old and moved to Florida.

Good job Fame. I applaud your efforts. I tend to check on the board a few times a week, great place to be..

I love reading the GF discussion section but the topics are just to in depth for me to contribute so i just stick to reading than posting in that section.. I also tend to post in the Mafia Books section of the true crime part and the odd section in GD,,It would be a great shame to see this board no longer be..

It took a kick in the pants from Fame to get me back on. For a while I was unable to get on at work - at least that is my excuse.

It would be nice to get "Our Gang" back together

I agree with you.

Kudos on your passionate effort here, Fame!! I've thought often about how things have slowed down and people have seemingly moved away, and it's a shame. Can't really help that people's lives change, but this is still a place special to many of us - those of us who are here or who come back can certainly make it enjoyable through our friendships and our conversations.

I probably should contribute more to "deep" discussions and inspire some new topics, but I do enjoy reading what others have to say and chatting about various subjects with everyone...whenever school isn't tearing me down with assignments and lack of sleep!

But see, the thing is, we have exactly 6,000 threads in Gen. Discussion, so...I really can't bring myself to start a new one.

You are so OCD, StatWoman!