IMPORTANT ... Have your say, Is it time for change?

[Martin]

We've seen a steady decline on here over the last few years, I don't have the time to administer/participate in the forum like i used to, safe to say it's deffo slowing down in activity (though forum views/visits are through the roof)

So... Do I/We
Keep going and get more help?
Sell it on... Forum groups buy forums, though it'll get adverts galore and be un-administered..
Change the name to Ribs and Sibs and keep going hoping that the forum will enter a new lease of life with bigger craft?
Or close the doors and call it quits?

We offered a supporting members club some time ago, that's all but dried up, nobody contributes financially anymore and it's becoming an unnecessary drain on my finances tbh.

Lets have your views guys please, old and new members opinions massively appreciated

Martin

[Oldman]

As much as I like coming here it is a mini copy of ribnet without the ribs ;) and mostly if I have anything to post (not often) I will post it to both forums, its been a friendly forum but if its costing money and time that can be better used elsewhere Martin then my honest opinion is that it will just mean 1 less forum to visit on my daily trawl.

[ChrisParish]

This forum was responsible for getting me back into boating at a very dark time in my life, and for that I will always have place for it in my heart.
However, the turtle moves and things change. I haven’t been able to give it the time it deserves recently, and I am not boating enough with my sib to keep posting regularly.
We have had some great times and I think that this forum is a great resource and has some amazing information, it would be sad to loose that.

[harrison]

Echo @Oldman’s views here basically. Been an active member here but increasingly disappointed with the lack of posts/responses over many years, so have to admit usually post also on t’other channel where I’ve been a member even longer.

It’s been a great forum but if a financial drain on @Martin’s resources then so be it. Personally no objections to the name change and more than willing to contribute again as a supporting member if any of that may save the day.

However, the lack of response even to this important announcement, probably sums up the fate of the forum.

If this it, then it’s been a blast, had some good craic over the years and enjoyed a good few meets with a great crowd. Hopefully see some of you again on the water, and if not, at least on the other channel.

Hopefully not ‘Out’ but just ‘Over’

[rogerblack]

I've learned a lot from this forum and I believe I have been able to offer help to many others starting out in the hobby over the years. I have also been privileged to meet some great fellow forumites (?) both one-to-one and at some of the fabulous get-togethers like the annual Wild West Adventures in Scotland back in the hey-day. (Still got the shirts!)

Sadly, things move on. What with Covid lockdowns, health issues and other pressing family matters, I haven't been on the water myself for over three years now, so haven't had any relevant activity to report - still hoping to change that this summer.

I would be very sorry to see this forum go and will happily contribute some funds to help keep it going but unless we can find a way to attract more new active members I'm not sure what the future holds.
I have nothing against ribbers whatsoever but always felt this was a great forum where sibbers were not just a small subset, unlike in 'the other place'. Personally I don't believe opening it up would do other than duplicate what's already available, but if that's what's needed then so be it.

I have great respect for Martin for keeping it going for as long as he has done and hope a sustainable way forward can be found.

[Martin]

Thanks for the comments so far guys..
thought of another option too…
We have masses browsing the forum daily, obviously gaining knowledge and advice from it but offering nothing back in return..
maybe lock the viewing to members only to force application to join ?

As ever-
All thoughts, comments good or bad appreciated.

Martin

[PeterM]

Hi Martin and all. I'm happy to contribute ...I wish could there be an annual 'reminder of some kind? Maybe an email to anyone who logged in over the last few months to suggest nicely any help would be much appreciated. Can you send me one for sure?

I think easy to open it up.. much like Chris.. I've rarely used my sib or my own stuff in the last 18 months.

I much prefer the smaller feel in here that facebook etc that gives a better and more genuine feel for the posts and members.. rather than those who shout loudest / most get heard.

We have a great range of life experience on here that is sensible, respectful, knowledgeable and friendly. It would be a shame to lose it.

[rogerblack]

Thanks for the comments so far guys..
thought of another option too…
We have masses browsing the forum daily, obviously gaining knowledge and advice from it but offering nothing back in return..
maybe lock the viewing to members only to force application to join ?

As ever-
All thoughts, comments good or bad appreciated.

Martin

That's an interesting idea, Martin. Would the forum software allow for non-members to read, say 3 or maybe 5 posts and then require registration to view any more? That would give new folk the chance to see whether the forum is right for their needs before going through the process of registering but avoid letting anyone have unlimited access without doing so?

[Martin]

Thanks for the comments so far guys..
thought of another option too…
We have masses browsing the forum daily, obviously gaining knowledge and advice from it but offering nothing back in return..
maybe lock the viewing to members only to force application to join ?

As ever-
All thoughts, comments good or bad appreciated.

Martin

That's an interesting idea, Martin. Would the forum software allow for non-members to read, say 3 or maybe 5 posts and then require registration to view any more? That would give new folk the chance to see whether the forum is right for their needs before going through the process of registering but avoid letting anyone have unlimited access without doing so?

Now there’s a question..
Not that I’m aware of Roger, but I know a genius who might be able to califudge (throw something togethor) for us..

“Yells out loud ” - @ChrisParish

Martin

[Oldman]

Honestly, I don’t think that limiting viewing is going to help anyone.
If the forum is going to end then I would be prepared to find a means of hosting it as read only so that people searching with google can still find the information we have spent the last few years entering.