Is it just me, is it a busy time of year for everyone, or is the new format for this forum not getting people excited?
It just seems like the info, topics and replies are getting scarce. I for one, find the new web format too disjointed and spread out to keep my interest. I actually can't be bothered searching a dozen or so sections for info and new posts. Also, if I wanted to chat about the price of bananas or what I ate for supper, I'd join Facebook . I originally came to this forum because of the easy list of topics & info related to horses and gear. It was a good quick reference, unlike now where it's like reading a magazine. Maybe it's just me, getting old I guess. But like my saddle shed, I like to keep everything the same and not move things around. Everything easily within reach. Just my opinion.

Well yeah, it's getting to be summer and folks are gettin' outside with ponies and other things.
It'll take a bit for all of us to get used to the 'new board'. Kinda like a new saddle, it just takes some gettin' used to. In a number of years there will be another new board and folks'll miss this one too.
The more I become a Platinum Blonde the harder it is to adjust.

Mike,
It has taken some getting used to..there's a lot more to the board now then there used to be, but it doesn't have to be difficult to locate the newest posts at the top of the page, there is a link you can click to "view New Posts" then all you need to look through are the most recent postings of the day...no searching through topics or threads The only thing is you do have to be signed in in order to see that option.

Just so you know, I tried that feature and it worked. New stuff ain't supposed to work and now I can't complain.

....and a place to meet knowledgeable and sharing people.

Ranchroper, I am with you on this one. I still monitor it but for me the interesting topics have been discussed in the past. Topics brought up now are not of my interest at all. And think of all those who have not posted here for some time now... But I am afraid all good things come to an end some time, but I enjoyed it as long as it lasted, I hope you and all the other "oldtimers" here, too.

Tosch

I have kind of thought the same thing. I check in here every couple of days. The spring is getting busier and as an aging person, I feel the days are not as long as they were when I was younger. I think they have shortened the daylight, I don't seem to get as much done as I used to. Anyway, I only respond to a topic that I think I can add something to. I won't respond to just respond. If and when we get something on here to discuss that I can add to, I will. I am not one to start a topic.

Well, we could do some proportion control charts or some year over year statistical analysis, but heck, why ruin the fun?

I agree there does seem to be fewer topics and posts and I have a few theories on root causes:

1. Seasonality – it seems like last year this time the posts dropped off - (calving, start of trail riding, horse shows etc.)
2. Link to the forum changed, I know I had it saved as a favorite and just thought the forum was down for a while, I didn’t realize it changed
3. Lack of communication about the change, timing, benefits, how to use, TIPS etc.

There are several things I like about the new format however:
1. The ability to search for a topic
2. Personalize our profiles with pictures
3. The "find" the new post feature
4. Loading pictures is much easier
5. The organization of the categories
6. Number of posts and reviews (stats on the threads)

It has taken me a while to figure things out and I am still struggling with a few items, however, one thing is for sure, I enjoy reading the posts and seeing my favorite folks. I do miss some the other posters and hope when things slow down they come back.

I come in and check things out about twice a week, but it's getting a little like those soap operas my grandmother used to watch when I was little, or maybe today's country music. You can miss several days and come back and there's nothing much new took place while you were gone. Too much work to do, too little daylight and too much change at one time on the computer side, I guess. I expect thing will pick back up when the weather turns bad again later in the year.

There are some folks on here I sure would like to meet in person one day and share a ride, a story and a cup of coffee with, though. Kind of startin' to seem like old friends out there.