Members who have dropped off the radar:

[Disciple]

I've had a few posts concerning documented equipment problems and informed opinions on training issues deleted without warning. This is disconcerting to say the least.

Yes, it is.

[graffex]

Been here since the beginning, still around though not nearly as much. Just isn't the same anymore for me.

[Firefly]

I want to resurrect this thread to ask: what is it about this board that makes you stay here?

I’m middle aged, 10 years left after almost 20 of doing this bullshit, DGAF about guns like I used to. Shoot state ammo and state guns. All the people I used to like are gone. The magic is kinda dead. I’m just not the same guy I was 10 years ago.

Sometimes I try to pay it forward, sometimes I just shitpost. Nothing I really want to buy and if anything I just want to shoot cowboy guns and retreat to the desert with a Kaiser Jeep and an RV with an SP1 with “THE GOSPEL” painted on the buttstock.

When you get older, your heart dies

[mark5pt56]

It's like anything else, don't let it consume you. Have various hobbies and focus on what's truly important to you and close ones. Have fun and don't get wrapped around the axle.

Adding some things

As discussed, some "SME" have moved to other forms of media. Some due to dips zhits here questioning every detail or "prove" who you are. Some because work restrictions, etc. Truth is, with 20+ years at war, there's a metric crap ton of them and if you haven't peddled yourself, nobody knows.

Others members simply get tired of it, probably from my first statement.

While it may not apply to all, those who can spend time on a forum becomes the king of their little fiefdom.

At times it's simply pointless to offer help to others on a forum

Some people behave differently on a forum, same people most likely behave differently when they strap on a gun. Like a friend says, act as if you don't have one.

[Bubba FAL]

Well, with <1000 posts over that past 11 years, just not a prolific poster. But I do check in here from time to time. Been a member over on the Falfiles for even longer (2002?) don't remember the last time I logged in there. Things change, interests change, time passes. Was led here from 68forums for technical info after building a few ARs, lurked for some time before joining, still here.

[Bubba FAL]

I’m middle aged, 10 years left after almost 20 of doing this bullshit, DGAF about guns like I used to. Shoot state ammo and state guns. All the people I used to like are gone. The magic is kinda dead. I’m just not the same guy I was 10 years ago.

Sometimes I try to pay it forward, sometimes I just shitpost. Nothing I really want to buy and if anything I just want to shoot cowboy guns and retreat to the desert with a Kaiser Jeep and an RV with an SP1 with “THE GOSPEL” painted on the buttstock.

When you get older, your heart dies

I, too, have been shooting my cowboy guns a lot more lately while the black guns and milsurps sit. It's easier to find components for some of the more esoteric calibers than the tactical stuff. Rate of fire is lower so I don't burn through ammo as fast.
Reacquainted myself with my .32-20s and am reminded what a nice cartridge it is. Bonus is that with the right loads, a pound of powder goes a long ways.

[Devildawg2531]

Well, with <1000 posts over that past 11 years, just not a prolific poster. But I do check in here from time to time. Been a member over on the Falfiles for even longer (2002?) don't remember the last time I logged in there. Things change, interests change, time passes. Was led here from 68forums for technical info after building a few ARs, lurked for some time before joining, still here.

Man it’s funny you say FalFiles. Been a member there for years and I bet I haven’t even been on that site in 7 years... not sure it even exists. My interest in Fal rifles lasted slightly shorter than my interest in M1A’s lol

[Slater]

This place is great for soaking up knowledge from SME's. In terms of overall entertainment, it really can't compete with porn sites but then, what can?

[Phillygunguy]

I always enjoyed this place. I gained a lot of knowledge about firearms and if I had any issues or concerns with a pistol or rifle I'd usually get a quick response usually from knowledgeable people. I think things changed a lot, as someone posted out, we don't have many SMEs on here anymore. I think things started to change after losing some great people AC IG .