thinking out-loud ..
from what i understand, this forum’s creators were 17 and 17-ish.
these folks would now be in their 20’s, plus, or so.
highly doubtful they were seeking a forum of boomers, I or II ..
but they were gracious and open to “others.”
also, from what i gather, those young folks’ lives have gotten busy, with marriage, work, school .. blogs, FB, twitter, etc.
it’s normal for young people to experiment with different things, then leave them for other interests. it may be a little unusual for older ones to pick up where they left off, and carry on (?) as this forum is doing.
i joined during that time of exodus.
i’m happy i was able to enjoy a few months with the younger ones. they were kind and welcoming. i really appreciated that from them. i had been thru some tough years of difficulty+isolation, it was therapeutic just to read their youthful chatter, youthful wisdom, youthful outlook.
frankly, i expected their younger sibs and friends would (naturally) join in .. i’m not sure this has happened, even once (?) .. others may know. some advise young ones not to read or post, so, that’s another factor. i do not know how widespread this is.
early on, i learned, many more read than post, and, some regularly read-only!
i have the impression,
wives of posters often read, but will not post. i’m not sure if this is accurate.
i’m not sure if read-only is a common internet phenomena (?) it might be.
as well, some use this forum for PM’s and emails, not so much for public posting.
long ago in my life, i learned, lots of folks do not care to read or write.
so, for me, it’s kind of amazing to find a forum where lots of folks enjoy reading+writing! an unexpected surprise in my life. i used to visualize this forum as a sort of library, wherein library visitors all “talk” to one another! lol
i suppose one question might be:
how is it the early young ones attracted older folks but not younger ones? -
typically, isn’t it vice-versa?!
(it could be as simple as the newer technology is faster, easier, and that’s what has caught their interest.)
well, these are just some of my informal observations/thoughts over years. YMMV.