Just to chip in with the comments about the forum and members leaving, going 'away' or not joining in as much, as well as digs about certain people - We, as members/admins of the forum, have made the forum what it is today.
Things we have said, things we have commented on and points we have made, has ultimately had an effect on the popularity of it.
However, the more popular a forum becomes, the more diverse those members get - both in age, interest, ability, knowledge and agendas.
As an example, I struggle to find the flowing discussion, that used to exist.
I struggle to see people expressing an opinion and justifying their view.
That isn't a dig at anyone at all. It is (in my mind) an example of how the forum has evolved and how the membership has changed the content over the years.
Whilst some may look back and hold their hands up, in relation to the things they have said or the way they have reacted, I am guessing others won't or can't.
Ultimately, we all have a wide range of personalities and are probably in a situation, where we mix with people that (lets be honest), we wouldn't normally speak to in the street.
The forum has brought all of those personalities together and there will be clashes, comments and the slagging off that goes on away from the public eye.
The empire building that goes on in workplaces, colleges or schools was bound to happen on here.
Whilst it is a shame to see people holding back, suspending accounts or 'going away', because of what the forum has become ( I am guilty of it too), the only way the forum can flourish, change or develop, is by people joining in and making contributions.
Slagging folk off isn't going to make it better.
Making sly digs at people, isn't going to make it better.
Reporting posts cos you don't like the content, isn't going to make it better.
Making a song and dance in the public domain, isn't going to make it better.
Making yourself a public martyr isn't either. I am all out of violins
Active members, discussion and positive contributions will.
As fozz says, opinions are like arseholes. Everyone has one.