*** Nigel,this is what is known in the trade as the 'Bums on seats' syndrome,you get it in lots of walks of life,shops,establishments,clubs etc there is a fine line dividing people who are browsing and those looking to join a group or forum to participate on a regular basis,actually thinking about it I have done the very same thing too,sometimes I will go to a forum and spend four or five hours searching through the archives ( time does fly when doing this ) but could not have any desire to join,there are only so many hours in an already busy day,I think the real problem is that we get spoiled for choice on the internet these days,just too much to take in sometimes,but yes I know what you are saying.
I would imagine that John in his wisdom could forsee the scope of scale modelling for the future as a forum,when he set it up,he hit on a good domain name for sure,on the other hand he could have ditched it through lack of takers in the early days,but no he had the patience and the strength to carry on,along the way we got to where it is today through the diverse subjects keeping it a living place,the forum certainly buzzes.
Another point to make is that many people who are looking for something specific,may find it here through a search engine,come and ask that question and then not return,but as you say it really is nice when we get people like Squiffy who have been helped by the forum,then give something back to it,that really does give a buzz to things.
Please dont get me wrong i think that its vitally important that we help and support everyone! what i meant is that some people just log on to ask one question then go away again! i think how we deal with that question is of paramount importance. If we handle it right they will probably come back or recomend us in the future! It is pleasing though when a new person logs on and instantly becomes part of the group. I wonder if John really knows what he has created here???
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