The forum IMO is now just a chat room for a select few.

That would seem to be because there's nobody else here to chat to / with!

As I said earlier 131 people have signed up since 1/7/24, but only 5 of them have ever posted (& one of those was an ex-member returning with a new name), for a total of 8 posts.

A couple posted an introduction, which various members replied to, but with no response

Others asked questions, but then didn't respond again after they were asked for clarification.

We would love to have them all on board joining in, but if they don't want to play, what are we supposed to do?

I was an active member and enjoyed this forum in the early years but now as you may have gathered it has lost its charm for me.

Not having a go at you in any way, Rebs, but what changed, either in Swag, or your life, that it's no longer interesting

Knee replacement done & dusted.
7.00am, this morning arrive at hospital.
By 11.30am back my room.
Awake through the whole procedure.
Had a feed, drink, doc is coming in an hour, to start with the physo.
Happy Days.

You don't use magic to disappear, ya use a 4x4 & Swag.

I have been a member for quite a while as well, and I am not a big contributor, but I do enjoy being part of the community.

I, like some others, appreciate a forum much more than social media, particularly when trying to locate some info I am chasing. I also like the fact that the forum is ad free, I have often thought that this forum sets a standard that a lot of other forums should strive to copy. Also some other forums I belong to have chosen to go down the 'ad free if you pay annually' route which I don't see as being any different from an annual fee to keep MySwag going.

What I was unaware of was how few seem to be using the forum, which is a real shame and I don't quite understand it.

I am willing to contribute to keep it going, but whatever happens, I really appreciate all the effort Brett and Jillsy have put in over the years for us to enjoy this site. Thanks guys.

 

I joined this forum 17 years ago when it had a large interactive member group of contributors.
There was a lot of discussion on just about every camping topic one could think of with the electrical section being a most interesting read.
It was a must go to place every night and one could spend a lot of time learning and exchanging ideas.
But now most of the posts are from the same small group of members and most of the time off topic (little on campers, camping etc).
I just look at the post topics and if nothing grabs me I'm in and out in less than a minute.
The forum IMO is now just a chat room for a select few.
The forum seems to have run its race as have most of the other forums I once subscribed to have.
I was an active member and enjoyed this forum in the early years but now as you may have gathered it has lost its charm for me.
Sorry if this seems negative feedback but it is simply my opinion.

With the 16 that have said they are willing to contribute - its around 190/yr each

$15.83 a month is quite fine by me.

But locking the place down with the only way to see anything is to become a financial member will stop most new members from joining. I don't know if it's possible... but unpaid members get to make two posts a month and to view four threads (for example)

Same system that the SMH and other papers use. A certain... % is free... but after that if you like what you see... you pay.