the community has certainly grown, i'd say that we have a good portion of active members, but the site still has the problem of people wanting ratings and then leaving, the superficial validation
also there are questions here that can be solved by using google or the search button on this forum, from previous threads that were posted about the same question.
this is a common thing i notice about newcomers who come and go
i am still not entirely sure for the solution to this, although there have been improvements, as i said there are more active members
im thinking about rewarding more active members and also making it clear that being active will be good. i know we have title colors and badges, but i am thinking about adding other priviledges. like maybe you have to wait for 50 msgs to change your avi or post pictures. then also gradients, you can combine 2 previous color titles that you have achieved once you surpass 2000 msgs, or something like that. chances for beta testing, unlockable forum color themes, and more cool stuff.
also limiting ratings somehow, since that seems to be a core issue. an example is 100+ msgs to post a rating thread. this will definitely cause more activity and secure members who actually want to participate.
then, adding more badges and trophies too
i mentioned this before, but a system where inactive members will have an email sent to them, and if they dont respond within a week or they agree to the email, they will have their account deleted. bc it is discouraging to see the ratio of active to whole forum population
@Dean