Is the Forum Losing Interest?

[Bigcypresshunter]

Since I have been back in town I noticed that the member participation is lower than usual. At the time of this writing, we have 5 members and 40 guests viewing this entire forum. And it has been this way for several days. It seems there is little more than a handfull of members participating at one time. This has me worried. Are members losing interest in the What Is It forum? What can we do to increase participation?

 

[CRUSADER]

Pgill, I noticed this too when you said,
"1) I was reading too many posts where people were being knocked down by others very badly, from saying that their finds were not found, to finds be bought etc..... It does not matter how they were acquired, I feel if the person lies about their finds, they are letting themselves down..... Others do not have the right to knock another person down.
2) We had a couple of guys that were just making everyone miserable at the time, and I know the moderators who by the way are fantastic, did everything to sort these people out, but it went on for far too long.
3) I found that there was far too much political / religious topics being discussed instead of what the forum is about,,,, treasure. (oh and I was guilty on one or two of them, but stopped when I realized that this was not the place for it)."

I love seeing the item and reading everyone's input and compliments. I think some might think it's the most mundane item in the world but still give people the thumbs up and a WTG which goes a heck of a long way with new people like me!

I was following a thread once where it turned really ugly in a hurry! Down right mean and insulting! When someone tries to help and are on the wrong track, to read a follow up post that is in CAPS saying that person is WRONG, etc. it makes people who knowledgeable not want to put themselves out there.

There's a way to say that someone might not be right, like- Hey, I thought that it might be that too but realized, blah blah blah.

This is true, I now have limited involvement, as in the pass I have spent many hours looking in books trying to remember where I saw something (although most is in my head). I like to think of myself as a kind of specialist but definitely not an expert in any area, most of it is from the top of my head (knowledge) & of course I get many things wrong. What I have struggled with is those that can't take advice or can't admit when they are wrong (preconceived ideas), this by default doesn't mean I'm always right (clearly not), but why come & ask questions or reply to a post if you don't want the best answer & aren't open to other avenues
I also struggle with the concept that unless its got a link or it is on the internet then its not solved The internet is clearly an extremely powerful tool but there is plenty of misinformation out there. Most the time I prefer to shoot from the hip, hoping someone will use the sign post to find it (if they wish). If I & others did all the research (which I do enjoy), then others are missing the joy & experience as well. So lets all get educated instead of maybe just a few peoples opinions (including me). Education includes the analysis of website info as well as just reading a link, the more you look at, the better your experience becomes in spotting inconsistency,trends or errors

Spot on Cru,I am the same way,there is only one area I am truly versed in,and thats a short time frame(the 1850's)and much of what I know is not on the net to provide links,and much of what is, is wrong(proven wrong)I too am notorious for knowing something but cant recall where I seen it or read it....I guess that happens when you read 4 books at once and spend every spare minute,when not detecting doing research!
I think the bottom line is,the forums are not for everybody,some are sensitive,some have had other things come up,some have given the sport up,and I know several that realized the amount of time they were spending on the forums was just too much...which we all know is easy to do!!!

Your judgement is always appreciated by me & I'm sure by many others. Lets all stick to what we know & keep the knowledge flowing, as like a good school teacher, we have the ability on here to positively effect lives & help others grow in their appreciation of history(often very dry at school) & this great hobby

 

[gollum]

BigCy,

I know what you are talking about. Used to be, even the most mundane garbage would get a lot of responses. It used to get kind of crazy and very funny (remember the squirrel lure). HAHAHA

Best-Mike

It used to get crazy here. That was a tough nut to crack. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,37090.0.html

Its good to see the old members still lurking around, maybe not posting as much. Where is DigEmAll, diving doc and Gypsy Heart?

I remember DigEmAll organized a group to donate a detector to Russia to dig the Eastern Front. BTW where is Nahabit? Those German skull pics raised a fuss but it showed the reality of war.

The only one I know for sure is my old buddy Diving Doc. He got banned for getting in too many flame wars with some of the more mentally challenged members. HAHAHA

Best-Mike

 

[ipsilateral]

I for one read the forum regularly, post rarely, and learn a lot. I think some items that are listed are basically insignificant garbage, but on the other hand, there have been rare items that were fascinating, intriguing and amazing. The collective brainpower of the posters here is stunning. I will say that the few items I have posted got few guesses, but perhaps they weren't interesting, or no one had any ideas. Fair enough. Anyone interested in treasure, antiques, or metal detecting would be a fool not to read this forum. It's an incredible resource with kind and thoughful people. I don't find that there is too much infighting, and have never felt that the site had much politicking or electioneering. I am sure that my political beliefs wouldn't jive with lots of folks, so I don't bring them up. I'm here, like most of us, because I love the hunt.

 

[jimmy uk]

[/quote]Perhaps it might be something to do with the quality of finds, that's posted, some items seem pretty mundane sometimes, and not worth research

SS
[/quote]

if newbies like myself and loads of other people don't post there finds ( even if its junk ) to the experts not to us then how do we learn as metal detectists from whats junk and not

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I wouldnt want anybody to be afraid to post.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Big C,

Go to the stats icon upper right side and check the stats, no signs of it losing interest....



In October of 2008 TN averaged 851 people on line a day for the month.
In October of 2009 TN averaged 886 people on line a day for the month.
In October of 2010 TN averaged 1321 people on line a day for the month.

Are those stats for the entire forum? I was referring to the What Is It forum only. I realize the Todays Finds forum has many more followers.

 

[Mackaydon]

For starters BCH:
http://webcache.googleusercontent.c...ww/treasurenet.com/+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Don...

 

[Mackaydon]

And here: Scroll to bottom:
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php?action=advertise

 

[Kevo_DFX]

This is the ONLY section of TNet that I visit regularly. In fact, it's part of my daily routine, which goes something like this:

Facebook
TNet - Look at banner to see if anything is new
TNet - What is it and click on any new entries
DFXOnly - The other metal detecting website I frequent
Pandora - Crank up the tunes and get working.

I don't often post, because frankly, many other people are faster and more knowledgeable. But, I have solved a few and been dead wrong on a few more.

And, like many others have stated, I have learned SO MUCH from this section of the website I can now pretty accurately ID most of my finds, when just a year ago I would have looked at this thing in my hands and had no idea what I was holding.

A prime example of this is the, as crusader puts it, "bloody big watch winder" that I posted last week. When I dug it, I thought "betcha this is a watch winder." That kind of knowledge is awesome, and I firmly believe it has enriched my life.

So, to all of you who make this forum the best on the net, have one on me.

- Kevo

 

[Yard Digger]

if newbies like myself and loads of other people don't post there finds ( even if its junk ) to the experts not to us then how do we learn as metal detectists from whats junk and not

That's right, as newbies we learn from posted junk.

 

[Lucas]

It's only junk if you care about value.

One of my favorite what's its was the copper toe cap from a boy's shoe, mid-19th c. Value? $2 maybe? But I sat in front of the keyboard trying to imagine the kid who wore it... the look on his face when he first got those really cool boots or shoes... running around being a kid right in the same area where it was found. Wow.

In the same topic, somebody else was in love with the shotgun shell back stamps. No value... in cash, that is.

It's all good.

 

[Mackaydon]

You're right!
It's touching history; try putting a value on that.
Don.....

 

[Shadowmanflash]

Hey T-netters, well Bigcyp, and others I think what you all have said, pretty much sums it up and makes sense to me. But I got to go along with pgill and Bev and others on there statements to. I started reading this site several years ago and was always facinated at the posts and stories and the history learning of it all. Then one day a year or two ago the more I got into treasure hunting, the more I liked it and wanted to share along with everyone else. Then one day just rcently, I to had my bubble busted by a couple of people about the most fantastic find of my lifetime and it even made the Banner, then within hours, it was all gone, just because of a few that just couldn't believe it actually happend. Of course I'm not going to rehash the old story, but it still comes to mind every day, how someone can be so cruel in their words and wasn't even there. I still read from the site a couple of times a week, but ever since then until now I have not logged in or commented to anyone here as well. Just feel the ridicule would continue I guess. I think if everyone would stick to what the site is then all would be well for all. It's ok to question finds, but the nastyness neads to stay to themselves. If someone has posted something that is not real, let them live there lie, but consider the effect you have on the ones who did do it right, like myself, and still get bashed for it, until their gone forever. Maybe some day I'll come back and post, but for now, I just can't do it. No matter the reason it's my reason and it should be respected, just as my great find and post was then. Anyway, Hollidays coming so hope the finds continue and the belly's get full, good luck. Wasn't going to login but it seemed to be the right time for it, thanks for putting it out there Bigcyp, Ken.

 

[bigscoop]

[size=14pt] Could it be that with the economy being what it is that people just don't have the time and are out trying to make a dollar to keep from losing the home?

That could be. I myself am having big problems and I may not be here much longer.

It's not just here.......I live on a 2000 acre lake that's surrounded by acres & acres of state land, over the last 40 years during deer season it's always been very busy around here, even during past economic slow downs. This year you nearly have the entire place to yourself. Never seen it this dead before.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Then one day just rcently, I to had my bubble busted by a couple of people about the most fantastic find of my lifetime and it even made the Banner, then within hours, it was all gone, just because of a few that just couldn't believe it actually happend.

Are you saying you made the banner and it was removed? For what reason? You have me curious now as to what it was. I dont remember the incident but its against TN rules for someone to accuse another of lying and you could/should report them to the mods if it happens again.



I remember a different incident where a nice fellow (member) made banner on a very old (1408-1424 A.D.) Chinese cash coin he found. I questioned the lack of patina and eventually I was able to positively ID it as a modern token but I never accused him of lying. I felt a bit bad about bursting his bubble but we have a reputation to post the truth and responsibility to get the ID correct. How foolish would he feel if he were to find out a few years from now its not real. BTW the thread is still up in the banner but I thought it was great that TN left the entire story as it unfolded.

 

[Tnmountains]

I can not remember all the times I have researched items on this section to only draw a blank. duh! I do better with ancient artifacts.
But that does not mean I am not out there trying,
I have seen you guys identify some pretty tough stuff I have found. I mean where else you going to go to have fun and get things identified??

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

It seems a lot of the old members are still here. Maybe not logging in or not posting as often. Thats good to hear.

 

[CRUSADER]

Then one day just rcently, I to had my bubble busted by a couple of people about the most fantastic find of my lifetime and it even made the Banner, then within hours, it was all gone, just because of a few that just couldn't believe it actually happend.

Are you saying you made the banner and it was removed? For what reason? You have me curious now as to what it was. I dont remember the incident but its against TN rules for someone to accuse another of lying and you could/should report them to the mods if it happens again.

I think I remember the event, not often a banner gets taken down. I can't remember what it was, but I hope it wasn't my usual blunt/matter of fact answer which contributed to you posting less. (can't even remember if I posted on it )
I don't think anyone will hound you now, & if they do then report them like suggested. Why let a few (small %age) ruin it for you

 

[jimmy uk]

if newbies like myself and loads of other people don't post there finds ( even if its junk ) to the experts not to us then how do we learn as metal detectists from whats junk and not

That's right, as newbies we learn from posted junk.

are you taking the piss? as i can remember when i first started detecting the first few weeks i was digging lumps of metal and shotgun shells which i never had a clue what they where till i posted them on the net to get ID and was told its only junk so i learnt from that whilst detecting and thats how you learn from whats junk and not junk!

 

[CRUSADER]

if newbies like myself and loads of other people don't post there finds ( even if its junk ) to the experts not to us then how do we learn as metal detectists from whats junk and not

That's right, as newbies we learn from posted junk.

are you taking the piss? as i can remember when i first started detecting the first few weeks i was digging lumps of metal and shotgun shells which i never had a clue what they where till i posted them on the net to get ID and was told its only junk so i learnt from that whilst detecting and thats how you learn from whats junk and not junk!

The US folk take a little getting use to He was agreeing with you. They don't do sarcasm like us