the life of an internet forum
 

found this John C. Dvorak article talking about the evolution of computer user groups, which I think can apply to ANY user group in general (for example THIS ONE):

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,476659,00.asp

here's a couple of paragraphs from the article:

"To summarize, Mr. Godavari saw an obvious cycle in the life of user groups in general. They all begin with experts getting together to learn things collectively, followed by businesspeople joining to leverage the information, followed by never-ending newbies just there to get as much free help and tutoring as they can get. Once the newbies become the majority, they drive out the other two groups. Essentially the groups lose the true leadership base, become brainless, and eventually die off. Much of this is because of a natural conflict that will develop between the technologists who founded the group and the seemingly lazy newbies who try to exploit and dominate the technologists. To bolster his thesis, Godavari supplied a couple of charts."

"The model for decay that Godavari describes is seen in all walks of life. It has everything to do with exclusivity being lost by open membership policies. Not to be an elitist, but the reason people join private clubs is to filter membership and avoid conflicts. It reminds me of the Yogi Berra comment, "Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded." I used to team up with a couple of friends to do these interesting parties in Las Vegas complete with a tiered system that included private sub-parties. One year, one of the parties became so popular that I noticed the majority of people who came to the party had no idea who I was and didn't know I was the host. That was the end of the party. Why organize something for the thankless masses?"

kinda sounds like what's been happening to OUR forum, doesn't it? :o

This is very much like evolution...
Simple systems become more complex over time until they no longer resemble their original form/function.

ive seen the cycle too many times:(

I've noticed that.. A lot of the senior members here seem to hang out less and less. I noticed even myself - i used to check this place all the time.. now it's like once a day.. sometimes every couple days..

Gettin tired of seeing the same 'noob' posts over and over again..

I really do hope it doesn't die a slow painfull death.. I like this place a lot!!

We just gotta do something to tighten down on the posting here..

Here is my spin on this subject....

Ture, the reason and way most forums get started are as stated....however....what keeps them going is the willingness and want of the senior members who brought it all together in the first place to be TEACHERS. if that want and desire is not there...why not just make ONE BIG FAT HAIRY FAQ out of the board. Tell me...do you REALLY think there has been any aspects of our cars that hasn't been covered at least once or twice or a hundred times for that matter?

I have been doing this ( modding cars, I call it HOT RODDING ) for longer than most of you have been alive, I am sure I have answered more questions by the newbies in my life that a lot of you all put together.....but there is a reason they ask....the personal interaction for one.....sure, they could look it up on the net, in a FAQ, or some other means...but then the board would be useless and what funciton does it have? hmmmm They also ask you the questions because they value your opinion....there are many specific people here that I would ask quesitons on specific subjects just because they have the experience, and it just might save me some trouble or even a motor if I ask the question, listen, learn and forge on ahead.

So, go ahead and dog the newbies.....what will certainly end up happening in the end is either one of two things....either you as the person that hates talking to them will stop coming to the board.....or two you will chase them off and they will not learn about the sport that WE ALL LOVE. if you don't introduce new blood into a sport...and teach them the RIGHT WAY of doing things....the sport will wither and die.....or just turn into a bunch of half-assed cars running around on the street.

Just my .02 guys. HELP the newbies become better rodders, and you do that by being patient and TEACH them.

Hot Rodders!!! Damn you ARE old (tee hee)...
I suppose you would have liked an old, ex-ride of mine:
'65 mustang 2+2, 289, 4 spd. (A REAL Car)
BTW, "Fossil" ain't b/c of my youth, if ya' know what i mean.

You make great points about "Teaching"; you are absolutely right. It's nice to see sincerity, and your posts are often just that.
However, the Forum also has a purpose in simply being. By existing, IT provides a link and an outlet for all of us. It is a single entity that is composed of many individuals- and it is actually neat to observe the dynamics of change in an inanimate system. (it mirrors that of the biotic realm)
True, there's so many posts here that I won't even attempt a response - why, b/c I would only flame or begrudge. I try to limit that aspect (tho' not always).
Then there's always the soap opera effect; it's rather fun to observe the bickering and comraderie shown between folks who otherwise would likely never converse..
The best recourse to FAQ-related, and/or stupid queries is: no response. For w/o a niche, nothing can survive.