I think you guys are all right, to an extent. I don't think the problem applies only to PM though. I see participation in most "traditional" forums declining. Sign of the times perhaps?
First, social media. It's no secret that quick and easy social media is available to most everyone. Though I don't participate in much social media beyond a few internet forums like this one, I think those outlets negatively impact input here. Few want to type up a long post, or reply, in the era of 140-word tweets, facebook posts, memes, whatever. We're busy, lazy, unmotivated, and so on, but as pointed out, modern instant-feedback/gratification social media has had a dramatic impact on internet forums that move at a slower pace. It's not as easy to get 15 minutes of fame on PM as it is on facebook.
Opportunity. Face it, we are busy. I know that my participation in this and other forums has declined over the past years. Not because I don't want to be here, but because life, for lack of a better term, gets in the way. Kids grow, get busy, and suck up all kinds of time and money. I want to raise great children more than I want to post on the internet, so I read and post less as they age. I know that most other folks in my age group are likewise engaged, running around like chickens with their heads cut off.
Negative responses. I think negative responses from fellow members also factors into things, as pointed out. In the faceless world of the internet, it's easy to take a shot at someone in a less-than-constructive manner. In personal conversation, we rely on much more than words to communicate effectively. We don't have that on the forum. Yes, some posters reply just to get others' hackles up. That's life, there are a-holes everywhere. But I think often a response can be misconstrued because we can't/don't pick up on the nonverbal cues we would have in a real conversation. Something I think is funny may be offensive to someone else, but without that ability to see his face, his personal reaction, there is no opportunity to learn of his reaction. So, he writes me off as one of those a-holes and we potentially lost the opportunity for future communication.
Experts? Yes, we have them. Yes, some have left. Experts aren't the problem, I for one rely on their input to help me overcome predator hunting adversity. I relish their story-telling, their feedback on issues/problems, and in many cases their willingness to share with those lower down the experience ladder. But there's a fine line between an expert and a perceived know-it-all. Like many, I don't (usually) need to be told I'm an idiot. I know I have a knowledge gap or I wouldn't be asking a question. A snide response to the uninformed is not productive. We get some of that here, some in this very thread. But honestly, the responses here are usually pretty tame compared to what I've seen on other forums. One thing I've learned about the internet over my many years there is that you've got to develop a thick cyber-skin or you'll find yourself offended often. That said, there's certainly room for tact in our conversations here. Unfortunately, some with vast knowledge don't have the patience to frequently share that knowledge with the rest of us, instead assuming that we're idiots and just can't learn. Their communication is abrupt, abrasive, condescending, and perceived as personal attacks. I don't think that is usually the case, just a type of communication that we novices don't relate well to. We should strive harder to understand experts' frustration at our ignorance in the same manner I'd like the experts, at least those who care to share their expertise, to strive to see our questions as the thirst for knowledge it is. I won't delve into the world of trolls here, because we can recognize them for what they are and simply not respond. Overall, most of us asking questions just want information. Berating someone for ignorance is counterproductive to our mission of growing the knowledge base and recruiting additional hunters. Recognizing the line between ignorance and stupidity is the challenge.
Saturation. Good point. When PM first started, there weren't many other opportunities to gain knowledge that you could immediately apply to your predator hunting. Our sport was just entering the mainstream, and many of us were just getting started. Now there are dozens, if not hundreds of similar outlets. Hunting forums abound, as do hunting shows on TV, some specific to predator hunting. With minimal effort, we can find all kinds of information on this sport. It's no longer one-stop shopping. This forum is competing with a variety of other information sources, resulting in lower participation here as existing and potential members identify outlets consistent with their approach, their personality, or their geographical location. We humans, as social animals, tend to gravitate towards others with similar leanings. There's something out there on the 'net for everyone. That means multiple opportunities for predator hunters to "meet" and engage with others of their ilk.
Participation. This is where I agree that we have a deficiency. There are many knowledgeable hunters on PM, but for reasons explored in this thread, few of us post routinely. Maybe we have answered all the questions, though I doubt it. Maybe the search feature does limit discussion, though I think relying on it is not nearly as interesting or informative as current, live debate. Maybe we're all snowflakes and don't want to get our feelings hurt by a more aggressive poster who disagrees with us. Or maybe we just don't want to put up with condescending BS every time a good conversation gets going. I don't know, but I'd sure like to see it increase.
Moderation. I've been a PM member for a long time, and was only invited to help moderate a few years ago. I have observed forum moderation here and elsewhere. To be honest, I'm not sure what the perfect moderator is. Does he let debate rage even through personal attacks and vile outbursts? Or does he rigidly curtail any speech not in strict accordance with the forum's rules? I like to think a good moderator is somewhere in the middle. There is knowledge to be gained through debate and conversation, so I'm often inclined to let things run their course. I'm a bit sarcastic by nature, so I often don't get offended by dry humor and witty responses, even though they may not be in strict compliance with our terms of service. Overall, I think PM is comfortably in the middle. Yes, we have invited members to leave for violation of the TOS, but I don't believe we have been as arbitrary about suspension of posting privileges as other sites. Likewise, we are surely not as lenient as other forums I visit, where personal attacks and foul language are the order of the day. My 16-year old daughter is a registered member of this forum. I want her to be able to visit this site and learn about predator hunting without exposure to adult themes. Maybe I'm naive, since we all know that most kids are exposed to all kinds of crap at school, but I think we can do better here. So I guess that's my threshold - would I let my daughter read a post? If so, I'm inclined to live and let live. If not, I'm going to say or do something. Some aren't going to like that.
Is Predator Masters perfect? Nope. But it's pretty darn good, even when you consider all the competing sources for information and entertainment. Can we improve? Sure. And you know what? The best opportunities for improvement come from our diverse membership. Do you have an idea for bettering this place? Send it to one of the directors, like SnowmanMo. Mo is a true advocate of our sport and heartily embraces any chance to improve access to it and success in it. Send us your thoughts, we want your help with continual improvement.
