Well guys, things aren't looking very good for the internet rocket forums. I've never been here when there weren't a few active threads but today I get here and there's nothing.

Verna noticed about 18 months ago that all of the rocketry forums were declining. After I saw nothing here, I did a quick check of TRF and it's down to about a page and a half. Back before it was sold, most of the time TRF had 4 full pages and part of a 5th, but no longer. Even at the Cantina where you can say just about anything there are very few new posts even on political issues.

So what's the cause? This isn't a hiccup, and it's not because it's a long holiday weekend, this has been coming for some time now. Is there a general fall off of the hobby? Online gaming finally taking over the world? Have to wonder about sales at Estes, Quest and the online hobby suppliers.

Anybody out there?

Randy
http://www.vernarockets.com
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HHJHOK6
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O14ET8K
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CX1UPCG

I think it's a combination of the state of the hobby and the state of web forums. That said, it is still a good place to see some well thought messages, and some well made model rockets

Furthermore, I think web forums are hanging in there nowadays, mostly because they still cater well to special interest groups, something that newer media connections such as facebook don't do as well.

Doug

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YORF member #11

I haven't noticed a huge decline in the number of postings here at YORF. Down a bit just lately perhaps, but better weather and people outside might explain most of that..........

I've noticed it also, I believe a large bit of it has to do with the current popularity of Facebook.

On Facebook, you don't have to (but you can) cater to just one specific type of acquaintance. So post about the Saturn V you made and launched and it can be seen by all your family and rocketry associates. If you just want to complain about the adapter not fitting the tube, just post it in your favorite rocketry groups listing. One place to go to keep in touch.
The problem with Facebook is the difficulty in trying to find a post from a while ago. It just doesn't lend itself to being a useful archive for information. And I haven't even mentioned the alleged issues with censoring (for a humorous example check this out Facebook censoring )

As for the Cantina, I have been busy at the day job and not putting up as much fodder as previously. Once I have a full weekend to catch up on other chores at home and get some other things in order, I will be back posting away.

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Bernard J. Herman Ohio RLS

Starport Sagitta Rockets
email bherman@sagittarockets.com

NAR # 97971 SR

What's your idea on the best way to change Washington D.C.?
Let us know at the Cantina
Sagitta Cantina

We're looking for a few good Catos, please tell us about any you may have had. Survey of Anecdotal Malfunctioning Engines or S.A.M.E.

Also, NSL is currently going on. Many people that are regular participants here are at NSL.

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Scott D. Hansen
Ye Olde Rocket Shoppe - Your One Stop BAR Shoppe!
Ye Olde Rocket Plans - OOP Rocket Plans From 38 Companies!
Ye Olde Rocket Forum
WOOSH NAR Section #558

Yup.

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Bob
S.A.M. # 0014

What Bob said....

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Bernard Cawley
NAR 89040 L1 - Life Member
SAM 0061
AMA 42160
KG7AIE

I'm actually building rockets this long weekend. More fun thatn posting about them.

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NAR #27085 - Oregon Rocketry - SAM

If you walk along NSL and take a video you will see most of the posters at TRF and YORF.

Scott should be able to provide data to confirm or refute this theory.