Why don't people post?

[CG2]

Doing some quick sums from the Memberlist, in just under 10 years around 107,000 people have registered on all GHQ forums and only 929 people have ever posted (around 1%). Presumably there are many more who read but don't register. So my question is : Why do 99% of people register and never post?

These forums are not hostile as web forums go and I appreciate that many people may not be current but I, for one, would love to hear the opinions of those who are still active. Perhaps people could anonymously 'like' posts as a less intimidating way of participating (if it could be done cheaply)? I'm sure some sort of voting scheme on proposed new models would be useful to GHQ - currently they don't get much consensus (unless Mr. Scheef is keeping a list of that line - for which he cannot receive too much praise!) and I can't believe that's useful marketing data.

[Gort]

You're kidding, right?

Have you ever taken a good look at the memberlist? Most (maybe 100,000) are bots. There was a time a few years back (before GHQ tightened up the security here) when this forum was getting spammed by bots hundreds of times per day. Some of those were deleted, but most still remain on the list. Check them out for yourself - just don't click on any of the links.

So that leaves us with maybe 7000 members and almost 1000 posters - pretty average for this type of forum IMO.

cheers

[Donald M. Scheef]

There is a kind of a way to "like" a thread - look at the "Replies" and "Views" columns of the Military Models General Forum. Unfortunately, these can't be automatically ordered.

I'm not doing any wish lists other than for the Micronauts - this takes up enough of my recreational time. I still have a lot of Cold War ship types to add to the Comprehensive List, along with WWII merchant ships. Also, I recently found good references for US and UK merchant ships of the WWI era. It will probably take years to get this all sorted out, while keeping the Consolidated Wish List up to date on top of that.

I was thinking about starting something similar for MicroArmor, but doubt that I will get to this. Are there any armor fans who are approaching retirement and would like to pick up this torch?

Don S.

[CG2]

Actually, I wasn't kidding - I had no idea about these bot things. At least that answers my question and it's probably a useful warning for other members.

Thanks for the post Gort.

[Frozinpylyt]

Hi,

I tried to join a couple times and had issues. First time I didn't read the sticky, and didn't link any of the recommended topics in my interests. Second time - thought I did everything right, but got no authorization, waited over a month. Third time, I finally emailed GHQ directly with my profile info and asked to be authorized - worked within a day or two.

The bots I'm sure are really slowing down the authorization process and this may deter some new members from joining and posting. Maybe knowing how I finally got set up will help new people interested in the forum.

I hope to be posting more once the weather starts turning colder, as I will spend more time inside doing the painting thing.

Froz

[sultanbev]

I probably don't post much because although I use GHQ products, the bulk of my 6mm are other manufacturers, I think it would be unfair to GHQ to use their forum to talk about others products.

If I posted battle reports from games, any pics would feature A.N. others' models mostly, so that's unfair too.

I lurk to see what people are talking about, and to view the new releases.

Mark

[JasonAfrika]

People don't post because this forum has the most sensitive, defensive and ultra politically correct members of any wargaming forum around. Hundreds have left to other way more friendly, less uptight sites. Unless you start every post with a paragraph long disclaimer about how truly sorry you are to even dare ask a question of the GHQ Gods and how you truly in your heart of hearts don't want to offend anyone by asking what brand of paint they use, you will be attacked. I mean isn't it obvious? Only about a dozen or so people even post on here now...talk about a stale forum. I remember a few years ago when new people were posting every day...and I watched them run away after being ridiculed and attacked in the most condescending way by the so-called GHQ Old Guard. There are so many other forums where people actually HELP eachother with wargame or model questions, or just post their pics or ideas for fun. And, on those other forums, you don't have to grovel and perform Proskynesis before and after every post. I quit this forum months/years ago. I was just looking at the new release pics, saw this thread and just had to opine. Attack away guys, I could care less, cause I won't be back on this site til the next new release pics are out. Remember, believe it or not it really is just a hobby...not a religion or way of life.

[whoa Mohamed]

wow Im completely shocked Ive been a member for years and have never had a bad experience with either Mod or other members , Most members will be more than happy to help with what paints or techniques they have used ...Wow just Wow...Mikey

[thetourist]

Yeah. I can't say I've ever experienced anyone being attacked on this site. Ever. In fact, I've observed nothing but helpful, encouraging posts. Disagreements are rare and even when they do occur, they don't turn into all out flame wars as there are want to do on other forums. Anytime I have asked a question or needed help understanding a topic, other forum members have jumped at the chance to help out. I have nothing but good things to say about this forum and its membership.

[CG2]

I have to say that people do seem very helpful in general but there are a few people who are very touchy about any criticism of GHQ, even when it is justified.

[Nazgul]

Reading a post in a forum is just like reading a text message or a letter, good or bad depends on your attitude when you read it. You can either read it as "oh well" or an out and out declaration of war (think about the last time you misread a message from your significant other and you'll see what I mean ) If some one offends you, you can either ignore their posts or go to another forum (hopefully you will stay). Sadly there are those who troll the boards looking to stir up trouble just to boost their egos, maybe some day they will grow up. Just ignore them and "Don't give the bistard the satisfaction" by feeding into the argument.

There are a lot of friendly and helpful people here, and just a many with their opinions (good or bad).

As for those who get hostile when they feel GHQ is being attacked, try disrespecting some one's favorite baseball / football / basketball / soccer team and see what happens. Its natural for people to defend their favorite thing. I just try to take it with a grain of salt and move on.

Yes, some of the regular contributors have left, either due to the hostility that existed at the time or losing interest in the hobby. But this is happening on the other boards I read, so hopefully they will come back, especially since things have gotten better since then.

Just my 2 cents worth,

Cris

[whoa Mohamed]

I don't think expressing disagreement is an attack or being touchy , I'm inclined to think perhaps its the other way around. If I express my point of view I expect some one may disagree. I mean seriously Im pretty sure there is no secret GHQ posse or that GHQ compiles files of dissenters lol. GHQ owns the forum im here at their pleasure and i have certainly asked the what were you thinking question and each time they responded in a reasonable logical way. They didnt hand me my hat and send me packing. No one started to yell BURN HIM and grabed a pitchfork. ive never seen any personal attacks against anyone by anyone EVER. I mean sheesh have you been on some of the other forums. You certainly have the right if you desire to feel like your being persecuted but don't expect me to agree or feel guilty that I don't Great forum great folks,Great stuff to buy and be inspired by...Lots of stuff to learn about and people to learn from.

[voltigeur]

I have to admit I have lost a lot of interest in this forum the last couple of years. Before 2008 it could get pretty raucous in here and was fun. Unlike other forums the personal attacks have been limited but they have happened here.

I remember a poster making jokes implying French are cowards, in response to pictures posted by a French guy! That one got ugly and I think both left the forum. (Sad the guy from France was pretty cool.)

I stopped posting mainly for 3 reasons.

1st was the interminable FOW crowd. I’m a simulation player and FOW is the type of game I will never get into. (Yes I’ll be flamed here any second.)

2nd I quit seeing posts from long time online friends like Ben, Mobeus, Will, and others. I still check in to see if any of those have popped up. (I know, a couple are not with us anymore.)

3rd I played Micro Armor the game and hated it. The guy running it was a great guy. Then all the post and questions started revolving around that game system and no others. If you posted how something worked in the real world it just felt like you were being ignored.

The majority of gamers now study the rule books not history books. As a simulation gamer the gaming techniques, TO&E, operational discussions fall flat because it becomes about the game system not how things actually work.

I still game with some local friends but my research has shifted to working on a novel about the cold war. Very deep research into the technology and politics of the 80’s.

Not meant to criticize just how I have felt about the forum for a while now.

[piersyf]

This forum has slowed down some. I used to read it every morning over coffee, but now it goes days with nothing new posted. I don't know the reason. Like Voltigeur, I'm a simulation player. I play logistics, restricted ammunition, the whole deal. Not a lot of people like that, so when they post on games, I tend to ignore them.

There is no GHQ posse, but there definitely are GHQ fanboys. I remember getting into arguments in the past over GHQ's claim that they are 'true 1:285 scale' (on the packs), yet by that measure their infantry are all 8' tall. I got attacked by some for even mentioning that, but GHQ said nothing, I wasn't banned, and others also stepped in expressing similar concerns.

I have no issue mentioning Heroics and Ros, CinC, Scotia, Raiden or whoever. If that's where I got it from, that's where I say it is from. The rule on this forum (which is pretty generous) is just not to post direct links to those companies. Simple rule, not onerous, easy to follow. I have yet to be banned for such mentions.

Never seen anyone flamed over choice of paints. I never use GHQ paints. I think the range is insipid and the palette too limited. Again, not banned.

I think it has gone quiet. I don't think it is an unfriendly forum. We just have opinions we occasionally 'share' with enthusiasm!

[whoa Mohamed]

Well aint that a kick guess what ...Maybe I should give a short Bio .
I am Currently a consultant to two Major Miniature wargame rules organizations and several military Pubs...I have 30 years experience as a Soldier , Policeman and private military contractor. My last exposure to combat was OIF/OEF in 2009 I have since entered Semi retirement. At 55 I am just not young enough to chase bad guys up and down hills anymore without being a danger to yourself or your brothers..I have wargamed with Micro Armour since I was a kid. I credit Micro Armour with making my Cold war Army stint as easy as it was ...I knew more (ok i thought I did) about cold war soviet equipment than anyone but the actual Intel guys in BN lol So I got to play with Brigades GHQ stuff when they were working up scenarios for exercises. I never got FOW either I tried I really did.
I own Both the WW2 and modern MATG I truly never got those rules either But I keep the rules just the same . The only GHQ rules that ever made sense to me where the Mekong Riverine version and TAC FORCE (which I still play once in a while and used in the ARMY). And yes I know GHQs Infantry is out of scale but I also know and understand why. I also remember how in many ways the minis have saved lives by teaching young soldiers TTP's and IAs for combat and combat logistics patrols...and yes I think a WW2 Scammell tractor or a UM Hemet 10 ton wreckers are ** CENSORED ** than a tiger tank or TOS because yes I love trucks and as a EX Medic medical evacuation vehicles..In other words you guys are Home stop with the thin skins Pull up a chair say your piece you are truly among friends...Mikey