Are we dying off?

[Derwent]

it does seem this forum page is less well populated than it used to be. The same applies to TNF sadly.
Where has everyone moved to?

[VIVA GT]

The forum in general appears to becoming more quiet lately, probably for a number of reasons, despite the efforts of some to challenge & entertain us.
I'm certainly getting far more done at work nowadays as I'm spending less time on here!

[midgetman]

Forums in general are losing their popularity as the more shouty forms of social media take over. A number of karting ones have died off completely.

That said, I always thought this section was populated by fewer shouty-media people and would prove enduring.

FWIW there's less and less that's not advertising or single-issue posts on the sound bite socials these days too. Maybe we've passed peak discussion forum and the country will subside into insularity again.

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[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by Derwent

it does seem this forum page is less well populated than it used to be. The same applies to TNF sadly.
Where has everyone moved to?

Possibly because motor racing in general is dying off especially at the clubbie end through expense. A good majority of the posters don't race at all now (like me "or rarely") and only pop in to make a comment now and then, also a lot of the other threads on tenths are not used anyway. I think when we were in lockdown it was pretty good but now people are out and about and working it doesn't seem so important.
Living in Spain for half the year in brilliant weather I only ever look in on my laptop when indoors, and never on my phone when out as there is more to life as far as I'm concerned This is one of my favorite unspoiled (yet) beaches near me.

[Gerard C]

The question being "are we dying off", I'd say yes, day after day. Not only the hassle of racing nowadays but the costs involved are really high or at least seem higher. Still, I've rather read this forum than wandering on FB pages.

[Mike Crow]

For those who spectate all the clubs and circuits have got so much better at using social media to provide info and updates, including timetables and entry lists, so that tends to be my first point of call these days. I do enjoy the the threads here though and check in most days.

[GORDON STREETER]

Originally Posted by Mike Crow

For those who spectate all the clubs and circuits have got so much better at using social media to provide info and updates, including timetables and entry lists, so that tends to be my first point of call these days..

Yes they do, however I can remember when even a clubbie event at most circuits had massive crowds with no internet or advertising at all ! now you can count the number of people that actually come to watch at Brands Hatch that are not part of the entries entourage at the same type of meetings.
We have talked about this several times over the years and came to the conclusion that there is so much else to choose from compared to 50 to 60 years ago when there wasn't much else open on a Sunday except the pub or the church

[Peter Mallett]

There is no limit to the number of threads a poster can start as long as they aren't duplicated so by all means post something in a separate thread. But it does appear to be true that there is a small(er) body of posters now than a few years ago. Likewise some posters have migrated to Facebook I found this sunmitted by someone who used to post here. "Bentley Drivers' Club Silverstone 13th August.
Entry form link available via the Morgan Challenge website.
Two Challenge races and the TT Morgan race.
Closing date 2nd August." I'll plug it in as a separate thread.

As it happens I'd like to do this one but I'm already committed to a trip to Yorkshire with the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club.

[Anyopenroad]

This question comes up regularly on various forums I use and the answer is usually that the discussion / info posting has migrated to Facebook groups.

[morninggents]

Originally Posted by Gerard C

Still, I've rather read this forum than wandering on FB pages.

Me too. No way do I want to be part of the FB nor other social media outlets.

[morninggents]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

As it happens I'd like to do this one but I'm already committed to a trip to Yorkshire with the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club.

Yorkshire? Welcome. Don't forget your passport.

[morninggents]

Originally Posted by GORDON STREETER

Yes they do, however I can remember when even a clubbie event at most circuits had massive crowds with no internet or advertising at all ! now you can count the number of people that actually come to watch at Brands Hatch that are not part of the entries entourage at the same type of meetings.
We have talked about this several times over the years and came to the conclusion that there is so much else to choose from compared to 50 to 60 years ago when there wasn't much else open on a Sunday except the pub or the church

And even the pubs had restricted hours in those days, so less of an 'alternative' to sports watching. Also there was a very restricted chance to shop on Sundays with virtually only newsagents, sweetshops and the odd chemist open. No B&Qs or out of town shopping malls could open.


Even Croft had decent crowds back then.

[Mike Crow]

Originally Posted by morninggents

And even the pubs had restricted hours in those days, so less of an 'alternative' to sports watching. Also there was a very restricted chance to shop on Sundays with virtually only newsagents, sweetshops and the odd chemist open. No B&Qs or out of town shopping malls could open.


Even Croft had decent crowds back then.

All that is true but I think the main reason club racing is not more popular is the endless procession of meaningless one make championships. Put on a good show and the crowds will come. As they regularly do at Castle Combe

[Lancsbreaker]

Its been noticeable (and noticed!) in the Fi forum that there's much less discussion than was the case until recently....


And many Club Forums - like my Alfa and Imp Club ones are definitely a lot quieter - with FB being the suspected reason.


I still try to check in here most days.

[midgetman]

Originally Posted by Mike Crow

All that is true but I think the main reason club racing is not more popular is the endless procession of meaningless one make championships. Put on a good show and the crowds will come. As they regularly do at Castle Combe

If by one make you mean Clio and the like, a lot of spectators prefer them because the racing is normally closer. It's the longer multi class races they don't enjoy.

FF1600 is always popular at Combe because that's so tightly regulated that even with different chassis it's near as dammit one make.

Personally I think downforce and sticky tyres are the death of club racing. Witness FF1600 and the rise in popularity of historic racing. Watching a car go round a corner glued to the road is about as exciting as watching the M4; watching even one car in a full drift, the driver defying physics, really stirs the blood.

When spectators lose interest in racing they lose interest in the forums.

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