Is it time to fold up the tent?

[LePaul]

Hello friends.

Well I haven't seen a lot of traffic on this forum for some time. Granted, these spambots/bot attacks don't help much.

I've devoted a lot of time to cleaning up the messes - which affects other phpBB boards as well.

But after so many years of having this little forum here and seeing the decline continue - should I just pack up the tent and wish everyone kind regards for the time you spent here?

Part of me has thought about moving the forum - or at least starting fresh on a newer platform, that isn't subject to these annoying attacks.

I'm not pulling the trigger on any decision right yet - I would like to hear what you guys think?

[reibuehl]

It is sad that the only traffic in the forum seemed to be from the bots before you got that part under control.

If there is a better technology that is not a lock in into some proprietary pay per month service like Discord or such, I am willing to support a move.

I always liked that this forum was open and welcoming and that it did exactly what it was supposed to do - not like another community that changed so much that it prompted the creation of this forum

But I also have to admit that I am not so active anymore here - mainly because 3D printing is less of a hobby and more of a tool for me now that I pull out when I need it for a DIY project.

[Country_Bubba]

I also would hate to see it go. I have not posted much, but have learned a lot from those that have been so kindly and willing to share their knowledge. Unfortunately, I have seen the same trend on other forums over the years. They have been most active when the preponderance of users are of the DIY type. Now, everything appears to be geared towards "plug and play" boxes. Sorry, you don't really learn from that. A large part of the fun of this or any hobby is learning the skills necessary to "make it work", I saw the same thing with the conversion of machines to cnc.
However, I digress. I personally hope you keep a forum going, but of course will accept whatever path you choose.

Country

[LePaul]

Yes, I'm not a fan of the Discord like communities as well.

I'm just inquiring so I can have some feedback.

I like this forum being the fun resource it is. phpBB just hasn't made it much fun lately!

[Lez0]

Hi Paul & others.
It would be a shame if the forum didn't continue in some form or other.
I admit that now I use my printers as plug and play, to me they are machines to make things for me.
Having said that the first printer I got was a Fulgar and you had to put it all together and make it work, I had not even seen a 3D printer working at that point, so I still take an interest in what others are doing.
Lez

[Roberts_Clif]

LePaul : Good Morning!

I agree with Lez0

I would really like to see the forum continue forward. Learned so much here, an feel like I will be loosing old friends.
Will be saddened to see this forum die, an would like to see it continue.

Roberts_Clif

[Roberts_Clif]

I see we are still live and running smooth.

[Country_Bubba]

Yeh, seems the bots were at it the past couple of days:{(
Hope things stay up and smooth running.

[LePaul]

I made a few connection time limit changes that might help....fingers crossed

[LePaul]

So - some of the changes I made seem to have helped.

I say that cautiously since the logs will show a few good days followed by several with 3,000 plus trying to hit the forum at once, giving the error messages we are used to seeing.

Look, if we really had that many active users, those would be HAPPY bills - forcing me to enhance and improve things!

But like you guys, this forum is on my list of daily stops to chat and see what fun you guys are up to.

[Roberts_Clif]

I have been here several times logging in stress free, I like the changes.
I believe that very soon the forum will gain speed and users will again return to their 3D Printer Hobby.
Well I will be here to the very end. Either Mine or the Forum's.

[LePaul]

I appreciate the loyalty! I'm trying!

[Country_Bubba]

And it is appreciated

[LePaul]

Not sure about others, but I keep running into the "Sorry but the board is temporarily unavailable, please try again in a few minutes." error lately

[reibuehl]

Yes, I saw that also a few times the last days.