RE: Thank you to my callers!
I think you're expecting too much from an internet forum, particularily one with an adult theme.
The member numbers don't really mean much. People find the site, sign up to get access to content or because of enthusiasm about a new found interest.. and then lose interest and move on. Adult content and (sorry to put it crudely) spank material are particularily prone to this and guys go through a huge number of fads and short-term infatuations. They see a girl on TV, set about finding out more about her and satisfying their newfound interest and then move onto the next thing never to return. You'll only ever get a comparitively small percentage who actually stick around and maintain interest and some kind of enthusiasm.
The issue gets worse when you consider the tendancy to lurk. Some people just prefer to hang back and watch from the sidelines. They don't want the risk or hassle of getting involved in discussions, games, arguments and forum politics. They may not agree with the tone of the board and see it as better they just don't get involved. Most of all, a lot of people use forums like TV - easy, effortless and undemanding entertainment.
Which brings me to posting content. The worst thing you can do is post content expecting something back for it. Doing so will only lead you to feel ever more resentful of doing it and the people you feel should be thanking you. People are thoughtless, inconsiderate and above all lazy, but, it's not the product of malice or intentional disrespect - it's just that they're used to being able to get what they want, convenience, and instant gratification. Just like when we turn on the TV and don't give a second thought or send a thank you to the huge number of people involved in making it.
If you're going to put content up, you've got to do it because you want to and think that others might enjoy it, even if they don't say so or take the time to click the "Thank you" button. I'm lucky if I get one thank you for every 10-15 downloads of a file I put up, and in some cases the ratio is actually closer to 1 to 100. Hell, I've even gotten abuse for putting content up. Instead you've got to just look at is as x number of people downloaded/looked at and enjoyed that pic/vid/link. And don't do it for the unknown masses, just aim for the people you like/talk to/recognize and then anything else is a bonus.
That aside, I realize you're probably frustrated and venting, but it's a bit harsh to say you might as well quit and talk to your plants just because you aren't getting more new posters thanking and interacting with you. From what I've seen you've got a good following of regular posters who take the time to chat, support and stick with you and who do regularily show appreciation and voice the high esteem they have for your regular interaction and forum activity. It's all very well bemoaning the lack of interaction and appreciation from new members, but being so dismissive of the regs that do make their presence and appreciation known really isn't any better and comes across (perhaps unintentionally) as a tad shallow. That's not intended to offend, it's really just an observation of how your comments could be interpreted.
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