Time Warp

It does, OP, but I’d argue that those old chestnut issues, problems and topics being posted are novel to newcomers to the platform but maybe not us ‘old timers’. The problem is the lack of newbies and new topics to invigorate CT and reduce the boredom. You’re  most probably right, it’s had its moment, now lost!☹️

it’s had its moment, now lost!☹️

Can't say I agree with your last comment Micky as I feel that there will always be people seeking advice or recommendations.

Yes, the variety of topics that are likely to entice new Posters are few and far between, that is until the Club veer off course and introduce something for people to either moan about or celebrate, as we have seen with change of name, insurance and booking system.

Oneputt is right with his comment but if you look, particularly at the Technical section, there is always "new" names appearing asking for advice so in that context the forum provides a valuable function.

It won't be a mainstay as far as the club is concerned and they'll pay it little heed.

It may well die when the few Mods who do a grand job keeping it going, pack it in but until then just accept it for what it is.

I think we have to accept that, probably the majority of members, just want to use Club sites and if that booking process goes smoothly we won't ever hear from them regardless of how good or bad the forum is? 

I have been on record as saying that I feel the forum should be run on a different platform to the main website which would resolve many of the conflicts we have. However whether the Club would be willing to make that investment is not altogether clear and based on the very points you raise about usage would that be money well spent? What some seem unwilling to accept is that the Club give priority to the booking side which does mean that from time to time the website is down overnight. According to the Club between the hours of 10.00pm and 8.00am is the time the website is least used so it makes sense to use that time to attend to the website. I have no idea why server errors occur but it does seem to me that it is more of a problem for some platforms. I use a Windows PC and even when I get server errors I can usually find a way round them. I accept at some times when they occur it matters not what system you use. I suppose we all reflect our own experiences and not spin as some suggest

David

I did insert ‘probably’ in that comment, WN. My main contention and bugbear is the lack of a means of sifting through that wealth of useful information, hints, solutions and support archived over the years. It’s painful and not at all user friendly for any of us. What a resource it could be if a decent search facility was available. Yes, CT is what it is/was. It’s much more than a decade old now, almost a lifetime in IT terms!

Oh I fully agree the Search Engine is useless.

Nellie had a similar thread months ago now but without its title you'd have trouble finding it.

The almost daily occurrence of ‘server errors’ or ‘planned maintenance’ events all add to the frustration and possible loss of contributors and even, as others have suggested, may lead to the loss of CT itself.

It would be nice to have better software but whether that would mean more posters, who can tell?

It certainly does not help or encourage people to use the discussion forums but it may not be just the software. It might help if the Club were to publish which devices, operating systems and browser work best on the Club's site and App. I have noticed some other web sites do this. It seems a sensible idea with all the prolifigration of systems.

I also don't think it helps at all that the Club (EGH) does not enter discussions. Is it any wonder FB and Trust pilot are preferred.

peedee

Trust pilot is just a business review platform. Club responds because it cares about it’s TP rating. Facebook is like marmite, some are happy to use it, others aren’t keen.

The two distinct reasons for posting, (one technical, help, sharing of sites, useful information, etc…., and the second based on a more social, shared interests, hobbies, pub type banter, etc…..) might be better split up.That way, those who find the social side irritating can opt out, and stick to what they like best, and vice versa. If it could be set up so that folks can opt in or out of either, then it might mean less searching, and it might mean those who aren’t interested in one or the other don’t have to try and self regulate. 

CT also needs more Mods and new T&Cs. Not a criticism, it just needs more help and much clearer information, particularly from HQ. I would suggest that in the technical section, keep threads on topic. But treat the social area a bit more like folks chatting over a coffee, where conversations happily meander a little. So long as folks are polite, and not discussing the myriad of “thou shalt not mention” list that the Club feels it needs, then it might just work, and seem a lot friendlier and more welcoming than being jumped on for deviating a little because another individual (not usually a Mod, but another poster) decides it’s not what they want to read. (I liken it to a coffee shop. You and a friend are happily chatting away, not being offensive, not being radical, but then a complete stranger, who is listening but not contributing, leans across and tells you to shut up, because your conversation has moved away from the topic heading🤷‍♀️) Not very friendly, particularly if it’s someone new, who is unsure of posting and responses.

 Perhaps the old threads regenerate due to the lack of new ones?