Is OP9 Dying?

[ruaidhri]

Is the OP9 forum dying? It sure appears that way. I just checked how many members posted in the first two months of 2009. The number is 175. According to Outpost Nine Forum Statistics the total membership is 4,853. That means that only 3.6 percent of the total membership has been active.

Over time I’ve also noticed that many of the formerly active members that contributed well thought out and interesting posts have abandoned OP9. Over the past several years I have enjoyed posting my opinions and reading those of other members. The current lack of activity has caused me to question my continued participation.

What do you think? Do you plan on sticking around?

[D-pad]

Fuck yea! (To the sticking around thing)

[Duke Luke of Juke]

The number of posters here has progressively declined since Az moved his editorials/articles/whatever to that lame website. As most of us imagined would happen. Funneling in new posters to replace any of the old that leave is a necessary part of keeping a forum active, which hasn't happened since the move.

I'll be here as long as there're still threads to reply to.

[h2orowe]

Since this place basically survives off of the old members because of Gaijin Smash moving to the Tucker Max network (whatever it's called), we no longer have people really going to outpostnine.com, which means less people will see "forums" and click the link, leading to new members. So, we only have the members who have been here since before the switch and a few who came here via referrals from existing members. Obviously, with time, people become busy and some of the regulars post infrequently or not at all. I think the longest I've gone without posting here was nearly a month because I became busy with school, had no monitor for my computer, and found it hard to find the time to post. When I have a readily available computer, I post here. I shall continue to do so until I'm the last one left because this place holds a lot of hilarious and good times for me.

[ruaidhri]

Yes, I understand loyalty. After all, I'm still here. But, so many of the old posters that made interesting comments have left leaving little beyond one liners.

D-Pad, you quote Beowulf. He hasn't posted this year. I always enjoyed his comments even when I didn't agree. Even Jay is gone. I also miss Kass and Pierrot Le Fou (even thought I often disagreed with him) and erbiumfiber among others.

Threads that show hope for interesting reading soon digress into snide remarks that put everyone off.

[D-pad]

No more Beowulf? Rejoice! Dance in the streets!

I can't believe I didn't notice that.

Anyway, Az could at least link the forum on his editorials or something...

Like, at the end of each one be like:

To discuss the editorial or just kill some time, go to my message board at

WWW.OUTPOSTNINE.COM/FORUM

[Swede]

That'd actually be a really good idea.

I've definitely noticed what you've been talking about Rudhairi. I haven't necessarily made the best contributions myself, though generally speaking there just seems to be a dropoff in the the number of threads warranting this kind of discussion. I always enjoy your posts, so I do hope you'll stick around. Aside from the obvious need for more posters, I do think that we also just need some more threads just about some more general things people can get involved with. Those always seem to be the ones that take off, whether it's relationship, 2008 election, fashion, etc. General topic followed by people's personal opinions on that type of thing. The current events stuff is good, but a lot of it today seems to be pretty tired.



tldr; the economy is hurting OP9.

[Myrsilus]

OP9 has been dying. We still have a good number of lurkers around, but I am sure the number was much greater back in the day. A big boost in member count would probably do the trick, but I guess that's easier said than done

I'll be here as long as this forum lasts since you all love me so much (and I you, but that's a secret).

[Mittens]

Man, I've been on this forum since the olden days when I was known as Nalybuites. Shit was SO cash. I miss lookin forward to the new editorials on here. But I'll be around till the site is taken down permanently <3.
I love you guys like you were my... balls.
I love my balls.. I wash em, I caress them, I write poems for them.

[riona]

I'll be sticking around, whether you people like it or not (as in, I actually have no idea of anyone's opinion of me, but I'll be staying regardless).

Anyway, I can't leave. As I've stated in the past, OP9 is where I get all my current events news. I'd have no idea what was going on in the world off-campus if I didn't come here. I might have to resort to looking it up myself! *shudder*

[SlickWilly440]

I plan on sticking around the forms as long as I'm interested in Japan; an interest which will always last.

To add onto what D-Pad said, another way to increase posting is if the admins/mods sent out a mass message to all the registered users, asking them to come back to OP9.

[farstrider]

To add onto what D-Pad said, another way to increase posting is if the admins/mods sent out a mass message to all the registered users, asking them to come back to OP9.

Hooray for spam! :karate:

[Fred]

Ruiadhri –

I liked OP9 better when there was more activity than there is now and people posted well thought out ideas. I think the more of us who give up on OP9, the less likely it is that OP9 will return to its days of glory. Since I would prefer OP9 to return to its days of glory, I am planning on sticking around.

How about making a commitment to post in at least three different threads a day until the message board picks up?

@ mittens - about that "balls" comment... I am not sure if I should be pleased or frightened.

[Jetsetlemming]

Op9 isn't anymore "dying" than Iceland is "dying" from the country's economy crashing. It's just in shitty times. :D

[Fermented Yeast Paste]

WE WILL NOT GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT

[SlickWilly440]

I agree, OP9 is just another victim of a growing trend called "Forum Recession." This worki in conjunction with the current economic recession, where in times of financial uncertainty, people are more likely not to make post on online forums, but instead spend more Internet time watching streaming videos and exploring other genres the net has to offer. This "Form Recession" should only be temporary, as long as the economy starts to improve and more people being to make posts on forums again.

[Mittens]

WE WILL NOT GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/Renkin/independenceday.jpg
WE WILL NOT STAND WITHOUT A FIGHT!

[Jetsetlemming]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v214/Renkin/independenceday.jpg
WE WILL NOT STAND WITHOUT A FIGHT!
Damn, dude looks like Harry Mason.

Have you seen a little girl? Short, black hair, just turned seven last week?

[Charrington]

Dead more so than dying, IMO

[Fermented Yeast Paste]

WE WILL NOT VANISH* WITHOUT A FIGHT!
WE'RE GOING TO LIVE ON

WE'RE GOING TO SURVIVE

[MNJetter]

I agree that the forum slowness is likely a result of Az's decision to move his editorials. I mean, I haven't even read the editorials since they moved. It's too much work to put yet another website on my list of things to keep checking up on. I'm sure Tucker's network has its own forums, on which OP9 has become a topic. People who read the editorials now are probably more likely to join those forums than these forums.

Regardless, I'll be holding out till the end as well. It's the first forum I ever enjoyed reading enough to join, and I still don't belong to any others.

[blank slate]

So long as there's some kind of activity, I'll be sticking around.

[Clear.tranquil]

I'd post more often if responses stuck to the subject and not things like spelling or burning. =p

[ruaidhri]

Again, I agree with MNJetter. OP9 was my first forum and remains my only forum. I also will stick with OP9 as long as it exists. Still, I miss the many members that no longer post.

[Shamu]

I still lurk sometimes. I just don't feel like I have a whole lot to say over here any more. That and life just kinda gets in the way. I still really like a lot of the people on here though =)

[Fermented Yeast Paste]

It's too much work to put yet another website on my list of things to keep checking up on.
Well that and I really hate the design and layout of the other site.

[Jetsetlemming]

Again, I agree with MNJetter. OP9 was my first forum and remains my only forum. I also will stick with OP9 as long as it exists. Still, I miss the many members that no longer post.
You should join Something Awful, you'd make a great goon ruaidhri.

[SlickWilly440]

Well that and I really hate the design and layout of the other site.

I've set this form layout to be"vBulletin 3 Black." It's really easy on the eye b/c most of the forum is in black.

[KAIZOKUx]

From an honest outsiders point of view its really obvious that only a few members post and because of this it seems like a really tight nit crew. When I first joined I had a simple question about cell phones in Japan and one of the first replies was someone telling me off. Apparently I had utilized all other resources to gather information and wanted to know other people's opinion on my issue. Although I didn't let that scare me off (I still come to the site and read it frequently) I am much more hesitant to post.

Maybe you do not realize it but many of you give off the impression that you do not want others posting. I never see new posters for long. Maybe a few weeks and than they drop off the face of the earth. It's sad because this seems like a really good forum with a lot of good people.

I understand the nature of joking and messing with people for fun. My friends are a lot like this. But when it happens a lot it turns some people off.

Hopefully OP9 can make a comeback. Good luck.

[ruaidhri]

Jetsetlemming, you must remember that I'm 67 years old. There's a lot I just don't get. You last post is a good example. I figured out that Something Awful must be a web site, which I soon discovered was true although it's contents certainly do not appeal to me. What I'm most confused about is how I'd make a good "goon", which is a thug hired to beat someone up.

You've lost me. I have no idea what you're talking about. Are you attempting to be funny or sarcastic?

[KAIZOKUx]

Jetsetlemming, you must remember that I'm 67 years old. There's a lot I just don't get. You last post is a good example. I figured out that Something Awful must be a web site, which I soon discovered was true although it's contents certainly do not appeal to me. What I'm most confused about is how I'd make a good "goon", which is a thug hired to beat someone up.

You've lost me. I have no idea what you're talking about. Are you attempting to be funny or sarcastic?

Goon is the name of people who post on the Something Awful forums.

[Charrington]

Hired thug was funnier though.

[MNJetter]

Well that and I really hate the design and layout of the other site.
Yeah, I wasn't gonna mention that, but that's the other half of why I don't read it anymore.

[haterllnation]

From an honest outsiders point of view its really obvious that only a few members post and because of this it seems like a really tight nit crew. When I first joined I had a simple question about cell phones in Japan and one of the first replies was someone telling me off. Apparently I had utilized all other resources to gather information and wanted to know other people's opinion on my issue. Although I didn't let that scare me off (I still come to the site and read it frequently) I am much more hesitant to post.

Maybe you do not realize it but many of you give off the impression that you do not want others posting. I never see new posters for long. Maybe a few weeks and than they drop off the face of the earth. It's sad because this seems like a really good forum with a lot of good people.

I understand the nature of joking and messing with people for fun. My friends are a lot like this. But when it happens a lot it turns some people off.

Hopefully OP9 can make a comeback. Good luck.

Good point. Actually, that was my biggest "issue" when signing up. I just waited, found a topic I could shine in and went. Also, someone who mentioned this site from another forum I frequented, posted, and opened up a window there. However, what I saw most was new people post, and they just got overlooked. They'd post a picture and say, "Hi." and it wouldn't get recognition. That stuff happened across the boards. Also, people would ask a question and be told, "it's been posted, lurk moar!" People with thin skin split.

I agree that the forum slowness is likely a result of Az's decision to move his editorials. I mean, I haven't even read the editorials since they moved.

I concur with MNJet and ever since the move, I haven't been as an active reader unless it was posted here by a member. At first, it was because I had read them all and also because of the sorting situation. However, it was just a matter of me going and reading. I'd only check out what was posted by a member of the forum. Also, Az is busy now, and hasn't been active here either. A cue, perhaps? Actually, members get busy, move on in life, and eventually, move on from the Internet. It happens.

I'll stick around until its death, my death, or until I win the lottery and realize you are a bunch of bogans and split.

tl;dr
Fujin puts crack on dead babies...:watson:

[Juvenyle]

I post sometimes, mostly lurk since I don't know a lot about Japan other than what I read. Also I found this site through one of the articles by Az

[Roxie]

Yeah, I wasn't gonna mention that, but that's the other half of why I don't read it anymore.
Try vBulletin 3 Black.

Definitely dying if not half dead.

[MNJetter]

vBulletin 3 Black would pertain to this forum, no? FYP and I are talking about the new GaijinSmash blog site. I like the layout of the forum just fine.

[SlickWilly440]

^
Yes, I'm referring to this forum, where you can select the style by scrolling to the very bottom left of the page. Oh, by style I was talking about the color. Instead of default style that uses white colors, the vBulletin 3 Black provides nice shades of black with white texts/textboxes/etc, which might be more pleasant to the eyes.

[mawande]

I posted about my bemusing time in the Japanese tax office and no one had anything to say... which is depressing when to yourself it seems kind of important.

[ミュー]

I actually like the lack of newcomers. OP9 has a more tight-knit community than other forums in my opinion. I used to post on a really huge message board but came here and have since forgotten about the other place. When I check up on it, there's nothing but posts by people I don't know.

Here, it's a far different story. I see another regular and I already know their usual stance, posting style, and background. The OP9 users in Japan are the best example of the community, though, because we have meetups and shit.

Speaking of which, we should do another one of those...

[stsparky]

I enjoy being here.

[h2orowe]

Here, it's a far different story. I see another regular and I already know their usual stance, posting style, and background. The OP9 users in Japan are the best example of the community, though, because we have meetups and shit.

Pfft, elitists. Californian OP9ers have meetups, too. Not only that, but we also have wild orgies that usually end in the male becoming pregnant. It's pretty twisted but, y'know, it's how I pay my bills.

I, too, sort of like the feeling of our, more or less, familiars only community, however, it's just a bummer when a lot of the familiars end up leaving us. :'( Damn it, PLF, I know we had our misunderstandings, but why?! You were my birthday buddy.

[Mittens]

Yeah PLF was awesome.
He was the only one of you foo's that I met irl on my trip to japan.
Guy is fuckin wise beyond words.

[MNJetter]

Yes, I'm referring to this forum, where you can select the style by scrolling to the very bottom left of the page. Oh, by style I was talking about the color. Instead of default style that uses white colors, the vBulletin 3 Black provides nice shades of black with white texts/textboxes/etc, which might be more pleasant to the eyes.
Too much black is why I don't read GaijinSmash. Why would I purposefully make my forum look depressing too? :P

[Jetsetlemming]

Black's depressing? It's a dark, cool color. I dunno where you get depressing from.

[MNJetter]

Just a personal reaction. Everybody sees colors a little differently. I like solid colors, in shades somewhere between bright and pastel. The forum doesn't really have that option, but the weird sort of pale blue that the forum default uses is closer than black. Black makes me feel, I dunno, claustrophobic. Like I need to turn on the lights.

[Trump]

I had actually stopped reading the editorials around the time he moved them anyway. The humor in them had changed and didn't appeal to me any more. It felt as if they had become more of a rant session instead of comedy style commentary about things. Oh, he still had good bits here and there, but they definately didn't feel the same. I think I looked at the new site and found it to be more of a glut of advertising than anything I cared about so I never went back.

As to the forum, people will come and go. It happens faster on the internet than elsewhere. However, there are good comments about why membership is dwindling and I think everyone has had valid points.

Personally, I log on and post during lunch at work. If I'm not at work I just don't seem to have time to be here! heh

[Firefly]

I actually would say it already died well over a year ago, when most people started to leave, and the website switch happened; not allowing a good overturn of new members/members who lose interest and leave.

I'll be here as long as the forum stays up, even if I just mostly lurk now.

[SlickWilly440]

[QUOTE=Trump]I had actually stopped reading the editorials around the time he moved them anyway. /QUOTE]

Really, the last editorials that he posted were pretty interesting. He actually posted some of the pictures from his English Teaching days. Pictures that include characters such as "Ultimate Sweetness," "Watson", and etc. He also posted an editorial out "Mari Mokkori," and interesting cartoon character that has a big bulge around it's pants.

[haterllnation]

Too much black is why I don't read GaijinSmash.

Racist.

[Micah the Great]

Oh noes! I have to say, I do seem much less busy on here than it did when i first joined. Not like i posted THAT much before, but i noticed i definitely post less often now (tho i still check about every other day for new, interesting threads)... maybe because i originally joined to ask questions about JET... and now i'm in Japan, so... sooo... you see i guess.

But in all seriousness, being on here and getting into random, ridiculous conversations and arguments has definitely helped me in my ability to convey my thoughts to others, and to think before i say something. And a lot of you guys' beliefs about ALL manner of things are different than my own, so i've got the chance to question many of my own beliefs and ways of thinking. So, that's definitely good.

Also, sometimes shit is just funny. HA... sometimes....

[stsparky]

Not dying. We're the germ of a damn good forum.

[akitaka]

Most newcomers are also quite shy to join because we seem so tight-knit. The as-mentioned verbal slug-fests that often turn up in potentially good posts only makes this harder, though it never really occurred to me up to until now to have put it as an example; we shouldn't be so inconsiderate as to scare anyone away.

Membership-entropy was inevitable; who knows when things will stir back up and out of the ice-age. We're far from dead, though.

[PopCulturePooka]

I actually think this forum is less cliquey than it used to be.

At its height the cliqueishness was really awful, but it seems to have died off some and doesn't feel as tight knit.

[h2orowe]

Nah, I think the clique that originally started was more exclusive. Eventually, half those people stopped posting and all the regulars just became part of an even larger clique. Basically, everyone who still posts here regularly is part of the clique. So, it's still there, it's just that everyone is in the clique.

[SlickWilly440]

Basically, everyone who still posts here regularly is part of the clique. So, it's still there, it's just that everyone is in the clique.

Wait.....I post regularly....|.....WOW I'm part of a clique. I've never been in a clique before, this is awesome.

[Trump]

Click... click... click... oh sorry, that's just my mouse!

Anyway, I did think the ones he was posting with pictures, about the classes and things were interesting, but I was much less excited about all the others around that time (and those were the reasons he was getting picked up by the other web network).

[apathykillsu]

howdy, i'm new. just thought you might want to know.

also i got here through azreals articles, so em... still some new dudes streaming into the site.

i do have to say having to wait a week to post (because i had to wait for a moderator to authorize me) was annoying.

also my gmail account was automatically denied from joining, i tried two other gmail accounts and they were denied to, so that may be part of the problem with gmail accounts being so common place.

em... i'll post more tomorrow it's getting late in my country and i'm sleepy.

[Dresh]

Wait.....I post regularly....|.....WOW I'm part of a clique. I've never been in a clique before, this is awesome.

You're exempt.

[MNJetter]

You have to wait for authorization now? No wonder. I don't recall ever having to do that.

[haterllnation]

Well, it probably came with the influx of spammers/bots because I don't remember waiting at all. Welcome, apathykillsu.

[OliveButtercup]

LAWLS @ the op9 clique

[belladonna]

yuss we are cliquey.... I do miss a lot of the old members though :(

[Mastiker]

I remember when I first joined OP9. I would post every single day, and not just once or twice, but multiple times a day. During school time I would skip out on doing work just to read and update. I even got the site banned from my school because I was looking at it so much.

Now I treat it like e-mail. I check it once a day, unless I'm expecting something.

[ミュー]

http://image.com.com/mp3/images/genie_images/story/streetwatch/DPGC.jpg
We OP9 Click. True.

[Jetsetlemming]

I'm part of the #op9 click, vastly superior.

[D-pad]

People still go there?

[Jetsetlemming]

All six of us.

[h2orowe]

I'd go to #op9 but I forgot how to connect to randomskkkkkkk.net

[riona]

randomskk.net/irc, ain't it?
speaking of that, i'll be on shortly. i miss you guys =/

Edit: yeah, or not.

[Firefly]

The IRC still exists? Holy crap. I remember when Random had that little website up that had the random quotes...wow I'd love to read some of the old ones.

[SlickWilly440]

So how about we all come up with a plan to get more members and increase the number of active users?

[mawande]

Respond to each other's posts? Ask questions. Pop up with "Hey, guess what happened!

Action begats reaction. And when it doesn't, I pout.

[Ceirnian]

OP9 is pretty boring so it makes sense why a lot of people don't post here anymore. Most of the people kind of suck too but that's a can of worms I'll only leave half opened.

Would love it if Azrael had a website for his stories that didn't look atrocious so I could easily check up on them, but I doubt that will happen. A RSS feed would be a nice alternative as well.

[Kyletherealninja]

You can always just click on the "Printer-friendly version" link at the top of each editorial, which puts the text on a white background. But perhaps the five seconds or so of seeing the actual Gaijinsmash page would just be too much for you.

I think every internet forum I've ever frequented has had one of these "dying out" panics at some point. Honestly, I prefer a smaller board, and less posting means less stuff to keep up with. It's not a big deal for me.

[D-pad]

Who is this guy?

[Black fist]

Ehhh, board just becoming hard to become accepted in, especially whatever the random insanity board called. Have the topics in their just breakdown in to gay posting which honestly people really don't wanna hop in on. But Ehhh I think everybody moving on, I know have sadly.

[D-pad]

Someday, he will learn how to type, but then again, I'll have no good sig material after that...

[Citizen]

Az added email confirmation and account approval a long time ago, to prevent the bots from being able to post right away. I added the captcha and email bans because we were still getting thousands of bot registrations, which made approving legitimate new members a real pain in the ass. I've pruned about 30,000 of them.

[SlickWilly440]

^
So it's the bots fault as well for the OP9's dying condition.

[Trump]

It's bots fault the internet in general sucks...

[SlickWilly440]

^
The internet does not suck. Imagine your life without the internet....there would be no OP9!!!

[Relentless]

sticking around fo' sho'.

i'm not here often anymore, though, because aside from an 8 class course load, i'm pursuing piano, intramural basketball, and getting a study-abroad deal going. and i just hang out and relax in between those. forum posting is not performable during any of the above.

[Trump]

The internet has tiny little bright spots sticking out of a truckload of crap.

[mochyan]

This forum gives off the impression of being a tight-knit forum where everyone knows each other. I know when I first came to the forums that it was pretty intimidating to start posting. I'd post more, but there aren't too many topics where I feel I can reply to and school's been taking up a lot of time.

[Swede]

It does have that feel, but that's why I joined in the first place. I really don't think that should change, it's basically what makes this place what it is, nor do I really see how it could.

[ellie]

I very rarely get on here anymore. I'm not sure WHY I'm not on here as much as I was back in the day...geez, I guess it's been a good four? five? years. I've made so many good friends through OP9, so I really should check up on y'all more often, and not merely through facebook. Actually...maybe it is Facebook's fault! A lot of the old people now communicate through Facebook and IM. Possibly?

[sakana]

I used to lurk here a lot. I would rarely post and when I did I was mostly ignored. The the new forums came and everyone got to re-register. I picked a new name and tried to fit in better with my clean slate. Then I started posting more and this was one of my favorite websites.

I'm not really sure what happened but somehow I just stopped coming here. I don't think anyone really remembers me, I was never one of the big posters and I slowed down a lot towards the end. I still check on it once in a while but not nearly as much as I used to.

It's a bit strange to see this thread on the day I decided to come back. I think I'll stay for a while.

[Myrsilus]

You're the guy with the fish avatar.

[MNJetter]

I remember you. I think I disagreed with you on something. Or took your side against everybody else who was disagreeing. I have no idea. (^_^);

Anyway, yay for coming back. We need to hang on to our members.

I too think that this is a very close-knit forum. I was a bit intimidated by it when I first joined, but I'd never had any other forum experience, so I assumed all forums were like that. Concluding that the standard way to join a forum was to just jump in and start posting, I did so, and now I'm a regular. :D

[Firefly]

I remember you!

I think people probably notice each other posting, but it would seem that if you don't disagree with them or say something funny, you'll be ignored.

[h2orowe]

I remember when I first joined here and accumulated 100 or 200 posts on my first day. Oh, great times. Great times, indeed.

And now, I'm a mod.

[Swede]

And now, I'm a mod.

Me too lawl.

[mugen]

This forum definitely is close-knit. It used to be a lot worse, but after posting here for almost 4 years I still don't feel like I'm part of the community. Not that that bothers me, but I can understand if other people find that intimidating.


@h2orowe

I remember your first weeks here. Great times, indeed. To be honest I didn't think you'd stay as long as you have after all the times plf ripped you apart.

[D-pad]

WITH HIS PENIS!

[The Divine Comedy]

Like sakana said, it's really weird I decided to pick today to check up on the old forum... If y'all still remember me, hi! :wave: I blame college for burning me out and making me stop posting. New classes, friends, etc. don't leave me much internet time. And then I spend most of it looking at cute kitty videos. Still, I miss the friends I had on here... I should start checking back more often. Maybe I can single-handedly revitalize... something. Which reminds me I need to water my plants.

[Harrison]

This forum gives off the impression of being a tight-knit forum where everyone knows each other. I know when I first came to the forums that it was pretty intimidating to start posting. I'd post more, but there aren't too many topics where I feel I can reply to and school's been taking up a lot of time.
+1

Also, you folks have gotten incredibly hostile towards people who don't have the exact same point of view that you do. Oh well, 'bye. :frypan:

[MNJetter]

Not all of us are hostile... :gloomy:

[Mastiker]

The cause of OP9's death might be that 99% of the General Discussion threads are the same 2 opinions cycled over and over again, and the Room With Padded Walls has stopped being humorous. Is the Japan thread still about Japan?

[D-pad]

FORUM NEEDS MORE JAY!

[Scarabomb]

I stopped posting so much because they blocked this site an my job so I don't get the chance to come here and casually pick up neat little tidbits of life or see what the "other internet intellectuals" have to say about their life or life in general.

During the election when this site wasn't blocked, I would peruse to see how people saw the candidates and how die-hard everyone was about their specific candidates. Now that that's all said and done, I really don't swim by here quite as much. Not to mention, I never can really relate to anyone here in terms of conversation material or the "inside skinny" which a lot of the long term members have the opportunity to keep with the other long time members (which, I wish I could have been a apart of but just can't be).

Anyway, I hope to come by here more than I have since this is actually one of the few forums I can actually stand.

[PopCulturePooka]

FORUM NEEDS MORE JAY!
Needs more guy who sends pics of his pasty ginger pubed dick to every new girl who joins?

[Duke Luke of Juke]

That certainly couldn't have been what he was referring to, because I already do that.

[Candyvan Stan]

Thanks for all the love - I've missed you guys, too.

[Saitou Hajime]

Needs more guy who sends pics of his pasty ginger pubed dick to every new girl who joins?

I will never forget the horror, nor pretend to be a girl, again.

[mawande]

Wait, what? Hey, I'm going to Tokyo tomorrow (Tuesday, April 7th) and having lunch at this lovely place in Yoyogi Uehara with a couple of friends. Anyone available?

[TommyA]

It is dying. I used to love coming here. Now no one I like to see posting, posts anymore...

[stsparky]

It is dying. I used to love coming here. Now no one I like to see posting, posts anymore...
We still love you Bro!

[Kyletherealninja]

I still read stuff a lot but haven't felt like posting much. I typically reply only to stuff that really interests me, not every little thing. And I usually *reply*... there's not much need for me to make a thread unless I have a question about something, usually Japan-related.

Of course, I did start one of the most massive threads on this forum (The Relationship Thread) so I'm sure that counts for something.

[koku]

Yeah.

[MNJetter]

It is dying. I used to love coming here. Now no one I like to see posting, posts anymore...
That doesn't mean the forum itself is dying. Just your interest in it. :P

*****

On a separate note, I've noticed lately that I haven't been posting as much as I did when I first joined, either. I think, for me at least, it's because we've already had threads for most major issues out there. We've had threads about (or that came to be about) abortion, religion, politics, racism, feminism, fascism, PLF-ism, language, history, fashion, relationships....the list goes on and on. Not that that's a bad sign. But most of the people who post here have been here a while, and know the general personalities of the other people who post here. In other words, it's not very motivating to start one of the really incendiary topics that generates a lot of posts, because we sort of already know how people are going to reply. Or at least in my experience, many of our similar-to-but-not-same-as-past-threads topics tend to end up sounding like repetitions, but less interesting, because the people who posted in the first thread end up trying to paraphrase what they said in the previous thread, and it never ends up as detailed the second time around.

Not complaining, mind you. Just thought of that the other day when I was looking for threads to post on.

[Arctic_Slicer]

When Gaijinsmash.net was launched I knew that these forums were destined to die a slow death. Most new readers to Azreal's blog will post their thought in the comments section and wont even know of the existence of these forums. These forums exist "just because" and are merely a remnant of the community that once thrived here. Not even Azrael posts on these forums much anymore a such sign that their purpose has long since passed.

My causes for not coming here as much has more to due with the community here becoming more hostile and moderators who don't seem to care.

[Perfekt]

It was only MMJetters prosaic pedantry that originally got me to post in the first place, i was content to simply read the forums for current affairs news and the like. I still do, i just rarely post. I do miss erbiumfiber and PLF, among others, and a guy from san francisco who's avatar was an owl, forget his name. I havent seen the Other guy from Liverpool post much lately either.

xx

[Swede]

That doesn't mean the forum itself is dying. Just your interest in it. :P

*****

On a separate note, I've noticed lately that I haven't been posting as much as I did when I first joined, either. I think, for me at least, it's because we've already had threads for most major issues out there. We've had threads about (or that came to be about) abortion, religion, politics, racism, feminism, fascism, PLF-ism, language, history, fashion, relationships....the list goes on and on. Not that that's a bad sign. But most of the people who post here have been here a while, and know the general personalities of the other people who post here. In other words, it's not very motivating to start one of the really incendiary topics that generates a lot of posts, because we sort of already know how people are going to reply. Or at least in my experience, many of our similar-to-but-not-same-as-past-threads topics tend to end up sounding like repetitions, but less interesting, because the people who posted in the first thread end up trying to paraphrase what they said in the previous thread, and it never ends up as detailed the second time around.

Not complaining, mind you. Just thought of that the other day when I was looking for threads to post on.


I think that's pretty spot on. Plus, in terms of current events and such there isn't anything as major as say, the presidential election going on, so not much there.... :-/


More users is still probably the answer, if Az could do more to direct people this way it'd do a lot methinks.

[MNJetter]

It was only MMJetters spelling -1 punctuation -1 prosaic pedantry that originally got me to post in the first place, redundancy -1, punctuation -1 i capitalization -1 was content to simply read the forums for current affairs news and the like. I still do, punctuation -1 i capitalization -1 just rarely post. I do miss erbiumfiber and PLF, among others, and a guy from san francisco capitalization -1 who's punctuation -1 avatar was an owl, forget his name sentence fragment -1. I havent seen the Other capitalization -1 guy from Liverpool post much lately either.
Don't step up to the plate with a broken bat, man. And never attempt to insult a linguist without proofreading your posts.

(Though granted, if you hadn't misspelled my name, I probably wouldn't have been amused enough to mention anything)

-11. See me after class.

[h2orowe]

Someone's going to be getting a spanking.

[stsparky]

But it looks like he'd enjoy it. Here's to love! Cheers!

[ruaidhri]

There is no shortage of critical issues. Throughout the world, economies are embroiled in the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Piracy threatens the high seas costing industries, charities and countries hundreds of millions of dollars. The threat of a terrorist attack is every present. The U.S. is fighting two wars with serious threats to peace in Iran, North Korea and yes, even in Pakistan. Intolerance reigns supreme whether it is manifested through considering any difference to be a threat or by reacting to every infraction with the sledgehammer of zero-tolerance.

What’s in short supply on OP9 are members willing to spend the time to seriously discuss the issues. It’s a waste of effort to create a serious thread that’s only read and receives no equally well thought out serious responses, especially responses that present alternative points of view. Consider how many members whose posts we enjoyed reading that are gone from active membership. The OP9 forum is now only a mere shadow of its former self with most members hastily jotting down one or two sentences of self-appreciation or rude commentaries on other members’ posts.

Do I hold any hope for OP9? Of course, I do! But, unless Azrael again becomes involved and brings in new members, I’m afraid the forum is doomed. My opinion is that Azrael wishes to move on with his life and no longer has any interest in OP9 and this forum. If I’m wrong he better act soon because death approaches.

[CNagy]

I rather hope OP9 isn't dying. I have a lot of good memories of this place, and I get an e-mail once a year drawing me back here. Just reading some of the threads around here have sparked an old, almost forgotten urge to argue about something until I am pacing around my living room in a full on adrenaline hit, so I might stick around longer than usual. Live on, OP9.

[h2orowe]

Missed you, Cnagy.

[ruaidhri]

Gratuitously Bald or Cnagy, or whatever your user name is, your coming back is the best OP9 news I've had in a long time.

Welcome back!

[Trump]

Well, as the core of a forum ages and their lives change, they will drift away. Unless a new core comes in to replace the original, it will slowly fade away. There is currently no way to replace those that are leaving since there is no link to the outside world.

Does anyone know of other forums that don't move too quickly (like where I can log in once a day and check things without feeling overwhelmed) and still have meaningful discussions?

[haterllnation]

Maybe we could get a few more added to the ranks if those "guests" became "members." Seriously, if there was any time to join, now would be it. Besides, all the posters that may have deterred people from hopping over don't/won't even post anymore.

Also, Happy Birthday, cnagy. That's the email, I'm guessing (besides the hint on the bottom of the main page).

[CNagy]

Thanks everybody, I'm glad to be back. And yeah, the automated birthday mail is what drew me back here. So who do I talk to these days about going back to CNagy as a username?

[Roxie]

I missed you too! Yay!

[Myrsilus]

Citizen can do it. If I had the power, I'd do it for you.

And for lots of you. You wouldn't even have to ask; I'd just know you needed a name change. I'm good like that. Citizen is good like that, too.

[mawande]

I had a very good lunch with Myu.

[Masa the Masta]

This was the only forum I've ever been in that actually had intelligent discussion, intelligent arguments, etc.

You really can't go on other forums expecting much anymore, since everyone now treats forums like they were on 4chan.

I hate to say it, what with being only 21 and all but I remember when forums were not 1 liners. Its sad, but it happens.

Anyway, its good seeing some old faces and names, I missed you all, though you guys probably don't remember me, haha. :watson:

[stsparky]

This was the only forum I've ever been in that actually had intelligent discussion, intelligent arguments, etc.

You really can't go on other forums expecting much anymore, since everyone now treats forums like they were on 4chan.

I hate to say it, what with being only 21 and all but I remember when forums were not 1 liners. Its sad, but it happens.

Anyway, its good seeing some old faces and names, I missed you all, though you guys probably don't remember me, haha. :watson:
Nick - post more please ...

[Masa the Masta]

Nick - post more please ...

Hahaha, Santos I still have your gun! :) If you ever wanted it back one of these days let me know, I'll be in SoCal / Orange County area next month and in July.

Well July I'll be in Downtown L.A, but still. :D Good to hear from you dude.

[Sock Full of Boiled Dimes]

The Internet is too much of a contest of everyone trying to be just as awesome as those folks on 4chan.

Like Masa said this forum is one of the better ones I've been on.

[Vic_Rattlehead]

Whats a 4chan? :knockout:

[Dresh]

Whats a 4chan? :knockout:

An exploding van.

[Neon Pink Shoehorn]

I think things have changed. I haven't been on much since I sold my soul to the military. I have stuff to do, and consequences to face if I don't do them. OP9 is a luxury to me, not of money, but of time.

[stsparky]

Hahaha, Santos I still have your gun! :) If you ever wanted it back one of these days let me know, I'll be in SoCal / Orange County area next month and in July. Well July I'll be in Downtown L.A, but still. :D Good to hear from you dude.
Gun is yours to keep. Come here more often.

[Masa the Masta]

Gun is yours to keep. Come here more often.

Will do. I am planning a move to SoCal sometime in the future. After a timespan of about a year.

[Citizen]

We're as alive as an anencephalitic baby.

[Firefly]

Nick, if you don't mind me asking, where are you living now?

[Masa the Masta]

Nick, if you don't mind me asking, where are you living now?

Lol, same old same old, for the next few months. Technically at my sister's, I have my own little studio complete with bathroom that I live by myself in, but same town and everything.

I plan on moving to Houston for a certain job for a year, and then come back and work full time in Cali once I get more job experience on my resume that I can market, while hopefully going somewhere like CSU Long Beach part time, living on my own, paying bills, and working towards a degree at my pace (without racking up a debt)

At least, that's the plan for now. We'll see how it goes. I'm not in a rush to get a B.A, I'm 21. :watson:


Also, yeah I know months ago I posted about a DUI. Ha! I just took the hit and said fuck it. Next month I get my license back and I have another 1300 or so left to pay off on the fine. Oops. :bang:

Lesson learned. Won't happen again. :frypan:

Now I just need to expunge it after I pay off all those fines so that I can say on my job applications, "NOPE, I'VE BEEN A GOOD BOY."

[Urameshi YuSooKey]

Yeah I'd just assumed Masa got locked up. Good to see ya back.

[D-pad]

Sparky, can I have a gun?:innocent:

[CNagy]

Hey... I'm me again. Thanks Citizen! (I'm assuming.)

[Citizen]

Yup.

[Masa the Masta]

Yeah I'd just assumed Masa got locked up. Good to see ya back.

Locked up?? PFFF.

I just substituted for 2 days of community service than 2 days in county.

Does it look like I wanna get plugged in the butt by Tyrone? NO THANKS. :knockout:

[Fred]

Does it look like I wanna get plugged in the butt by Tyrone? NO THANKS. :knockout:

There is just something about this quote and the expression on the face of your avatar that seem to go together. It's like you are actually thinking, "Do I want to get plugged in the butt? NO THANKS"

[TygressVirgo]

I don't know where I fit into the scheme of things, but I do love this forum. What I like the most is seeing familiar faces and knowing most of the people who post here. I often do not post, because I feel like I do not have much to offer to the conversation that hasn't been said before. That and it is intimidating to post on this forum.

all in all, I'm here to stay.