I think it's quite possible that Typophile isn't what it used to be, not because certain people drive others away, but simply because people get over the novelty, get bored, and move on.
I don't participate as much as I used to because a) I realize what a procrastination enabler it is, and b) joining in on a discussion usually implies a commitment to pay attention at least for a while. I only have so much time and attention.
Honestly, since starting Typeboard I am starting to realize that I feel the same way. I thought Typophile just had a lot of problems with bad code and Hrant and spam but maybe the era of web forums is over.
Honestly, between checking my favorite type people on Twitter occasionally and getting together in person (locally and at conferences) I don't know that it's really necessary. I find Typophile most useful for technical questions. Those are the discussions I pay most attention to. Everything else is noise and potential time sucks.
I learned a lot from the Typophile forum and still go back to look up things. I have found it not drawing my attention for a while though. Some of that is just that there aren't as many interesting discussions going, but the main reason is that type ID has completely over taken it. Granted I can just click down to a non-type ID section, but I think the Type ID thing should just be another forum altogether. Maybe it and the MyFonts version should hook up and elope.
I perceive a lot of the non-ID Typophile discussions as posturing, plain and simple. Posturing by inexperienced young, nicely complemented by older people who should know better. If they were actually designing anything, they would not have the time …
I think a lot of would-be newcomers are turned off of Typophile before ever signing up — it has a very pretentious atmosphere at times. Then again, I'm new to the game and still signed up there.
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I think it's quite possible that Typophile isn't what it used to be, not because certain people drive others away, but simply because people get over the novelty, get bored, and move on.
I don't participate as much as I used to because a) I realize what a procrastination enabler it is, and b) joining in on a discussion usually implies a commitment to pay attention at least for a while. I only have so much time and attention.
On the other hand, the critical mass it takes to sustain an on-line forum don't happen over night, my friends.
I noticed the same thing. That timing roughly corresponds with the last big Typophile update, which broke Google search again.