Fewer posts lately

[tbdana]

It seems that since the security has been raised hereabouts there have been many fewer posts. Correlation does not equal causation, of course, but I wonder if waiting a couple seconds to be verified as human has driven folks away. There seems to be much less traffic overall, and far fewer posts.

Am I imagining this?

[WilliamLang]

From my perspective it's felt pretty pessimistic lately, and there's only so many conversations to be had that are based around lack/insufficiency.

[tbdana]

From my perspective it's felt pretty pessimistic lately, and there's only so many conversations to be had that are based around lack/insufficiency.

I've only seen three such related threads. The too many performance degrees thread, the not enough gigs thread, and and the "I feel bad for young trombonists" thread, the latter two which I started as spinoffs from the first one, not wanting to derail those threads, and all of which are here in Tangents. Are those what you're talking about? Or are there others? I see an overwhelming number of positive and informational threads all over this forum. What am I missing that you are blaming for the reduced traffic?

[WilliamLang]

There's the too many performance degrees thread, the not enough gigs thread, the pet peeves thread, the viability of trombone as a solo instruments thread, where several of them have well over 100 posts, which for this board is a large amount.

I don't know though, I'm just trying to answer your question in an honest and open way and kinda feel (you can decide if I'm right or wrong to feel any certain way) like I'm getting grilled.

Maybe it's just the security thing, but I know how I feel after reading most of the longer conversations here.

[tbdana]

Well, I'm sorry you feel that way. Certainly, if there are over a hundred posts in these threads that says people have some interest in the subject. But I think you're focusing on a tiny minority of threads. There are hundreds that aren't like that. And I also am sorry you feel like you're being grilled. I certainly am not doing that (and having been an attorney for 30 years I know how to do it when I want to), but I did want to find out if your post was a shot at me, since I started two of the threads you seemed to be complaining about, and now you've added the "pet peeve" thread which was also mine (though intended as lighthearted fun).

In any case, I'll try to be cognizant that you and perhaps other folks are turned-off by threads that might feel "pessimistic." I'm actually in my heart and words hugely celebrating and supportive of trombone, trombonists, and music in general. I thought that came through. Perhaps not!

And it now occurs to me that you might thing that THIS thread is "pessimistic" too. I'm starting to think maybe I just shouldn't post at all.

[WilliamLang]

I'm not taking shots at you - just trying to answer your question in an honest and open way. It's also not the creation of the threads, but the content within that makes me personally feel more pessimistic about being here. I've tried to take ownership over my own feelings and impressions here, and not blame anyone, including you, specifically.

[JohnL]

There seems to be much less traffic overall, and far fewer posts.

Am I imagining this?

I do not believe you are imagining it. FWIW, I have also noticed less activity of late.

Correlation does not equal causation, of course, but I wonder if waiting a couple seconds to be verified as human has driven folks away.

I think we lost some people during the time when access to TC was varying between "slow" and "not at all" (i.e., the situation that necessitated the implementation of "human verification"). People just got out of the habit of visiting TC and have not returned.

I know I'm posting less, but that's because the discussions lately haven't been covering subjects upon which I can offer input of any value. I have neither academic credentials nor a professional resume (at least not in music), I've never taken lessons from a teacher of note.

[officermayo]

So.... a hread about why there's fewer posts becomes a negative one.

Whodathunkit?

[MStarke]

Clearly, but seemingly unavoidable, the security issues and related downtimes have made some people leave the chat.

I also feel that a more open and friendly, less confronting way of discussion could help. I am still kind of active here, but really think twice if I will post something because of how some of the threads went.

I do actually have a group of threads in mind that I personally would find very interesting. maybe others as well. I might start that in the next days.

[hyperbolica]

I'm sure it's the security thing. You can't just casually pop in, it's a process. Sometimes clearing security takes more than a minute.

I had a whole set of websites that i just trashed due to security being such a time suck and a hassle, and just generally decreasing the value of everything. If the site gets hacked, it's even worse.

I don't even read those threads. I hate the swirling sound of a bunch of time getting flushed.

[harrisonreed]

Most of what I'd been reading the last month or so was from the pessimistic threads. Those had the highest activity, at any rate. The rest are either job postings or classifieds.

The forum has felt pretty "blah" lately, so I've at least been posting less frequently, for sure. When the whole "new posts" section is just job postings and, ironically, "I feel bad for young trombonists" (despite the massive list of jobs), I just tune it out.

It's great that the jobs are being posted, btw, I just can't personally make a career move so they are pointless to me.

[Crazy4Tbone86]

I agree that the transition to the new security measures has created less traffic, I remain optimistic that traffic will pick up again. For me, the topics haven’t grabbed my attention in the last couple of months.

I am more of a nuts and bolts “how do you play this?” or “how do you practice to achieve this?” kind of person. Many of the recent topics have not gone that direction.

I do want to give credit to people like Dana for trying to stir up interest. I think Dana enjoys talking about the realm of how trombonists interact with each other (socially and musically) and her posts have created a lot of new posts.

This whole thing with bots coming in to seek information and Matt needing to create a security step was quite a jolt to TromboneChat. Let’s give it some time to settle and not jump to any conclusions. We need to be optimistic.

[sacfxdx]

If a couple seconds is too long to wait then you really do not want be here anyway.

Just my $.02

[BPBasso]

Summer vacations have ended, many are back to full time work or school. US/Global politics could be weighing many down dependent on their personal situation.

I've personally been swamped in home repair work, and dealt with some health issues recently...leaving me with little energy to read through posts and attempt to join discussions meaningfully. Plus, after picking up the trombone again a few months ago, there's only so much I can search, ask, and learn from online resources .. time is better spent playing than chatting about the trombone. I'll add I sometimes wish there were more to hear on the forum.

I might agree with some pessimism here and there, but that's online & text based nature in my experience. Hard to read through the lines sometimes. Dig for the facts and answers, then move on. People tend to come across as harsh and brash, even when there were no ill-intentions.

I've been away from the trombone for quite a few years, but there seems to be more WTS than WTB in the market areas. Seems many are selling off a bit of their equipment. I could be very wrong about this, just an assumption on my end.

[WGWTR180]

I agree. Guessing it's a combination of "back to school" and other life priorities getting in the way. I also think that many here are just overloaded with the constant social media barrage of world, national, and local "news." For many, including myself on occasion, I just need to turn everything off and practice or work on my house. As far as connecting to this site it takes me a total of about 10 seconds to "verify that I am a human." I cannot imagine that amount of time would keep anyone from getting on this site.

[harrisonreed]

Yes, the cloudfare or whatever it is has not had any effect on me posting. Life definitely has, as well as trying to spend all my waking hours being more productive. Also the general flavor of topics has been kind of lame lately, as already discussed.

My favorite topics have always been about technique and how to approach teaching or learning the instrument. The social topics, not so much.

[Matt K]

There have been several periods in the past where fewer posts have been made. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, IMO. Sometimes there isn't much to say.

I've been rather busy getting a band together (apbrassband.com if you're curious!). I wrote a ton of charts for it, had our first rehearsal last week, and have one gig later in the month. So I'm pretty excited to have something finally off the ground, but getting from 0 -> 1 for something like this is an enormous effort! Now that it's at "1" so to speak, we'll see where that goes from here!

[tbdana]

There have been several periods in the past where fewer posts have been made. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, IMO. Sometimes there isn't much to say.

I've been rather busy getting a band together (apbrassband.com if you're curious!). I wrote a ton of charts for it, had our first rehearsal last week, and have one gig later in the month. So I'm pretty excited to have something finally off the ground, but getting from 0 -> 1 for something like this is an enormous effort! Now that it's at "1" so to speak, we'll see where that goes from here!

Congrats! I know that takes a tremendous amount of work. Good for you! Keep it up. Maybe you'll be my inspiration to do something similar.

[Posaunus]

I've been rather busy getting a band together (apbrassband.com if you're curious!). I wrote a ton of charts for it, had our first rehearsal last week, and have one gig later in the month. So I'm pretty excited to have something finally off the ground, but getting from 0 -> 1 for something like this is an enormous effort!

Very ambitious, Matt. Good luck!

[JLivi]

For me, it's the extra security, and the way the "new posts" button works now. It used to filter out only the posts I haven't seen which allowed me to see if/when people replied to a thread I was mentally following.

But now that when I click on the new posts button and there are 759 matches (as of right now) it makes it harder for me to navigate the site.

Also, I'm not in the market for anything and I generally scope the classifieds and haven't needed to in a while. Although that Rejano Practice mute thread has me coming back waiting for those people that bought Gen II mutes to put their Gen I mutes up for sale

And another thing, the school year just started, and I'm not sure how many educators or private teachers we have on here, but my schedule just got WAY busier. I went from working 3-4 days/week to 6-7 days per week.

[bassclef]

Sometimes, I can't get this site to load for a week at a time or more no matter how long I wait. I often will leave a browser tab open for hours and it will never load the index page.

[fsgazda]

Sometimes, I can't get this site to load for a week at a time or more no matter how long I wait. I often will leave a browser tab open for hours and it will never load the index page.

I had a similar problem. I accidentally discovered that if I let it try for a few seconds, then close that tab and open a new one and go to the bookmark it always loads for me now.

As for fewer posts, I think a lot of it is back-to-school, some is the new security issues, and as has been said, there are sometimes lulls when the regular members get a little distracted by other things or just bored with the topics (which tend to frequently be rehashes of things that have been discussed over and over). If you've been a member for years (going back to TTF), there's not a lot that you haven't seen.

[tbdana]

Well, there will be fewer posts from me for a while, at least. I can't seem to post without ruffling people's feathers even when I post funny memes and jokes, so I'll be backing away for now, too.

[Kdanielsen]

From my perspective it's felt pretty pessimistic lately, and there's only so many conversations to be had that are based around lack/insufficiency.

I agree. That's why I've been taking a break.

[harrisonreed]

Well, there will be fewer posts from me for a while, at least. I can't seem to post without ruffling people's feathers even when I post funny memes and jokes, so I'll be backing away for now, too.

Dana, calling out profanity is trying to make this place better, same as you are. Backing away because of that is unreasonable. You should have the same thick skin you want everyone else to have. It's not the end of the world for people to tell you to not use bad words.

[mattbone]

As a relatively newer/younger member I activity have to avoid the pessimistic threads. I just got my undergrad degree last winter and i’m currently freelancing and lesson teaching.

As a younger person who, coincidentally talks to other young people, everyone is well aware of the current prospects of freelancing or winning a job. My intro to the music industry was covid and when I entered school and turned 18 so there was no basis of “the good times” so seeing the pessimistic threads here about those times makes me feel extremely sour over my prospects and is fairly bad for my mental heath.

I think the thread that most turned me off from really interacting was the too many music degree programs. I’m not from a smaller school, but I think it can just be hard seeing people that are in the same industry say that, in a way, I “wasted my time” getting my degree when most people already know that “there’s no money in music.”

[hyperbolica]

I think it can just be hard seeing people that are in the same industry say that, in a way, I “wasted my time” getting my degree when most people already know that “there’s no money in music.”

Well, you know, somebody has to do it. Might as well be you. The time is never wasted. You'll use that experience for something, even if you later become an accountant or an engineer. The people who feed kids with bs like "you can do whatever you want to do" are responsible for this situation.

I went to 2 years of music school, then 4 years as a musician in the Navy, and then engineering school and a career as an engineer.

None of the time was really wasted. I now play as a relatively good amateur player who doesn't worry about money. There's no need to let this mess you up mentally. Stuff rarely goes to plan, but somehow it still works out.

[Finetales]

At least 90% of my posts are in the Instruments forum, so if there aren't any active threads that interest me there, I'm probably not posting much. And I think a lot of members are the same way.

In the past there have been threads lamenting how most of the activity here is gear-related, but I do think when there's less activity in the Instruments forum there's also less activity overall.

[Cmillar]

Less posts is probably good news!

It means that we as musicians/trombonists might actually be spending our time practicing, rehearsing or creating something and getting ready to get more music out to the world during these chaotic times.

The world needs us and what we're all doing.

And it's great to be able to check in to TromboneChat to see what's going on around the world!

Let's get at it! (....as I kick myself in the butt!)

[WGWTR180]

I'll say too that most just seem on edge and overly sensitive these days. One tiny bit of criticism or advice and people just "take their toys and go home." Why keep adding to your stress by stressing out over posts.

[Geordie]

For me, it's the extra security, and the way the "new posts" button works now.
Snip

But now that when I click on the new posts button and there are 759 matches (as of right now) it makes it harder for me to navigate the site.

Snip

Logging out at the end of each visit has eased this problem for me. You may have already tried it of course, when someone suggested that a little while ago.

[Posaunus]

Fewer posts? If so, why is my "New posts" folder overflowing every day with fresh posts of all sorts?
My problem is "Too many posts to read!"

[JLivi]

Logging out at the end of each visit has eased this problem for me. You may have already tried it of course, when someone suggested that a little while ago.

I was unaware of this. I'll definitely give it a try.

Well, there will be fewer posts from me for a while, at least. I can't seem to post without ruffling people's feathers even when I post funny memes and jokes, so I'll be backing away for now, too.

I personally like your posts. They're a little different than the OG trombone forum type posts and I find that refreshing. Especially knowing that they're coming from a great player!

Less posts is probably good news!

It means that we as musicians/trombonists might actually be spending our time practicing, rehearsing or creating something and getting ready to get more music out to the world

Why practice when I can just buy a new mouthpiece from a fellow member and improve my tone for 2.5 weeks while also increasing my range by a major 2nd!!?

[BaritoneJack]

It seems that since the security has been raised hereabouts there have been many fewer posts. Correlation does not equal causation, of course, but I wonder if waiting a couple seconds to be verified as human has driven folks away. There seems to be much less traffic overall, and far fewer posts.

Am I imagining this?

Honestly, if you think Trombone Chat has gone quiet, take a look at The Mouthpiece forum, which was thriving only a few years back. I've not been playing brass regularly for the last 3 / 4 years, for various reasons (some personal, some health problems), but I've found myself a very friendly and supportive band to play with, so things are finally looking up. But, when I started looking at The Mouthpiece again - what happened? It's as dead as the proverbial doornail!

Over the last 4 / 6 weeks, when I log on, I'm invariably the only member on-line; the few dozen others are guests. Some of the sub-forums on TMP haven't had a new post in 2 or even 3 years! Just out of interest, I tried running an internet search using the search term "brass band, forums" - that came up with a mere half dozen returns, all based in Germany (and, naturally enough, in German, which I don't speak).

Re. my long layoff; part was due to cartilage in my knee falling apart (just worn out), so I was virtually bed-bound for four months while my useless doctor's practise made one wrong diagnosis after another; another was lung damage from Phosgene in an industrial accident in 1964, which is finally catching up with me, and has forced me to quit playing baritone horn - but, with a lot of helpful advice and encouragement from other band members, I'm making the switch to tenor horn (Eb alto horn, US?), and this is going quite well.

So far, I haven't tried playing trombone again, but I do have an Odyssey Premier which I picked up for a hundred quid on Ebay a few months back - so I'll give it a go tomorrow and see what happens.

Finally, I note that @Moomin Dave is still showing as a member on here. I had a number of exchanges with him, via TMP, when I first got started on brass as a mere lad of 68 (!), and found him to be a mine of practical and very informed advice. So, if you read this, Dave - thank you, and I hope you are well!

With best regards to you all,

Baritone Jack (Peak District, Derbyshire, England)

[Wilktone]

The Trombone Forum had basic stats anyone could look at, but a lot more to look at behind the scenes when I was an admin there. I would imagine that there’s some way the admins here could look and see if it’s actually true that there are fewer posts lately. Sometimes we can get fooled by impressions. My recollection from TTF is that things tended to quiet down during the summer and when school resumed (in the Northern Hemisphere) things got busier. I dunno if any trend here could also be seasonal, but I agree with others who have mentioned it.

But it does appear, to me, that engagement on dedicated Internet forums in general are not as active as they once were. It seems as if other sites, like Reddit and Facebook, may have drawn some folks away who might otherwise go to a dedicated forum. I also suspect that video sites like YouTube and TikTok serve similar purposes to other folks.

I was curious about competition from another trombone dedicated forum not attached to a larger site (e.g., Reddit). Doing a Google search (while logged into my Google account) and searching for “forum about trombone” and “trombone forum” didn’t lead to a link here until a ways down. The first links went to what seem like random posts, rather than the home page. I don’t know squat about SEO, but that surprised me. But trying the same thing with other topics yielded similar results. It looks like social media sites have replaced dedicated forums, at least for a certain demographic.

[Digidog]

Well....if I don't have something to say, I usually do not say anything.

[hyperbolica]

I've had a web presence of one sort or another since 1995. I ran professional sites. TC could be considered a semi-pro site because there are pros and high and low end non-pros. The stats follow the school calendar. Mid-September traffic should be up. Most pro sites are heavy usage M-F, but this one is probably heavier on weekends.

The big things that kill traffic are:
1) people are on vacation
2) access is somehow limited
3) big distractions

I think we've got a combo of 2 & 3.

[VJOFan]

I don't understand search optimization or anything about internet search engines. I use several devices to access the forum so I don't bookmark, I search. The searches don't bring up the homepage anymore. If I am lucky I get a link to a random thread a few hits into the search returns.

People just might not be finding the place anymore. New users often started threads once. That traffic kept things going.

[Savio]

It's because the holyday is over and it's soon winter. It's a busy time for all. And also, mostly all trombone related stuff is already covered here. And also I think the younger generation have their own channels on internet. Let's face it, we are mostly old people hanging here. I looked in my mirror today....

Leif

[Matt K]

It's because the holyday is over and it's soon winter. It's a busy time for all. And also, mostly all trombone related stuff is already covered here. And also I think the younger generation have their own channels on internet. Let's face it, we are mostly old people hanging here. I looked in my mirror today....

Leif

I personally like to think I've solved all of the problems. Nothing to see here, move along!

[Savio]

It's because the holyday is over and it's soon winter. It's a busy time for all. And also, mostly all trombone related stuff is already covered here. And also I think the younger generation have their own channels on internet. Let's face it, we are mostly old people hanging here. I looked in my mirror today....

Leif

I personally like to think I've solved all of the problems. Nothing to see here, move along!

Exactly Matt! But there is some question's that will always be there. What slide lubricant, and where exactly is the 5th positions.

[CharlieB]

So.... a hread about why there's fewer posts becomes a negative one.
Whodathunkit?

Dunno about the current topic, but I note the Officer Mayo picture showing the trombone case with military style kill/mark trumpets painted on it. Subtle, but appropriate.

[HornboneandVocals]

Just for me, about 80%-90% of the time I try to check this site, the captcha fails me and/or gets stuck refreshing over and over. So I just got in the habit of being less active due to not being able to actually 'get on' every time I wanted to.

[BrassSection]

2 excuses for me:

Concentrating on trumpet right now. Trumpet buddy gave me a few Pickett mouthpieces to try in my trumpet. May have found a winner.

Home project. In week 3 of gutting living room to the studs and redoing it. Yes, old plaster. Repaired structural concerns with overhead floor joists. Updated electrical from 3 floor boxes to 10 wall receptacles. Insulated outside walls. 2nd coating of mud on new drywall today.

Spent very little time relaxing, e-mail really backed up!

[BrassSection]

Just for me, about 80%-90% of the time I try to check this site, the captcha fails me and/or gets stuck refreshing over and over. So I just got in the habit of being less active due to not being able to actually 'get on' every time I wanted to.

Ditto that