Has the AnswerBank got competitors?

[Dudley]

I left the AB for a couple of years. When I was a regular before, the site was very lively with loads of contributors. Where have they all gone. Andy Hughes and Ethel particularly and there was lots of banter (some of it ridiculous admittedly) on the Sports section. I once had 250 replies to one of my posts. Nowadays there seems very few. Just the odd three or four new questions per day. Has some other site appeared and attracted many of the ABers? I have to say the site is nowhere near as good as it was. I liked the three star response rating and the offer of previous similar answers to a new question and the note under each respondents name as to how many posts etc. Anyone else agree?

[dizmouk2009]

I wouldn't know about competitors but I can tell you that there is a close community of people that tend to talk to each other at specific times of the day.

[steg]

i disagree, the site is a lot better now than it has been for years

[dothawkes31]

hello Dudley, I don't stay on AB for any length of time to notice what is going on, but it is still here .

[society]

here here! Steggy and ahmskunnirt. LOL LOL

[daffy654]

I'll respond to any subject I have an opinion on. I haven't been on for the last few days as my PC blew up on Christmas day and I have to use my son's PC when he lets me.lol

[ummmm]

I think a lot of users that posted on sports went elsewhere when the brought in the beta format.

[Dudley]

Nice to see your post Dot (Hawkes). You are one of the old favourites I was referring to and I hadn't seen since returning. I hope you are well.

[Dudley]

Hi steg. Please enlighten me what the improvements are that cause you to say that 'the site is a lot better than it has been for years'. I would really like to know what they are.

[Sqad]

Dudley:

To answer your question, read the "Come on Now" thread in Chatterbank.

The site HAS changed, but, in my opinion not necessarily for the better.

[trt]

I think its a lot more friendlier than it was 2/3 years ago.
People just tried to insult you then or take the pi$$ like legend and his mates.

[steg]

hi Dudley, i think the site is better moderated now and because of that, it is friendlier. The Ab team seem to be more involved, looking for ways to improve the site.
i do think that it would be a good idea to have beside/... user name, joining date and post count as well. I can't remember if that facility was about when i joined here nearly 5 years ago but i don't think it was.
Anyway, if you have any ideas that you think may improve the site etc, you could email the Ed and i'm sure he will consider any ideas that you may have.

welcome back
steg

[Dudley]

Steg, You make some serious points and I have to agree that particularly the Sport section used to be quite aggressive way back and quite childish, particularly relating to Football. Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad to be back. I don't think the Sport section has improved by being fragmented into sections for the reason that some people post in the specific section whereas others in the general Sport section which means you have to look in both. The same applies to Technology. It is still THE site for getting good advice and there are some very clever people out there looking in and giving their advice for free. I've always appreciated that.