Many but the largest (like WUS, which has a bunch of lame threads, daily) seem to have devolved into WRUW sites. Frankly, even here, that's the most active area, and many of the threads elsewhere don't seem to have a ton of activity any more.
Maybe too many forum sites, covering what really is, a niche market/hobby?
I also have an interest in sports car endurance racing (another niche market/hobby), and there are really only two very active forums, one based in North America, and one in England (the larger more active one).
Maybe some folks don't want to talk about what they have? I've only been around watch forums for about 6-7 years, and I've seen more guys stop posting and dissappear into the ethernet than have stuck around that amount of time.
Is there enough watch news to talk about on a daily basis? There's another watch forum that I've stopped posting in, because they're asking memebers to donate money to pay the mods with, and they're closing off forums, unless you're a "premium member" (paying the owner). They claim to be a friendly forum, but that doesn't strike me as friendly. And the most active members comprise about six guys.
I don't know the reasons, but many forums of many different types, seem to be drying up.


Just putting some ideas out there...

Oh, absolutely. I was editing my post while you entered yours, Eddie, touching on, or trying to, that exact thing.

mrneddles wrote:I think there is plenty of daily watch content out there. Just look at ablogtoread and hodinkee. But much of that content is just not discussion worthy. For example, IWC makes a boutique only aviator style tribute to Mohammad Ali? WTF? The concept is ridiculous and not worth writing
about.

I think a healthy forum has a diverse group of collectors each contributing to different sections (new reviews, movement info, daily deals, sales/trades, get togethers etc). A team effort I guess.

Many have moved on to other media, such as Facebook, which is a fast way to reach millions. However, with those millions comes hoards of social rejects like Eddie mentions.

I do read those two, along with Oceanic, and Haute Horlogerie, and they often all report on the same stories, daily, or within a day or two of each other. I was refering to something new, daily, to post about on a watch forum, other than WRUW.
And yes, the more "social media" one is exposed to, does increase the number of freaks one runs across.

I received this email today...

Subject: BREAKING NEWS - Merger of XMT and WM Today at 2:42 pm

I am happy to say that our transition is going along pretty smoothly and we have just about completed the merger of the XtremeMeanTime and WatchMen forums. The ownership transfer is now complete and XMT has been rebranded as “The Lounge” Watch Forum.

The forum has been reorganized by consolidating inactive forums/sub-forums and creating new forums. In addition, the site has been updated with new themes, colors and features. Here are just a few of the new additions:

• Chat has been added. This feature allows members to chat in a “real time” format without the need to create a thread or use the PM system.

• By popular demand, “The Redhead of the Month” is back! Stop on by to check out the latest edition!

• The Speakeasy has been created. This is very similar to the old “Member’s Only” section of XMT.

• Non-Watch Forums have been added! Now there are sections to discuss your other hobbies. If you want to discuss knives, flashlights or cigars, you now have a place to do it!

• The Sales Forum has been revamped to include a “Goodfellas” and “Badfellas” section. This is where you can leave buyer or seller feedback on the forum.

• There is now a section specifically for watches that are featured on television and video. These sections are made specifically for enthusiasts of Invicta, Renato, Croton and other applicable brands. These are amongst the few new sections that are included in special discussion groups on the new forum.

There will be slight adjustments over the next few weeks, but the transition is virtually complete! All future changes will be announced directly on “The Lounge”.

When you get the opportunity, please drop by to check the place out - http://xtrememeantime.forumotion.com/forum


Best regards,
Vito

I think the format is fine. It just isn't a "enter forum name here" lite, like many forums.

It was once a thriving forum and hopefully will again be the home of some WIS on the interwebs.

madhu wrote:Of course you do, you came here from that forum. Why would you admit that naming sub-forums after lifestyles none of you will ever live should be left for frat boys, not grown men discussing watches.

A

You are a very angry boy Anthony.

Whatever jackass.



It is sad that the admin here has to deal with a prick like you Anthony. That is what ruins forums. Way to go buddy!

What do you add? Is this thread an example of what you contribute? If is is, it absolutely adds no value to a forum. If you want me removed for you being a jerk, by all means, do it.



Sure, I belong to the other website. I joined here because I thought that I would give a new forum a shot and saw some folks that I knew. I never made a bad comment and tried to contribute where I could.



I am a member of many forums and contribute at all of them. With that being said, if I do not agree with something, I don't openly disparage another forum. To do so is weak minded and silly. That is how I operate and IMO is probably the best course of action to take.

Have a great night Anthony.

You are a fool Anthony, plain and simple. I feel sorry that Dave has to suffer fools like yourself while trying to grow a new forum.



I wish you the best Dave, I don't have time for this guy.

Best regards!