Quote from: fillippone on Today at 07:53:13 AM

Merit receivers, the active users posting good content, or at least merit-worth content, have been on a steady decline almost since inceptions.

Quote from: Daniel91 on Today at 12:47:01 PM

However, I believe that a large number of new members have dropped out of this forum due to the evil fee and the hostile welcome of older members

I highlighted the above portions of Op and @Daniel91 posts because one pointed out a problem and the other one stated how the problem is created. I want to in my little way suggest a solution.

A system that has a means of punishing the offenders or disobedience, should have a means of rewarding the law abiding members. When there are no means of rewarding goodness, it will surely decline.
For instance, if there is a reward for a newbie who under few months grew an account to full member without spamming or plagerising, it will in no doubt jealous others to begin to make merit-worth posts.

In the case of hostile welcome of newbies by older members. I am happy a legendary member pointed out this issue. I believe many, very many new users dropped because of this.
We should endeavour to help and mentor newbies that show inclination to grow and help the forum.
This might not be obtainable or should be disregarded if the purpose of this forum has been achieved years ago. Maybe, we are just here for formalities. If not, let us encourage the new users who are really willing to add something to the system. A mere suggestion by a newbie will attract countless attacks.

At a point some new users will be advised confidentially to limit the number of posts they create. Be mindful of whose thread they reply or whose post they quote in other not to get into troubles. A newbie who can make 10 quality posts will limit to 2 from 2 to 0 or become dormant or a shit poster.
Alternatively, he will begin looking for alternative forums that will appreciate their weaknesses and encourage their strengths.

Please, I am sincerely inlove with this forum. I regret why I haven't known this forum for long. Here is like an institution for me, even though I will not be certified, the knowledge I gain here is high. Let us uphold the sanity of the forum and allow love lead.
I also wish to suggest if a board like "Skill Acquisition" can be created where people voluntarily teach skills. It will be a big empowerment, such that whenever you leave this forum for whatever reasons, there would be memories to remember, efforts to appreciate and relationships to uphold.
Perfect Peace!