The Black Keys Fan Lounge Forum

This forum has a lot going for it and I'm not trying to put down the folks who created it and maintain it, but...

Despite the lack of bells/whistles, the old forum had so much info and activity. I have been boycotting this new forum ever since it popped up - because I was mad about the original one just disappearing one day without warning. And now none of the tabs/chords are here, and there was a shit-ton of guitar related info in the Guitar Geek section. It just seems a shame that it went away, especially because we all just woke up one day to find it was gone, which meant we couldn't discuss it or ask any questions about what happened.

So, does anyone know exactly why it went away?

I think things need to be kept in perspective.

the old forum was around for 5+ years, this one has been around 3 months-ish. tabs and the wealth of information can only build over time

thelengths is right, a forum is as good as its contributions and multple voices. these are both growing. there are now 87 members as at 30/12/09. like all forums not all members will contribute regularly, some will, but over time more will if it's a positive place to be.

thelengths is also right in saying spam was an issue on the old site. but that's easy to stop. this forum has none.

i'd also add:

the old forum rarely had moderation - this one will, if required. that should be seen as positive. the point is to have a conversation as fans/friends, not a confrontation.

this needs to be a fun place to hang out. when a few voices predominate or there's an expectation that your views wont be supported or encouraged or they may be unnecessarily attacked then others won't feel comfortable to contribute.

finally, i think this forum is strong because it's focused on the band and the posts reflect that. afterall, we're all fans here, and when you come here you know what you're here for.

May be far fetched but I wonder if someone were to send an email to their management if they could send an archive of some sort. I would really just like the guitar/musician related stuff. Probably a long shot but I guess you never know

@stingybrim and everyone
This forum aint going nowhere. the blog side of this site is 18 months old. you should feel positive about your contributions, now and in the future. this place is fan-run, there's a personal investment of time only. the expectation of the blog and now the forum is to give fans a place to gather

I think that given the direct input and participation we have with the people running the joint this time, there is potential for a better board than the last!

however...... At this point there is just no where near as much stuff or as many people.

I miss the old people =(