[greglepore]

Some random thoughts.
Forums everywhere are aging out. I participate in a number of cycling related forums and the avg age is now in the 60's and 70's. Moderated discourse is something that social media has sorta killed. The format is viewed like email-something "older" people use.

Everyone knows the 911 demographic has changed. The bubble is largely responsible for that. The modifications that happen today tend to be by restomod pro's, not guys hot rodding cars. In fact, just hot rodding a 911 has become prohibitive for 2 reasons- now, you're messing with an "original" car that has real value vs an affordable (sorta) old sports car, and secondly the parts prices are insane (see the bat engine thread).

If you combine 1 & 2 you end up with a situation with fewer folks to start with, and those that are left are not enthusiastic wrenches for cost and age reasons.

Shaun, no one in the Porsche world is doing what you did - now, people think completely rusted hulks are worth 10k etc.

Finally, PARF. I think you have to have very thick skin to participate there. The regulars seem ok with it, but it is kind of an echo chamber, not a place where ideas get discussed. Its a shouting match. Unfortunately, that seems to be the norm for social and political debate these days. I stopped going over because of it generating negative feelings about folks here that seem pretty ok (for the most part) when not debating these issues. I hang on other forums where political discussion of any kind is banned, and it does make for easier coexistence but I don't know that it adds participation. I do think its wise not to even look at PARF here unless you have a strong stomach.