Is there any hard data to support this implied decline? I'm not arguing, I just don't now.
If I accept the assumption as a thought-experiment, sometimes I wonder if the “open” format of DD (whereby posts are accessible to any user, registered or not) encourages an asymmetrical user-base skewed towards anonymous guests (aka “lurkers”) over time.
It’s registered users who incur the sovereign risk of doxing etc by placing their cyber-heads above the rampart even if it IS behind a pseudonym but the incentive to BECOME a registered user is eroded by the ability of un-validated guest users to access the content anyway. Of course those unregistered guest users cannot actively participate in the forum.
Over time, the forum becomes predominately one of anonymous, non-posting users because it’s the easiest thing to do.
That’s just a thought bubble though.
Or were you specifically referring to the "IC Desires" sub-forum?
Sorry you're having a difficult day. My anxiety is more constant than 'attacks" but not as bad as I know attacks can be.
We did have a scare today, when Mom couldn't find her military ID or insurance card at the doctor's office, but they were at home in her "winter purse."
My year-round wallet doesn't understand lol