Response to the Future of NikonGear.net/.com/.org

[KarlMera]

because of missing only 1000€?

[Birna Rørslett]

I decided not to cover any deficit next time out of my own pocket.

[Michael Erlewine]

These are questions for Birna or for anyone in charge who knows the answer.

Is the drop-off in subscriptions something unique to NikonGear or is this something that is universal, happening everywhere to photography forums these days?

If it is unique to us, why is NikonGear not attracting new subscribers? What did we used to offer that we don’t any longer.? What is it that photo enthusiasts most want these days?

Where do we look on the site to see where our own subscription stands? I have trouble finding it.

If ‘Themes” are the only thing holding us together, we are in trouble, IMO. I don’t often do ‘Themes’ because I don’t have time to dig up images that fit the theme, so to me that feature is just stalling the inevitable.

[Birna Rørslett]

My comprehension is that NG -- involuntarily -- has become drawn into a general decline of photography forums over the last decade.  Why the evolution has taken such direction? my guess is that the reasons are many and some if not all connects to "smartphones" and other aspects of the general dumbing-down trends.

[Michael Erlewine]

My comprehension is that NG -- involuntarily -- has become drawn into a general decline of photography forums over the last decade.  Why the evolution has taken such direction? my guess is that the reasons are many and some if not all connects to "smartphones" and other aspects of the general dumbing-down trends.

Where do we look on the site to see where our own subscription stands? I have trouble finding it.

[Birna Rørslett]

Where do we look on the site to see where our own subscription stands? I have trouble finding it.

Profile info > Modify profile > Actions > Paid subscriptions

[KarlMera]

If it is unique to us, why is NikonGear not attracting new subscribers? What did we used to offer that we don’t any longer.? What is it that photo enthusiasts most want these days?

Very good questions!

[Michael Erlewine]

Possible reasons for our particular forum:

Too Cliquish. Those who live close or who can gather can’t help but be friendlier with one another.

Lack of systematic dealing with new equipment, probably because of too much new equipment for any one of us to monitor. I can’t anymore keep up.

Too oriented toward one or two camera systems, not enough variety which is recursive, based on little variety of systems.

Every flower has its day. Perhaps we have reached the time when we are just ‘finishing up.” Most of us are older.

Lack of interest.

[aerobat]

For what concerns me I'm not giving up hope on the future of this forum. No other forum than this one I have been longer and that's mainly due to the friendly tone and good moderation here.
Countless things which I have learned over the years come from the many experienced photographers here.
People tend to be older yes but they also reply in a wisely manner rather than typing quicker than the brain can follow.

[KarlMera]

The centrale question is: where does the money come from?

[Birna Rørslett]

Hopefully, the supporters.

[aerobat]

ah I feel really sorry - I only realized now that my subscription already ended - it's now paid again - mea culpa 

[ColinM]

ah I feel really sorry - I only realized now that my subscription already ended - it's now paid again - mea culpa

You're not the first Daniel. Same happened to me.
Although its been raised before, i think this is still an area where we lose subscribers inadvertently

A polite note to anyone who's posted in the last 3 months, but has let their subscription lapse would be worth doing.

It need not be a heavy handed note , perhaps something like:

"We noticed that you're still finding Nikongear useful,  but your subscription has expired.
 Would you consider renewing, using this link?"

No other forum than this one I have been longer and that's mainly due to the friendly tone and good moderation here.
Countless things which I have learned over the years come from the many experienced photographers here.

Agreed Daniel
So whilst we think about ways to get new people to join, lets try to keep people who have been paying up until recently and may have lapsed by mistake

[Michael Erlewine]

Most of the other things I have subscribed to send me an email telling me it is time to re-subscribe. Let's do that. It would help me.

[BruceSD]

.
I'm a member of a few other photography blogs, and all of them seem to be fairly inactive too.