VGCollect Forum

General and Gaming => Off Topic => Topic started by: oldgamerz on April 01, 2019, 11:14:43 pm

Title: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: oldgamerz on April 01, 2019, 11:14:43 pm
 I want to encourage some of our forum Newbie's and fellow Junior Members to say what is on their minds as well as the rest.

The forum has been pretty much dead lately, what could we common posters or newbies do to liven things up a bit? I am not trying to steal the show. and I am not going to not complain if anyone repeats a topic I started, in fact I will admit I may post too often.

The other forum I belonged to was somewhat strict, and some of the senior members of that forum would complain if you started a new topic without searching, but I want to tell the rest of the non posting members, that the members here are loose and don't mind anyone posting or starting a discussion.

 as long as you don't come on this site just to sell something quick and leave. Or only come only one time, to promote your YouTube videos or to annoy or insult someone

I would like to encourage all of our later members or to bring other newer people on VGcollect into the forum spotlight 

PS I am not trying to be a Forum hog

Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: bikingjahuty on April 02, 2019, 02:00:17 pm
Probably a combination of collecting/retro gaming dying and also it's Spring Break time.
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: telly on April 02, 2019, 03:23:04 pm
The internet forum has been on the decline for years now too especially with the advent of Discord
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: rayne315 on April 02, 2019, 04:03:59 pm
lol sorry I have basically disappeared. I just recently bought my first house and that is keeping me plenty busy. in the last 2 weeks (time ive owned the house) we've blown a capacitor in our garage door opener, snapped off and replaced the anchoring bolts on the upstairs toilet (thankfully it didn't break any of the water lines), fully disassembled our dryer because it wasn't adequately drying cloths (I thought the heating element was going out but the blower motor just wasn't properly seated in the assembly and was leaching air, also cleaned out 2 grocery bags full of lint trapped in the belly and exhaust pipe), and installed gutter guards.

on the list for this week is to clean the leaves off our half acre property and get grass seed started on the holes (leaves have killed the grass underneath), string a cloths line, till and re-fence the garden, and locate the thermal expansion joint for our ductwork (it bangs every 5 minutes when it heats up or cools down)
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: Warmsignal on April 02, 2019, 07:17:11 pm
I agree I think that this hobby is reaching a point of maturity where most topics have been thoroughly researched and discussed to a point where, there's not a lot of need to consult a forum on it. Seasoned gamers/collectors are a bit burnt out or have said all they care to say, and the hobby has become so mainstream that most basic information is readily available in streamlined and spoon-fed video form elsewhere.

That just happens when something new and interesting, like game collecting/retro gaming, is done to death. It's too bad, but all good things do eventually end. And just like that, it's gone... just mwah, like an angel's kiss.
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: hoshichiri on April 02, 2019, 10:49:43 pm
I've no issues starting topics when the mood strikes, but it's a matter of having something to bring up that can warrant a few posts at least. I mean, I was super stoked/surprised when I found the blue lander in Golvellius the other day- I thought he was only in The Guardian Legend. Turns out he's Compile's company mascot. That's not a topic though, it's just a cool story (bro).

Sometimes it's also a matter of best place to post- there's plenty of collector's here, but not so many people who could answer my question about repairing my Channel F. (Unless someone here can change a button on those?)

I will say, for the newbies & lurkers- if you think you've got a topic, don't be afraid to post! This is a pretty chill place, you're not gonna get blasted for "bad topics". Speak up!
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: aliensstudios on April 02, 2019, 11:02:48 pm
This has got to be some kind of record for seether not posting too, like half of the topics were started by him.
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: telly on April 02, 2019, 11:12:24 pm
This has got to be some kind of record for seether not posting too, like half of the topics were started by him.

I think he got banned but he can still view the forums. I see his name in the users online from time to time.
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: Cartagia on April 02, 2019, 11:36:12 pm
This has got to be some kind of record for seether not posting too, like half of the topics were started by him.

I think he got banned but he can still view the forums. I see his name in the users online from time to time.
He updated his signature to say as much, acting like a fucking pariah, but I see him on occasionally as well.
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: bikingjahuty on April 03, 2019, 01:31:54 am
I agree I think that this hobby is reaching a point of maturity where most topics have been thoroughly researched and discussed to a point where, there's not a lot of need to consult a forum on it. Seasoned gamers/collectors are a bit burnt out or have said all they care to say, and the hobby has become so mainstream that most basic information is readily available in streamlined and spoon-fed video form elsewhere.

That just happens when something new and interesting, like game collecting/retro gaming, is done to death. It's too bad, but all good things do eventually end. And just like that, it's gone... just mwah, like an angel's kiss.


Beyond the evidence of it dying (declining prices on most retro games which indicate a decrease in demand), there has been a definite zeitgeist over the last couple years of interest in the hobby just disappearing. I've seen a lot of local collectors leave, retro games have been sitting way longer on store shelves, barely anyone I know actually goes out to hunt for games anymore, and prices, while declining, have been a huge deterrent for newcomers to enter. Essentially the hobby is losing interest faster than people are gaining it, and as you mentioned much of the mystery has been taken out of the hobby at this point due to information on essentially any game being readily available via youtube or other outlet.


I'm actually pretty happy it is finally dying as it means people who didn't jump in because it became trendy will likely be the only ones left when retro games flood shelves again and are significantly cheaper than they are now. I feel like the only games to be spared, at least partially from the changing tide will be those few super rare games that will always be hard enough to find where if even a few people really want them they'll stay pretty high.
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: mark1982 on April 03, 2019, 05:36:57 am
This forum is definitely slower than other forums that I frequent to. However this place is the most non-toxic forum for gaming that I have seen, no console war bullshit, no harassing of other members and no negativity surrounding gaming.

I sometimes have to take a break from other forums because its just too toxic at times, but people seem to flock to gaming forums to be part of the hate bandwagon and drama. I feel this place is a safe haven to come to and relax, chill, talk about the hobby we love and collect retro games. I do believe there is a decline as others mentioned however there will always be a demand for the up and coming collectors (well hopefully ;)).

Probably why this place is not so lively because there is no drama, only the love for collecting games.  :-*  - But yes, I agree, if you're a new member come on board and join in the conversation, this place is a lot more chill than other places. No one here is gonna bite your head off for liking a certain genre or console, the other forums I've been to, sheesh they have their knives out at all times...
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: kashell on April 03, 2019, 09:11:11 am
I don't mind that the forum is slower than others. It's easier to keep track of the topics you're interested in.

And, if there are new folks here, then feel free to make a topic. Conversation is always fun.

As for the hobby itself, I hope interest is waning. I want to play the games I've missed out on for one reason or another without paying crazy high prices.
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: telly on April 03, 2019, 01:06:19 pm
I feel the same way, I'm friends with several people here on FB and certainly we all have other duties and responsibilities in our lives. So it doesn't bother me that the forum activity waxes and wanes from time to time.
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on April 03, 2019, 02:50:03 pm
I hate to be the guy, and every forum has one that brings people down. I don't want to always be negative and only try to come on when I have a very positive and thought provoking topic to share. I feel so bad it's been a while. I just feel lost in life and things are getting a bit down.  I lost a very valuable job oppurtunity out of anxiety holding me back and I had a relapse of sorts with social anxiety.  I feel despondent again and fearful of criticisms from others. So I have become a recluse.  I have clinical mental issues I struggle with for years. But things are getting better and maybe I will be able to get the happiness back soon.  :)     
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: atarileaf on April 08, 2019, 08:50:18 pm
Interesting topic since I just happened to check this site out again after not really being here for months and posting for probably a lot longer. The main reason is, frankly, I found many of the topics "odd" and I'll leave it at that but I'm sure many can figure what I mean. I just got tired of scrolling through nonsense topics and questions.

I barely use the database and collection management either. The reason for that is that as many have noticed, collecting has gone down and I'm one of those who don't hunt anymore. The only thing I really buy are Atari homebrews and am on the pre-order list for the Collectorvision Phoenix and as such, have reacquired a few Colecovision games.  Other than that, I don't really buy anything gaming related.

As for forums in general being down in use, the only forum I still frequent is Atariage and it is still running strong with lots of new threads and discussions on a daily, even hourly basis. It has a very strong user base and the site is very well supported. One of the best gaming forums IMO. For me this forum and its members are mostly younger and lean more to consoles and games that aren't of interest to me. The only other forum I used to frequent was Digit Press and that really is a pretty much dead forum and I was never a fan of Nintendo Age so that only leaves Atariage for me but I also post and follow many gaming groups on facebook.

I can't think of a way to liven it up. These things have a natural ebb and flow. It's like trying to force a conversation - it just becomes awkward and uncomfortable.

Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: oldgamerz on April 08, 2019, 10:30:06 pm
Interesting topic since I just happened to check this site out again after not really being here for months and posting for probably a lot longer. The main reason is, frankly, I found many of the topics "odd" and I'll leave it at that but I'm sure many can figure what I mean. I just got tired of scrolling through nonsense topics and questions.

I barely use the database and collection management either. The reason for that is that as many have noticed, collecting has gone down and I'm one of those who don't hunt anymore. The only thing I really buy are Atari homebrews and am on the pre-order list for the Collectorvision Phoenix and as such, have reacquired a few Colecovision games.  Other than that, I don't really buy anything gaming related.

As for forums in general being down in use, the only forum I still frequent is Atariage and it is still running strong with lots of new threads and discussions on a daily, even hourly basis. It has a very strong user base and the site is very well supported. One of the best gaming forums IMO. For me this forum and its members are mostly younger and lean more to consoles and games that aren't of interest to me. The only other forum I used to frequent was Digit Press and that really is a pretty much dead forum and I was never a fan of Nintendo Age so that only leaves Atariage for me but I also post and follow many gaming groups on facebook.

I can't think of a way to liven it up. These things have a natural ebb and flow. It's like trying to force a conversation - it just becomes awkward and uncomfortable.

If one of the topics I created made you feel uncomfortable I apologize, many have said I talk too much and plus I am a paranoid schizophrenic I mean no harm, occasionally I fly off the coop it's some kind of brain imbalance
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: atarileaf on April 09, 2019, 05:42:40 am
Interesting topic since I just happened to check this site out again after not really being here for months and posting for probably a lot longer. The main reason is, frankly, I found many of the topics "odd" and I'll leave it at that but I'm sure many can figure what I mean. I just got tired of scrolling through nonsense topics and questions.

I barely use the database and collection management either. The reason for that is that as many have noticed, collecting has gone down and I'm one of those who don't hunt anymore. The only thing I really buy are Atari homebrews and am on the pre-order list for the Collectorvision Phoenix and as such, have reacquired a few Colecovision games.  Other than that, I don't really buy anything gaming related.

As for forums in general being down in use, the only forum I still frequent is Atariage and it is still running strong with lots of new threads and discussions on a daily, even hourly basis. It has a very strong user base and the site is very well supported. One of the best gaming forums IMO. For me this forum and its members are mostly younger and lean more to consoles and games that aren't of interest to me. The only other forum I used to frequent was Digit Press and that really is a pretty much dead forum and I was never a fan of Nintendo Age so that only leaves Atariage for me but I also post and follow many gaming groups on facebook.

I can't think of a way to liven it up. These things have a natural ebb and flow. It's like trying to force a conversation - it just becomes awkward and uncomfortable.

If one of the topics I created made you feel uncomfortable I apologize, many have said I talk too much and plus I am a paranoid schizophrenic I mean no harm, occasionally I fly off the coop it's some kind of brain imbalance

LOL no you're fine, it's not you. I didn't mean it as a personal attack on anyone actually. I enjoy reading many points of view.

I should also mention that like many others, life just gets in the way, I don't have much time for gaming and gaming related activities like forums like I have in years past and when I do, it's very focused and brief so I don't post as much even though I may occasionally lurk and read. I will check out this site once in a while but I normally just stick to Atari related sites when mostly pre-crash systems and games are discussed. I'm gonna be 50 this year so I think I'm in a different demographic than most here which is fine. Everyone grew up with different systems in games. I just happen to come from that original group who were there near the beginning.
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: Cartagia on April 09, 2019, 07:04:28 am
These things have a natural ebb and flow. It's like trying to force a conversation - it just becomes awkward and uncomfortable.
This.  There should be a good reason / and/or topic for a post, not just "there hasn't been one in a while"
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: bikingjahuty on April 09, 2019, 11:08:30 pm
Interesting topic since I just happened to check this site out again after not really being here for months and posting for probably a lot longer. The main reason is, frankly, I found many of the topics "odd" and I'll leave it at that but I'm sure many can figure what I mean. I just got tired of scrolling through nonsense topics and questions.

I barely use the database and collection management either. The reason for that is that as many have noticed, collecting has gone down and I'm one of those who don't hunt anymore. The only thing I really buy are Atari homebrews and am on the pre-order list for the Collectorvision Phoenix and as such, have reacquired a few Colecovision games.  Other than that, I don't really buy anything gaming related.

As for forums in general being down in use, the only forum I still frequent is Atariage and it is still running strong with lots of new threads and discussions on a daily, even hourly basis. It has a very strong user base and the site is very well supported. One of the best gaming forums IMO. For me this forum and its members are mostly younger and lean more to consoles and games that aren't of interest to me. The only other forum I used to frequent was Digit Press and that really is a pretty much dead forum and I was never a fan of Nintendo Age so that only leaves Atariage for me but I also post and follow many gaming groups on facebook.

I can't think of a way to liven it up. These things have a natural ebb and flow. It's like trying to force a conversation - it just becomes awkward and uncomfortable.


As you're probably aware, Atari was a popular platform to collect for in the late 90s to the mid 2000s and then like all popular, nostalgia-driven collecting trends it lost interest amongst most people who got into it, minus the really hardcore. I feel like this will essentially happen with the entire retro video game trend in general, which this time around seems to encompass everything from NES up to PS2 at the moment. Essentially I think discussions around the NES or Genesis will be allocated to those hardcore fans who would love these consoles no matter if 50 people liked them still or 50-million people did. This definitely seems to be the direction things are going, and I wonder what a lot of retro video game prices will look like in 4 or 5 more years, essentially 10-years since retro video game collecting really exploded as a hobby.


This decline in retro video game collecting is why I think sites like VGcollect are on the decline since they are sort of a general, catch all site rather than something a lot more focused like Atariage or NA. I personally still love this site, if for nothing else than it's great user driven catalog of games that has been my goto way to keep track of my collection for years now; I honestly can't imagine using any other site/tool for this reason. I log in here almost daily and hope for interesting threads to appear, or maybe even think of one myself, but it just hasn't been happening for a while, with many threads of late really lacking relevance to video games or just lacking potential for interesting discussion. As someone said, most of what there was to say about video games on here has been said, leaving threads like people updating others on games they've played or what they recently bought as being the most active threads on here. Beyond the threads though, I feel like people are just burnt out on high prices, lack of available deals like there used to be, or they've just lost interest and moved on in life. I know a local collector who was one of the most active people in the hobby several years ago, at least locally, and has had a few kids over the last 3 years and is now in the process of selling his collection in order to afford parenthood. These things happen and many of the people who were at the right age to start collecting back around 2012 (mid to late 20s, well paying career, disposable income) have moved onto another phase of their life were going thrifting for hours or spending hundreds of dollars on ebay for rare games is just not in the cards for them anymore, much less actually playing video games.

As for the general age of the forum users on here, I feel like most people on here probably range from mid 30s to late 40s. Atariage definitely has an older userbase though, especially now, with probably the average Atariage user being late 40s to early 60s. Nearly every Atari collector or former collector I know is in their 50s, albeit I know about 3 of them out of the hundreds of collectors I've met since I've been doing this.
Title: Re: The Forum Has Been Dead Lately Is There Something To Liven Things Up?
Post by: sworddude on April 10, 2019, 02:57:46 am
I think forums are going out of fashion

Most people like to discuss stuff on discord since it is instant why do it on a forum where you need very active and motivated people to start something. I can take days for a conversation to get going.

I don't think the decline has anything to do with this site where like 30 to 50 people posted some stuff. Look at theflea for example. If i look at his collection. I I think of any good game He most likely has it 9 out of 10 times this guys has pretty much all the good stuff.

Some people are reaching an end some people have personal stuff going on but again how many people posted on this site 30 - 50 ?

Not the greatest indication imo.

Also popular sites as nintendo age will drop in popularity thanks to discord, We live in an instant society forums are just way to slow for most people these days.