[Tiwaz]

I have never understood why people start topics because of their (so-called) departure. Same goes for the 'I am back' topics.

If you're really so fed up with the whole modding/forum stuff, you should just don't visit anymore. Or post a lot less often.

I think the main reason these topics are being opened because of an alleged departure is that some people want confirmation of their existence on the forum: 'Ah, don't go', 'You can not be missed', 'Please leave, you prick'. Or they want to make sure that people know they have left. I am sure that many people who leave silently will never be missed. Goes for me as well.

Of course, more people on the forum is better, normally. But unless you're a moderator/administrator or a renowned modder/notorious flamer, you will not soon be missed, if ever. New people will join, or more people will leave. Result: The forum will die or experience a revival with new people.

But that's just how I experience it, some people might feel more attached to a forum than others. I think it's just Internet.

Trend of departures? Yes, that's correct. Is it becoming a trend because many members are leaving, or is it a trend because the forum has lost its appeal? Some of both, but in my opinion the main reason is the one mentioned first.

Most of them return anyway. Either with a new alias, or with a 'I am back, who missed me?' topic. For sure when Call of Duty is released. Prepare for another crappy-forum-performance era, then.