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Is it deliberate, or is it a glitch in the system that runs the Foro?
I can't think of or remember a reason why it should be deliberate. I think it has something to do with the foro system combined with browser update issues, cookies, etc. something like that. I think it happened before with some other members who couldn't log back in
To be fair to Escribano, he does cite issues that are not just born of ennui or fatigue:
Hoster had an outage, had to restore from a backup. - this might explain difficulties in access.
It costs more money... security gets tighter...storage costs escalate...there is very little traffic. ..
Migration is not too difficult, it is the cost of the data, sound files etc.. - we don't pay for the privilege and could.
...many scamming bots - the need for maintenance just to keep it clear
The only point relating to 'steam' that I can see is quote:
'I can spend some more, take a lot of time out of earning but I don’t see the returns at the moment. Very little traffic, tiny ad revenue opportunities.' - no surprise there and a frank assessment of the problems of trying to present a pro bono service.
We should pay a fee, and if the foro becomes more niche those who are left will still enjoy all the access. That seems to have support. I think the lack of engagement is due to something else, of more global resonance, but that's the other debate. Simon's problems with financing the enterprise in this unrewarding world are subject to the control, then leveraging commercial companies do when they can, at times of economic stress.
In the UK we are again having the perennial discussions about how to fund the BBC. Some, including within in the BBC are suggesting a fee to access programmes online, via a broadband connection. There goes the universal availability. The foro is similar in that it holds a unique position in the online world. A social media version would be the kiss of death. I too left that pit of despair years ago but have stayed with this.
This foro reminds me of when the nascent www was a creative, romantic place, desperate for more information and discussion. When Amazon was exciting and with a loss making business model for ten years. But soon it got businesslike and tech development propelled it into what we have today. The opportunity to make cash by fair means or foul.
This foro has a deep soul. It would be a terrible shame if it stalled.
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