A thanks to Techsurvivors!

[Raven]

When I first purchased a Mac for my graphic design business some 25 years ago, I needed a LOT of Mac help. Living in a small remote town, there was never anyone nearby who could help. I went to several Mac chat forums with questions and problems, but TS became my favourite. People always provided good advice. There was continuity in answers. It had a small community atmosphere. Wasn't quite sure how it worked or if anyone got paid to provide help. If it was a design software related question, often I had to go elsewhere. I also learned from the many other questions and answers posted.
And always very thankful to Paddy, Xairbusdriver, jchuzi, and friends.

I have noticed that the tech posts have dwindled. It seems as if a questions only pops every day or so instead of many questions daily. And replies  are slower. This is not a complaint, but just wondering...
Does this mean the Mac OS has become easier and simpler to use?
Does it mean people have converted from Mac desktops to iPhones and iPads that have less glitches?
Have the TS admin people retired and gone elsewhere?

Still wanting to learn from all the good TS folks! Much thanks again. Stay safe and stay well! 

[krissel]

First of all, thank you for the kind compliments. From the start TS was intended to help anyone (even Windows users) with their tech products. Of course since the founders were all Mac users, Apple systems and problems were the headliners.


As to your questions, yes, to all of them.


Occasionally I run across a clipping or note from the early days and am reminded of the travails of using SCSI, the problems with troubleshooting extensions and many other situations that just don't exist anymore.  Apple products have matured to the point that most people can use them with basic tech knowledge and much of the population has grown up with computers.


When we started 21 years ago there were other forums and many allowed anyone to join often creating a commercial atmosphere or threads that were full of SPAM and often vitriol. We limited our membership to those who were sincere and agreed to exchange information that left out reference to "touchy" topics (politics, sex, religion). We've tried to keep things even handed, though we have had our mini dustups over the years. All in all, it kept the forum peaceful though it did limit our growth. Today there are so many other places to find answers that one need not join a forum like ours.


And yes, quite a few have retired or left, not just TS but this "mortal coil". Sadly, many of the founders have passed on along with many of the early members. Those of us who have survived check in perhaps less often as life has taken on other responsibilities. There are a few who thankfully are up to date with all the latest and attempt to fulfill our purpose. I, too, am thankful for the regulars who keep TS alive.
 

[Xairbusdriver]

Thank you for the kind words! That's the way all members get "paid" at TS!

I also sometimes wonder how much longer TS will be around; we have fewer and fewer "valid" membership requests. I can only hope that it is because more people have more computer skills than when TS was founded. It's hard to believe I signed up in Nov, 2000!! I'm one of the newer (if not younger) members trying to fill the 'curmudgeon" position at TS. I keep up the pressure on the rest of the crew with complaints, problems and occasional rants. I do my worst to keep everyone else on their toes!! It's the least I can do, and I always do the least I can!.

[Bruce_F]

Back in 2000, I was very much into working daily on computers, both for work and for pleasure. At that time, I was trying my hardest to get into the mainstream of computer graphics and photo enhancement. I have fond memories of those days of discussing which software to use and how to use it.

All of that ended when I left the field of commercial printing and found myself trying to make it in the world. My computer usage dwindled to the point where all I do now is check what's happening in the world. I guess that's what changing life styles and age does to people.

I too appreciate all the camaraderie we have shared on TechSurvivors. I will continue to "check in" occasionally even if I don't participate as often. I hope all the survivors are doing well.  Thanks for all the help!

[Raven]

So where would you seek friendly Mac advice, if not TS? Thanks

[Sasha]

Lord, you people (old and new) are wonderful, decent, funny ... should I go on? Not long ago, I searched the Apple Support community pages for a HomePod answer, and was astonished at the low level of communication, from both the "OPs" and the "tech volunteers."

Hang in there, people: recruit newbies, do whatever you have to do to survive. The tech world needs you.

[Paddy]

A somewhat belated thanks for all the kind words. The days of user forums like ours seems to have more or less passed (with a few exceptions*) - I think a lot of younger folk don't even realize they exist. Facebook groups tend to fulfill a lot of the same function now - I belong to several related to my field and software (website design - Wordpress groups, GeneratePress groups, etc.) and they're lively and reasonably busy places usually. The moderators on some are quite often dedicated to keeping people on topic and off the third rail too - so they work well. Reddit is another place where groups of like-minded users ask questions and debate the merits of various bits of hardware and software. So lots of choices - some of them excellent.

Like Kris, I drop in occasionally, but my own Mac problems tend to be minimal. Other than dropping a full cup of tea on my 2 year old MBP the other day, everything is working and behaving as it should. The MBP is officially very, very dead. It's not just taking a kip, it's not pining for the fjords - and it wouldn't "vroom" if you put 4 million volts through it. The replacement (16" M1) arrives tomorrow - no tea or any other bevvie allowed within 10 feet! In 30 years of Mac computing I had yet to manage to kill one - most of my Macs have lasted 8 years at least with me and gone on to others for further use. Not this one... On the upside, I'm looking forward to owning a laptop that has actually got MORE useful ports rather than less. HDMI! SDHX card reader! Headphone jack! And the return of the MagSafe power connector. Woot! No more hauling around extra bits and USB-C adapters. Apple must have finally heard the grumbling; less is not actually more in many cases.

*One forum that is far, far from dead is the Tesla Motors Club forum - it's independent of Elon & Co. and has over 201,000 members. It was started in 2006 by Danny Sacks just after he graduated from high school; there are users from all over the world. Great source of info and help and general fun for those of us who own Teslas.