Think Bike???

[Vespa 1]

I'm sorry to say, but this site is in a really bad way! 8 members online, no new posts since 01/12!
I recall the time when this site kept me occupied all day, there was always something new being posted by enthusiastic members, the coffee mornings held competitions, the awareness campaign, both bike related and TITTS was humming, banner days were a monthly occurrence, if not more often. We had TB organised weekend runs, the marshalls were always busy, and just generally TB ROCKED! Now it occasionally trembles!
It seems like new members "join" and I'll use the term loosely, and never bother to post, or REALLY join! Older members for various reasons have fallen off the log, and all that is left is a few stalwarts, who quite honestly are mostly a boring bunch of old farts!
I fully realise that I fall into this latter group, but at least I try with the birthday wishes, which sometimes I wonder why, when there will be x amount of views, and if the recipient is lucky, 2 or 3 wishes!
I know I am not exactly a shining example of involvement, but due to both health and financial restrictions, I do what I can
Come on people, , surely we can do better than this, or is this campaign just going to dwindle away from total apathy, and then it will be, "Why did Think Bike close?"

[AMZ]

Facebook, Twitter, etc. have taken over forums.

[Vespa 1]

Twitter is for Trumps and teenagers, and farcebroek is so full of crap. But even the TB facebook page is pretty dead!

[AMZ]

Twitter is for Trumps and teenagers, and farcebroek is so full of crap. But even the TB facebook page is pretty dead!

TB Facebook Group is reasonably active. Also, many of our members are very active on Facebook and Twitter. Initially it irked me somewhat that our members posted ride reports and pics on FB and not here, but I gave up on that irkiness.

[david h]

I like being an old fart, so much so that I have no idea how Facebook or Twitter works, nor do I ever intend finding out how they work.
The Ford Escort forum, which was active on a wide front, embracing Escorts, Cortinas, Capris and Anglias hummed on an hourly basis. It has, unhappily, gone the same way as Think Bike.

[AlexJ]

I Have to say it is a lot easier to post on social media pages (sorry AMZ I'm very guilty of this) as its just share and then get responses.
I will say we see lots of people joining for the reason of our knowledge base on the forum.
We have set up the Facebook pages so it asks how have you heard about TB and also if you would be willing to help. 90% of the responses is
they are to busy.
We are trying new ways to get people to join but it is difficult. Not to mention we are only a few doing things.
I for one appreciate what everyone does/ time spent on TB, I know its not easy with our lives being so busy.

We will try do more things for the campaign and I'll be getting back to doing some banner next year, in between everything else.
Sorry Vespa1

[colyvon]

I remember when I joined there was a lot more enthusiasm from forumites and members, with fairly regular banner days and the occasional awareness day in different places. Still remember doing a pamphlet day in Centurion one Saturday morning and handing out bumper stickers and Think Bike z-folds. Did one on the corner of Kliprivier Road and Swartkoppies too. These were quite well received by motorists.

[Vespa 1]

I Have to say it is a lot easier to post on social media pages (sorry AMZ I'm very guilty of this) as its just share and then get responses.
I will say we see lots of people joining for the reason of our knowledge base on the forum.
We have set up the Facebook pages so it asks how have you heard about TB and also if you would be willing to help. 90% of the responses is
they are to busy.S'FUNNY, TOO BUSY, YET THEY HAVE TIME TO POST SHYTE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER ETC? I'LL SIT ON MY HANDS!
We are trying new ways to get people to join but it is difficult. Not to mention we are only a few doing things.
I for one appreciate what everyone does/ time spent on TB, I know its not easy with our lives being so busy.

We will try do more things for the campaign and I'll be getting back to doing some banner next year, in between everything else.
Sorry Vespa1

[AMZ]

No need to apologise AlexJ. It is the way the technology is moving. Forums are slowly, but surely being replaced by Facebook, Twitter, etc. and even Whatsapp. Why would TB be any different?

[spirit]

If I may add my perspective, it is not only technology that might be the death knell for the TB Forum, it is also the politics. Everyone tries to do their bit as life happens and yet the perception is that some people do more than others, now whilst that might be true, the reality is everyone just does what they can.

The truly sad thing about the demise of TB is that it is very necessary education / helpful tool - as there is so much valuable information in one location - and it is unbiased information, given with a healthy sense of assistance.

For me the other thing that is a problem is that people are so oversensitive - especially if you disagree with them, that they become rather nasty, instead of accepting that everyone has the right to an opinion, it just does not mean that your opinion is right. Also, really not everyone is going to like you or wants to be your friend, that does not mean that they do not value what you say.

Yet, the very differences of opinion are what keeps the facts on TB unbias.

It will be very sad if it does close.

[AMZ]

What I am trying to say is that although some areas of TB are dead, other areas are as strong, if not stronger than ever. Since the forum is not used, it is not visible.

[Bruised]

Im a long time lurker and new biker, so I can relate to why I think this forum is going quiet and why I rarely visit it anymore......shoot me down but this is an honest opinion and reply to the question and if it p's you off well there is nothing I can do about that, but I would prefer you take it as honest criticism.

In my opinion the forum is quiet, not because of social media or anything like that, its because there is not much interesting going on (on the forum and out side of the web - like events/socials). Look at other forums, 4x4community, Wilddog etc. They are all growing day to day. Yes there are a few old members that try keep it going but for me there are more interesting places to spend time wrt bikes, like The Wild Dog forum for example. The TB forum needs to be changed and maybe updated. Cut down on the amount of different sections that there are on the forum.....go through it you can see where people are visiting and get rid of the rest.
Now this is probably going to be tough to hear the following but this is the word on the street so to speak. :
I have been told by many more experienced riders that the problem with TB is all the politics, the not negotiable or almost arrogant, unapproachable attitudes of some and have been warned that I should stay away (from more than one person). Some of the ridiculous "promotions" you have done have also really given you a bad name also......for example hanging over the side of bridges on highways waving flags saying Think Bike during peak hour traffic or at anytime - this is really laughed at because all the drivers start braking and looking up taking away focus from the road which is kinda the opposite of what you are trying to achieve - Ive experienced it from a car drivers perspective as well as from a bikers perspective. That sort of thing really looses you credibility and therefore makes people lose interest in the organisation and therefore the forum.

What I would suggest is start doing some fun rides. Maybe once a month. Get some volunteers to help the newby's and teach them how to ride in convoy or meet at a car park and just have a social with a volunteer offering instruction maybe. Once you start building relationships the forum will grow and more people will want to be involved. Then others will see what events and socials are happening on the forum and also want to be involved.

[Ares]

Get some volunteers to help the newby's and teach them how to ride in convoy or meet at a car park and just have a social with a volunteer offering instruction maybe. Once you start building relationships the forum will grow and more people will want to be involved. Then others will see what events and socials are happening on the forum and also want to be involved.

Great idea!...are you volunteering?

In my experience finding volunteers are extremely hard. People just cant or dont want to offer up their time unless they are truly commited to whatever it is that they are giving said time.

AMZ has been here ever since he whispered the idea of a steam powered bicycle into the ear of Ernest Michaux in 1867 and I am sure that he will agree...

It is a pity that the forum is so quite. I have been absent for a while due to work load and crazyness at home, and feel lonely on the forum...

[Bruised]

I will volunteer to assist somehow although I wont be much help on the instructional stuff as I am fairly new myself.

[Road Rage]

Facebook, Twitter, etc. have taken over forums.

what are these things you speak of...is it GS thing?

[roan]

The truly sad thing about the demise of TB is that it is very necessary education / helpful tool - as there is so much valuable information in one location - and it is unbiased information, given with a healthy sense of assistance.

I am a new member and this is the reason why I joined, to get access to relevant info and discussions on motorcycle riding and safety. I won't call myself an "old fart" (I'm too young for that ) , I also use Fb for certain things, but a forum is still more useful when it comes to discussions on different topics and the sharing of relative information.

Maybe TB just needs a revival "Build it and they will come"!

[TopSecret]

I am a new member and this is the reason why I joined, to get access to relevant info and discussions on motorcycle riding and safety. I won't call myself an "old fart" (I'm too young for that ) , I also use Fb for certain things, but a forum is still more useful when it comes to discussions on different topics and the sharing of relative information.

Maybe TB just needs a revival "Build it and they will come"!

Definitely!! I am New still loking for a bike and I prefer Forums, Only found out about TB a few days ago thanks to a post on MyBroadband on Bikes where someone asked for some help

[Arktic]

I used to read the forums often and follow a few threads as well as posting my videos in my own thread.

Not sure if My content got boring or people didnt like it but there was less and less interaction each time so I gave up. I still update it now and then though.

Maybe ill go and post a couple vidoes there....

[Ntjamme]

I'm still trying to work out why I'm less active. Might have just been the scales falling off my eyes, and realising that it's a long haul.

Look, I enjoy some of the discussions. Unfortunately some aren't that engaging at all, whilst some, well, we just lose track.
I enjoy the road safety element aka Marshalling, and if it doesn't clash with my bread and butter (need the job to keep the bike insured), I put me hand up, especially if it's for a cause I believe in.

I suck at birthday wishes (I even suspect I have an incorrect one on this forum), so no balloons or trumpets from me - sorry Vespa, but keep on keeping on.

The vlogs I enjoy - a tad tough being on mobile data, but keep posting my man. I read the threads.

The forum might not die, the pace might slow-down, but hey, what keeps YOU coming back each day? Perhaps add more of that spice, and many others like you will swing by. I'm just at a contemplative space I guess. Kinda visit when I remember to.


Sent from my ConeXis X1 using Tapatalk

[kamza]

this is a great forum, i think most people who join read on the old posts and get all the information and knowledge they need to tackle the road.
TB is a fun forum you can go for hours reading and looking through photos, i still say if there was a like button i am sure the admins would realise how much is been read through and observed on this site,
yes life gets hectic as most people are working and its almost holiday time and work does pile up a bit, wait till everyone is back from holidays and you will see the site pick up again: holiday photos, stories and much more unfortunately I'm still learning commitment so haven't officially contributed to becoming an TB member but in due time will...