For those who are complaining about inactivity on the forums, how about instead of hassling and nagging new members maybe try to welcome them instead?

I can't tell you how many times I've seen a "hey, I'm new here" and then theres always some sort of ridiculous comment about "noobs" and whatever. Or, if there is someone who joins and isn't familiar with the rules, they get jumped on for being a perceived "idiot". That isn't exactly going to foster warm fluffy sentiments about the forum. You complain about inactivity, but the forum now feels like unless you've been here for more than 6 years or have a high post count what you feel and what you say doesn't matter.

Its all about who the "old" members are. I can't remember who said it, but someone tried to defend the ribbing and whatnot as its "all in good fun". New people (who would bring new life to the forums) wouldn't exactly know that, would they?

Sure its nice that my join date says 2002. That doesn't mean I'm a fantastic member or anything. The forum is only as good as the people who post in it. I barely do so I'm really no better. But then again too, I'm not complaining these days about inactivity.