1. Do you think that the forums today come up short in activity compared to previous years?
Recently, a decline within forum activity has been noticed. Being here since around 2012 sort of had its perks. There was always a whole lot of members browsing the forums, whether it be searching for help or holding a conversion on the discussion board. Now, whenever I pop up on the forum, there is at most five people online.
2. Where do you see more activity? On the forums, or in the game?
Certainly in-game, though before the hacking.. There was a whole lot of members who played feral-heart. Compared to then, there has been a noticeable decline in both of the areas. More on the forum than the game. To be honest, everyone still mourns the loss of the older maps. Yes we can download them now, but it is rather depressing seeing fluorite plains void of recruiting roleplays. Those maps have a more mental connection to the members, more than the newer ones. In all honesty, many agree that Fluorite, Southpole, or any of the maps could have been atleast touched up to improve its realistic quality. Like add more plants, camps, ect instead of adding in the newer maps.
3. Do you think that newer discussion topics are lacking in replies? If so, why do you think that is?
Yes, I indeed think they are lacking in replies. Usually, there would be a lot of people who would find the current topics of the threads interesting but now.. It just seems completely worn out due to the questions being either already asked or having no attention catcher which manages to reel in others.
4. Have topic ideas/subjects been exhausted? Could that be why we’re not seeing many new ones?
I believe they have. Some questions have either been repeated, or talked about so much that the replies slowly begin to decline. Not counting the topics which have are locked or have the 'warning- this post has not been posted in for atleast 20 days' at the bottom.
5. If you think the forums are less active, do you have any suggestions on how to improve activity?
How could the activity be improved? A new, cleaner forum could be provided. Change up the colors, don't make them too dull but also not blindingly neon. A perfect balance of colors would be nice, to keep everyone interested. Also, as many have suggested, contests should return. Whether it be stories, presets, art, or animation. It would bring in the older members and also any newer ones which have managed to catch the registration page open. Upon that topic, set up certain times for the registration to be open and release those times to the public. It would allow members to know when it would be open next, so it'd be easier to catch instead of it being pure luck of the draw.