Bartman, I have never thought for most threads, that someone was made to feel unwelcome. There have been situations though.
I must say for myself, although I check most threads, that many which are of interest to newer aquarists, become redundant to others. I have been doing this a long time and answering questions on a dozen boards.
I try to answer some of the newer questions, but most answers on any of the boards for beginner questions can be found by doing a search. For myself, I also like to participate in posts that are of interest to me, like the current one on flow in the reef forum. I would think that would apply to many long time aquarists.
Its nice to hear opinions like yours though. Thats the only way we know if members feel there is a problem that needs to be addressed.
I dont know what the answer is to get more aquarists and posting here. You guys are correct on the local thing. Although many of us are from other places, most are local{BC} aquarists. Or Calgary/Edmonton group.
Perhaps the board will never expand beyond that. And maybe thats fine. Ontario has a board and Stephane moderates on a french board. That covers a large part of Canadian aquarists, so where do we draw from? I know for a fact that Winnipeg has a large number of reef keepers. Other than Jayson, none of them post on here or many other boards.
Also time of the year, mentioned by Troy plays a part. Myself, I have been so busy fighting flatworms for so long, what can I post on.
I take my stuff out, put it back, and so on.
Nobody else here runs a scrubber, so cant talk about that. Just things like water flow and lighting I guess.