The dearth of spirited discussion

[Scythanith]

Originally Posted by Myka

There aren't any reef related scientists here or even members with associated degrees.

Speak for yourself 4 yr B.Sc. with Hon in Palaeobiology. I studied my fair share of fossilized vertebrates and invertebrates

But I know what you mean, I'm not elbow deep in the aquatic research tanks anymore.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Scythanith

Speak for yourself 4 yr B.Sc. with Hon in Palaeobiology. I studied my fair share of fossilized vertebrates and invertebrates

But I know what you mean, I'm not elbow deep in the aquatic research tanks anymore.

I'm not sure that's directly relatable - except maybe Coelacanths.

[Madreefer]

Originally Posted by Myka

I've found in the last 5 years that there is so much more science behind it all that there isn't as much to debate in any given topic. There are more scientists involved, and papers you can read. There aren't any reef related scientists here or even members with associated degrees. I find all sorts of interesting topics on other forums where really qualified people can answer questions and not so much debate, but work as a group to figure things out. That's what I think is lacking at Canreef - REAL experts. The sponsors aren't as active as they used to be a few years ago either. Aside from good discussions on "new" topics, I like to read Tank Journals.

Myself I would rather not read nor hear from scientists. They're write ups are totally boring and put me to sleep. I'd much rather hear from a hobbyist, it's easier and way more interesting as they speak in layman's terms. I've read so many posts from the cut copy and paste scientists and they are proven wrong so many times. People take this hobby way too far and it's really not as difficult as one thinks. It scares people away constantly hearing that scientific talk. That and the cost of the hobby.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Well locally, almost all the old-timer fellow reefers I knew in the early 2000s have since quit, completely downsized or are in a holding pattern (ie. not changing anything & no longer participating much). For me, not having my buddies in this hobby anymore is a real bummer. I understand though because life happens. When things change, like having kids or kids growing old and more involved in extracurricular activities, its hard to stay focused and devote a lot of time to reefing. Also, sometimes work is just so busy that there's little time to do more than take a quick look at the "New Posts" items and then back to work.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Madreefer

Myself I would rather not read nor hear from scientists. They're write ups are totally boring and put me to sleep. I'd much rather hear from a hobbyist, it's easier and way more interesting as they speak in layman's terms. I've read so many posts from the cut copy and paste scientists and they are proven wrong so many times. People take this hobby way too far and it's really not as difficult as one thinks. It scares people away constantly hearing that scientific talk. That and the cost of the hobby.

Oh I love when I read something I don't understand. That means I have to go learn something. I find it way more interesting to try to extract bits and pieces and apply it to some new methodology or using that information to define anecdotal evidence.

[jorjef]

Originally Posted by Zoaelite

In my opinion the lack of discussion isn't because the issues have been beat to death, rather the members have left (for a myriad of reasons, most of which have been listed).

I'm just back for the occasional sale thread and to reminisce about the old days.

Originally Posted by Delphinus

I used to frequently obsess over this hobby but lately I feel almost a bit pushed away from it, and one huge driver is the sheer cost of things.

Now everytime I see a new product, first of all, there's pressure to "preorder" it before it's even hit the market; and odds are good that whatever it is, I can't afford it anyhow.

Originally Posted by Aquattro

My biggest thoughts these days are thoughts of envy when I see people posting shut down sales. Maybe another year or two for me, just to get this tank where I planned, then I'm done. Just tired of it all.

All the above and the wholesale loss on all antagonistic posts that sometimes maaaayy have walked on the wrong side of the line but were usually meant in fun.... Most of the time but always lead to wonderful mayhem. So much fun.

Brad if you're not coming back after Chistmas I'm done....Ban me for the third and final time.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by jorjef

Brad if you're not coming back after Chistmas I'm done....Ban me for the third and final time.

Maybe for Xmas, ok? lol

[Reef Pilot]

Well, I could talk more about why canreef might be declining, but my knuckles are getting sore from being rapped so much. And oh, this was supposed to be a topic about spirited discussions...

I will still say though, that it is the experienced hobbyists that make this forum great. I myself was very inspired with some of the tanks and pics I have seen here. Talk and opinion is sometimes interesting (incl the drama), but what really means the most to me is demonstrated success with journals and pics.

Science is great, but as others have said, it can be lost in the interpretation and may not always be applicable, or practical, and feasible to the regular hobbyist. And even right here on this forum, have seen some abominable examples of so called scientists (or students in the field) that have totally messed up their tanks with misguided applications of their theoretical assumptions.

So, for me proven success is what matters most. And sure would hate to see those people leave the forum.

[Ram3500]

I think Canreef was the most exciting when the buy and sell popped up in Active Threads.It made for a very active page. I felt that I always had to be checking back to in fear of missing some great deal.
I understand that the vendors maybe didn't like this in fear that they were losing out on business but they are wrong. A more active fourm will only draw more clicks in the Vendor Forums driving customer to there web pages. More users on canreef = more $ in the vendors pockets.

[jorjef]

Originally Posted by jorjef

All the above and the wholesale loss on all antagonistic posts that sometimes maaaayy have walked on the wrong side of the line but were usually meant in fun.... Most of the time but always lead to wonderful mayhem. So much fun.

Brad if you're not coming back after Chistmas I'm done....Ban me for the third and final time.

I think it's time......it's like stale bread, cardboard cookies, or soggy chips... It's time