Quite often, Neb, it's "real life" (R/L) that kicks in for people; their schedules change, or something occurs "out there" that creates less of an opportunity to post. Others may simply get tired and move on for a bit, then return later.
As far as people getting mad and leaving...I've yet to see anyone here who left who didn't pop back up again eventually. So I tend to take those "goodbye forever" posts with a "we'll see" kind of attitude.
The only times we lock threads, BTW, are when A) the flaming and vitriol have gotten to such a point in the thread that to leave it open will risk further hurts, or B) when the thread is over 250 posts long, in which case it will be locked and a new thread started. We had a run of "A" right after the terrorist attacks. Those have died down now. Generally speaking, treat each other with respect and courtesy, and "we mods" won't HAVE to lock down those posts. Dig?
I have a sneaking suspicion that there will be a HUGE load of IW activity once the new round of games (Neverwinter Nights, Wizardry 8, etc.) hit the shelves. Remember, IW is first and foremost a gaming forum, and that's what pulls people in more than anything.
Cheers,
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