I think you're onto something, Dave...
Worth clarifying that I don't think the site will "close up shop" as the revenue generating ads are alive and well. This site gets lots of traffic. But I know many of the long-time members seldom post here anymore. I think 2008 through mid-2011 was the sweet spot... There were new products being created, we were allowed to talk about anything and everything we wanted to without **** moderation, and we were at a peak of Crossfire ownership. Many of the folks who bought new in 2005 were still around, and that was also the point where Crossfires became financially attainable for nearly anyone that wanted one. Crossfire ownership and forum enthusiasm was at a peak.
In 2012, the car is now eight years old. The technology and driving dynamics we inherited were 1998-2000 technology, so it was an "old" car when Daimler gave it the refreshed sheet metal. We've come a long way in the auto biz in a decade. Courtesy of natural mortality and aided by Cash For Clunkers, the Crossfire prices have gone back up. Roadsters are still fetching $15,000, Coupes still in the low teens unless they've had a rough life.
So you've got a car with poor technology and low power (but great looks and handling/driving feel) priced comparably with other cars that have sat-nav, high-quality interiors, and huge aftermarket support. Pair that with the slow (but steady) exodus of Crossfire owners into other brands, and it's no wonder the site is gathering dust.
A personal axe to grind -- the owner of the forum (and some moderators who wish to remain anonymous) injected their censorship and told us that we were no longer allowed to discuss anything political (aka current events) -- anything with a political connection at all (and what isn't connected?) was deleted and you were "warned". So, what
was a bunch of owners with a common interest sharing opinions on current affairs, turned into a bunch of owners with a common interest with noting new to discuss. We can only belabor the "intake mod of choice" so many times. The dissolving of the political forum sent many people packing. Traffic dropped noticeably after that, so you can't just say that it was a few grumpy old men. If we're only allowed to talk about a car whose issues were figured out five years ago, it keeps the discussion pool pretty shallow and it's hard to establish true relationships.
"I like Nitto tires"
"Me too"
"You like Nitto tires too?"
"Yup."
"Sweet!"
Sad to say, but aside from some free tech help in the form of blind guesses, this place offers nothing new to discuss. We can reheat leftover discussions about tires, oil filters, "can I supercharge a Limited" and so on... but many of the old farts (including me) simply have zero interest in beating that horse.
You guys are still family, but I spend a lot of time on other forums these days.
Nothing gold can stay.