What's not happening folks

[Vancouver]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsa8rDR5rI8

[Kevin Farnell]

I've been wondering the same, Alex.

I'd even been looking for tumbleweed 'gifs', for the same reason as your post.
I know that funding had been an issue lately and was more than willing to contribute, but unable as I was too late

Hope all is OK!

Kevin

[airboatr]

[Vancouver]

I only bring up the subject, because I am worried or wondering if this hobby is dwindling in popularity. I note that there is a similar slowdown in traffic in various forums I monitor, notably, the SOH and the Old Hangar and HJG. There seems no slowdown in new software both free and payware coming out on a regular basis. I cannot attribute this to the Summer slowdown as it has been declining for some time.

[alemaobaiano]

Good question Alex

IMHO our hobby is dwindling, for a number of reasons.

I don't know what the market is like in your part of the world but computer sales here have fallen off a cliff, tablets and big screen phones have taken over almost completely. Lack of sales means that prices for a decent PC or laptop have gone through the roof, along with the price of components for those who prefer to roll their own.

Cost. There are loads of new products on the market, but even some fairly basic payware is getting pricey. Only those with deep pockets can have the latest and greatest, and even then they can't run it (see later comment).

Freeware also seems to be more scarce than in the good old days of FS9. Not being a freeware designer I don't know why, but I get the impression that developing for the newer platforms is more complex than before. Even the most dedicated developer doesn't have unlimited free time.

For me though the major reason is VAS usage, limited by all of the FS platforms being 16 bit. I've seen an increase in complaints about this on several boards, today it is practically impossible to run a complex aircraft at complex airports with real weather. It doesn't matter how hot your PC is, the memory space issue is always there. Some freeware falls into this trap, but it's probably our fault for demanding more realism.

I currently use FSX, with a second FS9 installation configured for classics. P3D doesn't interest me, quite apart from the licensing question and the cost of moving over (not everyone has a free upgrade) it is still 16 bit. If I was to move away from FSX today I would probably go over to the Aerowinx PSX 747-400 simulator.

TTFN

[DaveB]

IMO.. there are a number of reasons.. here in particular.

First off.. since DG stowed his sliderule and pencils.. we have nothing new coming from CBFS. FSX started the rot due to the build time for VC's which are now considered a 'must have'. I hate the b1oody things but I won't fly anything with only a 2D panel in FSX.

Of course.. we still offer support (the 2.5 of us still remaining) for our FS9 stuff (plus Dave's FSX models) but enquiries for the FS9 models are few and far between and have been dropping since the advent of FSX. This is only to be expected.

Garry, bless him, could talk the leg off a chair (and often did!!) and was for many years, Omni-present. In losing him just over 12months ago.. we also lost what he brought and I honestly don't think the forums have recovered.

I've wondered if it's worth the time and effort to keep going on and have mentioned this to Dave and Ben a few times. We have a further 12months paid for but how many more after that remains to be seen.
ATB
DaveB

[airboatr]

Garry, bless him, could talk the leg off a chair DaveB

It wasn't that he talked a lot, Dave.... He, he just had a lot to say.

I sure do miss our chats... many a time we were on Skype for hours , talking about every subject under the sun, sometimes, I got a word in edge wise.

About the overall present "lull".... .. Just like the seasons of our lives
Stay calm, keep moving.. It's worth it..
Besides what else is their... The boob tube,? listening to the wife nag, read a book?.. Ya got to have someplace to come and get it off your chest or share experiences.
I mean - comon! This place is an institution!

Oh speaking of institutions... Where's Mike?

[Paul K]

I'm having one of my periodic lulls in flight simming, so not much to talk about in that regard. Still haven't bought the A2A T-6 and wont be bothering with the JF Mosquito. Not going to Flying Legends this year because its pre-paid ticket only. Went up to Newark air museum in March with an old sea-faring friend, and I was invited to stick my head in a Saab Draken's cockpit and twiddle the knobs as desired. Also saw the recent repair work to the nose of the Avro Ashton - well done to them, they've done a very nice job with it. By the way, if anyone goes to Newark, there's a damn fine eatery on the roundabout where an excellent full English can be had. It really sets you up for the day, and insulates you against those biting easterlies.

http://www.friendlyfarmer.co.uk/

So there you go, some stuff.

[Vc Ten]

I've wondered if it's worth the time and effort to keep going on and have mentioned this to Dave and Ben a few times. We have a further 12months paid for but how many more after that remains to be seen.
ATB
DaveB

I've been wondering myself Dave, how long the VA will keep going. With nothing new in the pipeline and no active pilots from the "management" team ( with the exception of Joe ).
Its great for us that you guys keep it rolling along, but for how long
ATB
Dale

[Nigel H-J]

It wasn't that he talked a lot, Dave.... He, he just had a lot to say.

I sure do miss our chats... many a time we were on Skype for hours , talking about every subject under the sun, sometimes, I got a word in edge wise.

That brought back happy memories when I (and many of us here) used to speak to Garry, when he spoke he didn't appear to take a pause for breath, the conversation just flowed and flowed if there was a gap in new posts Garry would pop up and create one!!

Although I don't frequent this forum as much as I used to it is purely due to the fact that I do not have internet at home and have to rely on my local library however, it will be a very sad day if and when a decision is made to close the DM Flt Sim Forum as other forums do not seem to have the same friendly atmosphere or enjoy the personal contact as we have here!

Also I have often wondered what has become of members past and what they are doing now, such as Jetset, Tom Everett, Trev Clark and too many others to mention.

Regards
Nigel.