According to Google analytics, the forum is getting busier - approx. 700 people visit the site everyday (700 different people, not 100 people logging on 7 times a day!).
The majority of visitors aren't registered so aren't able to post, however over 100 cavers have registered since October 2014, which is great news - welcome
Most 'newbies' though are yet to post.....
I was new to the forum myself not so long ago and can remember how daunting it was to start posting - it was confusing working out exactly how to post, quote, add photos etc. (This will hopefully be addressed in future).
It was also daunting, wondering what the reaction of seasoned contributors would be - the forum had a mixed reputation when Badlad and I took over: On the plus side if you have a question on just about anything related to caving, forum members would have the answer (the wealth of knowledge on UK Caving is astonishing); on the negative side, the forum had a bad reputation for bickering, baiting, bullying and being dominated by a relatively small proportion of the members. I heard this first hand time and time (and time!!) again - cavers were/are REALLY put off by it and it is, in my opinion the main reason why many cavers hold back from engaging with UKC.
I hope UK Caving will continue to grow as cavers see the improvement in the atmosphere on the site and feel confident enough to start posting. Thanks, Jane