Forum quieter this year?

[Kierkegaardashian]

On 1/5/2017 at 3:00 PM, dgswaim said:

There's definitely less traffic this year compared to last, and last year there was less traffic than when I applied to MA programs in the 2014 cycle. 

It makes sense if there are fewer posts and new discussions every year (though not less foot-traffic), since there is progressively less and less need to discuss topics that have already been covered in previous years. In other words, if I have a question about something, there's a good chance that it's already been discussed, probably several times, in years past, so there's no need to start a new thread about it.

[hector549]

1 hour ago, Kierkegaardashian said:

It makes sense if there are fewer posts and new discussions every year (though not less foot-traffic), since there is progressively less and less need to discuss topics that have already been covered in previous years. In other words, if I have a question about something, there's a good chance that it's already been discussed, probably several times, in years past, so there's no need to start a new thread about it.

On one hand, the application process is simple and rather straightforward, on the other hand, mysterious and complex. The highly competitive nature also adds a great deal of uncertainty. I think philosophers are particularly good at finding new nuances to different aspects of the same questions. There is a lot here already, but as long as the process is in any way less than absolutely clear, I think there will be motivation for people to keep discussing it.

[goldenstardust11]

11 hours ago, Kierkegaardashian said:

It makes sense if there are fewer posts and new discussions every year (though not less foot-traffic), since there is progressively less and less need to discuss topics that have already been covered in previous years. In other words, if I have a question about something, there's a good chance that it's already been discussed, probably several times, in years past, so there's no need to start a new thread about it.

This is very true. There are plenty of topics I would have started but for having lurked for so long and seeing my queries answered... 

[Nichi]

I only came to this forum initially because my friend applying to math programs didn't know where to find people. I imagine more popular social media has taken a significant portion of the audience, as it has from pretty much every forum.

[DBear]

This thread could so be a research topic in many disciplines, especially Communication Studies. Very insightful!

I definitely have found the community aspect of this place soothing. I wish there was more action in the Communication forum, but oh well. I feel The sense of familiarity I get from seeing frequent posters like @goldenstardust11 (word game!) is invaluable especially because though I have a lot of friends familiar with grad school life and this whole process, only a couple actually applied this cycle and you can only talk about your applications with non-applicants so much before their eyes start glazing over.... 

So hope this place stays alive!!

[goldenstardust11]

16 minutes ago, DBear said:

This thread could so be a research topic in many disciplines, especially Communication Studies. Very insightful!

I definitely have found the community aspect of this place soothing. I wish there was more action in the Communication forum, but oh well. I feel The sense of familiarity I get from seeing frequent posters like @goldenstardust11 (word game!) is invaluable especially because though I have a lot of friends familiar with grad school life and this whole process, only a couple actually applied this cycle and you can only talk about your applications with non-applicants so much before their eyes start glazing over.... 

So hope this place stays alive!!

D'aww - when I saw your icon on this thread I perked up at a familiar "face" too.