[mormegil]

Speaking as one who has been around since game one and at one point, it may still stand, held the record for most played games I would suggest a few reasons for the decline.

1. I think there was a fallout after the few controversies that came about. I don't think this is the only cause but we lost a chunk about that time.

2. We lost other downers on and off for one reason or another. I am one such where life has come and given me new situations to deal with and new sources of passing time which takes me away from the downs, though I'm getting a bit more active if only lurking a bit.

3. Another reason for me is...well I've played so many games I need a break. I've been thinking about getting back into it but...this leads to the next topic

4. Personally, I get a little bothered by all the crazy variations we experience. I realize that many people do a great job and I enjoy some of that variations that exist but I still crave the simple and basic games with small groups. Only seldom can I afford the time required on a game with 20 or so players. When the posting is so out of control that I cannot catch up I get annoyed and would rather do other things than read for 2 hours or more a day. Again, I think some of the variations have been way over the top for me.

These are some of the reasons I think..take it for what it is worth.