are bowling forums dead?

[xrayjay]

I've been a member here since the later part of 2003 or early 2004 under a different handle. the first 10 yrs or so, this place and other forums were very active. But, in the last decade the activity seems to die down, much more the last 5 yrs. But bowling, leagues (growing) and open play, seems to be picking up in my area. Then again, I just returned to leagues part time this season after 5 or 6 years away.

This post will probably reach 5 replies by the end of this week, if that.
 

[avabob]

I have been around about the same amount of time.   use to post a review on every new ball I bought.  I haven't posted on a ball for over a year.  Lots of reasons including me not being very competitive anymore
 

[MJS73]

For me, the biggest reason is that forums like this are nothing more than a place where staffers can fulfill their social media obligations without actually doing anything but copying and pasting manufacturer sales literature. The vast majority of the so-called “reviews” here are regurgitations of sales literature. If you interested enough in bowling to come to a site like this then you’ve already looked at the ball manufacturer’s sites and you’ve already read what’s been posted. Gone are the days when guys like Mike Magolan would actually make videos and compare other balls in the same position. Today’s reviews are all “get this ball today!”.

[avabob]

Agree

[DrBob806]

I come in here often, rarely post though. I'm pretty sure I've been a member here since 2001.  I think Facebook, maybe Tik Tok is where many go for bowling chat. Bowling FB pages are normally pretty good, but like you guys said, the staffers can get annoying.