I'm not sure the forum changes have a lot to do with that, but who knows. This site is one I hit from time to time, but not anywhere near other discussion forums. Reason is simple - I use MS for occasional projects, and when I am not in the middle of any projects, it just isn't at the top of my list.

I don't think there have ever been tons of regular visitors here - more often people who discover the site because they just purchased the application. They have dozens of questions - the same ones we all had when we first started using the application. They come, they ask, they get answers (maybe), then they leave. They come back when they encounter the next problem.

To get regular traffic from a cross-section of users, the forum would, IMHO, need to be structured in such a way as to benefit everyone from the absolute newbie to the seasoned professional. Right now, it is skewed to the novice, and heavily dependent upon experienced users to respond to problems.

I'd love to see a MUCH greater contribution from Sony, perhaps some way to exchange samples and ideas, etc. Sony had a good idea with their original screenblast site, with clips, sounds, "themes", etc, then screwed it all up when they thought people would pay for it. I think they should have looked at a continual stream of "goodies" as rewards for their loyal users, and candy for the less experienced.

Anyway, just my 2 cents since I happen to stop by today! :o)