I think the main thing in this forum is that we are a diverse group of people and being in the Internet, we can assume what a person may think and feel through their posts here. I feel that the new members that has joined (I joined at the end of January), will bring a new life into the forum, if we give them a chance and not be critical of what they post. I don't know Bernard at all, so I have nothing to do with that. And there are many other members that can contribute to this forum through their posts.
Peoples' lives change from day to day and we have to take that into consideration. Personal information is not given because of security reasons. It is up to a member to make the choice to be an active member or not. But, members, need to think more about what they are posting here instead of criticizing and demeaning other members. It is not necessary to do that. The humor aspect is fine. I have read threads that a couple of members would attack each other, and I wonder if they enjoy that aspect of communicating. And that's fine with me. The members can choose to get involved in a thread or not.
I notice also, the threads has a tendency to get off the subject that is posted. I know a member made an apology post, and then a rant post and so forth. A member in chat room expressed that we hardly talk about music in the forum. Well, I am afraid to post something because I am not a professional pianist. But I have an insight to music that I would like to share. I don't want the new members to feel that they are being undermined by the ones that are knowledgeable.
I am aware also, since I joined PS, that some members are not here for insight about music and piano playing. I think they just pass on through and make one or two posts and never return. But the members that remain and post on a daily basis do seem to add the flavor of this forum. I don't think the forum is dying, it will keep going as long as we can contribute something worthwhile for the members here.
best wishes,
go12_3