RIP Y&Ying forum?

The decline has been in progress for at least 18yrs that I know of, I initially joined in 2005-6. Yep, some members should have been moderated more severely.

On forums like this one the only form of intolerance that's constructive is an intolerance of intolerance. Generally speaking and in my experience those who have a hair up their a*se about freedom of speech do not understand the concept, their subsequent responsibilities or the inevitable consequences.......

............but I think the demise was gonna happen regardless, The world has changed.





Edited by Sussex Lad - 03 Apr 23 at 9:27am

I used to write for Dinghy Magazine, at least when they decided to call it Dinghy and Boardsailing, I got asked to write for it because the Editor a guy called Eric Twiname who I came to really like, pretty much knew I'd be controversial. I've always been that way, and anyone with a lick of publishing sense, knows that controversial sells mags/copies and these days generates 'clicks'. I did try and reason with whoever 'Mags' whatever he's called, the other guys also subject to the censorship all know him and the main protagonists for what shall we call it, 'Woke' seems as appropriate as anything, but to no avail so I don't post anything cntroversial, in fact don't much post at all, but I haven't 'flounced' per se, I'm still about but not as often, so you can't really blame me for the demise of this place. You can clearly see who to blame, they come on with nothing but negativity and if you don't actually feed them with something controversial at which to direct that energy then you get what you've got, dwindling interest. Now with dwindling interest that means fewer clicks, fewer clicks means less response to ads and the appearance of fewer readers. Nobody to buy books on 50 years of the Hornet or whatever dougaldog is up to next, or Clives tactical book. Now I know for sure it's not because folk aren't out there, the fact that, that Pin End fb group is closing on 1000 members in what two months since february when we all chipped in to set it up, proves they're still out there, but the sad fact is Y&Y doesn't any longer hold the appeal for the grass roots of racing dinghies that it once did. This forum was the best thing it had going for that sector, lots of positive things happened because of this forum. Had this forum not existed there would never have been the D Zero, and probably not the Aero either but for different reasons, so because a few who spend more time trying to confect offence at none sense, we all run the risk of losing what has been a force of good. Yes good, because if nobody complains however outrageously, you get no change and God knows the dinghy world is moribund enough. So, y'all should post more, it's all well and good getting shot of folk like me, but you have to step up and coming on here saying that what I might have said elsewhere (Which is fact) is bullsh*t without finding out first, aint going to cut it I fear. Better to ask why there are God knows how many laser builders and why they are being allowed to fiddle their moulds and why the Topper is now being made with polyethylene Bullsh*t get a discussion going then you might see some sort of return to discussion..

Gordon 1430,

Originally posted by 423zero Do different, can't recall you ever coming across negative or antagonistic

Agreed, the paper side for dinghy interest is not sufficient to justify the cover price if dinghies are your sole focus. The website does however carry some great articles with a range to cater for all tastes.   Some interest groups do manage to maintain a civilised forum on FB without any sniping, point scoring or put downs, a shame that sailing under a heritage banner of Ys&Ying seems unable to do likewise.