Or.... Perhaps its because local businesses see this site as a joke? i have mentioned the site in several places, thinking maybe i would mention being a member to them and perhaps bring them on board to make the site more popular, but unfortunately they just don't see it to its full potential. Alot have already become silent members, watching for a week or two, before 'being moved to the recycle facility at Stakeford' because they simply don't come back. I personally, being a member for a while now, think the site has potential, but where the site lacks is proper moderation and structure. Yeah yeah, i know what your thinking....here's Darny off on one again when he's the main culprit! well, one of em anyway (sorry MONGO, didn't want to steal any thunder there! ) This is the way i see it at the minute, (I'm thinking a split topic may be in order here to get others views too!) the structure of the forum is excellent, with a place for serious topic, a place for banter, and the rest too. The trouble is they are all merging into one. Me personally? i would crack down on talk of the town, then put chat central into its own 'group' so you actually have to ask for access before its granted, and you see all the numpty's playing about. (yes, me included!) You could even have it set up as auto acceptance, so all the user has to do is click the link and they are a member of that group. This lets those who want to come here for the banter, keep it up, and those more serious minded folks who actually just want to come here to discuss serious issues (boring !*!@# !) and Bedlington, but don't want to see the silliness, need not see it. The simple split in forums is not working. The main response from places i have asked in has been 'Bedlington.co.uk? not a chance, its a site full of numpty's with no IQ baiting each other to the point of riot. there is no way i would even consider being affiliated with that site whilst that crap is going on!' or words to that effect. Us 'numpty's' keep the site alive, but putting the banter on show, where the casual new members eye can, and will, take offence whilst passing, simply because they don't know how well we actually know each other now and how far we can push (sometimes!) each other, but we may also be the sites undoing for the discussion of serious topics like the state of the businesses, pubs, and even telling us what's going on in the town. I know i for one would like to see the local pubs advertising themselves here, so i can see whats on where, and local businesses displaying their special offers, but so long as they think they will be ridiculed as soon as they do (i point out BarLassOfBedlingtons attempt for the Tavern and The Dun Cow's recent attempts) Its neither wonder no-one wants to take the opportunity. Now, this box I'm standing on is starting to rot now, I've been on it so long....any one else got a serious view? or is this suggestion going to get the stick it should had it been put in Chat Central??