Originally Posted by Jerry Hill  <SNIPS>otherwise it's like those 'club' members that use all of the facilities and benefits, but do nothing to sustain or improve them, and often complain about what they do get involved in as nothing more than users sucking up everyone elses work and care. |
That is the case in all aspects of life. In every organisation I've been involved with 95% of the effort is put in by 5% or the people. I used to whinge about it, but gradually realised that's just wasted energy. Furthermore, you get more out of something if you put more in, so you, Jerry, will benefit far more from this forum that Joe Bloggs who may receive an answer to his one question then buggers off.
One of the reasons people will refrain from contributing is their lack of knowledge, perceived or real. Some won't post for fear of misleading others, others won't post because of fear of showing their ignorance or fear of ridicule. One of the things I enjoy most here is when a post starts "I've been a long time lurker, but this is my first post....."
I am pretty confident in with Sony Vegas, so you'll find the majority of my posts in that forum. However, I do not feel knowledgeable enough in the "art" of film making to contribute much in the User Video sections. I'd rather read the comments of others and learn. I may post there occasionally, usually to back up what someone else has said (not so much as a "me too" post, more as a way of acknowledging that I learnt something from the critics comments) or to question what he has said (again to learn). But I don't contribute criticism myself.
To summarise: I entirely understand and agree with your view that people should contribute, but I also understand why people may choose not to. Most importantly, I've learned simply to accept it.
My neglected website -- 
Linear Mode
