The FOTR Forum at the turn of the year

[John Ashworth]

The FOTR Forum has grown tremendously in 2009.

The number of posts increased from just over 10,000 at the end of 2008 to over 19,000 by the end of 2009 - ie almost double or, in other words, almost half of all the posts on the forum were made during 2009. The number of topics rose from 3,500 to 5,800, and attachments from 5,450 to 8,450. On average there are now almost 18 posts per day, with over 5 new topics per day.

Membership of the forum also rose dramatically in 2009, from 278 at the end of 2008 to 425 a year later - an increase of 147. By the end of 2009, 105 users (almost 25%) have posted at least one message to the forum, 52 (over 12%) are in double figures or more, 16 (almost 4%) are in treble figures or more, and just 4 users have posted one thousand or more times.

Of course it's not just about quantity, but also quality. I don't think anyone can deny that the FOTR Forum has become a significant resource for photos, information and discussion about South African railways. It has also made its mark on African railways in general, and still manages to maintain a wider international interest.

All that is down to our 425 members - thanks for making the FOTR Forum what it is, and we look forward to your continued (and increased) participation in 2010 and beyond.

[Nathan Berelowitz]

Greta thanks to the wizz kids of FOTR for initiating this site as it is. Thanks to all the contributors. It is getting to be a real world rail interest group.

[John Ashworth]

Incidentally, the forum is just coming up to 3 years old, on 19th January 2010.

[Steve Appleton]

Glad to see it has become so successful. Definately better than RS' and Umgeni's Facebook sites.
Does the forum get to sing Happy Birthday to itself?