1. The nature of forums and communication on the web in general has changed significantly in the last 10 years. Social media has had a major impact. Personally, I don't this it has improved the quality of astronomy-related communication, only increased the quantity. But, that's the way it is I guess, and this forum ( and many others) have seen the impact of that.
2. I suggest a groups.io forum is set up instead. They are free and everyone can be a member. Easy to create a link on this website to it.
The following user(s) said Thank You: michael_murphy, flt158, Until_then-Goodnight!
EDIT: Personally, I don't *think* it has improved the quality of astronomy-related communication, only increased the quantity.
And to note: I have no involvement in the decision made by IFAS. However, if it isn't working properly, I agree that there's not much point spending a load of time/effort/money trying to fix it when free proven alternatives are available.
The following user(s) said Thank You: flt158, Until_then-Goodnight!
  