Important Announcement to All Theoben Rapid Forum Members

[Kernal]

Dear Members,

The main administrators have been giving serious thought to the future of the Theoben Rapid Forum. We have been looking closely at how many members are actively posting, contributing to discussions, and regularly using the site.

Unfortunately, from what we can see, activity has declined, and we have to ask ourselves whether there is still enough interest to keep the forum going in the long term.

There are also personal circumstances that we need to take into consideration. KevG is now experiencing health issues that prevent him from spending as much time on the site as he would like. KCE is also dealing with health problems, which means he is unable to visit and contribute as often as he once did.

I spoke to KevG on the phone today, and it was clear that he is not in good health. Naturally, this is a concern, and we have to recognise that the people who have helped keep this forum running cannot always continue to give it the time and attention they once did.

We have also considered whether forums like ours are being overtaken by social media platforms such as Facebook, and whether people are now choosing to use those platforms instead. Perhaps times have changed, and traditional forums are no longer attracting the same level of interest they once did.

With all of this in mind, we have reached the point where we need to ask a difficult question: **Is it time to consider closing the doors on the Theoben Rapid Forum?**

Stuart also feels that the time may have come to consider this possibility seriously.

However, before any decision is made, we want to give our members the opportunity to have their say. This post is being made so that everyone who still logs on and cares about this community can share their thoughts and opinions.

We would genuinely like to hear from you. Do you still see a future for the forum? Do you think there is enough interest to keep it going? Is there anything that could be done to encourage more members to participate, or do you feel that forums such as ours have had their day?

The Theoben Rapid Forum has been built around a shared interest in Theoben Rapid air rifles, and over the years, members have contributed their knowledge, experience, advice and friendship. That is not something we take lightly.

**Please take the time to reply to this thread and let us know what you think.** We want to hear from the members who use the forum, those who visit occasionally, and anyone who would be sorry to see it close.

No final decision has been made at this stage. We feel it is only fair to discuss the situation openly and listen to what our members have to say before deciding what happens next.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Theoben Rapid Forum and helped make it what it is today.

**The Main Administration Team** 
*Theoben Rapid Forum*

[Ca_Varminter]

Well there no Hiding the Facts...
Social Media is a Juggernaut to fight against...
Several of my Forums I have used for machining have shut down do this Fact...

I Hope there is still interest in This Forum and Format....
It is more Personal and helpful
Only time will Tell!

Long Live the Rapid Forum!!!!

Stuart

[DB.20]

I'm sad to hear that the future of the Rapid Forum is in doubt but this announcement wasn't unexpected given that several previously regular contributors have drifted away, meaning fewer posts to comment on and reply to.
I have learned a lot from the technical section which has been very helpful and gained much from the various posts that have appeared over the years.
I've been a member for a few years, log in regularly and I've participated when I thought that I had something pertinent, interesting or relevant to say.
I don't use Facebook or other such social media but I'm a member of the AGF which obviously caters for a wider audience.
I have advised posters inquiring about Rapids on AGF to visit here.
Being specialist and esoteric, this forum has limited appeal to the wider shooting 'community' which is a limiting factor for attracting more members. If Theoben hadn't gone under and Rapids were still being produced, there'd be a steady stream of new members here.
It's not easy to come up with suggestions for attracting new members. The Rapid (and Inferior Brands) Forum wouldn't appeal.
I'm appreciative of the time and hard work that has gone in to creating and maintaining this forum and curating its great technical archive and hope that this will continue.

[angrybear]

Simple fact is that Rapids are starting to get on a bit and you can't just walk in to a dealer & buy one.
That means new owners are few & far between, those of us who have them either know how to fix them or where to find the information on here,
so we don't have to ask many questions.

There is very little if anything happening in sales, which could be down to needing 50 posts, as people today just aren't going to bother doing that, they'll sell on another site that only needs 5 or 10.

Personally I'm not a fan of "social media" for many reasons, but primarily it's full of idiots who give poor/bad/downright illegal advice,
so I'm not on any airgun related groups.

I have been somewhat put off using the TRF of late by all the constant changes, & goings on that, if they have to happen, should be kept "behind the scenes"
Forums should not live or die because 1 or 2 specific people do or don't use them, and I strongly suspect I'm not the only one that feels that way.

[Kernal]

Ca_Varminter and I are working closely together to find a solution to this issue.

Perhaps it's time for us to broaden our horizons and explore the world of airguns as a whole. We could create a new Theoben Rapid forum dedicated not only to the Rapid but also to all types of airguns, bringing enthusiasts together to share their knowledge, experiences, and passion for the hobby.

We could incorporate the Theoben Rapid Forum into this new, wider community while also welcoming discussions about other airguns, manufacturers, and the people behind them.

It's an exciting idea, and who knows where it might lead? Let's see what happens next!

[Kernal]

Ca_Varminter and I are working closely together to find a solution to this issue.

Perhaps it's time for us to broaden our horizons and explore the world of airguns as a whole. We could create a new Theoben Rapid forum dedicated not only to the Rapid but also to all types of airguns, bringing enthusiasts together to share their knowledge, experiences, and passion for the hobby.

We could incorporate the Theoben Rapid Forum into this new, wider community while also welcoming discussions about other airguns, manufacturers, and the people behind them.

It's an exciting idea, and who knows where it might lead? Let's see what happens next!

It would mean creating a whole new front-page which if i`m honest is not that big of a deal anyway the idea is up for debate so hey oh!

[Kernal]

Simple fact is that Rapids are starting to get on a bit and you can't just walk in to a dealer & buy one.
That means new owners are few & far between, those of us who have them either know how to fix them or where to find the information on here,
so we don't have to ask many questions.

There is very little if anything happening in sales, which could be down to needing 50 posts, as people today just aren't going to bother doing that, they'll sell on another site that only needs 5 or 10.

Personally I'm not a fan of "social media" for many reasons, but primarily it's full of idiots who give poor/bad/downright illegal advice,
so I'm not on any airgun related groups.

I have been somewhat put off using the TRF of late by all the constant changes, & goings on that, if they have to happen, should be kept "behind the scenes"
Forums should not live or die because 1 or 2 specific people do or don't use them, and I strongly suspect I'm not the only one that feels that way.

Hi AngryBear

I just want you to know that I'm on your side, and I genuinely want to work with you to make everything you've talked about happen. I'll do my utmost best to support you and help turn your words into reality.

I'm with you all the way, and I'll give it my very best. Together, we can work towards making it all happen!

[Kernal]

I just want to point out that this forum was created for KevG after GUY banned him from his own forum. And you know what? It's not just about what you know; it's about how you use that knowledge to move forward.

That being said, I feel like I ended up being the piggy in the middle, helping to make this site happen, partly with the intention of bringing GUY down. And in a way, I did. But that was never what I truly wanted. My intention was to bring people together, to give everyone a place to connect, share, and enjoy each other's company.

Life is short, and it's a shame when things turn into conflict, resentment, and division instead of bringing people together. At the end of the day, none of this really matters as much as we sometimes think it does. Just look at where we are now, with this site seemingly reaching the end of its life.

In the end, I would rather remember the connections we made and the people who came together than focus on the arguments and grudges. Life is too short for anything else.