Bob nothing is like it was 17 years ago. Not you or me or the world.
The forum format is universally dying off. Most people have migrated to other forms of social media. Facebook is filled with various progressive rock and metal groups. Tons of information there - including videos and sound clips. You can even start your own private group at no expense. I was invited into a private group of serious record/music collectors on FB. I constantly discover something new.
There is a Lasers Edge FB page. Not a ton of activity but I post there and occasionally I get asked questions.
Personally I find Instagram useful. Youtube as well.
I recognize that there are negative aspects to Facebook. Lots. You have to weigh the good and the bad and decide.
if you rely on the handful of people who still post on this forum for your information you are missing out on a lot of music.
As I mentioned in the past, this forum costs me nothing. I don’t mind it at all, and it still serves a purpose. I check it throughout the day.
if it becomes a bother or comes to a standstill I’ll make it go away. We are not there yet.