No sinking ship here.......we are growing at a faster rate than ever and despite the holiday slow down which is typical, from what I have seen, our # of active members, meaning they have visited or posted in the past 4 months ( people's web behavior seems to run in predictable patterns) is climbing as well.
People often get busy with the demands the real world places on them

and sometimes they just get too busy. If we are lucky they keep in touch or pop in from time to time.
Other have left with hurt feelings, something that can not always be controlled, although many of us try. In a community of nearly 15,000 people there are bound to be erruptions.....and like volcanoes they sprinkle debris and ash on everyone they touch, every one who cares enough to have gotten close.
Nothing makes me sadder than when someone feels they need to leave but I have learned that everyone has to make their own choices and be responsible for those choices. The only thing we can do is remind them that we care about them, hope they choose to come back (at least to visit), and wish them well.
Afterall one of the greatest things about Pixies is the way we support everyone in the decisions and choices they make in their lives.