While it seems the original idea was a forum that encompassed to a degree all tinkering whether it be with pcbs and ics or wood or cars or food (ie: tinker-y people) etc, it is pretty obvious that the only significant group invested in this forum and who stick around are computer enthusiasts - and mac centric at that (not a criticism as I am one of those enthusiasts). So while within this larger group I am sure that a certain amount of interest overlap occurs, the majority of the community seems to see this broader use as a distraction or noise from their own perceived understanding of its purpose. If anything it speaks to our inherent tribalist hierarchical nature of inclusion vs exclusion and to JDW's point, speaks to the influence of the boards role as keeping inclusive spaces for these other areas should they choose to ie: cast a very broad net. Conversely, I think it completely understandable that if the board chose to, they could look at the natural growth and development of the forum as proof of identity and focus and with that, trim the fat (slow or unused forums) and create a very focused space for high functioning computer nerd/enthusiasts.
[[Do you think having interesting merchandise for sale (with proceeds to benefit the forum), or having fun activities, would be a way to attract more people to the forum and keep them posting here, regardless of how our forum categories are structured? Or do you think any such promotions would have little impact while our categories remain the way they are now?]]
Yes I do. I am going to a retro computer gathering next month and it would be cool to wear a TD tshirt to that just because I think the place is cool. Imagine the visibility this could have with larger events like VCF (and other people are essentially paying you to wear & advertise your brand) or having a TD booth/table maybe that has a different tuber personality each day with a fun build or teardown or whatever could be really neat ... or building sponsorship opportunities to other events & content creators (outside of the usual personalities) who agree to consistently plug the site, engaging more folks makes great sense to me. If nothing else, shirts & stickers & whatever else makes a nice, entry level merch set & revenue stream for the site.
or Coffee? ☕️ or currywurst? 
